CORPORATE companies in the country have been urged to purchase books for schools instead of desks.

This was said by Ambassador Juma Mwapachu in Dar es Salaam during the launch of his book, 'Challenging the Frontiers of African Integration'.

Amb Mwapachu said that corporate companies through their social corporate responsibilities are donating desks, forgetting that most of these schools are in dire need of learning materials.

"The buying of desks done by these companies is very commendable, but you can have all the pupils and students seated on brand new desks but there are no books, and the teachers also lack important books," he said.

He said that the government also has been spending very little on purchasing books, while most Tanzanians do not see the need of buying books, saying that this trend is slowly killing the publishing sector of the country.

Amb Mwapachu urged the government and stakeholders to invest more on rescuing the publishing sector because it plays a vital role in the development of the nation. He said that retired civil servants from the public sector should make a habit of writing books to highlight their years of service, saying that this helps in leaving behind history for the benefit of future generations.

"If we are not encouraged to write, we as a country will be leading very dull lives, and we are not giving our brains any challenge whatsoever," said Amb Mwapachu.

The guest of honour during the launch, retired Prime Minister who is also the former Chairman of the Organization of African Union (OAU) Dr Salim Ahmed Salim said the author has done a commendable job in highlighting his experience as the Secretary General of the East African Community.

He said that the book is rich in information on the East African integration, the challenges facing East African countries and the way forward. The launch ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including renowned scholar Professor Issa Shivji and the University of Dar es Salaam Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rwekaza Mukandala.