PARLIAMENT has given its nod to two pivotal resolutions: the ratification of the 2007 agreement for the establishment of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and altering boundaries of the Nyerere National Parks.

Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, the Finance minister, presented the AFC resolution, highlighting that the agreement grants diplomatic status, immunities, exemptions and privileges to the corporation and its assets, in aligning it with member states' laws.

He said that the treaty safeguards the AFC from being sued by member states or individuals regarding arbitration or private matters, with Article 10 demanding that its member states remove all administrative hurdles to the corporation's operations.

The pact protects AFC documents from unauthorized search or disclosure, while providing tax exemptions for its staff, directors, officers and associates, including Tanzanian nationals while performing their duties, he stated.

"The agreement also stipulates that the board of directors and the chief executive officer of AFC can waive immunity or privilege for any individual when compelled to do so," he specified.

As of March 2025, 44 African countries had already joined the AFC, holding assets valued at $14.4bn, with non-interest-bearing equity amounting to $3.9bn invested across diverse sectors like infrastructure, energy, industry and telecommunications, he further noted.

Financial statements by September 2024 data indicate that AFC had financed projects valued at $14.79bn in 34 member countries, he elaborated. Bahati Ndingo (Mbarali), a member of the Budget standing committee of the National Assembly, recommended that Tanzania formally join the AFC as a sole member.

He urged the government to meticulously review Articles 7 to 15 of the agreement, concerning immunities and tax exemptions, to ensure they don't clash with domestic laws. He similarly advised authorities to learn from countries like Liberia, Ethiopia and Somalia which incorporated specific conditions when joining the corporation.

Dr. Pindi Chana, the Natural Resources and Tourism minister, when presenting the second resolution, said that the Nyerere National Park boundaries were being adjusted for community development, to reallocate land for community use and facilitate other development activities.

This involves excising 1,617 square kilometers of the park to return land to communities, reallocate a portion to the Selous Game Reserve and designate land for specific development needs, she stated.

These adjustments will reduce the park's size from 30,893 to 29,276 square kilometers, where 687.46 square kilometers will be allocated to wildlife management areas, while 474.35 square kilometers will become part of a national forest reserve for various development activities.

Timotheo Mnzava (Korogwe Rural), the Land, Natural Resources and Tourism committee chairman, advised the ministry to work with relevant institutions to develop sound land-use plans.He emphasized that these adjustments present an opportunity to expand economic activities and investments in areas previously affected by boundary disputes.

The government needs to further assess and demarcate other conservation areas facing similar conflicts as Nyerere National Park, he pointed out. "The committee stresses the importance of engaging citizens and local leaders in these areas to ensure that no new land conflicts arise," he emphasized. The critical role of community involvement in preventing future disputes is particularly relevant, he added.