Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting and empowering persons with disabilities, including individuals with albinism, as part of broader efforts to foster inclusivity and equity in national development.
Speaking in Kigoma during the national commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day, Mr. Majaliwa representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted key initiatives under the Sixth Phase Government aimed at addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
“As a government, we remain steadfast in ensuring that people with disabilities are safeguarded and granted rightful opportunities in all spheres of national development,” the Prime Minister said.
According to Mr. Majaliwa, by March 2025, over TSh 5.48 billion (approx. £1.7 million) had been disbursed to 891 groups of persons with disabilities through local government empowerment programmes.
The funding forms part of Tanzania’s ongoing economic inclusion efforts using internally generated revenue.
In a notable technological advancement, the government launched the ‘Albino Mobile App’, a digital platform designed to register and gather data on persons with albinism across the country.
The application is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of data collection, particularly in remote areas.
“This innovation will not only ease the registration process but also provide government planners with accurate data to inform targeted policy decisions,” said Ridhiwani Kikwete, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities.
The government has also committed increased funding toward disability support services. In the 2024/2025 financial year, grants for disability associations have risen to TSh 230 million, up from TSh 200 million the previous year.
Additionally, efforts to improve healthcare access for persons with albinism are ongoing. Between July 2021 and June 2024, more than TSh 500 million was spent on the nationwide distribution of sunscreen lotion through the Medical Stores Department.
A further TSh 182.8 million has been earmarked for sunscreen procurement in the current fiscal year, alongside TSh 8.74 billion allocated for broader social welfare services.
Mr. Majaliwa also instructed regional leaders to ensure full implementation of national frameworks, including the National Action Plan on Human Rights and Welfare for Persons with Albinism, the Assistive Technology Strategy, and the Disability Management Information System (PD-MIS).
Godson Mollel, Chairperson of the Tanzania Albinism Society (TAS), praised the government’s efforts, particularly in ensuring access to free sunscreen.
He urged persons with disabilities to actively participate in the upcoming October 2025 general elections, encouraging full representation in democratic processes.
“By turning out to vote or contest in elections, persons with disabilities will be exercising their constitutional rights and contributing to the leadership and future of this country,” Mollel stated.
The event at Mwanga Centre in Kigoma brought together policymakers, advocates, and community members in a show of solidarity and commitment to the rights and wellbeing of persons with albinism and other disabilities.