afrol News, 29 August - Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete arrived at United States Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters in Washington yesterday, at a ceremony to mark US government's commitment to strengthen and help improve lives of Tanzanian people.

Welcoming Tanzanian leader at Ronald Reagan Building, USAID's acting deputy administrator James Kunder said leadership that Mr Kikwete has provided to his country is no small factor in Tanzania's success.

Mr Kikwete is in Washington on a three-day visit to United States at invitation of president George Bush.

During his visit to USAID, a number of important announcements were also made involving assistance programmes in Tanzania.

Some of the support is in recognition that agricultural sector of Tanzania is a driving force in economic development of the country. About 80 percent of Tanzania's population is reportedly engaged in agriculture, and sector contributes more than one-third of national economy.

In support of gains already made in this sector, USAID is currently negotiating a joint credit guarantee with African Development Bank and CRDB Bank in Tanzania, which would enable small holder farmers and agribusinesses to access up to $20 million of credit to invest in their enterprises.

Also announced was a program to provide over $2,000,000 in education assistance for people of Tanzania in response to need for textbooks, teacher training and English language skills.

This initiative is in response to a request by president Kikwete of president Bush, while visiting Tanzania earlier this year.

Also in attendance were US ambassador to Tanzania, Mark Green, USAID assistant administrator for Africa, Ms Katherine Almquist, and US trade and development agency (USTDA) deputy director Ms Leocadia Zak.

Tanzania, located on southeast coast of Africa, is a stable country progressing along a path of democratic governance. The nation hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees and leads efforts to resolve regional conflicts peacefully.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories