Tanzania Roundup: Trade agreement with Turkey, port deal, HIV infections

Trade ties with Turkey

During the visit of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Turkey, Trade Minister Omer Bolat underscored the need to fortify trade ties with Tanzania. The talks with Tanzanian representatives centred on advancing future economic collaboration. As reported by Africa24, Bolat accentuated Tanzania's pivotal role in Africa and the shared aspiration to cultivate trade and investment alliances between both countries.

Port deal

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has reached an important benchmark in its international growth plan. Through Adani International Ports Holdings Pvt Ltd. (AIPH), its subsidiary, the company has obtained a 30-year concession to oversee Container Terminal 2 (CT2) at Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania. This pact with the Tanzania Ports Authority signifies APSEZ's foray into the Tanzanian sector and demonstrates its goal to become a top global port operator by 2030, as Myind Makers reports.

South Korea trade cooperation

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and the Tanzanian president have agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals to ensure a consistent supply of essential minerals, according to an announcement from President Yoon's office. The agreement was reached during a summit held at the presidential office in Seoul, which precedes the first-ever South Korea-Africa summit hosted by Yoon. According to Yonhap News Agency, the upcoming summit, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, June 4 will assemble representatives from 48 African nations, with 25 heads of state among the attendees.

Export market

Tanzanian officials are encouraging maize producers to explore export opportunities in adjacent countries due to an anticipated surplus. The Ministry of Agriculture forecasts a robust harvest that will surpass initial domestic consumption estimates, with over 1.2 million tonnes projected for export to nearby nations. In anticipation of the abundant maize yields from the southern regions, the National Food Reserve Agency plans to initiate cereal purchases from farmers earlier than usual in July. The NFRA's executive director, Dr. Andrew Komba, has stated that the agency is preparing to commence procurement of maize, rice, and other agricultural products from July onwards, for both storage and subsequent distribution within local and international food markets, as reported by The EastAfrican.

HIV infections among young women aged 15-24 surge

The Tanzania Commission for AIDS (Tacaids) reports a disturbing rise in HIV cases among girls aged 15-24, with infection rates soaring from 14% in 2016/17 to 30% in 2022/23. Despite this, The Citizen notes an overall decline in new infections, from 72,000 annually in 2016/17 to 60,000 by 2022/23, as per Tacaids' epidemiological data.