CLARIFICATION ON THE ALLEGATIONS BY THE ECONOMIST- ENGLISH WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT

On 28th May 2016, The Economist – English Weekly Newspaper published an article with heading “Government by gesture – A president who looks good but governs impulsively” (CLICK HERE). 

The article, inter-alia misinformed the public and readers that since Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli came into powers last year “the country has become totally uninvestable”. The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) would like to point out that the information portrayed by the newspaper is inaccurate, misleading and distortion of facts.

TIC wishes to inform the public and readers of the following facts:-

1.Since President John Magufuli came into power (from December 2015 to May 2016) TIC has registered 551 investment projects worth $ 9,211.88 million. Of all these projects 229 are owned by Tanzanians, 215 projects are owned by foreigners while 107 projects are owned through joint ventures.The projects are expected to employ 55,970people and bring multiplier effects to Tanzanians.

The above registered projects by TIC for the past six months (December 2015 – May 2016) shows an increase of 20.31% compared to six months before President Magufuli came to power i.e. June-November 2015 where TIC registered 458 investment projects worth $ 5,727.29 million. Of all these projects 201 are owned by Tanzanians, 159 projects are owned by foreigners while 98 projects are owned through joint ventures. The projects are expected to employ 39,361 people and bring multiplier effects to Tanzanians.

Generally, investments have increased during President Magufuli’s era which shows high investor confidence towards his Government. Attractive laws, peace, stability good and friendly policy as well asconducive investment environment are other major factors that have attracted both FDI and domestic investment during this period in Tanzania.

2.The World Investment Report 2015 indicates that FDI rose by 14.5% in the United Republic of Tanzania. The Report noted that Tanzania, in 2014, regained its FDI inflows compared to the previous three years. In fact, its FDI inflows represented its highest level in 2014 given that it attracted slightly $ 2,142 million compared to $ 2,131 million recorded in 2013. This amount is significantly higher than the very low level of $ 640 million between 2005-2007 (pre-crisis). This achievement is due to natural gas reserves discoveries in the United Republic of Tanzania. Indeed, Tanzania remains the leading FDI’s recipient in the East African Community.

3.       It is true that, the World Bank Doing Business Report 2016 ranked Tanzania 139 out of 189 countries compared to 145 out of 189 in 2014. TIC wishes to clarify thatDoing Business provides an aggregate ranking on the ease of doing business based on indicator sets that measure and benchmark regulations applying to domestic small to medium-size businesses through their life cycle. Economies are ranked from 1 to 189 by the ease of doing business ranking. Therefore this has nothing to do with the leadership of Dr. John Magufuli.

4.TIC reaffirms  the  public and readers that  Tanzania is still the best place in East Africa to invest due to the fact that the country is peaceful and stable. Tanzania has a friendly business environment supported by good investment policy and legislation.  The Fifth Phase Government under the leadership of President Magufuli continues to take measures to improve investment climate as and when need arises.  Tanzania’s investment environment continues to offer predictable, transparent and strong long-term proposition to investors. Investment is legally protected against expropriation and nationalization. In terms of investment facilitation, the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Zanzibar Investment Promotion Agency (ZIPA) and Export Processing Zone (EPZA) promote, coordinate and facilitate all investments in Tanzania. These are premier ports of call for investors coming to Tanzania through their well-established one-stop shop facilities. Tanzania’s geographic location position makes her as a natural regional business hub.  Tanzania borders 8 countries, 6 out of which namely Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, uses the Dar es Salaam port and Tanzania’s railways and roads for their sea freight.   This presents good opportunities for investment in infrastructure development, trade, transport and logistics.

Therefore the statement that our country has become totally uninvestable has no truth in it and should be completely ignored by the public and readers.

Issued by:

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

TANZANIA INVESTMENT CENTRE (TIC),

SHAABAN ROBERT STREET,

P.O. Box 938,

DAR ES SALAAM

TANZANIA

Date: 3rd May, 2016