Category: The Citizen

The Government has warned traders selling substandard agricultural inputs and those smuggling subsidised fertiliser to neighbouring countries that they will face tough legal action, describing such practices as economic sabotage that threatens food production, food security and the country’s economy.

Speaking to agricultural and livestock input dealers in Songwe Region, Agriculture Minister Daniel Chongolo said the Government would not tolerate the sale of fake inputs, the smuggling or hoarding of subsidised fertiliser, or arbitrary price increases.

He said traders found violating the law would have their licences revoked and face legal action, stressing that public funds allocated to the fertiliser subsidy programme must benefit the intended farmers and improve agricultural productivity.

Mr Chongolo urged traders to conduct business with integrity by selling fertiliser at the recommended prices, maintaining proper records and complying with laws and regulations governing the agricultural inputs business. He also assured law-abiding traders of the Government’s support.

He said the Government continues to invest in agriculture through the National Development Vision 2050 and Agenda 10/30, with the fertiliser subsidy programme aimed at increasing crop production, strengthening food security, expanding raw materials for industries and raising farmers’ incomes.

“I want to assure farmers that there is no shortage of fertiliser in the country,” he said, noting that Tanzania currently has 248,617 tonnes of various fertilisers in stock, while another 313,800 tonnes are expected to arrive between July and September this year.

Mr Chongolo added that the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) targets to ensure the availability of 1.5 million tonnes of fertiliser during the 2026/27 financial year to meet farmers’ demand.

Earlier, Mbozi MP Onesmo Mkondya raised concerns over the limited availability of subsidised fertiliser in Songwe, saying only one company was currently supplying the product in the region.

“Although the Government has announced the availability of subsidised fertiliser, access remains a major challenge. We urge the Government to license more companies so that farmers in Songwe can obtain adequate supplies,” he said.

Vwawa MP Japhet Hasunga said the sale of fake agricultural inputs and seeds remained widespread and called on the Government to intensify enforcement against offenders.

The chairman of the Agricultural Input Dealers Association, Boniface Masika, urged the minister to stop fertiliser manufacturers from selling directly to farmers, saying products should instead be distributed through authorised agents.

Songwe Regional Commissioner Jabiri Omari Makame assured the minister that the regional administration was fully committed to combating the sale of fake agricultural inputs and the smuggling of subsidised fertiliser to protect farmers, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.

The opposition Chadema has taken disciplinary action against two of its leaders in Morogoro and Tanga regions after they publicly accused the party’s Mainland vice chairman, Mr John Heche, and called for action against him.

The action has affected Bumbuli Constituency Secretary, Mr Abubakari Mashambo, who has been removed from his position, and Chadema Morogoro Regional Secretary, Mr Barnabas Okola, who has been suspended.

The two leaders have also been ordered to submit evidence supporting their allegations against Mr Heche within 14 days.

In separate statements, Mr Mashambo and Mr Okola alleged that Mr Heche receives financial contributions from supporters but uses the funds for personal interests instead of directing them towards party activities.

“We have seen it necessary to bring this matter before journalists so that Mr Heche can reflect on his actions because the funds are not benefiting the party. We believe he should not continue holding the position of deputy chairman at this time,” said Mr Mashambo.

Following the allegations, Chadema’s Northern Zone issued a statement announcing that, effective July 8, 2026, Mr Mashambo had been removed from his position for allegedly violating party procedures by taking complaints to the media instead of using official channels.

According to the statement signed by Chadema Northern Zone Secretary Yohana Kaunya, Mr Mashambo has been required, under Article 6.3.6(c) of the party’s 2006 Constitution, to provide evidence supporting his allegations within 14 days of receiving the official notice.

Mr Kaunya said Mr Mashambo’s suspension was imposed under Article 6.3(c) and (d) and would remain in place until the Zone Executive Committee, which has disciplinary powers, completes investigations and issues a final decision.

Chadema’s Central Zone, which covers Morogoro, Dodoma and Singida regions, announced the suspension of Mr Okola as Morogoro Regional Secretary over allegations that he breached party ethics by publicly accusing Mr Heche.

Chadema Central Committee (CC) has issued 15 resolutions, including plans to convene the party’s Council and continue its New Constitution campaign in Unguja and Pemba.

Other resolutions include thanking Tanzanians supporting the party through public rallies, opposing the ban on public meetings issued by Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi, and calling on the government to reduce fuel prices.

The committee also demanded that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties release outstanding funds owed to the party from government subsidies.

Announcing the resolutions on Friday, July 10, 2026, Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika said the CC, which met from June 28 to 30, had resolved to convene the party’s Council on September 15 this year, coinciding with the International Day of Democracy, to make key decisions.

“It will be a day to make major decisions on rights, freedoms, democracy and change in the country, in line with the party’s responsibilities as provided under Article 7.7 of Chadema’s Constitution,” said Mr Mnyika.

He said the committee had resolved to continue the New Constitution and Free Tundu Lissu campaigns in Unguja and Pemba while encouraging Tanzanians to participate in political activities by joining and supporting the party.

Mr Mnyika said the committee also discussed Mr Katambi’s directive and concluded that it violated Articles 18, 20, 26(1) and 29(1), (2) and (5) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which provide for freedom of expression, association and citizens’ duty to uphold the Constitution.

“The Central Committee insists that neither Mr Katambi nor the Prime Minister has any constitutional or legal authority to direct the Inspector General of Police to stop public meetings,” said Mr Mnyika.

Mr Katambi has previously said he had neither violated the law nor the Constitution, but that he was not prepared to allow the country to deteriorate by permitting a small group of people with personal interests to violate the rights of the majority.

“The Central Committee also wants the government to reduce fuel prices to ease the burden on Tanzanians,” said Mr Mnyika.

Complaints against party leaders

Mr Mnyika said party leaders with complaints against fellow members should follow internal procedures by submitting formal complaints, supported by evidence, through party forums rather than taking their grievances to the media or social media.

He said disciplinary measures taken against some members and leaders were carried out in accordance with Chadema’s Constitution, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

Mr Mnyika added that members dissatisfied with such decisions had the right to appeal through procedures provided by the party.

He said before the recent developments, party leadership had received reports that some individuals were attempting to persuade leaders to hold press conferences, allegedly after receiving money to make accusations against party officials.

According to Mr Mnyika, the circumstances pointed to attempts to discredit the party and its leaders, prompting swift action due to what he described as signs of betrayal and corruption.

Mr Mnyika was responding to journalists’ questions about the suspension of some members who had questioned the management of party contributions and demanded the removal of Chadema Vice Chairman John Heche.

He said funds collected through the party’s Tonetone initiative were safe, with all contributions deposited into bank accounts before being used in line with financial management procedures.

Tanzanian photographer Filbert Minja has won international recognition after receiving a prestigious award at the Earth Photo 2026 competition in London for a photo documentary on the country’s indigenous herbal medicine traditions.

Mr Minja won the David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Award – Photography for his project, Roots of Healing, which documents the lives of traditional herbalists in the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions and the knowledge they have passed down through generations.

The award was presented during the Earth Photo 2026 ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Established in 2018, the competition is regarded as one of the world’s leading photography and film programmes focusing on climate, the environment, culture and humanity.

This year’s competition attracted more than 1,400 entries from photographers and filmmakers worldwide, with only eight awards presented. The award, which recognises photographers aged 25 or younger, includes a £1,000 cash prize and professional mentoring from award-winning photographer Marissa Roth.

Mr Minja said the recognition was a tribute to the communities that entrusted him with their stories.

“This award is a great honour not only for me but for Tanzania. Roots of Healing is a tribute to the traditional healers and communities who trusted me with their stories. I wanted to document a living tradition that continues to support many families while preserving knowledge that risks disappearing if it is not recorded,” he said.

He said he hoped the achievement would encourage more young Tanzanians to tell stories from their own communities through photography.

According to the judges, Roots of Healing portrays traditional herbal medicine as a living practice embedded in everyday life rather than folklore. Through portraits, landscapes and intimate moments, the project explores the relationship between people, medicinal plants and the environment while showing how indigenous knowledge continues to be passed from one generation to the next.

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.

Bagamoyo. Three children who were reported missing in Lamboni Village, Lugoba Ward, Chalinze District, Coast Region, have been found dead inside an abandoned car parked outside a residential property.

Coast Regional Police Commander, Salim Morcase, said the children disappeared on July 9, 2026, prompting their parents to report the matter to Lugoba Police Station.

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The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has warned members of the public against allowing their bank accounts or other financial service accounts to be used for receiving or transferring funds from unknown sources, saying they risk facing money laundering charges and other legal consequences.

The warning was issued by BoT Legal Officer in the Legal Affairs and Anti-Money Laundering Department, Sheikh Naniya, during a public awareness session at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.

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Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi said sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, while lasting peace depends on respect for the rule of law.

Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in a speech delivered by Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla during celebrations to mark the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), held at Madinat Al Bahri in Unguja.

The event also coincided with the launch of the Case File Management System (CFMS) and legal guidelines.

Dr Mwinyi said an effective criminal justice system was essential in protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening public confidence in state institutions and creating a secure environment for investment and economic development.

He added that such a system played a critical role in combating crimes including corruption, drug trafficking, cybercrime, economic sabotage, money laundering, violence and abuse.

“The government will continue strengthening its institutions so that they are able to effectively address these challenges, which continue to change every day,” said Dr Mwinyi.

He said the government had increased the number of employees at the DPP’s Office from eight prosecutors at its establishment to 75 currently.

He said the government had also improved staff welfare, enhanced working conditions and invested in modern technology while building the capacity of prosecutors and investigators, in collaboration with development partners, to address emerging technology-related crimes.

Dr Mwinyi urged leaders and workers in the justice sector to invest in knowledge, innovation and modern systems while carrying out their duties with integrity, patriotism, professionalism, and in accordance with public service ethics.

“I urge leaders and employees in the legal and justice sector to invest in knowledge, innovation and the use of modern systems, and continue performing your duties with integrity, patriotism, professionalism and in accordance with public service ethics,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi commended the DPP’s Office for introducing the ‘Talk to the DPP’ platform and a digital case file management system, saying the initiatives would improve service delivery and strengthen accountability.

DPP outlines achievements

DPP Mgeni Jailani Jecha said the office was marking 24 years since its establishment, having grown from eight lawyers to 137 staff members.

He said the Zanzibar Constitution mandates the office to safeguard justice, adding that the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess achievements made and identify areas for improving justice delivery.

Mr Jecha said digital transformation had accelerated the movement of case files, helped ensure suspects were transferred without delays and increased transparency and public confidence in the justice system.

He added that the office planned to spend Sh11 billion on constructing regional and district offices to improve access to prosecution services.

Despite the progress made, Mr Jecha said the office continued to face transport challenges, partly due to the growing number of courts across Zanzibar.

Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Constitution, Good Governance and Public Service, Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman, said the DPP’s Office deserved greater attention in improving employees’ welfare because of its important role in serving citizens.

He said strengthening the office would enhance justice delivery and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in Zanzibar.

Tanzania has showcased the growing global influence of Kiswahili during the World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations held in Algeria, highlighting the language’s expanding role in diplomacy, regional integration and cultural cooperation.

The celebrations, organised by the Embassy of Tanzania in Algeria on July 10, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, public and private institutions, academics and journalists.

Speaking at the event, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Algeria, Mr Mobhare Matinyi, said Kiswahili is now spoken by more than 200 million people across 14 countries, reflecting its rapid growth beyond Tanzania and East Africa.

He said the language has evolved from being a national language into an important instrument for diplomacy, cultural exchange and African unity.

“Kiswahili is an official language of the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),” he said.

He added that the language’s international recognition demonstrates its increasing contribution to regional integration and global cooperation.

The event was officiated by Chief of Staff at Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Arts, Ms Nacéra Ayaïchia, underlining the strengthening cultural and diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Algeria.

Guests watched a documentary featuring former and current Tanzanian presidents, alongside leaders from Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, delivering speeches in Kiswahili during various official engagements.

The documentary also featured President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivering her address in Kiswahili during the 50th anniversary of Comoros’ independence in 2025, illustrating the language’s expanding role in African diplomacy.

The celebrations, conducted in four languages with Kiswahili at the centre, also showcased Tanzania’s cultural heritage through Swahili cuisine, Tanzanian tea and coffee, as well as traditional coastal attire, including khanga, baibui, kanzu, vikoi and vitenge, presented by Tanzanian students.

The event reinforced Tanzania’s commitment to using cultural diplomacy to strengthen bilateral relations with Algeria while promoting Kiswahili as a language of peace, unity and international cooperation.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the final reviews of Tanzania’s economic reform programmes under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), paving the way for the immediate disbursement of about $443.8 million.

The approval allows Tanzania to access $154.1 million under the ECF and $289.7 million under the RSF.

With the latest disbursement, Tanzania has received a total of about $1.063 billion under the ECF programme and $636.5 million under the RSF arrangement.

The 40-month ECF programme, approved in July 2022 and later extended, supports Tanzania’s efforts to sustain economic recovery, preserve macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive growth. The RSF programme, approved in June 2024, supports reforms aimed at strengthening resilience to climate change and reducing external vulnerabilities.

The IMF said Tanzania’s reform programme remained broadly on track. All performance criteria for June 2025 were met, while most targets for September and December 2025 were achieved. The authorities requested a waiver for missing the target on net domestic assets at the end of December 2025.

The Fund also noted that four structural reform benchmarks were implemented on schedule, while three were completed with delays. Five climate-related reform measures under the RSF were completed, although three reforms in the energy sector remain outstanding.

The IMF said Tanzania continued to post strong economic performance, with GDP expanding by 5.9 percent in 2025 and annual inflation remaining contained at 4.0 percent in June 2026 despite rising fuel prices.

The current account deficit is expected to remain broadly stable in the 2025/26 financial year, supported by strong gold exports that are helping offset higher import costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

However, the Fund warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could weaken growth prospects and increase inflationary pressures.

It stressed that accelerating structural reforms would be essential to sustain economic growth, improve fiscal sustainability and create employment opportunities for Tanzania’s rapidly growing population.

Commenting after the Executive Board meeting, IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair Mr Bo Li said Tanzania had maintained macroeconomic stability despite external and domestic shocks.

He said continued fiscal consolidation, stronger domestic revenue mobilisation, reforms to value-added tax (VAT) refunds and improvements in public financial management would create additional fiscal space for priority spending on education and healthcare.

Mr Li also urged the Bank of Tanzania to remain vigilant against inflationary pressures while maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate flexibility to cushion the economy from external shocks.

He further called for faster reforms to improve the business environment, strengthen private sector development and enhance climate resilience to support Tanzania’s long-term development goals under Vision 2050.