Iringa Regional Commissioner Kheri James has pledged to strengthen an investor-friendly environment in the region while supporting the establishment of a development information centre aimed at improving access to key information for citizens in the Southern Highlands.
Speaking during a meeting of editors and journalists organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Tanzania Chapter, the regional commissioner said the government has accepted a proposal by the organisation to establish the centre in Iringa and is ready to allocate land for its construction.
He urged the organisation to submit a formal application to allow the land allocation process to begin immediately, noting that the facility will help improve information flow to communities and development stakeholders.
The proposed centre is expected to serve as a hub for disseminating important public information, particularly in sectors that drive the region’s economy, including agriculture, technology, health, education and trade.
Mr James used the occasion to highlight the region’s growing economic potential, describing Iringa as an emerging investment destination due to its expanding economy and improving infrastructure.
According to him, the region’s economy has recorded steady growth, expanding from about Sh4.5 trillion in 2020 to more than Sh6.3 trillion in 2024, reflecting improvements in production and investment across key sectors.
He attributed the growth to ongoing government efforts to strengthen agriculture, forestry, livestock development, industrial activities and infrastructure projects, including roads, water supply and electricity.
“We have many investment opportunities ranging from irrigated agriculture and agro-processing industries to tourism and forestry. Iringa is open and ready to receive investors,” he said.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy, contributing more than 85 percent of the regional gross domestic product while employing over 82 percent of the population, making it the most important economic activity in the area.
The regional commissioner also highlighted improvements in social services, saying the government has invested billions of shillings to expand healthcare, education and water supply infrastructure.
Access to clean and safe water in the region has now surpassed 80 percent, while electricity has reached all villages in Iringa, developments that have helped improve livelihoods and create a conducive environment for business and investment.
Chairman of the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Tanzania Chapter, Edwin Soko, said the planned information centre will help ensure communities receive timely and reliable information on issues such as crop prices, weather patterns, agricultural technologies, health and education services.
He added that the organisation continues to promote solutions-focused journalism, encouraging journalists to highlight stories that not only identify challenges but also present practical solutions that can benefit communities.
Iringa District Commissioner Benjamin Sitta called on journalists to use their platforms responsibly to influence positive social change, stressing that national development requires a shift in mindset, particularly among young people.
The meeting brought together editors and journalists from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar and was described as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between the media and development stakeholders while promoting journalism that supports sustainable development.
