Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for stronger African cooperation iAn developing nuclear energy, saying the continent must build reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems to support industrial growth and economic transformation.

She said increasing industrial activity, mining operations and urbanisation across Africa are driving demand for stable electricity to power industries, cities and digital infrastructure. President Hassan made the remarks on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) held in Kigali, Rwanda, hosted by President Paul Kagame.

The summit was also attended by Togo President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe and other African leaders. She said nuclear energy should not be seen as competing with renewable energy sources, but as part of a broader energy mix needed to support long-term development.

President Hassan identified financing, safety and regional cooperation as key requirements for successful nuclear energy programmes in Africa. On financing, she said many African countries face difficulties in raising capital for nuclear projects due to their high costs.

“It is important to develop innovative financing and credit systems that take into account Africa’s context to enable such projects to attract investors and access funding more easily,” she said. She stressed the importance of regional cooperation, saying it would help countries share experience, attract investment and strengthen capacity in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

President Hassan commended President Kagame for his role in promoting dialogue on nuclear energy development in Africa. She also emphasised the need for strong regulatory systems and skilled professionals to ensure the safe use of nuclear technology.

“We believe investment in nuclear energy can be part of the solution to reliable electricity access, especially as demand continues to grow due to industrialisation, urbanisation and production activities,” she said. President Hassan praised the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for supporting African countries in building legal and technical capacity for the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame said nuclear energy is a key pillar for Africa’s long-term industrial development. IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the agency is aware of financing challenges and is ready to support efforts to mobilise funding for nuclear energy projects on the continent.

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Dar es Salaam. Contract disputes involving players, coaches and football clubs in Tanzania have become a recurring feature at the start of each Mainland Premier League season and other domestic competitions, exposing persistent weaknesses in football administration.

The disputes range from unpaid salaries and unclear contract terms to allegations of altered agreements and failure by either party to honour contractual obligations. The situation has strained relations between clubs and their employees while undermining the professionalism and image of the game.

Stakeholders attribute the problem to financial instability in clubs, weak contract management systems, limited legal awareness among players and poor governance structures within football institutions. Despite growing commercial activity in Tanzanian football, many clubs are still said to lack robust administrative and financial systems, contributing to avoidable disputes.

Financial strain at the core Former chairman of the Legal and Players’ Status Committee, Said Soud, who is also Mtibwa Sugar chairman, said many disputes arise from players failing to adequately safeguard their interests during negotiations. He said players often focus on attractive financial offers and overlook key contractual details.

“The challenge exists, but the main problem lies with players themselves. Once they see money, they forget important matters such as keeping original copies of contracts, which later results in disputes with clubs,” he said.

Mr Soud said disputes often emerge over contract extensions that differ from initial verbal agreements, while rushed transfer processes also contribute to inconsistencies. He added that in some cases players allow clubs to handle registration processes under tight deadlines, resulting in discrepancies between signed agreements and documents submitted to official systems.

“Players must understand that signing a contract and registering it are two different legal processes,” he said. Financial instability within clubs has also been cited as a major trigger of disputes.

A coach who requested anonymity said delayed salaries are a frequent source of conflict. He said he once went more than two months without pay despite continuing to work.

“When salaries are delayed, misunderstandings are inevitable because players and staff have families depending on them,” he said, adding that he later pursued legal action before leaving the club. Analysts say such disputes affect not only individuals but also team performance and dressing-room cohesion.

Fountain Gate FC coordinator Wendo Makau said poor financial planning among clubs worsens the problem. He said some clubs sign players beyond their financial capacity.

“If clubs cannot afford players, delays in payment become inevitable. The solution is to sign within realistic budgets,” he said.

Education gap among players Stakeholders also point to limited education among players as a key factor behind contractual misunderstandings. Mtibwa Sugar chief executive officer Swabri Aboubakar said many players enter professional football at a young age and leave school early, limiting their understanding of legal and financial matters.

“Many players have low education levels and that affects their understanding of contracts and their rights,” he said. He added that education should be seen as empowerment, not interference, noting that modern football requires knowledge of contracts, taxation and commercial obligations.

Mashujaa FC chairman Major Abdul Tika said many players now seek legal assistance before signing contracts to avoid mistakes. Namungo FC coordinator Ally Suleiman said awareness is gradually improving, with both clubs and players increasingly involving legal experts.

Geita Gold FC player Said Mbatty said players are now more cautious due to past disputes involving colleagues. Legal perspective Sports lawyer Aloyce Komba said many disputes could be avoided if contracts were properly drafted and clearly defined.

“A contract must clearly state the parties involved, payment terms, bonuses and responsibilities,” he said. He added that poorly structured agreements often lead to conflicting interpretations.

Sports lawyer Jacob Mashenene said contracts should also address welfare issues such as medical insurance, accommodation and bonuses. .

Dar es Salaam. A new international study has found that simple, low-cost and community-based parenting programmes can improve school readiness among young children, including those with disabilities.

The study, titled Feasibility and Acceptability of a Co-Designed Inclusive School Readiness Caregiver Programme in Bangladesh, Nepal and Tanzania, was conducted under the EN-REACH programme. It assessed how caregivers can be supported to prepare children aged four to six for primary school.

In Tanzania, the research was implemented by experts from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), with fieldwork conducted in Temeke District. Lead researcher Prof Nahya Salim Masoud said children whose caregivers received training in positive parenting, play-based learning and inclusive practices showed improved confidence, independence and readiness for school.

She said children with disabilities also benefited when included in mainstream activities through simple adaptations such as step-by-step learning, visual aids, games and storytelling. Another researcher, Dr Donat Shamba, said the findings highlight the importance of parental involvement in early childhood development and inclusive education in Tanzania.

He said the programme was implemented over five months through training sessions involving caregivers, teachers and community facilitators. “Caregivers were trained to use locally available materials and everyday activities to support learning, such as counting objects during household chores,” he said.

Researcher Jitihada Baraka said the study showed that community-based approaches can work effectively in low-resource settings when families, schools and communities collaborate. She said training sessions were held in familiar settings such as schools and health centres, which helped encourage participation and experience sharing among caregivers.

However, she noted challenges including transport difficulties, weather conditions, inconsistent attendance and limited follow-up after the programme ended. She said some positive practices declined once training sessions stopped.

The study recommends scaling up similar programmes through government pre-primary education and parenting support systems, particularly for vulnerable children and those with limited access to preschool services. Researchers said inclusive school readiness programmes also help reduce stigma around disability while improving children’s communication, hygiene, confidence, emotional regulation and social skills.

They added that caregivers of children with disabilities gained confidence in supporting their children’s education and communicating with teachers. The EN-REACH study involved researchers from Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal and the United Kingdom and received ethical approval from national and international review boards, including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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Arusha. Tanzania is set for a potential economic boost following the discovery of significant rare earth elements (REEs) deposits in Mkiu Village, Ludewa District, Njombe Region.

The newly discovered minerals, mainly Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr), are among the world’s most valuable strategic minerals due to their increasing use in modern technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, electronics and renewable energy systems. Officials say the discovery could position Tanzania among emerging producers of critical minerals in East Africa as the world accelerates its transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies.

Speaking to journalists on May 20, 2026, Njombe Resident Mining Officer, Engineer Lucas Mlekwa, said the discovery was made during ongoing mineral exploration activities in the region. He said the exploration is being conducted through cooperation between the government and Hongji Mining Co.

Ltd to establish the size and commercial viability of the deposits before large-scale investment begins. According to Mr Mlekwa, Tanzania stands to benefit significantly from the rapidly expanding global market for rare earth minerals.

“We have high hopes that Tanzania will become one of the countries benefiting economically through trade in these minerals in regional and international markets,” he said. He noted that the discovery comes at a time when investment in clean energy technologies is increasing globally, driving demand for rare earth minerals.

“These minerals are highly valuable because they are essential in many modern technologies. This marks the beginning of a major economic opportunity for Njombe Region and Tanzania as a whole,” added Mr Mlekwa.

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 minerals known for their unique magnetic and electronic properties. They are widely used in the manufacture of powerful magnets, batteries, electronic devices and renewable energy infrastructure.

Global demand for REEs has continued to rise sharply due to the rapid growth of electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy projects worldwide. Mr Mlekwa said Hongji Mining Co.

Ltd has completed the first phase of exploration and is now undertaking detailed assessments ahead of commercial production within the 280-square-kilometre project area. He added that more than Sh1 billion has already been paid in compensation to residents affected by the project, while environmental impact assessments are nearing completion before mining operations commence.

Director of Hongji Mining Co. Ltd, Mr Yahya Mohamed, said the company intends to use modern in-situ leaching technology, which minimises environmental damage by avoiding large open-pit or underground mining methods.

“We want local communities to benefit directly through employment opportunities, business growth and improved household incomes,” he said. Apart from the Njombe project, Tanzania is also home to the internationally recognised Ngualla Rare Earth Project in Songwe Region, considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits.

Economist Ediko Mosha said investment in rare earth minerals could significantly boost government revenues through taxes and exports, while stimulating growth in sectors such as transport, trade, services and technology. “At a time when the world is shifting towards clean energy and advanced technologies, the discovery in Njombe could strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global strategic minerals economy,” he said.

He added that the government should ensure Tanzanians fully benefit from the resources through policies and investment agreements that protect national interests and create long-term economic value. .

Dar es Salaam. Tears of anguish have etched on the face of a retired teacher, Ms Magreth Jacob, who says she lost S6 million after her ATM card was allegedly stuck in an ATM while she also spent about Sh12 million on expenses linked to a police investigation into the suspected theft.

Ms Jacob, a resident of Babati in Manyara Region, submitted her complaint to Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, on Sunday May 17, 2026, during his visit to Chemba District in Dodoma Region where he was listening to citizens’ grievances. The retired teacher who travelled from Manyara to Dodoma to seek assistance said she received her retirement benefits in January 2020 after concluding her long service in the education sector.

She said that after the funds were deposited into her bank account she occasionally withdrew small sums for daily needs. “I went to the bank ATM inserted my card and it was swallowed.

It was on Election Day, October 28, 2020, when the bank was closed I informed the police who told me to wait until the working day,” she said. She added that the following day coincided with Maulid celebrations, and when she returned to the bank on the third day, she was told the card could not be traced.

Ms Jacob, now a widow, said she was later asked to provide her account details. When bank officials checked, she was told that all her money had already been withdrawn through various agents according to system records.

She alleged that the withdrawals were conducted by agents operating in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The mother of four said she collapsed after being told her money was gone.

“My blood pressure rose, and I lost consciousness,” she said. She added that her late husband had been informed and rushed to assist her after the incident, and they immediately reported the matter to Babati Police Station.

“We recorded statements at Babati Police. They were later instructed to go to Manyara Police, who took over the investigation,” she said.

Ms Jacob further claimed she was forced to shoulder investigation-related costs, including transport and accommodation for officers involved in the case. “I paid expenses for a vehicle from Babati.

Three officers travelled and stayed in decent guest houses in Dar es Salaam using my money, which I had to borrow,” she said. Furthermore, she said the officers later travelled to Iringa in another hired vehicle as part of the investigation, but no arrests were made.

“For almost a week, they searched for the suspects, but later reported that they had not been found. They said they would instead trace the agents used in the transactions,” she said.

According to Ms Jacob, she was later told the entire process had cost her about Sh12 million, yet no recovery had been made. “Up to now, I have received nothing except losing my bank money and additional expenses.

I am a widow raising four orphaned children and supporting my elderly mother. I need the help,” she told the Prime Minister.

She said her complaint had already been submitted to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), but no tangible assistance had followed until she raised it directly during the public session. She also explained the difficulties she faced trying to reach senior leaders, saying she had previously failed to meet the Prime Minister during a visit to Babati.

“When you came to Babati, I did not get a chance to speak to you. I ran to Katesh, but still failed.

When I heard you were in Dodoma, I travelled and slept in Chemba, struggling to raise fare, so I could reach you,” she said. After hearing her complaints, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba directed that she be assisted and assured her that he would personally follow up on the matter before leaving.

Speaking on the issue, the Executive Director of the Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA), MsTusekelege Joune, said cases involving missing ATM cards should normally be resolved through CCTV footage and system checks. He said camera systems would typically show whether a customer attempted a withdrawal or whether a card was intercepted.

“If the bank has no evidence that the card was stuck, then it becomes difficult to verify what exactly happened,” she said. However, she noted that customers are often educated on protecting their PIN numbers when using ATMs, warning that fraudsters sometimes install devices to capture card details and secret codes.

“There are criminals who attach devices that trap cards while hidden cameras capture PIN numbers,” she said, noting that a customer may think the card is stuck, but in reality it has been stolen along with the PIN. She added that if investigations confirm negligence or system failure on the bank’s side then compensation responsibility could arise.

Under the 2019 regulations published in the Government Gazette by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) financial institutions are required to protect customers’ funds and provide clear information on fraud prevention. The regulations also require banks to educate customers on transaction safety and offer clear complaint-handling procedures.

Customers who remain dissatisfied with bank resolutions are allowed to escalate their complaints to the Central Bank for further review. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has spent Sh556.93 billion on 81 emergency bridge and road infrastructure projects damaged by El Niao rains and Cyclone Hidaya under the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) programme implemented across 22 regions in Mainland Tanzania.

The El Niao rains and Cyclone Hidaya, which struck the country towards the end of 2023, caused severe flooding that disrupted the road network, particularly gravel roads. Presenting the Ministry of Works’ Sh2.56 trillion budget estimates for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament, the Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, said an assessment conducted after the disasters found that 63 bridges, 827 kilometres of roads, 84 kilometres of drainage channels and 225 culverts in 139 districts across Mainland Tanzania had been damaged.

Among the worst-hit roads was the Dar es SalaamLindi highway. “This situation disrupted the planned budget flow, forcing funds initially earmarked for road construction and maintenance to be redirected to emergency interventions,” said Mr Ulega.

He said 70 of the projects, worth S14.48 billion, are being implemented by local contractors, while 11 projects worth Sh142.45 billion are under foreign contractors. According to Mr Ulega, implementation of the projects has reached 97.6 percent, with 78 projects completed and awaiting formal handover procedures, while three are in the final stages of completion.

“The projects have resolved major transport challenges and restored hope among Tanzanians, many of whom have personally expressed satisfaction after witnessing the improvements,” he said. Of the total Sh2.56 trillion sought for the ministry’s 2026/27 budget, Sh97.1 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Sh2.47 trillion is earmarked for development projects.

The development budget comprises Sh1.54 trillion from domestic sources and Sh922.46 billion from external financing. Domestic funding includes Sh1.05 trillion from the Road Fund and S97.47 billion from the government’s consolidated fund.

Mr Ulega said the national road network managed by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) covers 37,734.41 kilometres, of which 12,225.26 kilometres are paved. He noted that Tanzania had only 1,360 kilometres of paved roads at independence in 1961, while successive governments from the First to the Fifth Phase administrations constructed a combined 9,369.81 kilometres.

Under the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has constructed 1,495.45 kilometres of roads and 18 major bridges within five years, according to the minister. “These are significant achievements realised within a short period in the development of road and bridge infrastructure,” he said.

For the 2025/26 financial year, the ministry planned to construct and rehabilitate 450 kilometres of paved roads and 820 kilometres of gravel roads, while continuing feasibility studies and detailed designs for 8,049.67 kilometres of roads and two bridges. As of April 2026, the ministry had completed construction and rehabilitation works on 243.13 kilometres of paved roads and 94.36 kilometres of gravel roads.

Construction of nine major bridges, including Mitomoni in Ruvuma and Mirumba in Katavi, has been completed, while work on 11 others is ongoing. Preparations for the construction of 13 more bridges are also underway.

The ministry, through Tanroads, also planned maintenance works covering 35,311 kilometres of trunk and regional roads and 2,865 bridges during the 2025/26 financial year. Between July 2025 and April 2026, the government carried out routine maintenance on 16,782.58 kilometres of roads and repaired 1,383 bridges.

The government says the goal is to ensure road infrastructure remains durable, protected and safe for users throughout the year. .

Arusha. Anxiety and grief continue to grip the family of Scola Peter Chuwa (45), a resident of Ndarivoi Street in Arusha City, after she disappeared 100 days ago with no trace of her whereabouts.

Scola reportedly went missing on February 8, 2026 after leaving her home at around 3pm, saying she was going to attend a neighbour’s funeral. Her disappearance was later reported at Unga Ltd Police Station and recorded under file number UNG/RB/277/26 for further investigation.

Speaking to The Citizen, Scola’s husband, Solomon Daniel Kivuyo, said his wife left home that afternoon and never returned. “We have searched for her everywhere, but up to now there has been no sign of hope,” he said.

“We appeal to anyone with information about my wife’s whereabouts to help us because our fear continues to grow.” Scola’s uncle, Lazaro Chuwa, said the last time he saw her was in January 2026 when she travelled to Moshi to care for her ailing mother.

“After staying in the village for two months, her husband went to see her on February 2, 2026 so they could return together with her mother for further treatment in Arusha,” he said. According to him, Scola initially refused to leave the village but later agreed to return to Arusha.

“Her husband returned to Arusha expecting her to follow later with her mother, but two days afterwards he came back alone. When asked about their mother, he said she had remained with Scola’s elder sister from Dar es Salaam, who had taken over responsibility for caring for her,” he said.

Mr Chuwa said the family had not seen Scola again after she left the village until they received news of her disappearance. Earlier, Scola’s husband said she had left her mobile phone at home on the day she disappeared, making efforts to trace her even more difficult.

“If she had carried her phone, we could at least have tracked her whereabouts or known whether she had encountered a problem or was safe,” he said. He said the uncertainty surrounding her disappearance had left the family traumatised, especially their four children, who continue asking about their mother without receiving answers.

“This situation has caused us enormous distress as a family, especially among relatives and our children. We appeal to members of the public with any information that could help us find my wife to cooperate with the family or security authorities,” he said.

“And if she herself receives this message, we ask her to return home. Her family is still waiting for her,” he added tearfully.

When contacted for comment, the Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo, said he needed time to follow up on the matter before issuing an official statement. “Please allow me time to follow up because I do not yet have complete information about the incident.

I will issue a statement if there is anything that needs clarification,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. Innovative Tanzanian start-ups now have a new opportunity to secure growth capital under a fresh funding call for develoPPP Ventures Cohort 11. The programme offers Pound 100,000 (Sh260 million) in non-dilutive funding, alongside tailored technical assistance to help high-growth ventures scale sustainably.

The call for applications, announced on May 20, 2026, will remain open until June 30, 2026. It is implemented by DEG Impulse, a subsidiary of Germany’s development finance institution DEG. Eligible sectors include clean technology, renewable energy, healthcare, insurance, agriculture and sustainable finance, with a focus on businesses that are already generating revenue and are ready to scale.

Previous beneficiaries say the programme has played a significant role in supporting their growth. “Funding helped us surpass revenue targets, expand across Tanzania, and open new operations in multiple zones,” said Baraka Cassian, Founder and CEO of Simplitech Limited, Cohort 6.

“The programme provided flexible capital and enabled us to grow sales by 30 per cent while improving margins and reaching more smallholder farmers,” said Alfred Chengula, Co-founder of Imara Technology Ltd, Cohort 6. Selected start-ups will receive Pound 100,000 (Sh260 million) in matching non-dilutive funding, in addition to advisory support and access to a curated East African start-up network.

The programme also supports businesses transitioning from early-stage growth to long-term profitability. Applicants must demonstrate a working revenue model, provide at least one year of financial statements, and show a credible path to profitability within three years.

Start-ups must also prove their ability to raise matching funds equivalent to the grant value. Since its launch, develoPPP Ventures has supported 36 start-ups across Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda, mobilising more than Pound 48 million (Sh145.2 billion) in follow-on investment.

The programme has attracted over 3,000 applications and supported ventures that have created jobs and expanded access to essential services across multiple sectors. The initiative is delivered in partnership with ecosystem actors, including VC4A and Ennovate Ventures, which help strengthen Africa’s start-up investment pipeline and connect founders with global networks and investors.

It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). .

Former Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba has been elected president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football governing body, FECOFA, marking a significant leadership shift in Congolese football administration. Mosengo-Omba, who previously served as CAF’s general secretary, emerged as the leading candidate in the federation’s electoral process, which attracted close attention across African football circles due to his senior background in continental governance.

His election follows a period of restructuring within FECOFA, with the body seeking to stabilise its administration after years under a FIFA-appointed normalisation committee. Reports indicate that Mosengo-Omba entered the race as a front-runner after other contenders withdrew or were disqualified, leaving him effectively unopposed in the final stages of the process.

During his campaign, he outlined plans to reform and professionalise Congolese football, focusing on governance standards, competition development and restoring credibility to the domestic game. His appointment is widely viewed as a return to national football leadership for one of Africa’s most experienced football administrators, who has held senior roles within both CAF and FIFA structures.

However, the election has also drawn scrutiny amid ongoing debate over governance standards and eligibility procedures within Congolese football, issues that have accompanied the electoral process in recent weeks. Mosengo-Omba is expected to assume office at a time when DR Congo football is seeking greater stability and improved performance both domestically and on the continental stage.

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Ugandan dance sensation Ghetto Kids are set for a major global spotlight after being invited by Colombian superstar Shakira to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show. In a video shared on her official Instagram account on Wednesday, May 20, Shakira revealed the invitation while speaking about ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.

She praised global fan engagement with the track, highlighting the surge of dance videos inspired by the song across social media. “I’ve already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda,” she said, naming the group among international dance creators contributing to the song’s viral momentum.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids are a dance and music group made up of children from the Katwe slums in Kampala.

The group first gained international attention after a homemade dance video to Eddy Kenzo’s hit song Sitya Loss went viral. Since then, they have appeared on major international platforms, including French Montana’s Unforgettable music video and performances linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In 2023, the troupe also earned a Golden Buzzer during their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, further cementing their reputation as one of Africa’s most recognisable youth dance groups. .