Tanzanians in the diaspora remit Sh2.5 trillion in 2022

There is a total of 1.5 million Tanzanians in the diaspora who sent home $1.1 billion (about Sh2.5 trillion) last year, the Parliament was informed yesterday.

The deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, revealed the facts when he was responding to a question posed by the Mikumi MP, Mr Dennis Londo.

Mr Londo wanted to know the number of Tanzanians living abroad, their contribution to the country's economy and if there was any plan to give them a special status.

The Deputy Minister said that the Tanzania diaspora remittances in the January to December 2022 period stood at $1.1 billion, equivalent to Sh2.5 trillion.

“Also, during the period, the diaspora made investments in the purchase of houses and plots worth Sh4.4 billion and in shares worth Sh2.5 billion,” said Mr Mbarouk.

According to the Deputy Minister, his ministry is currently introducing a Diaspora Digital Hub System, which is expected to be completed in June 2023. The system, which he said is sustainable, will enable gathering of diaspora statistics.

He said the diaspora has contributed to the country’s development by sending remittances in foreign currency, through investment inflows, knowledge, and technology that can help boost agriculture and increase the production of various goods and services.

The government also said that the diaspora has been promoting the economic, business, tourism, and investment opportunities available in the country.