The visit of His Royal Highness Prince Charles to Arusha on Wednesday the 9th November marked exciting new developments in furthering the relationship and growth of business between the United Kingdom and Tanzania.

Prince Charles and the Dutchess of Cornwall arrived in Tanzania last Sunday on a four-day visit, which included him visiting Arusha to mark the opening of the Arusha Chapter of the British Business Group (BBG).

Supported by the British Government, the BBG is a networking and advocacy group, working with other stakeholders to promote the business environment and economic potential in Tanzania. The opening of the Arusha Division marks a new chapter in facilitating cooperation and expansion in business ventures between both nations.

Members are resident British nationals employed or major stakeholders investing in Tanzania. Its primary role is to assist its members to focus on business opportunities in Tanzania, and to provide a business and social forum for its members to exchange ideas and experiences.

Members of the newly formed Arusha Chapter were divided into groups representing: Tourism, Manufacturing & Retail, Agriculture & Other Businesses across the Arusha District.

Prince Charles and BBG members who attended met with prominent dignitaries. These included the Hon. Dr. Mary Nagu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Investment and Empowerment) and Arusha’s Regional & District Commissioners, Mr. Stanslaus Mulango and Mr. Raymond Mushi respectively.

The eagerly anticipated event triggered immense enthusiasm from BBG members. It provides an ideal platform to promote investment opportunities and the local economy.

The United Kingdom is the leading foreign investor in Tanzania with growing educational, cultural and scientific links in both the public & private sectors – providing employment and the development of skills. The Tanzania Investment Centre reports at least 240,000 jobs have been created as a direct result of British investors operating in Tanzania.

In addition to marking the Arusha Chapter of the BBG, His Royal Highness visited community projects and a local educational centre. He also visited a Masai village to observe firsthand how they have adapted to the effects of climate change. His rounded off his stay here with a game drive in Arusha National Park to enjoy the districts spectacular national heritage, before flying back to the United Kingdom.

Tanzania correspondent

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