A CHAT FROM LONDON: An example of how business-minded Tanzanians try to invest

I was chatting to Salim Mhando few days ago.

A casual chat. Had not heard from him for a couple of years. Last time Mr Mhando was part a small team running events here in London.

Among them an East African evening of music, refreshments and well, networking. All in good faith. No politics. No Bobi Wine tragedy, then. So straightway it tells what sort of person we are about to profile.

Alot of us East Africans complain we are not united, on the street level. London and other parts of overseas Africa, boosts your typical East African bars and hotels, yes. We do like each other and hardly squabble. Were you to do a verbal referendum, or quick survey, I would personally theorise that – most agree East Africans are (we are), one of the most gentle and friendly Africans worldwide....

Yet we do not do regular get-togethers. And Salim Mhando’s efforts, few decades ago were part of THAT argument...

Yeah, yeah, hear, hear.

Back then, Tanga-born Mhando wanted me and my band to play.

It was a medium size thing. So I just presented the Kitoto Trio, just three of us, percussion (drums), bass and guitar (myself). Went well.

A while later, Salim Mhando did something, this time with a Rwandese gentleman.

Again note.

Mhando is a typical hardworking Tanzanian, ever searching...trying and trying.

Over the years Mhando launched a beauty and health business- The Pedicure Plus-still active in London. So then - In the past 20 years he has run various trade ventures, and his MA business administration university qualification has proved worthwhile. Bear in mind he has a diploma in management too.

Keeping in touch with the occasional Facebook or WhatsApp link, I then heard he had flown to Tanzania, like many Diasporans, to “try out stuff.” Many overseas Africans and Caribbeans (and other nationalities too) do that- most times. One foot here, one foot there. All. Presidents, traders, superstars, male and female, poor and rich.

Bottom line is this.

Most of us want the best for our selves, family and if slightly educated and hailing from such a young, robust, richly resourced nation, famous for its outstanding history, PROGRESS. We want to build. A house, a school in the village we were born.

Try Try and Try.

So we were chatting.

Salim Mhando has been in Kagera – a far away town ...well, Kagera?

The last time my mind dwelt on Kagera was while writing about the Idi Amin tragedy in 1979 and 1980. There was a Mwalimu Nyerere decisive, significant speech. We had no TV those days. Just, Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD).

“Idi Amin!” Our nation founder declared, “We have the reason to beat him. Means to beat him. Capabilities to beat him ...”

It did happen. Kagera is legend.

But Mhando did not settle here to score battles. A business administrator not an Askari Monument!

He and his team run a mining venture. “Tough, we are yes, but, yet face the music. Foreign based investors do it easier.” He explained when I joked he must be minting Pesa.

His, a very common complaint which I have heard over the years. There used to be a young UK based Tanzanian trying to push a tourism company. He eventually gave up.

“Competition...stiff competition” he whined.

“Most companies from overseas have a good base. Some have companies elsewhere and can get things going easily. Some have rich backgrounds. A base.”

For young, educated Tanzanian professional business individuals it is challenging. Some might hail from poor families. No uncle to assist with a few shilingis or dollars to start.

Or, even more important, no other fellow nationals to give moral support. Yes. We do not support each other’s efforts.

Anyway, Salim Mhando has managed to keep on with iron products.

“TM- Tanza- Plus Minerals” aims to employ at least 4,000 small miners by end of 2019. So far what is on offer includes tin Ingots sold in Kyerwa and Dar es Salaam; tin ore processing and smelting, at 30 tons per month ...plus buying tin, copper and silver from registered brokers or dealers.

Mhando’s efforts reminds of another independent community based trader, Mr Nassoro Ali, of Hotel Mnarani, Zanzibar. Ali comes to London often to try advertising his business in Zanzibar.

When I last interviewed him in 2011, he said at least 400 people around Nungwi village were dependent on his hotel as employees or relations of the hired.

I have stayed at Mnarani various times; what a hospitable and tranquil place. Not just the hotel but the surrounding locals.

These are things needing highlighting. They give hope to our innovative, disciplined professionals. Inspire the industrialisation of Tanzania. Reduce poverty, build our communities. Develop East Africa.

For more info visit www.tanzaplusminerals.com