Samia sets bold plans for Tanga’s industrial, tourism growth

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan wrapped up her four-day visit to Tanga on Friday, February 28, 2025, outlining an ambitious vision to transform the region into a key hub for industrial development and tourism.

She expressed a strong commitment to restoring Tanga's industrial prominence, urging local leaders and residents to foster a conducive environment for investment and development.

"This is my greatest ambition. As you travel around Tanga, you can already see new industries being built and old ones being rehabilitated," she said.

The government, she added, will continue to foster an environment conducive to attracting more investors.

In her vision for Tanga, President Hassan also highlighted the potential of the region's tourism sector, in light of its natural beauty and rich cultural history.

"With its stunning coastline, breath-taking hills and rich historical heritage Tanga is naturally a major tourist attraction. The hospitality of its people makes it even more special. I strongly believe this region has the potential to become a significant tourism hub," she said.

She called on Tanga's residents to embrace the vision, stressing unity and collective effort to bring it to fruition.

The President encouraged locals to take advantage of economic opportunities linked to the port, particularly in freight forwarding and logistics. 

She advised them to acquire the necessary training and certifications to work as customs agents, ensuring these opportunities are not dominated by outsiders.

On the tourism front, she urged Tanga's people to pursue careers in the sector by getting professional training in tour guiding and establishing tourism-related businesses.

She also highlighted the importance of vocational training institutions in equipping the youth with practical skills, preventing them from falling into drug abuse.

“If our youth remain engaged in drug abuse, the opportunities we are bringing to Tanga will be taken by young people from other regions,” she cautioned.

Wrapping up her visit, President Hassan expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the people of Tanga.

She reaffirmed her commitment to serving all Tanzanians with dedication and innovation.

"I leave Tanga with renewed energy and determination to work even harder for our nation. My vision is clear: an industrialized Tanga, a Tanga open to tourism, a Tanga with thriving agriculture and manufacturing, and a well-connected Tanga with improved transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods and people," she said.

During her visit to Muheza District on February 27, 2025, President Hassan launched a national distribution of subsidised gas cylinders, an initiative aimed at promoting clean cooking energy across Tanzania.

She reiterated the government's commitment to policies that create an enabling environment for private sector participation in ensuring affordable access to clean cooking energy.

“This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote clean cooking solutions nationwide, protecting both the environment and public health,” she explained.

Furthermore, she emphasised that the main goal is to reduce the harmful effects of firewood and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation and respiratory diseases.

Tanzania's energy roadmap aims to increase electricity connectivity to 75 percent by 2030 and provide 80 percent of the population with access to clean cooking energy by 2034.

Although less than 10 percent of the population currently uses clean cooking energy, President Hassan remains optimistic that the targets will be met ahead of schedule with continued effort.