Africa Business Radio

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa issued directives to three ministers with the aim of unlocking investment in forestry. He abolished the export of semi-processed timber products and instructed Investment minister Geofrey Mwambe to visit timber factories to inspect and identify those exporting partially processed products. The Premier also directed the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled, Ms Jenista Mhagama, to visit timber processing and resolve wage challenges and occupational safety and health concerns. Natural Resources and Tourism minister Damas Ndumbaro was also ordered to collaborate with his Finance and Planning counterpart to review and if possible scrap nuisance taxes charged to forestry stakeholders.