Category: The Citizen

Tanzania has reaffirmed its growing influence on the African music scene after emerging as the most represented country in East Africa at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), with 11 artistes and creatives earning nominations across multiple categories.

The nominations, unveiled by AFRIMMA organisers ahead of the awards ceremony set for September 12 in Dallas, Texas, celebrate outstanding achievements in African music and entertainment over the past year.

Leading Tanzania’s charge in the Best Male East Africa category are Diamond Platnumz, Juma Jux, Marioo, Barnaba and Mbosso, who will battle for the regional crown against Kenya’s Bien, Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Joshua Baraka, Ethiopia’s Lij Michael, and South Sudan’s Single Dee.

In the Best Female East Africa category, Tanzania is represented by Zuchu and Abigail Chams, who will compete with Kenya’s Nikita Kering’, Njerae and Bridget Blue, Uganda’s Winnie Wa Mummy, Rwanda’s Ariel Wayz, and Ethiopia’s Veronica Adane and Salemia.

Beyond the regional categories, Tanzania has also secured nominations in technical and gospel categories, highlighting the diversity of its entertainment industry.

Acclaimed music video director Hanscana has been nominated for Best Video Director, recognising his work behind some of East Africa’s most visually compelling music videos.

In gospel music, celebrated singers Christina Shusho and Joel Lwaga will compete in the Best Gospel category, reflecting the continued popularity and impact of Tanzanian gospel music across the continent.

Meanwhile, internationally renowned choreographer Angel Nyigu is Tanzania’s sole nominee in the Best Dancer category. He will face stiff competition from some of Africa’s top dance talents, including Uganda’s globally acclaimed Ghetto Kids and South Africa’s Hope Ramafalo, among others.

The nominations come during a strong year for Tanzanian music. Juma Jux recently became the country’s highest-ranked artiste on the Kworb Global Digital Artist Ranking, while Diamond Platnumz has continued to strengthen his international profile through collaborations and performances across Africa, Europe and the United States. Zuchu, Marioo and Abigail Chams have also enjoyed commercial success through chart-topping releases and growing streaming numbers.

Across the continent, Nigeria once again dominates the nominations, with Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Rema, Ayra Starr, Tems, Asake, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel and Shallipopi featuring in several major categories.

South Africa is strongly represented by Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla, Amapiano stars Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles and Scotts Maphuma, while Ghana’s contingent includes Black Sherif, King Promise, Stonebwoy, King Paluta and Kweku Smoke.

Central Africa also boasts a formidable lineup led by Congolese music icon Fally Ipupa and fast-rising star Mauvais Djo, while Côte d’Ivoire’s rap sensation Himra continues his impressive rise with nominations in major continental categories.

Established in 2014, AFRIMMA has grown into one of Africa’s premier music awards, recognising excellence across more than 40 categories spanning Afrobeats, Bongo Flava, Amapiano, Hip Hop, Gospel, R and B and traditional African music. The awards also honour producers, DJs, dancers, music video directors and other creatives who contribute to the continent’s vibrant entertainment industry.

The 2026 ceremony will take place on September 12 in Dallas, Texas, bringing together artists, producers, industry executives and fans from across Africa and the diaspora. Winners will be determined through a combination of public voting and judges’ scores.

With 11 nominees spanning music, gospel, dance and video production, Tanzania’s impressive showing underscores the country’s expanding influence on the continental stage and highlights the growing global appeal of Bongo Flava and Tanzanian creative talent.

Tanzanian R and B star Juma Jux has reached a new career milestone after securing a place in the Global Digital Artist Ranking compiled by music analytics platform Kworb, cementing his growing influence on the international music scene.

The singer is currently ranked 250th globally with 188 points, making him the 16th highest-ranked African artiste on the latest list.

The achievement places Jux alongside some of Africa’s biggest music exports, including Nigerian superstars Burna Boy, Asake, Davido, Ayra Starr and Omah Lay, as well as DR Congo’s Mauvais Djo, reflecting the increasing global reach of African music across digital platforms.

According to the latest rankings, Burna Boy remains Africa’s highest-ranked artist, sitting inside the global Top 20, while Mauvais Djo and Asake also feature among the continent’s leading digital performers.

Jux’s latest accomplishment also makes him the highest-ranked Tanzanian artist on the current Global Digital Artist Ranking. Notably, fellow Bongo Flava heavyweights Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba and Harmonize are absent from the current Global Top 250.

The recognition comes during one of the strongest periods of Jux’s career. Over the past year, the singer has expanded his international profile through successful collaborations, high-profile performances and growing streaming numbers across multiple platforms, helping introduce his signature blend of R and B, Afropop and Bongo Flava to wider audiences.

Kworb’s Global Digital Artist Ranking measures artists’ overall performance by combining data from major digital music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, iTunes, Shazam and Deezer.

Rather than relying on a single streaming service, the ranking evaluates an artist’s worldwide digital footprint across multiple platforms to generate an overall score.

For Jux, the latest ranking marks another significant milestone in his efforts to position Tanzanian music on the global stage, highlighting the increasing international recognition of Bongo Flava and East African artists in the digital streaming era.

Police in Tabora Region have arrested three people accused of plotting to defraud customers withdrawing cash from major financial institutions, specifically CRDB Bank and NMB Bank, through elaborate con schemes.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Tabora Regional Police Commander (RPC) Twaha Lulengelule identified the suspects as Shabani Nyambi, 36, Saidatu Masoud, 52, and Veronica Richard, 40, who are all residents of Ubungo in Dar es Salaam.

“We arrested them while they were planning to enter the bank branches to target and defraud customers, particularly those withdrawing large amounts of cash,” said the RPC.

Law enforcement officers searched the suspects and recovered seven genuine US dollar notes, six Squareline notebooks, eight brown envelopes, and folded notebook papers carefully cut to resemble bundles of US dollar notes.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted targeting high-value customers withdrawing large sums of money from the two commercial banks.

“They used bundles containing just a few genuine US dollar notes hidden on top of fake ones so that unsuspecting victims would believe the entire bundle was real foreign currency,” explained Commander Lulengelule.

He said the suspects’ modus operandi involved identifying targets inside the banks before approaching them outside with false claims that they wanted to exchange foreign currency for Tanzanian shillings, but could not use formal channels because they lacked National Identification Authority (NIDA) identity cards.

If a customer showed interest, a suspect would discreetly signal accomplices, who then pretended to be ordinary bystanders before helping convince the victim to exchange their cash for the fake dollars.

After completing the fraudulent transaction, the group would quickly flee the scene to target other bank branches.

“According to their statements, they have successfully used these fraudulent methods in different parts of the country to swindle money without being caught,” he said.

Police have urged members of the public to avoid financial dealings with strangers and ensure all currency exchange transactions go through authorised banking channels.

“Residents must completely avoid private transactions outside banking halls, especially currency exchanges, because such transactions must strictly follow official legal banking procedures,” stressed Commander Lulengelule.

He assured residents that Tabora remains safe and secure, urging them to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and suspected criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.

Police said security agencies remain highly vigilant against fraudsters following a series of swift arrests linked to similar financial syndicates and counterfeit currency scams across the region.

Education stakeholders have called for stronger efforts to eliminate violence in schools, saying safe learning environments are essential for improving academic performance and enabling children to realise their full potential.

Speaking during the launch of the Safe Learning Assessment in Tanzania, organised by HakiElimu, stakeholders said fear, intimidation and abuse undermine children’s confidence, participation and overall development.

HakiElimu Head of Programme Godfrey Boniventura said quality education cannot be achieved without protecting children from violence.

“A child’s right to education cannot be separated from the right to safety and protection. Schools should be places of hope, not fear, where children are nurtured and supported to achieve their potential,” he said.

Mr Boniventura called for closer collaboration among the government, teachers, parents, civil society organisations and learners to end violence in schools.

He added that the assessment would provide evidence to support stronger education policies, budgets and programmes that prioritise safe learning.

Presenting the findings, University of Dar es Salaam senior lecturer Dr Hezron Onditi said Tanzania had made progress in reducing violence against children in schools, but significant gaps remain.

He called for stronger child protection systems, including reviewing education laws to align with international standards, strengthening local government capacity and establishing child protection structures in schools, including trained teachers, counselling services and effective reporting mechanisms.

Dr Onditi also warned of emerging risks linked to technology, including cyberbullying, online sexual harassment and unsafe digital behaviour, calling for more research and stronger online safety measures.

National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Programme Dr Theresia Kuiwite urged teachers to follow official disciplinary guidelines and avoid using corporal punishment as a routine disciplinary measure.

She said schools should promote positive discipline and guidance to create safe and supportive learning environments for all children.

Diamond Platnumz, have separated and are now going through a divorce.

In a statement shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, the singer said she had made the difficult decision after six years together, adding that it was time to put herself first.

“Hello my GPG, my former partner and I are now separated and going through a divorce,” she wrote.

Zuchu wished Diamond, whose real name is Naseeb Abdul Juma, and his family well, saying she now wants to focus on healing, her health and her career.

“For me, this is a time to heal and focus more on my health and my work. Our chapter has come to an end, Alhamdulillah. We tried, but Allah has His own plans, and I have no choice but to accept them,” she wrote.

Her announcement comes amid growing speculation that the couple’s relationship had hit another rough patch after she was noticeably absent from Diamond’s mother’s birthday celebration on Saturday.

The news has reignited conversations among fans, as this is not the first time the couple have publicly split. Over the years, Zuchu has announced breakups on several occasions, only for the pair to reconcile later.

The two musicians first confirmed their relationship in 2021 after months of speculation. Their romance quickly became one of Tanzania’s most talked-about celebrity relationships, frequently making headlines for public displays of affection, social media exchanges and recurring reports of breakups and reconciliations.

Earlier this year, the couple surprised fans when they announced they had married in a private Islamic ceremony, ending years of speculation over when they would officially tie the knot.

Diamond described Zuchu as his wife, while the singer also confirmed the marriage, drawing congratulations from fans and fellow celebrities across East Africa.

The marriage was seen as a significant milestone after years of an on-and-off relationship that had largely played out in the public eye.

With Zuchu now confirming they are going through divorce proceedings, fans are once again left wondering whether this marks the definitive end of one of Bongo Flava’s most high-profile relationships or another chapter in the couple’s long history of breaking up and reconciling.

Diamond Platnumz had not publicly responded to Zuchu’s statement by the time of publication.

The separation comes at a pivotal moment in Zuchu’s career. The singer, who officially launched her music career under WCB Wasafi in 2020 after years of developing her craft, has become one of East Africa’s most successful female artistes.

The daughter of legendary taarab singer Khadija Kopa, she has built a string of hit songs, including Wana, Sukari, Cheche and Honey, earning millions of streams and numerous awards while cementing her place as one of the leading voices in Bongo Flava.

ACT-Wazalendo national chairman Othman Masoud Othman has said the journey towards resolving Zanzibar’s longstanding political impasse remains long and challenging, three days after his party and the ruling CCM signed an agreement to begin the reconciliation process.

However, he insisted the party would pursue implementation of the accord without fear, saying it remained committed to delivering the agreed reforms to restore public confidence and lay a firmer foundation for Zanzibar’s future.

Addressing regional and constituency leaders from Unguja Nyamanzi in the Urban West Region at Picca Dily Hall on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Othman said reaching the agreement had required months of intensive negotiations.

He said the parties held 14 formal meetings, two joint sessions, and two committee meetings between November 9, 2025, and July 9, 2026, before finally reaching consensus.

According to Othman, rebuilding public trust, particularly in the electoral process, remained the central objective throughout the negotiations, reflecting concerns that many Zanzibaris had lost confidence following successive elections.

“My colleagues, we have not yet reached the end of the journey. In fact, the journey is only beginning, and where we are heading is even more difficult than the stage we have completed. But we will neither waver nor regard what is happening as charity or a favour,” he said.

He stressed that ACT-Wazalendo would approach the process with determination rather than fear while continuing to defend the rights and interests of Zanzibaris.

“This is not about undermining reconciliation or concealing problems. We want to uphold everything Zanzibaris seek. This is a new kind of politics with clear objectives,” he added.

The agreement was signed on July 9, 2026, at Zanzibar State House in the presence of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and other leaders.

It contains seven broad agenda items, including one with 10 specific commitments.

Explaining some of the commitments, Mr Othman said they include reforms to the justice system, public service, and local government.

Among the proposals is for elected councillors, as provided for under the Constitution, rather than shehas to serve as principal local administrators.

Other agreed areas include Zanzibari identity cards, designated early voting centres, the voters’ register, establishment of a Reconciliation Commission, creation of an election consultative committee, public media reforms, the role of defence and security organs during elections, and the structure of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Mr Othman acknowledged that the negotiations had encountered numerous obstacles but said every proposal was thoroughly debated before consensus was reached.

He said that should difficulties arise during implementation, the party would report back to members and the public on the progress made.

On joining the GNU, Mr Othman said the process would begin after CCM and ACT-Wazalendo establish a joint committee to oversee the next phase.

“We are going to establish a joint committee with our colleagues from CCM. After that, we shall meet at the party to discuss and determine the procedure for joining the GNU,” he said.

He added that an implementation commission would also be established to oversee the execution of the agreement before the necessary legislation is tabled in the House of Representatives.

Commenting separately on Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi’s remarks banning political party meetings, Mr Othman said political decisions should be guided by professionalism and the rule of law rather than actions that create unnecessary disputes.

Former ACT-Wazalendo chairman Juma Duni Haji said he was more optimistic about implementation than previous agreements because the latest accord had been signed publicly before the people.

ACT-Wazalendo Zanzibar vice-chairman Ismail Jussa Ladhu said the party would continue placing the interests of the people at the centre of every decision while conducting itself with civility throughout the reconciliation process.

The government has announced a crackdown on restaurants and food vendors operating in breach of public health regulations, warning that businesses failing to comply with food safety standards will face legal action.

Authorities said some restaurant operators continue to disregard public health requirements, exposing consumers to food-borne illnesses despite the sector’s growing contribution to employment, income generation and essential services.

The rapid expansion of informal restaurants, roadside eateries and grilled meat stalls has heightened concerns over compliance with food safety regulations, prompting authorities to intensify inspections and enforcement.

Under Tanzanian law, anyone operating a restaurant or food business, including food handlers and other employees, must undergo a medical examination at an approved health facility and obtain a valid health certificate before preparing or selling food.

Health experts warn that failure to comply with these requirements increases the risk of diseases associated with poor hygiene, unsafe food handling and unsanitary food preparation environments.

Residents have also raised concerns over hygiene standards at some eateries, calling on authorities to strengthen inspections and take firm action against operators who flout the law.

A survey by The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi in different parts of Mbeya Region found many informal food vendors, commonly known as mama lishe and baba lishe, were unaware of the legal requirements governing the business.

It also found numerous roadside grilled meat and chips vendors, particularly near bus terminals, operating below acceptable public health standards.

Mixed awareness among food vendors

Speaking separately, some vendors said they had undergone the required medical screening and obtained health certificates, while others admitted they had never been informed that the procedure was mandatory.

A mama lishe operator in Uyole, Ms Victoria Michael, said she had sold food for six years without knowing medical screening was a legal requirement.

“This is the first time I have heard about these health checks. Where are we supposed to go? Who determines that we are fit to prepare food, and what illnesses are they testing for?” she asked.

“As far as I know, my responsibility has been to pay taxes, keep my premises clean and prepare food in a hygienic environment,” added Ms Michael.

A baba lishe operator in Soweto, Mbeya City, Mr Paschal John, said no health official had ever informed him about compulsory medical examinations.

“Should we go to a hospital, health centre or dispensary? We need professionals to guide us so we know exactly what is required. Personally, I always make sure the food I prepare is safe,” he said.

However, another vendor, Ms Jesca Mwashilindi, said she had complied with all legal requirements before opening her business.

“Health officers trained us before I started the business. I underwent the medical examination and received my certificate. The main challenge is ensuring my assistants are also tested because many work only for a short period,” she said.

Public raises food safety concerns

A resident of Chimala in Mbeya Region, Mr Agustino Novat, said poor hygiene at some restaurants continued to endanger consumers.

“Sometimes you eat at a restaurant and later develop stomach problems. Some of these illnesses are caused by food sold by roadside vendors,” he said.

“You find grilled meat being sold at unusually low prices and begin wondering where it came from. In the end, it is consumers who suffer,” added Mr Novat.

Experts urge tougher enforcement

Public health and environmental expert, Mr Titus Shaban, said food safety begins with good personal hygiene and clean food preparation environments.

“People should not compromise hygiene in pursuit of income. Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness, wear appropriate protective clothing and prepare food in sanitary conditions. Otherwise, the consequences can be serious for both vendors and consumers,” he said.

He urged authorities to enforce existing laws consistently while encouraging the public to play a greater role in promoting environmental cleanliness and protecting public health.

The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Southern Highlands Zone manager, Mr Rodney Alananga, said the agency, working with health authorities, continues to train vendors and register food business premises to improve compliance with food safety regulations.

He said operators found preparing food in unhygienic conditions, failing to wear protective clothing or violating food safety regulations face enforcement action in collaboration with local government authorities.

Mbeya Regional Health Officer, Mr Nimrod Kiporoza, said authorities were preparing comprehensive inspections to identify businesses operating outside the law.

He said inspections would begin with education and registration before authorities took legal action, including prosecution, against operators who continued violating public health regulations.

For decades, Africa has been promoted to the world primarily through its extraordinary wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and natural wonders.

The continent’s iconic safaris, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and national parks have deservedly attracted millions of visitors.

But one thing is clear: Africa’s greatest competitive advantages are yet to be globally positioned. It’s rich, diverse, and living cultural heritage uniqueness remains significantly under-represented in global tourism narratives.

As the global tourism industry increasingly shifts towards authentic, immersive, and experience-driven travel, the moment has arrived for Africa to reposition itself by placing its cultures at the centre of its tourism development agenda.

This is no longer simply a cultural aspiration; it is a strategic economic imperative capable of generating inclusive growth, creating employment, preserving heritage, and strengthening Africa’s global identity.

Today’s international travellers are seeking meaningful experiences that connect them with local communities, traditions, music, gastronomy, festivals, storytelling, craftsmanship, and indigenous knowledge.

Africa possesses these assets in extraordinary abundance. With over 3,000 ethnic communities, more than 2,700 languages, countless traditional art forms, ancient kingdoms, sacred landscapes, and vibrant contemporary cultural expressions, Africa offers one of the world’s richest cultural tourism portfolios.

The economic case is compelling. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, cultural tourism represents one of the fastest-growing segments of global tourism (40%-60% of global tourism), with visitors increasingly prioritising authentic cultural experiences when choosing destinations.

Countries that successfully integrate culture into tourism strategies consistently generate higher visitor spending, longer stays, and stronger local economic participation.

Asia provides valuable lessons. Japan transformed centuries-old traditions (including tea ceremonies, kimono culture, craftsmanship, temples, gardens, and seasonal festivals) into globally recognised tourism experiences.

South Korea successfully combined its traditional heritage with modern creative industries, giving rise to the Korean Wave, where culture became a powerful driver of tourism, exports, education, and international influence.

Thailand continues to attract millions through the seamless integration of cuisine, festivals, wellness traditions, handicrafts, and hospitality into its tourism identity.

These examples demonstrate that culture is heritage to be preserved and it is an economic asset to be strategically developed.

Africa can achieve similar success by investing in what I may term as the ‘African Cultural Economy.’ Among Africa’s most influential cultural ecosystems stands the Swahili Cultural Economy.

Stretching along the East African coast from Somalia through Kenya and Tanzania to Mozambique and the islands of Zanzibar and the Comoros, Swahili civilisation represents one of the world’s oldest and most enduring maritime cultures.

The Swahili world embodies centuries of cultural exchange, commerce, architecture, language, literature, cuisine, music, fashion, craftsmanship, and oceanic heritage.

Kiswahili itself has evolved into one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages and now enjoys growing international recognition as a language of diplomacy, education, and regional integration.

The Swahili Cultural Economy has enormous untapped tourism potential. Fashion weeks, culinary festivals, literary events, dhow festivals, music celebrations, heritage cities, museums, creative industries, and cultural exchange programmes could collectively establish the Swahili Coast as one of the world’s premier cultural tourism destinations.

Equally significant is the opportunity presented by the River Zambezi Cultural Economy. Flowing through more than six countries (Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique) the River Zambezi is more than a geographical landmark.

It is a living cultural corridor that has sustained civilisations, trade, spirituality, migration, agriculture, music, oral traditions, ceremonies, and indigenous knowledge systems for centuries.

Rather than promoting these cultural assets independently, the SADC region has an opportunity to develop an integrated River Zambezi Cultural Tourism Corridor, a cross-border or transboundary initiative linking heritage sites, cultural festivals, creative industries, museums, traditional cuisine, community tourism enterprises, arts markets, river cruises, storytelling experiences, and educational exchanges.

Several African countries have already demonstrated the transformative potential of cultural tourism. Rwanda has successfully positioned cultural experiences alongside conservation tourism.

Morocco continues to attract global visitors through its medinas, architecture, cuisine, crafts, and festivals. Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ campaign powerfully connected the African diaspora with heritage tourism, generating significant international attention, visitor arrivals, and investment.

These successes illustrate that culture can become a strategic pillar of national branding and economic development when supported by visionary leadership, coordinated investment, and sustained international promotion. Zambia is uniquely positioned to lead the River Zambezi Cultural Conservation Campaign. However, this will require regional and continental collaboration.

Eastern and Southern Africa should work collectively with Umoja Conservation Trust to establish and promote the Global River Zambezi Cultural Tourism Program under the framework of regional cooperation.

Governments, tourism boards, cultural institutions, conservation agencies, universities, private sectors, development partners, creative industries, traditional leaders, and local communities should unite around a shared vision that positions the mighty River Zambezi as one of the world’s great cultural destinations.

This initiative is designed to include annual international cultural festivals, cross-border tourism circuits, digital storytelling platforms, heritage conservation programmes, youth cultural entrepreneurship initiatives, creative economy investment forums, academic research partnerships, and coordinated international marketing campaigns targeting global tourism markets.

The time has come to reposition Africa from being known solely for its wildlife and landscapes to being celebrated equally for its people, cultures, creativity, and living heritage.

The global tourism conversation is evolving. Africa must not simply participate in that conversation; it must lead it by placing its unique cultural heritage at the very heart of the world’s tourism story.

The Petrofuel TCA Caravans T20 Cup 2026 is strengthening its position as one of Tanzania’s most important cricket competitions, providing players with a competitive platform, teams with a structured contest and fans with a stronger connection to the sport.

The tournament has grown into a key feature on Tanzania’s cricket calendar, bringing teams together for regular weekend action while promoting consistency, performance and recognition. Beyond determining a champion, the competition is creating an environment where players can develop their skills, test themselves against quality opposition and gain valuable match experience.

In T20 cricket, where quick decisions, adaptability and individual brilliance often determine outcomes, regular competitive matches are essential. The Caravans T20 Cup has provided that opportunity by allowing teams to build combinations, improve tactical awareness and maintain match fitness throughout the season. For players, the tournament has become a platform to showcase their talent. Strong performances with the bat, ball and in the field are receiving greater attention, while emerging cricketers are gaining an opportunity to compete alongside experienced players.

This year’s edition has added further excitement through the introduction of the PigaBet Player of the Series Award, which recognises the most outstanding performer across the tournament. Caravans representative Girish Mlimani said PigaBet’s support had played an important role in strengthening the competition and improving recognition for players who deliver exceptional performances.

‘PigaBet has played a significant role in the success of the Petrofuel TCA Caravans T20 Cup 2026 through its valuable sponsorship and commitment to the growth of cricket in Tanzania,’ said Mlimani. ‘As the sponsor of the prestigious PigaBet Player of the Series Award, the company has helped recognise and reward outstanding individual performances while enhancing the overall stature of the tournament,’ he added.

Mlimani said the partnership also supports the wider objective of developing local talent and encouraging young players to become more involved in cricket. ‘The firm’s continued support reflects its dedication to promoting local sporting talent, encouraging youth participation and contributing to the sustainable development of cricket in Tanzania. Their partnership has been instrumental in elevating CAT 2026 into one of the country’s premier cricket tournaments,’ he said. The Player of the Series Award has brought an additional competitive dimension to the tournament. With T20 matches often decided by moments of brilliance, recognising outstanding performers has helped increase the intensity of the competition and highlighted players who influence results.

PigaBet Marketing Manager Arthur Kazola said the company’s involvement reflects its commitment to supporting sporting platforms that create opportunities for players and communities. ‘Our firm is pleased to support the Petrofuel TCA Caravans T20 Cup 2026. Cricket has a dedicated community in Tanzania, and tournaments like this create important opportunities for players, teams and fans. Our support reflects our commitment to investing in sport and being a valuable partner to the communities that keep sport active and growing,’ said Kazola.

‘We see sport as more than entertainment. It builds talent, brings people together and creates moments of pride for communities. Through this tournament, we are pleased to support cricket and contribute to the wider development of sport in Tanzania,’ he said.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has commended telecommunications company Yas for expanding access to digital and financial services through innovative solutions showcased at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba.

Mr Chalamila made the remarks after touring the Yas exhibition stand, where he was briefed by the company’s chief executive officer, Mr Pierre Bacara, on products and services aimed at improving the lives of Tanzanians.

During his recent visit to the Sabasaba Grounds along Kilwa Road, Mr Chalamila praised Yas for developing solutions that address community needs, saying the company’s innovations are improving access to digital connectivity, healthcare services, and financial inclusion.

‘The wide range of solutions on display, including free eye screening, affordable smartphone financing, high-speed internet, and digital financial services, demonstrates how innovation can transform lives while supporting entrepreneurs, families, students, and businesses,’ he said.

He encouraged Yas to continue investing in community-centred innovations, noting that technology-driven solutions are essential in addressing everyday challenges, improving livelihoods, and creating economic opportunities.

Mr Bacara explained that the company continues to invest in technology and customer-focused solutions to promote digital inclusion, financial empowerment, and improved connectivity for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

One of the major attractions at the Yas stand is a free eye screening service, which has attracted many visitors seeking professional examinations.

The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to support community health and provide value-added services during the annual trade exhibition.

Mr Bacara said Yas was also promoting an affordable smartphone ownership programme that enables customers to acquire smartphones and 5G routers through flexible financing arrangements, allowing more Tanzanians to access high-speed internet services without paying the full cost upfront.

Visitors are also being introduced to Yas Fiber, a high-speed internet service designed for homes, entrepreneurs, and businesses, supporting remote work, online learning, and business growth through reliable broadband connectivity.

For corporate customers, Yas Business is showcasing digital solutions tailored for enterprises, including connectivity, communication, and technology services to improve efficiency and productivity.

The company’s financial technology platform, Mixx, is also presenting digital financial services, including mobile money transactions, payments, and savings solutions designed to make financial services more accessible and convenient.

Mr Bacara said Yas remained committed to developing innovative products that respond to the changing needs of Tanzanians while supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The 50th DITF has brought together hundreds of local and international exhibitors, offering businesses an opportunity to showcase products, engage customers, and strengthen partnerships.

Yas said its participation reflects its continued commitment to delivering technology-driven solutions that improve lives and contribute to Tanzania’s economic development.