Africa-Press – Tanzania. CCM presidential running mate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, recently wrapped up his campaign tour of the Lake Zone regions of Mwanza, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Mara, Kagera and Geita with seven transformative promises aimed at propelling the region into a new era of growth and prosperity.
Dr Nchimbi outlined the deliverables as part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision for the next phase of the government, designed to unlock the full potential of the Lake Zone’s economic, social and political life.
As the October 2025 General Election draw closer, the pledges have sparked optimism among the 16.4 million residents of this resource-rich zone, which accounts for 26 per cent of Tanzania’s population, according to the 2022 census.
Mining boom and industrialisation
A major highlight of Dr Nchimbi’s address was the unveiling of plans for a large-scale mineral processing plant in Shinyanga. The factory is expected to add value locally instead of exporting raw minerals, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening the sector’s value chain.
Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office, mineral processing factories have increased from two in 2021 to nine in 2024, with sector revenue surging from 162bn/- to 753bn/- towards the trillion-shilling target. Recent agreements between the Bank of Tanzania and Geita Gold Refinery (GGR) to purchase and refine gold further underscore government commitment to maximise benefits from the mining industry.
“The Lake Zone will no longer just host mineral deposits— it will host processing industries and ensure communities directly benefit,” Dr Nchimbi said, drawing loud applause from the rally.
Empowering small-scale miners
Dr Nchimbi also emphasised CCM’s resolve to empower local miners. He pointed out that small-scale miners now contribute 40 per cent of sector revenues, thanks to reforms under the Sixth Phase Government.
These include the revocation of 2,648 large mining licences and the provision of drilling equipment to small-scale miners, which has widened local earnings and reduced inequalities between investors and citizens.
Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA) Chairman, John Bina, recently hailed President Samia’s efforts, saying: “We salute Mama Samia’s move because her leadership listens and takes care of small-scale miners.” Residents in Kahama and Geita echoed similar views, noting that opportunities have widened for ordinary Tanzanians. “Before, we were sidelined by big investors.
Today, we feel empowered and included in our country’s wealth,” said Mr Amani Magesa, a small-scale miner in Geita.
Modern railway to drive integration
Transport infrastructure also featured prominently, with Dr Nchimbi pledging that CCM will complete the 341-kilometre Mwanza–Isaka section of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) next year.
The railway is part of an expanded network connecting Tanga, Arusha, Musoma and Kigoma, designed to cut transport costs and strengthen trade links between the Lake Zone, Dar es Salaam and neighbouring countries.
President Samia has often described the SGR as “the backbone of a modern economy,” and Lake Zone residents stand to gain through increased trade, mobility and agricultural exports.
Mwanza, the region’s commercial hub, is expected to serve as a key gateway linking Simiyu, Mara, Geita, Kagera and Shinyanga to broader domestic and regional markets.
Water projects for prosperity
Addressing water challenges, Dr Nchimbi announced that 23 projects will be implemented in Biharamulo, 13 in Geita and 23 in Bariadi.
The plan also includes drilling six new wells, constructing irrigation schemes in 20 villages, construction of canals in 15 villages and renovating dams. Ongoing investments include 29.5bn/- in Bunda, 70.9bn/- in Mugango–Kiabakari–Butiama, 720bn/- for Simiyu Green Resilient Cities, and 678bn/- for the 28 Towns Project.
“These projects will ensure every household has reliable access to safe water, while farmers will gain irrigation infrastructure to increase productivity,” Dr Nchimbi affirmed. Residents welcomed the pledge, noting that water scarcity has long been a hurdle.
“If clean water reaches every village, our daughters will no longer walk long distances carrying buckets. It will also save time for studies and small businesses,” said Ms Neema John, a resident of Bariadi.
Affordable housing to restore dignity
The CCM running mate also pledged 50,000 affordable homes in the Lake Zone by 2030, a response to the national housing deficit projected to reach 3.8 million by then.
According to the 2022 Building Census, 79.5 per cent of Tanzanian homes have iron sheet roofs, 10.5 per cent are grass-thatched, and 10 per cent use temporary materials such as canvas or plastic. Dr Nchimbi said the government is determined to lower building costs and enable lowincome families to own decent homes.
“We want every family to live in dignity. Owning a decent house will no longer be a privilege of the few, but a right for all hardworking Tanzanians,” he stressed.
Fisheries and aquaculture revolution
In Rorya, Mara Region, he announced plans to construct 19 docks, 43 fish ponds and 100 dams to strengthen fishing and aquaculture.
Between 2021 and 2025, government efforts have already supported the procurement of 539 new boats and construction of 1,636 fish farming ponds, creating jobs for more than 263,000 people. Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is central to this vision.
By promoting fish farming, the government aims not only to generate employment but also to ensure food security and boost exports.
“Young people will find new opportunities in modern fish farming, while women groups can access loans and technology to expand aquaculture businesses,” Dr Nchimbi noted.
Expanding healthcare for all
Healthcare improvements remain a priority. Dr Nchimbi cited the Universal Health Insurance Act and plans to upgrade health facilities in Mbogwe District.
The number of health centres has increased from 8,783 in 2021 to 12,846 in 2025, enabling 75 per cent of citizens to access services within five kilometres of their homes. Investment in modern equipment, training and digital systems will ensure higher quality care across the Lake Zone.
“Health is the foundation of productivity. A healthy nation is a prosperous nation,” Dr Nchimbi told the rally.
A vision for a prosperous Lake Zone
Dr Nchimbi’s seven pledges mirror President Samia’s guiding principle: “True development is when every Tanzanian feels touched.” From mining and fisheries to water, housing and healthcare, the CCM campaign message seeks to position the Lake Zone as a hub for trade, tourism, industry and inclusive growth.
For residents, the promises are more than political rhetoric—they represent hope for better livelihoods.
“We want leaders who can walk the talk and ensure projects reach ordinary people. If these pledges are fulfilled, our region will be transformed,” said Ms Grace Kasigwa, a trader from Bukoba.
As the campaign intensifies, the people of Mwanza, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Mara, Kagera and Geita remain hopeful that CCM’s vision will translate into concrete development. The transformative agenda, they say, has rekindled confidence in a brighter future for Tanzania’s Lake Zone.
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