Swahili edition of Xi’s book launched to fight poverty in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Developing countries can overcome poverty if they embrace endurance, perseverance, and a striving spirit.

This was emphasised on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during the launch of the Swahili edition of the book Up and Out of Poverty and a symposium on poverty alleviation theory.

The book is a collection of 29 speeches and research reports written by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he served as Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Ningde Prefectural Committee in Fujian Province from September 1988 to May 1990.

The Swahili edition has been produced through a collaboration between the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Mkuki na Nyota Publishers to help Tanzanians and other African countries learn practical approaches to poverty eradication.

Speaking at the launch, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said Up and Out of Poverty highlights the ideas and practices of the CPC in leading people to explore the path of poverty alleviation.

“It embodies the rich philosophy of people-centred development and reflects President Xi’s firm ideals and convictions, as well as his deep commitment to leading poverty-stricken areas out of poverty,” she said.

Ms Mingjian added that China achieved the poverty reduction goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a full decade ahead of schedule, greatly accelerating international poverty reduction efforts.

“China’s poverty alleviation efforts have been firmly grounded in its national conditions, with a profound understanding of the uniqueness of poverty in China and the logic of poverty governance,” she said.

She further noted that the Swahili version of the book is expected to serve as a bridge of thought.

“By sharing China’s explorations and insights in the course of poverty eradication with Tanzania and other African countries, it provides useful experience for advancing the global cause of poverty reduction,” she said.

According to her, the presentation of the Swahili edition and the symposium aimed to promote exchanges and mutual learning, pool wisdom and strength, join hands to meet challenges, and seek common development through cooperation.

“At this new historical juncture, China is ready to take steps together with Tanzania to build a just world of common development, leave poverty behind, and turn our brighter vision into reality,” she said.

Former CCM Secretary General, Mr Wilson Mukama, stressed that eliminating poverty must begin with eradicating a poverty mindset.

“We must make sure to eradicate poverty in the mindset and in the regions we govern,” he said, adding that each region faces different challenges, and therefore, solutions must be tailored specifically for each.

“The solution of one region is different from another. This means the solution must be specific according to the region,” he added.

Former Mkuki na Nyota Publishers Managing Director, Mr Walter Bgoya, emphasised that leaders must remain close to their communities to understand and solve problems.

“Leaders have to model by being the first in any task and the last to leave. Being close to the people makes it easier to identify problems and find solutions,” he said.

Mr Bgoya added that leaders must believe in their ability to succeed if they are to achieve real economic development.

“Miracles do not just fall from the sky. Miracles begin with a leader who carries responsibility and inspires their people,” he said.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania CEO Manzi Rwegasira thanked the Chinese government for its support in strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

“We value China’s role as a development partner and look forward to expanding our collaboration in ways that bring practical benefits to our peoples,” he said, stressing that poverty eradication requires concrete action.

“Poverty alleviation is measured not by declarations, but by dedication; not by promises, but by action,” he added.