GABORONE-On 2nd November, 2024, The Former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mizengo Pinda, attended the 30th anniversary of the Association of Tanzanians in Botswana (ATB) held in Gaborone.
Hon. Pinda told Tanzanian Diaspora that the government is developing specific strategies to enable them to contribute more significantly to the national development through key areas and encouraged the diaspora to seize various business and investment opportunities available in Tanzania.
Hon. Pinda urged the diaspora to use official remittance systems to facilitate accurate data and statistics for the government regarding their contributions to the national.
“The government is in the process of preparing the 2050 Vision for Development; I urge the diaspora to utilize the skills and experiences gained abroad by providing your input for this new vision, as this will help the nation achieve its desired goals," he emphasized.
He also encouraged the diaspora to register in the digital system known as the Diaspora Digital Hub (DDH) to enable the government to gather accurate data for the diaspora and make informed policy decisions based on their numbers and contributions.
He also urged the diaspora in Botswana to advocate for their country, preserve their customs and traditions, promote unity, and collaboratively address the challenges they face, cooperating with their ambassador based in Pretoria, South Africa, while adhering to the laws of their host country and reminded them that Tanzania is their home.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Amb. Said Shaib Mussa; the Tanzanian Ambassador to South Africa, who also represents Botswana and Lesotho, H.E. James Bwana; Amb. Dr. Salim Omar Othman; the Tanzanian Embassy in South Africa Trade and Investment Attaché, Ms. Happyness Godfrey; and Tanzanians residing in Botswana.
The day was preceded by the ATB Annual General Meeting, where they have done elections for new leaders, and Mr. Naiman Kissasi was elected Chairman and Peace Byengozi was elected Secretary General, along with other members of the Executive Committee. During the event, CRDB Bank and KC LAND had the opportunity to promote their services tailored specifically for the diaspora in Botswana.
Hon. Pinda is in Botswana heading the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for Botswana's general elections held on 30th October 2024, where the opposition party UDC won over 31 parliamentary seats, being eligible to form a new government in Botswana