Minister Bashe At Center Stage As Tanzania’s Sugar Woes Intensify Amidst Triple Crisis.

By Adonis Byemelwa

Tanzania is currently navigating a complex crisis involving critical shortages of sugar, electricity challenges, and a severe scarcity of dollars, posing significant challenges for citizens and industries.

Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe is under intense scrutiny as the nation faces skyrocketing sugar prices, heightened power cuts, and oil marketing companies struggling with a dollar crunch.

The sugar crisis has emerged as a focal point of tension, with retail prices surging from Tsh2,300 ($0.91) in November to an alarming Tsh4,000 ($1.58) to Tsh6,000 ($2.37) per kilogram. Tanzanian sugar regulators clash with producers over efforts to enforce price caps amid a nationwide shortage.

The Sugar Board of Tanzania's response to public outcry, introducing shop price caps effective from January 23 to June 30, has led to a slowdown in production by the nation's seven main sugar factories.

Critics question the consistency in decision-making within the ministry, particularly focusing on Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe. Bashe's recent promotion, coming in the aftermath of the removal of Prof. Adolf Mkenda, has intensified scrutiny.

 Concerns arise as Bashe warns traders against influencing the set sugar price range, asserting that only top government officials have the authority to question him.

In addition to the sugar crisis, Tanzania is grappling with a shortage of dollars, significantly impacting oil marketing companies. Reports reveal that these companies are resorting to black market purchases or paying unofficial premiums to commercial banks. The Tanzania Association of Oil Marketing Companies urgently calls on the Ministry of Energy to address the dollar shortage, emphasizing the industry's unsustainable losses and the looming threat of fuel shortages.

Adding another layer of challenges, Tanzania is experiencing increased power cuts, leading President Samia Suluhu to dissolve the board of directors of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company. The power rationing crisis is attributed to reduced generation caused by low water levels in dams and inadequate infrastructure repairs.

Months after President Samia Suluhu mocked Kenya for its forex challenges, the Tanzanian government has responded to economic difficulties by importing 300,000 tonnes of sugar and contemplating legislative changes to open up imports. However, these measures highlight the severity of Tanzania's economic struggles.

Presently, only 31,000 tonnes of the imported sugar have arrived and been distributed out of the planned 100,000 tonnes. The government aims to achieve 60,000 tonnes of imported sugar by mid-March 2024.

Regrettably, the substantial imports have not translated into a reduction in sugar prices. Opposition figure Tundu Lissu accuses the government of succumbing to cartels who exploit duty-free imported sugar to maximize profits at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Speaking on the 27th during the nationwide demonstration concluding in the Arusha region, Lissu asserted that President Samia lacks influence over business cartels profiting and contributing funds to the ruling CCM party for campaign costs, all while inflicting hardships on unsuspecting citizens.

 Lissu highlighted that CCM has shielded corrupt individuals, with some party members having undisclosed interests in sugar deals. He criticized the agriculture minister for facing a daunting challenge in addressing this issue.

As Tanzania faces this triple crisis – sugar shortages, electricity rationing, and a dollar crunch – citizens eagerly await decisive and effective measures from the government. The interconnected nature of these issues demands a comprehensive strategy to address root causes and ensure stability in essential sectors.

The sugar crisis, marked by surging prices and clashes between regulators and producers, has reached a critical juncture. Retail prices have doubled, prompting the Sugar Board of Tanzania to introduce price caps. However, this move has led to a production slowdown in major sugar factories, exacerbating the shortage.

The controversies surrounding Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe's recent promotion have raised questions about decision-making within the ministry. Bashe's firm stance on sugar prices and warnings to traders have fueled the debate. Critics argue that these inconsistencies add complexity to the ongoing discussion over whether citizens should buy sugar at higher prices or allow imports at lower rates.

Amid the scrutiny, Bashe received a call from CCM Secretary Paul Makonda, urging him to ensure affordable sugar during the approaching Ramadan fasting period. Bashe pledged to stabilize the sugar market system before February 15, 2024. To address concerns about insufficient market quantities, Bashe announced the arrival of the first ship unloading sugar, with the entire quantity expected by the end of February.

In a significant move, Bashe announced the government's plans to table legislative amendments to liberalize sugar imports, ending protectionism for local producers. This decision comes as the sugar shortage continues, with retail prices soaring from 2,500 Tanzanian shillings in November to 4,500-6,000 Tanzanian shillings per kilogram.

The interconnected nature of these crises is evident, with the shortage of dollars impacting oil marketing companies and the electricity rationing crisis adding another layer of challenges. The Tanzanian government's response, including plans to import sugar and consider legislative amendments, underscores the severity of the situation.

Reflecting on past events, the issue of sugar imports has a history of controversies. In January 2002, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Iddi Simba, resigned following an inquiry into the indiscriminate issuance of sugar import licenses. The inquiry, triggered by a motion from MP Chrisant Mzindakaya, revealed Simba's authorization of 44 companies, contrary to the stipulated 10, leading to an environment tainted by circumstantial evidence of graft. Despite the controversy, Simba continued in his role until mid-November, emphasizing his crucial role in international trade talks.

Fast forward to February 2021, Agriculture Minister Prof. Adolf Mkenda highlighted the prohibitive laws and regulations governing the sugar industry, hindering the establishment of factories. Mkenda's tenure faced challenges, and he was eventually removed from the ministry, with his deputy, Hussein Bashe, assuming the responsibility.

The sugar crisis in Tanzania, symbolized by a history of controversies and regulatory challenges, remains a formidable issue. The recent clashes and developments underscore the complexity of the problem, requiring a nuanced approach to resolution.

As the nation confronts this longstanding challenge, the transition from Mkenda to Bashe represents a shift in leadership, adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. The Tanzanian government now faces the daunting task of untangling the web of issues surrounding the sugar industry and steering the country toward stability. In the intricate tapestry of Tanzanian politics and economic challenges, the resolution of the sugar crisis stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required for effective governance.