Attract more from diaspora, govt told

Tanzanians from the diaspora follow proceedings during the opening of the 3rd Conference on Diaspora Engagement and Innovation in Zanzibar yesterday. The theme of the two-day conference was “Bringing Tanzania tourism and investment: a new outlook in the Isles”.  PHOTO | ZANZIBAR STATE HOUSE

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Dr Amesh Metha, the owner of Dr Metha’s Hospital in Zanzibar, told Tanzanians in the diaspora to have a vision which would act as a platform for addressing problems in the country and engineer the development of its economy. “We need to be more action-oriented, but this is only possible if the government will create environment that inspires them to think of creating a brand,” he advised.

Zanzibar. Businesses and other stakeholders have urged the government to create an enabling environment for Tanzanians in the diaspora to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s development.
This was said yesterday during the 3rd Conference on Diaspora Engagement and Innovation.
“The government should take its diaspora more seriously. It should know where its people are and what they are doing so that it could create enabling environment for them to come back and work for their country,” renowned businessman Ali Mufuruki noted adding: “We send our children to school, why should they end up serving other countries?”
Mr Mufuruki hinted that some of those in the diaspora lamented of being ignored here.
He, however, told those in the diaspora to optimally utilise available resources, saying they had a better chance to succeed back home.
“Don’t be like those who export their brightness to other economies. Use your  potential to strengthen our economy,” he advised.
An expert in oil and gas, who is also a businessman, Mr Abdulmalik Mollel, questioned why the more than a million Tanzanians abroad had no interest of coming back and use their expertise here. “One main reason is that the government is yet to tap into their potential, friendly environment should be created for them to think globally and act locally,” he opined.
Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) managing director Felichesmi Mramba said most people think investments are all about financial capital, saying this is a misconception. He said: “We should borrow a leaf from foreign investors in the country. Some of them don’t come with their money, but rather they exploit available opportunities.”
Dr Amesh Metha, the owner of Dr Metha’s Hospital in Zanzibar, told Tanzanians in the diaspora to have a vision which would act as a platform for addressing problems in the country and engineer the development of its economy. “We need to be more action-oriented, but this is only possible if the government will create environment that inspires them to think of creating a brand,” he advised.
The director general of the National Social Security Fund, Prof Godius Kahyarara, concurred with Dr Metha’s sentiment, saying it was  high time Tanzanians in diaspora created a strong brand.
“We have to create a base for inspiring the current and tomorrow’s generation,” he insisted.
President John Magufuli, in his speech read on his behalf by Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Environment and Union Matters), Mr January Makamba, pledged to solve problems related to diaspora so that they would contribute even more to the economy. “I assure you that I’m working around the clock to ensure we inspire and facilitate you to invest in various sectors like tourism, whose contribution to tthe GDP is 13 per cent,” noted Dr Magufuli.

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He called for the use of diaspora congress as a platform for investments, saying untapped opportunities were still abundant in the country.
On the issue of duo citizenship, President Magufuli said the government was working on it to provide more room for them to participate in many opportunities from all aspects of life.
“You are an asset for our economy, especially now as we strive to become a middle income economy by 2025,” noted Dr Magufuli.
For his part, the minister for Foreign Affairs, East Africa and International Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga, urged Tanzanians in diaspora to be the catalyst of boosting the performance of the country’s tourism sector.
“I’m hopeful you can bring us serious investors in areas of scientific tourism, of which so far has not been given enough weight,” he said.
Meanwhile, he challenged them to be ambassadors in countries where they live by creating mutual friendship with the government and other institutions.
Dr Mahiga warned them not to involve in terrorism, drug abuse and other illegal activities that could tarnish the country’s image.