Category: The Citizen

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.

Some dishonest mobile phone SIM registration agents are facilitating phone fraud by secretly registering SIM cards and selling them to criminal networks, this paper understands.

Investigations by The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi has found that the fraud network, commonly known as Halohalo, involves not only scammers but also rogue agents who illegally register SIM cards using customers’ personal information without their knowledge.

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Arusha. The Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) Northern Zone has intensified its fight against drug abuse by expanding awareness campaigns to public institutions, strengthening operations in entertainment venues, and enhancing cooperation with key stakeholders.

The move follows revelations that some public servants are among those involved in drug abuse.

It comes after DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo recently said investigations had established that some government employees in Arusha were using drugs, particularly in entertainment venues, including VIP sections of leisure spots.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, DCEA Northern Zone officer Abdulatif Saidy said the authority had stepped up awareness campaigns targeting public servants while continuing night operations in areas identified as hotspots for cannabis and khat consumption.

He said DCEA had started conducting seminars and awareness sessions in government institutions and departments to educate employees on the effects of drug abuse on their health, families, and work performance.

“We have seen the need to shift more focus to government institutions by providing education to public servants. We want them to understand the effects of drugs and avoid them before they destroy their lives and performance at work,” said Mr Saidy.

He said the campaign was not new, noting that last year DCEA educated more than 1,500 public servants during a professional meeting before expanding the programme to reach more employees.

Mr Saidy said the authority had also engaged owners of popular entertainment venues in Arusha City, educating them on how drugs are distributed and consumed, as well as their legal responsibilities in preventing such activities.

He said owners had been instructed to display notices prohibiting drug use, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, report suspects, and prevent the sale or consumption of drugs on their premises.

However, he said some users remained a challenge, with some defying instructions and causing disturbances when stopped from using drugs.

“We did not want to begin by using force. First, we educated entertainment venue owners, then we started operations. We found some people using cannabis and khat, and legal action was taken against them,” he said.

According to Mr Saidy, between July 2025 and June 2026, DCEA’s Northern Zone conducted 227 operations, resulting in the arrest of 550 suspects, including 442 men and 108 women.

During the operations, authorities seized 5,417.26 kilogrammes of khat, 3,010.30 kilogrammes of cannabis, and 14 grammes of heroin in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga and Manyara regions.

In Arusha Region alone, he said 121 operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 413 suspects, including 338 men and 75 women. Authorities also seized 1,458.26 kilogrammes of khat and 2,977.03 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Saidy said cannabis and khat remained the most commonly abused drugs in the region, adding that DCEA would continue conducting operations while encouraging people struggling with addiction to seek treatment at specialised rehabilitation centres.

Beyond enforcement operations, he said the authority had started using artists, music festivals, and sports bonanzas to reach communities, particularly young people, and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

He urged young people to avoid groups that encourage drug use and instead help educate their peers, while calling on public servants to uphold professional ethics and avoid actions that could jeopardise their careers.

Arusha District Commissioner Joseph Mkude said the district would continue working with DCEA through inspections of entertainment venues, public education campaigns, and investigations into reported cases of drug use.

“We will provide all the support needed to DCEA. There will be no mercy for anyone found allowing or participating in the sale and use of drugs. Our goal is to protect young people and ensure the community remains safe,” said Mr Mkude.

As global investors continue searching for high-growth markets, East Africa is increasingly attracting attention as one of the continent’s most promising investment destinations.

The region is home to Africa’s leading economic bloc, and poised to cement its status beyond the continent. As economic integration continues to hold, East Africa is uniquely positioned to take a leading step in global trade and geopolitical affairs.

Prateek Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and CEO of MDR Investments, the East African Community (EAC) has observed on numerous occasions that the EAC is rapidly establishing itself as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation.

As he invests in Tanzania and beyond, he sees many untapped opportunities and room for partnership with the Mainland and Zanzibar governments on a Publi-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The EAC, which includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, not only represents the fastest-growing regional bloc on the continent, but also the most stable.

While each country presents unique opportunities and challenges, the region’s expansion and continued deepened integration is creating a compelling case for long-term investors.

Global investors such as Suri, who have spent years building businesses across Africa and the Middle East, believe that many international investors continue to underestimate the pace of change taking place within East Africa.

‘Investors often focus on short-term economic data and overlook the larger structural trends that are reshaping the region,’ Suri says. ‘What is happening in East Africa today is not simply growth within individual countries, but the emergence of an increasingly connected regional economy.’

One of the strongest advantages of the EAC is its commitment to regional cooperation. Improved trade agreements, expanding transport corridors, and cross-border infrastructure projects are making it easier for businesses to operate across multiple markets.

This growing integration is creating larger addressable markets and improving the economics of long-term investment.

Demographics also play a significant role in the region’s attractiveness.

East Africa is home to one of the world’s youngest populations, with urban centres such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Kampala continuing to expand rapidly. Growing populations and rising incomes are driving demand for housing, healthcare, education, consumer goods, logistics services, and digital infrastructure.

The bloc has one of the largest workforce in the world. This number of employable youth is set to increase and by the year 2050, this workforce will be replicated across the continent and not just East Africa.

It is believed that infrastructure development will remain one of the most important investment themes across the region over the coming decade.

‘Roads, ports, industrial parks, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity are all areas where demand continues to exceed supply,’ Suri notes. ‘These are sectors that create long-term value while supporting broader economic development.’

Currently, Tanzania is on the verge of completing the construction of its Msalato International Airport in the capital city, Dodoma – adding to the growing number of international airports in the country.

Kenya has secured financing for the expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which remains the region’s busiest airport and an important travel hub in Africa. Uganda will also soon start the construction of a new Airport in Mbarara, at the same time, Rwanda is also building an ultra-modern Airport in Kigali. All these mega projects point to one thing: East Africa is ready to become the world’s trade and logistical hub.

Technology is another area where East Africa has demonstrated remarkable progress. Kenya’s success in digital payments and financial technology has become a model for innovation across the continent, while neighbouring countries are increasingly embracing digital transformation initiatives.

Beyond technology, sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, logistics, renewable energy, mining, and data infrastructure continue to attract investor interest.

For global investors, East Africa represents a strategic long-term opportunity rather than a short-term trade. With such conducive environments that are being prepared, return on investment is almost assured as the private sector continues to work closely with government stakeholders on addressing policy gaps.

According to Suri, the combination of demographic expansion, infrastructure investment, entrepreneurial talent, and regional integration positions the EAC as one of the most attractive growth regions in Africa.

While challenges remain, he argues that successful investors are often those who focus on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term volatility.

‘The East African Community is becoming far more than a regional trading bloc,’ Suri says. ‘It is increasingly emerging as one of Africa’s most important economic growth engines.’

As international capital continues seeking new frontiers, East Africa’s combination of scale, ambition, and economic momentum may prove difficult for investors to ignore.

Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor best known for playing paleontologist Dr Alan Grant in dinosaur blockbuster “Jurassic Park” and whose career included more than 50 movies, has died at the age of 78.

A post shared on social media by his family said Neill’s death in Sydney “was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.” In April, Neill announced he was cancer free after a public battle with blood cancer.

Described by critics as “versatile” and “reliably excellent”, Neill landed starring roles across many genres, ranging from a submarine officer in the 1990 action-thriller “The Hunt for Red October” to the anti-Christ in 1981’s Omen III.

He also played countless anguished husbands, including opposite Holly Hunter in the Oscar-winning “The Piano” (1993) and opposite Meryl Streep in 1988’s “Evil Angels”, also known as “A Cry in the Dark”.

Born in Omagh, a town in Northern Ireland, Nigel John Dermot Neill moved to New Zealand when he was seven as his father, a New Zealander, retired from the army and wanted to ?return home.

At the age of 11, he changed his name to Sam. In his 2023 memoir “Did I ever tell you this?” he wrote that “to land in a primary school with a plum in the voice and Nigel for a name was asking for trouble.”

Sam was “easy to say, sounds friendly, sounds a bit blokey and has a touch of Labrador about it,” he wrote.

Neill described himself as a wonky, nerdy, unsporty, stuttering boy, but it was at school that he took his first tentative steps towards acting, earning minor roles in school plays including a bridesmaid in The Pirates of Penzance. “I liked getting a laugh,” he wrote in the book.

Neill’s big break came with the low-budget New Zealand film “Sleeping Dogs” (1977), garnering him sufficient attention to be offered roles in bigger-budget films in neighbouring Australia.

But even as his fame grew, he continued to return to New Zealand to work. At home, he was perhaps most adored for his role as the curmudgeon Hector in ?the low-budget “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (2016) directed by Taika Waititi.

He missed out on a chance for mega-stardom in the mid-1980s when he did a screen-test for the role of James Bond, but said his heart wasn’t in it and during his daylong audition he’d felt awkward.

“You never want to be the Bond that no one likes – that’s a fate worse than death,” he once told an Australian breakfast show.

Neill was nominated for three Golden Globe awards and two Primetime Emmys. He won three Australian television awards including one in 2025 ?for The Twelve.

In 2022, he accepted a knighthood for outstanding contribution to film after years of turning down the honour. He said he only accepted it because it was vital that all the arts were recognised.

“Acting might look easy, but it’s actually very hard. In fact, if it looks like it’s easy, it means that the actor is doing something ?very hard, very well,” he said of his job.

The actor, who was married and divorced twice, spent much of his later years in Australia and at his vineyard in New Zealand’s Central Otago.

Earning plaudits for his wine, Neill started releasing Pinot Noir on land he owned in central Otago under the label “Two Paddocks” ?in 1997, a process he described as both enthralling and labour-intensive.

He often entertained fans by posting pictures of animals on his farm, many named after his celebrity pals including a hen called Laura Dern and a bull called Graham Norton. Recently, he has publicly opposed plans for a new mine in the area.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters.