CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to accelerate industrialisation in Arusha and the wider Northern Zone, vowing to create jobs, stimulate trade and strengthen the economy if re-elected in the October 29 polls.

Addressing thousands of residents at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium yesterday, Samia said her government will establish new industrial zones, strengthen existing factories and build an soda ash production plant in Monduli District as part of wider efforts to boost value addition and trade. She said such initiatives will not only stimulate economic growth but also ensure local communities benefit directly from industrial activities.
“Arusha has immense potential, from agriculture to tourism and industry and we are determined to unlock it. Through industrial zones, we will create jobs, support local businesses and ensure residents fully benefit from their natural resources,” she said.
Samia emphasised that vocational training will go hand in hand with industrialisation, with more training centres being expanded nationwide to equip youth with practical skills. These skills, she noted, are vital for emerging projects in infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, water supply, and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

On infrastructure, she assured Arusha residents that all ongoing road projects would be completed, while new ones would be rolled out to connect districts and neighbouring regions, enabling smooth business operations. She added that a modern bus terminal and new market facilities were being constructed to ease transport and trade, while the Namanga one-stop border post would be upgraded with modern systems to facilitate cargo and passenger movement.

Samia also highlighted progress in energy supply, fee-free education and water access, saying these investments provide the backbone for industrial growth. She reminded residents that more than 3.97trn/- has been spent on development projects in Arusha Region over the past five years, underscoring CCM’s commitment to inclusive development.

She urged citizens to turn out in large numbers on October 29 and vote for CCM candidates, stressing: “We want no one to be left behind in our development journey. Industrialisation and jobs are the tools to ensure prosperity for every Tanzanian.”

Alongside Samia, senior CCM cadres and leaders including Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, Nape Nnauye, Prof Kitila Mkumbo and Abdulrahman Kinana praised her leadership, citing achievements in economic growth, peace and reconciliation, and her commitment to human rights.