The South African Business Forum (SABF) in Tanzania met yesterday at Southern Sun Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Welcome guests included the High Commissioner of South Africa to Tanzania Mr Thanduyise Chiliza and the Ambassador to the USA Mr Alfonso Lenhardt.
SABF is the association of companies and individuals residing in Tanzania. The
purpose is to provide the means in which its members can promote their own and each others’ businesses for mutual benefit. SABF Members provide business support for each other, generate business referrals and create new commercial opportunities for its members. By this, members develop and grow their individual businesses.
Speaking at the gathering Ambassador Lenhardt reiterated the United States’ firm belief in the African continent’s potential to be the next economic business story. He also recalled the US support to the continent via the US strategy for Sub Saharan Africa, based on four pillars: Strengthen Democratic Institutions, Spur Economic Growth, Trade, and Investment, Advance Peace and Security and Promote Opportunity and Development.
In reference to the current economic growth of Tanzania, boosted by its abundant natural resources which more recently also includes natural gas, Lenhardt warned that the biggest mistake the country could make is to focus on natural resources only as this will inevitably end.
He also recalled the two key issues that currently undermine greater economic growth in Tanzania. As identified by both the US and Tanzania: the need for increased investment in power generation and in the improvement of rural roads.
On a final note he recalled one of the pillars of US foreign policy, the empowerment of women and girls throughout the world and ensuring that gender discrimination is an issue of the past.
“Private sector has a leading role to train women entrepreneurs of tomorrow. I salute SABF for their efforts in this” he concluded.
