Major International Business Headlines Brief ::: 01 October 2025

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Major International Business Headlines Brief :::  01 October  2025 

 


 


 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


 

ü  South Africa: Taxi Route Row Postponed Again

ü  South Africa: Legal Action Looms Over Mamelodi Magistrates' Court
Construction Fiasco

ü  Rwanda: Cimerwa's $190m Clinker Plant to Cut Imports, Save Rwanda
Billions

ü  Africa's $70bn Food Import Bill Sparks Urgent Call for Investment in
Local Farming

ü  Nigeria: Govt Resolves Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN Face-Off

ü  Nigeria At 65 - a Long Road to Economic Freedom

ü  Namibia: AI Law On the Cards

ü  South Africa: Protest Against Fossil Fuels At African Energy Week

ü  Tanzania: Manifestos Tested Against Tanzania's 1 Trillion Dollar Vision

ü  Uganda: Local Government Workers Declare Indefinite Strike Over Salary
Disparities

ü  Uganda: Busia Leaders Demand Mining Act Review, Push for Fair Royalties

ü  Australia sunscreen scandal grows as more products pulled off shelves

ü  Trump pulls pick to lead US jobs data agency

ü   

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


South Africa: Taxi Route Row Postponed Again

The Taxi Association CODETA has expressed disappointment over the repeated
delays in its court case regarding the Western Cape Mobility Department's
decision to close certain taxi routes, reports EWN. The Western Cape High
Court postponed the matter for the third time. This comes two weeks after
MEC Isaac Sileku ordered a 30-day shutdown of routes and lanes in Mfuleni,
Khayelitsha, and Somerset West. CODETA says the delays are causing major
financial losses, with dozens of taxis unable to operate, and argues that
the closures are unjustified since services had run peacefully before the
shutdown.

 

Firefighters Tackle Wildfire at Deer Park

 

Authorities at the Table Mountain National Park have said that they've
deployed ground crews and aerial support to a wildfire that broke out at
Deer Park in Cape Town, reports SABC News. The fire is moving in the
direction of Devil's Peak. Authorities say the fire is spreading rapidly due
to extreme heat and low humidity. Several trails have been closed, though
access to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway via Tafelberg Road remains
open. Firefighters are also monitoring Camps Bay for flare-ups after a veld
fire broke out above the Pipe Track.

 

 

SA Weather Service Urges Public to Follow Daily Forecasts

 

The South African Weather Service has urged the public to closely follow its
short-range forecasts to stay prepared for changing weather conditions,
reports EWN. At a media briefing, SAWS warned of increased rain and
thunderstorms in parts of the country. Lead scientist Christine Engelbrecht
said that short-range updates are vital for safety, as they provide
actionable warnings about severe rainfall and thunderstorms. She advised
people to check forecasts multiple times a day, not just once, to remain
informed.

 

More South African news

 

 

 

South Africa: Legal Action Looms Over Mamelodi Magistrates' Court
Construction Fiasco

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is to take legal action
against Fikile Construction to recover damages incurred in the incomplete
R163-million Mamelodi Magistrates' Court construction project.

 

The department said the company had started construction work on the site in
Mamelodi West in 2014. But work was halted intermittently and the site was
eventually abandoned.

 

Spokesperson for the national Department of Public Works Lennox Mabaso said
the department had instructed the State Attorney to issue a summons against
the contractor. The summons would be served after the award of the new
contract so the department could quantify the actual damages incurred, he
said.

 

GroundUp has tried repeatedly to contact Fikile Construction using the email
addresses and telephone numbers listed on its website, but without success.

 

The project was scheduled to be completed in 2016, but, said Mabaso, had
been delayed by community unrest and the activities of the "construction
mafia".

 

"The Mamelodi Magistrates' Court project faced demands similar to those made
by criminal syndicates at construction projects across the country," said
Mabaso.

 

"These included demands by local sub-contractors, suppliers and both skilled
and unskilled labourers to participate in the project on their own terms.
These demands also included the imposition of self-determined wage rates as
well as the preferential allocation of wage packages and supply contracts. A
group of unknown business forums demanded a 30% share of the project. Such
actions resulted in frequent work stoppages, strained relations between the
contractor and the local community and [caused] significant disruptions to
the project's progress."

 

He said the lack of a proper community involvement strategy had also
affected the project.

 

Fikile Construction's contract was terminated in October 2023 and the
department was in the process of appointing another contractor to start this
month.

 

Asked whether the department had blacklisted Fikile Construction, Mabaso
said the department had made a submission to the Restriction Committee
Secretariat in terms of Treasury regulations and public procurement
guidelines. He said if the submission was approved, Fikile Construction
would be prevented from participating in public sector tenders for a
specific period.

 

Mabaso said R163,939,686 had been spent on the project.

 

Mamelodi residents have complained about the existing magistrates' court in
Mamelodi West which they say is too small.

 

Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Terrence Manase acknowledged that the existing court is not big enough for
the population of Mamelodi, which is about 335,000, according to StatsSA.
But, he said, despite space constraints, the court "is fully functional with
seven courtrooms currently in operation to provide a wide range of
services".

 

"There are currently no backlogs of cases reported at Mamelodi Magistrate's
Court," Manase said.

 

Read the original article on GroundUp.

 

 

 

 

Rwanda: Cimerwa's $190m Clinker Plant to Cut Imports, Save Rwanda Billions

The clinker plant in which cement manufacturer CIMERWA is set to invest
around $190 million (approx. Rwf275 billion), is expected to address the
company's dependence on imports and save Rwanda an estimated $2.88 billion
(approx. Rwf4 trillion) in foreign exchange in the next 25 years - once the
plant starts production.

 

The announcement was made by CIMERWA Chief Executive Officer, Mangesh Kumar
Verma recently, following the release of the company's unaudited financial
results for the nine-month period ending June 30, 2025.

 

Verma said that the new factory is expected to begin operations within two
years and produce around 60,000 tonnes of clinker - a key component in
making cement - per month.

 

Apart from helping stabilise production costs, it will also position Rwanda
as a net clinker exporter instead of importer, he indicated.

 

"Once our clinker plant will be operational, in the next 25 years, it is
going to save forex outflow of around $2.88 billion," he said.

 

Under the unaudited financial results for the nine-month period ending June
30, CEIMERWA declared an interim dividend of Rwf14.5 billion, reflecting its
strong financial performance. According to the results, the dividend payment
is due October 18, 2025.

 

Its revenue surged by 50 per cent to Rwf109.17 billion, up from Rwf72.87
billion in the same period of 2024. This growth was largely driven by the
acquisition of Musanze-based Prime Cement plant in July 2024.

 

Despite the revenue growth, profit before tax (PBT) dropped by 23 per cent
to Rwf11.2 billion from Rwf14.6 billion. The decline was attributed to
increased input costs and continued depreciation of the Rwandan Franc (Rwf).

 

Why local clinker production matters

 

Verma highlighted one of the major factors affecting profitability: the cost
of clinker imports. Clinker is the primary raw material used in cement
production, and CIMERWA currently imports about 30,000 tonnes per month, on
which it spends between $3.7 million and $4 million, to supply its Musanze
plant, he indicated.

 

"Our profit margin is also impacted because in our Musanze plant, we are
using the imported clinker," Verma said.

 

"That is the reason we have decided to have our own clinkerisation plant in
Musanze."

 

ALSO READ: Govt, Cimerwa partner to build Rwf270bn clinker factory in
Musanze

 

With a monthly production of around 60,000 tonnes, the plant is projected to
meet the company's local demand - estimated at around 45,000 tonnes per
month - and export the surplus.

 

Meanwhile, he said that if the estimated limestone reserve - critical to
clinker production - exceeds expectation, "we have kept the provision to add
another line."

 

Verma underscored the financial impact of clinker in cement production,
indicating that it accounts for about 70 per cent of its production costs -
and up to 95 per cent if it is imported.

 

Regarding future outlook, CIMERWA stated it is advancing major expansion
projects to meet rising demand, particularly from large-scale developments
such as the New International Airport under construction in Bugesera.

 

The company is continuously updating its route-to-market strategies to tap
into high-potential market segments while reinforcing its existing market
presence.

 

With such strategic initiatives and a solid foundation in place, the firm
expressed confidence in delivering stronger operational performance and
improved financial results in the coming years.

 

Read the original article on New Times.

 

 

 

 

Africa's $70bn Food Import Bill Sparks Urgent Call for Investment in Local
Farming

Africa's rising food import bill, now estimated at around $70 billion
annually, is unsustainable and signals an urgent need to invest in local
agriculture, smallholder farmers, and climate-smart food systems, regional
leaders and agricultural stakeholders have warned.

 

They were speaking on September 30, at the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation
(EAFF) Congress being held in Kigali, from September 30 to October 2.

 

Marking 20 years of EAFF's operations, the congress brought together actors
in the agriculture sector, including government officials, development
partners, researchers, and farmers from across the region under the theme:
"Towards More Sustainable Food and Farming Systems."

 

 

Opening the event, Rwanda's Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources,
Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, said the continent must confront its food and farming
realities head-on.

 

"We are meeting under the theme towards more sustainable food and farming
systems at a time when we're experiencing climate shocks, high trade costs
and actually trade deficits," he said, citing Africa's food import bill,
which is a "staggering" $70 billion a year.

 

This, he said, is happening when the continent also faces unemployment,
especially among youth, which may be one of the causes of social unrest.

 

Underinvestment at the heart of the crisis

 

Elizabeth Nsimadala, President of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation,
warned that Africa's ballooning food imports threaten its food sovereignty.

 

 

This, she said, reflects decades of underinvestment in agriculture.

 

"As a continent, we are seated on a time bomb. Currently, our import bill is
around $70 billion [per year]," she said.

 

"It's really a wake-up call for all the ecosystem actors in agriculture to
invest in agri-food systems."

 

ALSO READ: Agric minister backs farmers' supply contracts as loan collateral

 

Nsimadala indicated that lack of investments in the agriculture sector is
the biggest factor for the increasing food import bill.

 

"Twenty years now since the Maputo Declaration, countries committed to
allocate 10 per cent of their national budgets to the agriculture sector.
But none of the African countries has actually allocated 10 per cent," she
stated.

 

"We have a few countries like Rwanda that are really trying, but many of the
African countries are around 3 per cent. So, we really need to see how we
prioritise investments in the agriculture sector if we are to reduce this
import bill."

 

 

She also flagged limited access to affordable financing as a major
bottleneck.

 

Despite agriculture's importance to the continent's economies, Nsimadala
expressed concern that bank loans to agriculture average just 5 per cent of
total lending, while interest rates often exceed 24 per cent, even among
Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) - which are closer to farmers and
are supposed to support them relatively better.

 

She pointed to the need for more agricultural banks and development
financing that understand the needs of smallholder farmers.

 

Also, she said, climate adaptation funding reaching smallholder farmers is
less than 1 per cent, which hinders their resilience to climate change.

 

Despite challenges, EAFF helped secure over $4.5 million in loans for
farmers - from commercial banks and SACCOs - and facilitated $6 million
worth of commodity sales across eight countries through farmer
organisations.

 

Boaz Keizire, Director of Policy at AGRA, underscored Nsimadalas' earlier
message at Africa Food Systems Forum, where she challenged African leaders
and global partners on investing the $70 billion - spent on importing food
into the continent - in its farmers to produce the food instead.

 

He said it has continued "to catch fire" across the continent and globally.

 

"Let us build food systems that are not only sustainable, but sovereign. Let
us ensure that the future of farming in Africa is shaped by those who know
and trust the farmers," Keizire observed.

 

Closing productivity gaps, building resilience

 

Minister Bagabe pointed out that boosting productivity -particularly among
smallholder farmers - holds the key to reducing Africa's dependency on
imported food.

 

In Rwanda, average maize yields are about two tonnes per hectare, yet some
farmers produce up to ten tonnes. This reflects disparities in production
among smallholder farmers who lack adequate farm inputs, and large-scale
farmers. Cassava yields can go up to 50 tonnes per hectare, while the
national average is much lower - three times less.

 

This is the gap that must be closed, he said.

 

He called for practical action to raise productivity by investing in
climate-smart agriculture, research on resilient crops and livestock, and
extending digital advisory services to farmers.

 

Talking about key priorities for a sustainable food system, Bagabe outlined
some pillars critical to transforming agriculture in the region.

 

They include climate adaptation and early warning systems, youth and women
inclusion in agri-business, agritech and innovation to modernise farming,
easy access to finance, including blended finance for low-cost funding to
agriculture, and scaled-up agri-insurance to cushion farmers from losses in
case of uncontrollable circumstances.

 

ALSO READ: Rwanda unveils agric plan to attract over $330m in private
investment

 

Reducing post-harvest losses is also an important factor, the minister
indicated.

 

"We really have to work together throughout the whole value chain to reduce
post-harvest losses," he said.

 

Speakers stressed that Africa has the capacity to not just feed itself, but
become a major agricultural powerhouse - if the right investments are made.

 

In her virtual address, Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Regional Director at the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), said smallholder
farmers, the backbone of the food system, struggle against climate shocks,
land degradation and limited market access.

 

"This must change and it can change with political will, strong
public-private producer partnerships and increased investment. Africa's
agriculture can drive food security, create jobs and fuel inclusive growth,"
she said.

 

"The African Continental Free Trade Agreement opens a trillion-dollar
agribusiness opportunity by 2030. Through climate-smart solutions,
investments in agro-processing and empowerment of women and youth, we can
build the sustainable food systems our communities deserve."

 

Read the original article on New Times.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Govt Resolves Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN Face-Off

After a conciliation meeting held on Monday and Tuesday, the Federal
Government has brokered peace in the face-off between Dangote Refinery and
the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
(PENGASSAN).

 

A statement by the minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari
Dingyadi, in the early hours of Wednesday said, after a lengthy discussion,
the matter was resolved as follows:

 

"The honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionization is
a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and this right
should be respected.

 

 

"After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the
meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start
the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the
Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

 

"No worker will be victimized arising from their role in the impasse between
Dangote and PENGASSAN.

 

"PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike.

 

"Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith."

 

The government team at the meeting included the National Security Adviser,
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari
Dingyadi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr.
Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubaksr Atiku Bagudu;
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha;
DG DSS, Adeola Ajayi; DG NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed,

 

 

Read the original article on This Day.

 

 

 

Nigeria At 65 - a Long Road to Economic Freedom

Nigeria turns 65 on 1 October 2025, having obtained independence from
Britain on 1 October 1960.

 

After military coups and an annulled election of 12 June 1993 which led to
military rule, the current democratic journey commenced on 29 May 1999.

 

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu government which assumed office on 29 May 2023
identified some key areas as its focus. These are economic growth, national
security, food security, and sustainable development. Others are
infrastructure growth, education, health and social investment,
industrialisation and improved governance.

 

The economic reforms have been underpinned by removal of the fuel subsidy
and unification of exchange rates. As a result, things have become tougher
for citizens. One in two Nigerians now lives in multidimensional poverty.
Nigeria's population in 2023 was 227.88 million, with 21.4% aged 0-14, 74.5%
aged 15-64, and 4.1% aged 65 and older.

 

 

At The Conversation Africa, we have been working with academic experts to
gain insights into Nigeria's challenges and how the country could find
solutions. Here are four essential reads.

 

Feeding the nation

 

Food prices in the country have risen dramatically over the past three
years. At 40.7%, food inflation in Nigeria reached its highest level in 2024
in the past 25 years. Overall inflation was 34.2% in 2024, the highest in 28
years. This makes it harder for millions of Nigerians to get adequate
nutrition.

 

Victoria Tanimonure highlights four urgent things the country should do to
feed its citizens better.

 

Read more: 26 million Nigerians face acute hunger: 4 big ideas to tackle the
food crisis in 2025

 

The fight against terrorism

 

Nigeria has been engaged in a battle with terrorists since 2010. While there
have been some successes, it appeared the Tinubu government was not moving
as fast as citizens expected. That changed in August 2025 when Nuhu Ribadu,
Nigeria's national security adviser, announced the arrest of two leaders of
the terrorist group Ansaru: Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Mahmud al-Nigeri.

 

 

Saheed Babajide Owonikoko argues that their arrest is an important strategic
victory but the security forces need to brace for likely retaliation.

 

Read more: Ansaru terror leaders' arrest is a strategic change for Nigeria:
what could happen next

 

Elections count

 

Nearly all Nigeria's presidential elections since 1999 have been contested
in the courts. A lot is at stake even as the country's electoral chief bows
out after nearly completing the maximum two terms allowed under the
constitution.

 

Onyedikachi Madueke warns that if Nigeria's 2027 general election repeats
2023's failures, it might embolden other west African leaders to treat
election commissions as political tools.

 

Read more: 2027 Nigerian poll could trigger unrest unless electoral
commission is fixed

 

Caring for mothers

 

Of the 287,000 pregnant women who died in 2020, almost a third were from
Nigeria. At 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, Nigeria has the third
highest maternal mortality rate in Africa. To address this, the Nigerian
government launched an initiative in 2024 offering free emergency caesarean
sections to poor and vulnerable women.

 

Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas writes about what could affect the success of this
scheme.

 

Read more: Nigeria offers free caesareans to save mothers' lives - but it's
not enough

 

Erratic power supply

 

Nigeria's electricity sector remains fragile. About 85 million Nigerians
(43% of the population) lack access to grid electricity. This is one of the
biggest energy access gaps in the world. Generation capacity is roughly
12,000MW-13,500MW, but far less power is actually delivered. In 2023,
Nigeria generated 4,500MW for a population of over 200 million.

 

Taiwo Hassan Odugbemi explains that while the African Development Bank
Electricity Regulatory 2024 report shows that Nigeria's electricity reforms
look solid on paper, the real-world results still lag. Nigerians still don't
have consistent, affordable and reliable power.

 

Read more: Nigeria scores well on electricity reform rankings, but power
supply isn't affordable and reliable. Here's why

 

Wale Fatade, Commissioning Editor: Nigeria

 

This article is republished from The Conversation Africa under a Creative
Commons license. Read the original article.

 

 

 

 

Namibia: AI Law On the Cards

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Emma Theofelus said
Namibia is in the process of developing an Artificial Intelligence Act.

 

Theofelus, while in Parliament last week, said the ministry highlighted the
ongoing alignment of AI guiding principles with the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)'s recommendations
on the ethics of AI.

 

She stated that the ministry collaborates with all key stakeholders in the
human rights ecosystem and remains committed to a human rights-based
approach to AI governance, welcoming opportunities for collaboration to
assess the impact of AI on human rights.

 

Particularly with Artificial Intelligence, Theofelus said the ministry is
drawing on several regional and international frameworks to guide AI
governance.

 

These frameworks include the Southern Africa Development Community Model
Laws on data protection, cybercrime, and e-commerce; the African Union (AU)
Continental Strategy on AI; and the AU Convention on Cyber Security and
Personal Data Protection, which Namibia ratified.

 

 

The minister was responding to concerns raised by PDM lawmaker Diedrick
Vries that the country lacks a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the
ethical development and use of AI technologies by the government. The same
legislation was mentioned by the ministry's director for print media
affairs, Frans Nghitila, while speaking at the 12th edition of the Forum on
Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAFRICA) in Windhoek on Wednesday last week.

 

He stated that the ministry has already developed a draft bill.

 

In September, the government launched the Unesco AI readiness assessment
methodology, highlighting Namibia's readiness.

 

"Namibia has made progress in its AI, although efforts are still needed in
policy development, capacity building, and infrastructure improvement,"
National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST) researcher
and strategic projects coordinator Simeon Hamukoshi said during the launch.

 

 

Meanwhile, a national AI workgroup, driven by NCRST, was established
following a recommendation by the Fourth Industrial Revolution Task Force.

 

The ministry is also currently addressing legal and constitutional gaps by
finalising key legislation, including the Data Protection and Cybercrime
Bills.

 

[email protected]

 

Read the original article on New Era.

 

 

 

South Africa: Protest Against Fossil Fuels At African Energy Week

About 50 people gathered outside Cape Town International Convention Centre
on Tuesday afternoon to protest against fossil fuel. The centre is the venue
for African Energy Week, an annual conference of international investors,
politicians, and company executives.

 

Members of The Green Connection, African Climate Alliance, and Project 90 by
2030 joined the protest. They chanted and sang, holding signs that read
"system change not climate change" and "no oil and gas".

 

"We are tired of new fossil fuel projects in South Africa," Sandrine
Mpazayabo from Fossil Free South Africa said. "What we want is a serious
consideration of renewable energy."

 

 

Michelle Mhaka, spokesperson for African Climate Alliance, said it's a lie
that fossil fuels are the future of Africa's economic development.
"Marginalised communities are at the front lines of climate change," Mhaka
said. "Its impact is hitting them first, and chances are the people in those
boardrooms and the high level executives have not started to feel those
impacts yet."

 

Earlier in the day, Greenpeace Africa and Extinction Rebellion held small
demonstrations outside the convention centre.

 

Six Extinction Rebellion protesters walked around the centre, dressed in
bright red robes and with their faces painted white.

 

"We're just here to say this is not the right way for Africa to go," Judy
Scott-Goldman, one of the protesters, said. "We must embrace renewable
energy."

 

Seven Greenpeace Africa protesters then set up a giant mock card machine in
the road in front of the centre, stopping traffic. The card machine was
labelled "Polluter's Climate Bill," and included a list of global extreme
weather events from the past ten years.

 

 

The demonstrators called for oil and gas companies to "pay up" for these
disasters.

 

Police removed the "card machine", and escorted the protesters out of the
road.

 

Sherelee Odayar, Greenpeace Africa oil and gas campaigner, said oil and gas
company lobbyists use the conference to talk about how they can exploit
Africa's natural resources.

 

"Why do we need more fossil fuels?" Odayar said. "Yes, Africa needs
development, but we need sustainable development: development that does not
harm the environment, does not harm people, and takes the climate crisis
into consideration."

 

GroundUp sent questions to a media representative from African Energy Week
but did not receive a response in time for publication.

 

Read the original article on GroundUp.

 

 

 

 

Tanzania: Manifestos Tested Against Tanzania's 1 Trillion Dollar Vision

Dar es Salaam — AS Tanzania heads into the General Election next month, the
rhetoric of political parties is once again in the spotlight.

 

Campaign pledges are flowing, but one question looms above all: Can they
propel the nation towards its ambitious goal of becoming a trillion-dollar
economy by 2050 under the Development Vision 2050 (DV2050)?

 

Tanzania's Vision 2050 aims to transform the nation into an industrialised,
knowledge-based, upper-middle-income country with a trillion-dollar economy
and a per capita income of 7,000 US dollars by 2050 from 1,185 US dollars in
2024, according to World Bank figures.

 

The Vision is bold. It sets out key performance benchmarks: Industry
contributing 40 per cent to GDP, annual growth of 8-10 per cent, 50 per cent
of the workforce in formal employment, 25 per cent higher education
attainment and 3,000 kWh energy use per capita.

 

 

Supporting goals range from strengthening regional integration and climate
resilience to positioning Kiswahili on the global stage.

 

But for voters, the critical issue is this: How do today's manifestos
measure up against tomorrow's trillion-dollar dream?

 

The data challenge

 

Reaching the target demands more than high growth figures. It requires
robust data systems, real-time monitoring and near-perfect quality
assurance. At the 4th Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Conference
in Mwanza last month, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa stressed that data
integrity must underpin government decision-making. DV2050 even envisions a
national data steward to ensure indicators are tracked accurately and
consistently.

 

 

The question, then, is whether political parties are embedding such
forward-looking commitments in their manifestos--or merely offering broad
promises.

 

CCM: The trillion-dollar blueprint?

 

President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched CCM's campaign in late August,
unveiling a 2025-2030 economic agenda that sets out ambitious plans across
sectors. The manifesto's aspirations--if realised--could indeed lay the
foundation for the trillion-dollar economy.

 

Infrastructure and connectivity feature prominently: Expansion of the
Bagamoyo port, new railways such as the Tanga-Arusha-Musoma line, SGR
extensions, regional highways, airports and BRT systems. These projects
promise to cut transport costs, strengthen regional trade and spark growth
in tourism and industry.

 

Agriculture and irrigation targets include expanding irrigated land from
under one million acres to five million, boosting fertiliser use and
building machinery centres. Such measures would boost food security, raise
farmer incomes and position Tanzania as a regional food powerhouse.

 

 

 

Industrialisation focuses on special economic zones, industrial parks and
refining natural resources locally. By adding value rather than exporting
raw materials, Tanzania could grow manufacturing's share of GDP towards the
40 per cent DV2050 benchmark while creating jobs and innovations for youth
and women.

 

The blue economy and tourism also feature strongly, with investments in
fisheries, aquaculture, ports and marine tourism projected to push tourism's
GDP contribution to 20 per cent.

 

On employment and human capital, CCM promises eight million new jobs--many
in the formal sector--supported by vocational training, start-up support and
expanded opportunities for women and youth.

 

Energy security is another pillar, with plans to scale output to 8,000 MW,
achieve universal rural electrification and advance the LNG project while
ensuring local participation.

 

The manifesto also touches on the digital economy, pledging advances in AI,
harmonised government data platforms and more accurate statistics. Such
steps would boost investor confidence and improve governance.

 

Even social infrastructure is on the radar: Clean water access for 90 per
cent of the population, more entertainment and cultural facilities and
stronger creative industries. Combined with fiscal measures to widen the tax
base, lower borrowing costs and support MSMEs, CCM's economic agenda
presents a wide-ranging growth strategy.

 

CHAUMMA: A newer voice

 

Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA), though relatively new and drawing
members from other parties, also stakes its claim on the DV2050 vision. Its
manifesto highlights inclusivity--particularly of youth and women--as the
foundation for building an equitable economy.

 

ALSO READ: Mwinyi pledges modern markets for Zanzibar's traders

 

While less detailed than CCM's, CHAUMMA's platform pledges fiscal
discipline, transparency and a review of tax policy to increase revenues
without burdening low-income households. It also promises better access to
health, education and water in underserved regions, alongside strategies to
address youth unemployment and skills mismatches.

 

On governance, the party emphasises anti-corruption, integrity and
accountability. Environmentally, it commits to climate sustainability and
equitable access to technology, including AI.

 

Though broad, CHAUMMA's approach signals a focus on fairness and long-term
sustainability.

 

The trillion-dollar test

 

Both CCM and CHAUMMA present manifestos that echo the aspirations of DV2050.
The difference lies in detail: CCM lays out a granular roadmap tied to
specific projects and targets while CHAUMMA focuses more on principles of
inclusivity, transparency and equity.

 

But manifestos are only as good as their execution. Strong governance,
financial discipline and unwavering commitment to fighting corruption will
determine whether today's promises become tomorrow's trillion-dollar
reality.

 

For Tanzania, the 2050 vision is not just a dream--it is a rare opportunity
to reshape the nation's economic destiny and attract global investment.

 

The real test lies in whether the party that secures the mandate to govern
will honour its campaign pledges--delivering them with integrity and turning
promises into tangible progress.

 

As voters weigh their options, the ultimate question remains: Which party
can turn rhetoric into results?

 

Dr Hilberbrand Shayo is an economist and investment banker

 

Read the original article on Daily News.

 

 

 

Uganda: Local Government Workers Declare Indefinite Strike Over Salary
Disparities

The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) has declared an indefinite
sit-down strike beginning October 1, 2025, to protest unresolved salary
disparities in the public service.

 

Union Secretary General Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba announced the decision on
September 30, saying workers had been forced into industrial action after
prolonged negotiations with government failed to deliver results.

 

"The government has continued to ignore our calls for fair pay across the
public service. We are left with no choice but to resort to industrial
action," Mudiba said.

 

The strike is expected to disrupt service delivery in local government
offices across the country, with employees in districts directed not to
report to work until further notice.

 

The union has long demanded harmonisation of salaries between local
government workers and their central government counterparts, arguing that
the disparities erode morale and productivity.

 

Government authorities are yet to issue an official response, but the
industrial action threatens to stall administrative services, especially at
district and sub-county levels.

 

Read the original article on Nile Post.

 

 

 

Uganda: Busia Leaders Demand Mining Act Review, Push for Fair Royalties

Busia District leaders have made a bold call for the urgent review of
Uganda's Mining and Mineral Act, demanding a greater share of the gold
wealth flowing out of the region.

 

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement workshop on mining and rural
electrification, the district's top leadership said the current legal
framework fails to benefit the communities sitting on some of the country's
richest mineral deposits.

 

Stephen Wesike Mugeni, the Busia District Chairperson, said the enactment of
the Mining and Minerals Act, Cap 159, and its attendant regulations was a
positive step, but insisted that it contains major gaps that leave the host
communities at a disadvantage.

 

 

"Busia is a gold mining hub, contributing significantly to national revenue.
It would be morally wrong for the poorest district in the second poorest
region to make an annual donation of Shs 1.5 trillion (approx. USD 400
million) in natural resources to the state and our investors, while
remaining with nothing.

 

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

 

This is happening because of a statutory instrument issued by the minister
that doesn't require Cabinet or parliamentary approval, yet it effectively
removes Section 175 of the Act, which addresses benefit-sharing from the
most precious minerals," Mugeni said.

 

Mugeni and his team are demanding a revised royalty-sharing formula that
ensures at least 15% of gold royalties remain with the district local
government.

 

An additional 5% should go to the Obwene'ngo Bwa'Bugwe (Bugwe Cultural
Institution), 5% to the respective sub-counties or town councils where
mining takes place, and 5% directly to the landowners whose land is used for
mining activities.

 

 

The leaders also proposed the establishment of a Busia Mining Company
Limited, with capitalization of at least USD 200 million (Shs 770 billion).

 

They believe this will not only ensure that Busia participates in the
extraction and management of its own resources but will also attract more
local investors into the sector.

 

In a further development, Mugeni revealed that a partnership between
Busitema University and the district is underway to establish the Busitema
Mining Training Company.

 

According to him, this initiative has the potential to become the "next
Wagagai" referring to the massive Chinese-funded gold refinery project and
could generate over USD 600 million (Shs 2.3 trillion) annually for the next
40 years.

 

"We already have the technical capacity, the academic backing, and the
natural resources. What we need now is support from the Ministry of Energy
and Mineral Development to make this a reality," he said.

 

The leaders are also pushing for amendments to the current Act. They want
Section 178(1), which grants the state 15% free ownership in mining
ventures, increased to 35%, arguing that a greater national stake would
improve accountability and public benefit.

 

They are also demanding the deletion of Section 178(4), which they say
undermines transparency and weakens state oversight in the mining sector.

 

Community voices at the meeting were equally passionate. William Wandera, a
resident affected by mining, expressed his frustration over land
compensation practices.

 

"They take our land and give us peanuts. Some families are given less or Shs
500,000 for land that has gold. That money can't even buy an acre anywhere
else. It's exploitation," Wandera said.

 

Juma Yahaya, another local, called out the steep costs associated with
obtaining a mining license, saying it locks out ordinary Ugandans from
participating in the sector.

 

In response to the rising concerns, Agness Alaba, Commissioner for Mining at
the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, assured the stakeholders
that their grievances would be reviewed and addressed appropriately.

 

"We have taken note of all the issues raised here, and we are going to look
into them carefully before reporting back. We recognize the importance of
ensuring that host communities benefit from the resources under their feet,"
Alaba said.

 

However, she also warned local miners against attempts to manipulate the
licensing process or engage in illegal activities.

 

Read the original article on Nile Post.

 

 

 

Trump pulls pick to lead US jobs data agency

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his nomination of conservative
economist EJ Antoni as head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

 

The nomination came shortly after Trump fired BLS commissioner Erika
McEntarfer in August, midway through her term, following a weak jobs report
that raised concerns about the US economy.

 

Antoni's nomination was praised by conservatives but some independent
economists said he was not qualified for the job and that his confirmation
could undermine the BLS's credibility.

 

A White House official did not give a reason for the withdrawal but said the
president plans to nominate a new candidate for the role soon.

 

 

The official told the BBC: "Dr EJ Antoni is a brilliant economist and an
American patriot that will continue to do good work on behalf of our great
country.

 

"President Trump is committed to fixing the longstanding failures at the BLS
that have undermined the public's trust in critical economic data."

 

The US Senate, which is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, will have
to confirm the appointment.

 

The BBC has contacted the BLS and Antoni for comment.

 

Trump has long taken aim at the statistics bureau. He accused its former
commissioner, Ms McEntarfer, of rigging employment numbers to make him "look
bad".

 

The president has repeatedly dismissed concerns about his economic policies,
arguing that the tariffs he has imposed on global trading partners will
boost US jobs and manufacturers.

 

BLS data released in August showed that US employers added just 73,000 jobs
in July, way below forecasts of 109,000.

 

Trump's unprecedented move to fire Ms McEntarfer sparked accusations that
his administration was politicising economic data.

 

"Our Economy is booming, and E.J. will ensure that the Numbers released are
HONEST and ACCURATE," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform in August
when he announced Antoni's nomination.

 

Antoni is an economist at the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank,
and was previously at conservative research group Texas Public Policy
Foundation.

 

A close Trump ally, Antoni has also been critical of the BLS, calling its
data "phoney baloney".

 

Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts told the BBC that Antoni is "one
of the sharpest economic minds in the country" and that he will continue to
serve the interests of the American people as the chief economist at the
organisation.

 

"It is undeniable that BLS needs reform and EJ was the right man for the
job," he added.-BBC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 Invest Wisely!

Bulls n Bears 

 

Cellphone:         +263 71 944 1674 | +27 79 993 5557 

Email:                <mailto:bulls at bullszimbabwe.com>
bulls at bullszimbabwe.com

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INVESTORS DIARY 2025

 


Company

Event

Venue

Date & Time

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


Companies under Cautionary

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


CBZH

GetBucks

EcoCash

 


Padenga

Econet

RTG

 


Fidelity

TSL

FMHL

 


 

 

 

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of
Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not
constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or
subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has
been compiled from s believed to be reliable, but no representation or
warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All
opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without
notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be
suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth
companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than
the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any
other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability
whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its
contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this
report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent
investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of
any companies referred to in this report. Other  Indices quoted herein are
for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

 


 

 


 (c) 2025 Web:  <http://www.bullszimbabwe.com> www.bullszimbabwe.com Email:
<mailto:bulls at bullszimbabwe.com> bulls at bullszimbabwe.com Tel: +27 79 993
5557 | +263 71 944 1674

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

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