Category: The Citizen

Dodoma. The government has acknowledged a critical shortage of anaesthesia and safe sedation specialists in the country, saying it is taking steps to address the gap.

The government said it is introducing a diploma programme aimed at increasing the number of professionals and strengthening surgical services, particularly for pregnant women. Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi, said the shortage remains a major challenge to the delivery of safe surgical care, adding that the new training initiative is part of broader reforms to strengthen the health workforce.

Dr Samizi said each health centre and hospital is expected to have at least two anaesthesia specialists, but in reality, the country has only 2,950 specialists serving an estimated 8,000 health facilities nationwide, a gap she described as significant. She made the remarks on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Dodoma during the fourth general meeting of the Tanzania Association of Anaesthesia and Safe Sedation Specialists (TANPA).

Dr Samizi stressed that anaesthesia specialists play a central role in the health system, warning that no surgical procedure can safely take place without their expertise. “You are a very important group in our hospitals and in the world at large because without you, the lives of mothers and babies who need surgery to deliver would be at risk, because no surgery is performed without you,” she said.

She added that the government had expanded emergency surgical services to 580 health centres to improve access to life-saving procedures such as caesarean sections, particularly in rural areas. The expansion, she noted, has further increased demand for anaesthesia specialists.

TANPA president, Ms Julia Mahemba, said the shortage has placed immense pressure on existing specialists, forcing many to work long hours with limited rest. She said the nature of anaesthesia services requires precision and high-level expertise, as the administration of sedation and anaesthetic drugs directly affects patient survival during surgery.

“These drugs require highly trained experts in this field. Not just anyone can provide this service, so you find these specialists are forced to work overtime, which is often unpaid, unlike other health cadres,” she said.

Ms Mahemba added that the shortage has led to delays in surgical care, with some health facilities unable to conduct operations and instead referring patients to higher-level hospitals with specialists, a situation she said can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women in emergencies. She also noted that in some cases, anaesthesia specialists are assigned duties outside their professional scope, further reducing efficiency in already overstretched facilities.

Anaesthesia and safe sedation specialist at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), Dr Venance Pesa, said even major referral hospitals are not spared from the shortage, noting that his facility has only three specialists in the field. He said anaesthesia remains a critical pillar of modern healthcare, particularly in surgery and maternal services, warning that without adequate specialists, patient safety cannot be guaranteed.

“Therefore, investment in training and employment of specialists in this cadre is an important step in improving health services in the country and reducing preventable deaths, especially for mothers and newborns,” he said. Health stakeholders have continued to call for accelerated recruitment, improved training capacity, and better working conditions for anaesthesia specialists to prevent further strain on surgical services across the country.

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Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has unveiled a strategy to leverage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, where Tanzania will be the host, by launching services and packages aimed at encouraging participation of football fans from local and international markets.

AFCON 2027 is set to begin on June 19 and end on July 18, 2027, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time in East Africa in a historic joint arrangement. Speaking during a recent exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, ATCL Director General Peter Ulanga said AFCON 2027 is a key platform not only for sport but also for boosting tourism, business, and promoting Tanzania across the world.

“Because we are the AFCON 2027 host country, ATCL, as the national airline, wants to be at the forefront of promoting participation of Tanzanians and visitors from Africa and globally,” he said. He said discussions have been initiated with experts to design a special product enabling fans to enjoy matches while also experiencing tourism in Tanzania.

“We want visitors to stay in Zanzibar, watch football in different cities or match venues, then return to Zanzibar to sleep,” he said, stressing that the product is being prepared. According to his description, ATCL plans to launch special packages enabling visitors to become tourists while also attending matches in various cities where matches are hosted.

Besides that, he said the company also has a plan to enhance the appearance of its aircraft both inside and outside to align with the AFCON theme, a move aimed at promoting Tanzania as the host of the tournament across Africa. A project to give all aircraft an AFCON look, destinations include countries with strong football passion, such as Ghana and Nigeria, noting that there were plans to visit Abidjan, Dakar, and Cairo.

He said those trips will be part of a broader international marketing strategy where ATCL aircraft will act as ambassadors promoting Tanzania as AFCON 2027 host across the world. When flying to Zambia, he said the aircraft will display messages showing Tanzania as AFCON host, something that will demonstrate the country’s readiness to host the tournament.

Additionally, he noted that the strategy will go hand in hand with the provision of special travel packages and match tickets, a move he believes will bring a new experience of enjoying football across the continent and improve fan engagement across the entire region. “We will have special packages linking travel tourism and football entertainment.

We believe this will create a new way for fans to enjoy sport,” said Mr Ulanga. Regarding the company’s capacity, the ATCL boss said that currently it has a total of 16 aircraft, 15 of which are passenger aircraft and one cargo.

However, he explained that passenger aircraft can also carry cargo through the belly cargo system in aircraft holds. Thus, he said the company has two main markets: passenger transport through 15 aircraft and cargo services served by all 16 aircraft.

On its network, he said ATCL currently serves 32 destinations while expansion plans continue. In April, it will open a new destination, while in May it will commence flights to Seychelles, bringing the total to 34 destinations.

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Dar es Salaam. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has unveiled a strategy to leverage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, where Tanzania will be the host, by launching services and packages aimed at encouraging participation of football fans from local and international markets.

AFCON 2027 is set to begin on June 19 and end on July 18, 2027, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time in East Africa in a historic joint arrangement. Speaking during a recent exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, ATCL Director General Peter Ulanga said AFCON 2027 is a key platform not only for sport but also for boosting tourism, business, and promoting Tanzania across the world.

“Because we are the AFCON 2027 host country, ATCL, as the national airline, wants to be at the forefront of promoting participation of Tanzanians and visitors from Africa and globally,” he said. He said discussions have been initiated with experts to design a special product enabling fans to enjoy matches while also experiencing tourism in Tanzania.

“We want visitors to stay in Zanzibar, watch football in different cities or match venues, then return to Zanzibar to sleep,” he said, stressing that the product is being prepared. According to his description, ATCL plans to launch special packages enabling visitors to become tourists while also attending matches in various cities where matches are hosted.

Besides that, he said the company also has a plan to enhance the appearance of its aircraft both inside and outside to align with the AFCON theme, a move aimed at promoting Tanzania as the host of the tournament across Africa. A project to give all aircraft an AFCON look, destinations include countries with strong football passion, such as Ghana and Nigeria, noting that there were plans to visit Abidjan, Dakar, and Cairo.

He said those trips will be part of a broader international marketing strategy where ATCL aircraft will act as ambassadors promoting Tanzania as AFCON 2027 host across the world. When flying to Zambia, he said the aircraft will display messages showing Tanzania as AFCON host, something that will demonstrate the country’s readiness to host the tournament.

Additionally, he noted that the strategy will go hand in hand with the provision of special travel packages and match tickets, a move he believes will bring a new experience of enjoying football across the continent and improve fan engagement across the entire region. “We will have special packages linking travel tourism and football entertainment.

We believe this will create a new way for fans to enjoy sport,” said Mr Ulanga. Regarding the company’s capacity, the ATCL boss said that currently it has a total of 16 aircraft, 15 of which are passenger aircraft and one cargo.

However, he explained that passenger aircraft can also carry cargo through the belly cargo system in aircraft holds. Thus, he said the company has two main markets: passenger transport through 15 aircraft and cargo services served by all 16 aircraft.

On its network, he said ATCL currently serves 32 destinations while expansion plans continue. In April, it will open a new destination, while in May it will commence flights to Seychelles, bringing the total to 34 destinations.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s swimming clubs delivered an impressive and encouraging performance at the recently concluded East Africa Development Swimming Gala, underlining the country’s steady rise in aquatic sports across the region.

The two-day competition, at FK Secondary School in Bahari Beach, brought together more than 600 young swimmers, both male and female, from five East African nations. The event attracted top emerging talents and served as a critical platform for development, exposure, and regional integration within the sport.

Uganda’s Aqual Akii emerged as the overall winner, showcasing dominance and depth across multiple categories. However, Tanzania’s clubs were not far behind, with North Coast Swimming Club securing an impressive second-place finish, while French School Swimming Team claimed third position, completing a strong showing for the host nation.

The performances by Tanzanian clubs reflected growing investment in grassroots development and structured training programs. North Coast Swimming Club, in particular, demonstrated consistency, discipline, and technical improvement, qualities that have become increasingly visible in recent local and regional competitions.

The gala, organized in collaboration with Prime Sports Agency and other stakeholders, was designed to nurture young swimmers while fostering competitive spirit and regional unity. Speaking with The Citizen, Board Director of Prime Sports Agency and Chairman of North Coast swimming club, Lameck Borega said the event exceeded expectations in participation, organization, and overall impact.

Borega said the significance of the turnout, noting that the presence of over 600 swimmers marked a new milestone for swimming development in East Africa. The event also attracted support from more than 20 sponsors, highlighting growing corporate confidence in the sport.

For Tanzania, the results signal a positive trajectory. Clubs such as North Coast and the French School team have increasingly positioned themselves as competitive forces, not only domestically but also within the East African region.

Their success is rooted in improved coaching standards, increased access to facilities, and a stronger emphasis on youth development. Beyond medals and rankings, the gala provided valuable experience for young athletes.

Competing against peers from countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi allowed Tanzanian swimmers to benchmark their abilities and gain exposure to different competitive styles. Coaches and officials noted that such exposure is essential for long-term growth.

Many young swimmers displayed improved technique, endurance, and race strategy, indicating that training programs in Tanzania are beginning to align with international standards. The success of the event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between clubs, schools, and governing bodies.

Swimming in Tanzania has historically faced challenges, including limited infrastructure and funding. However, events like the East Africa Development Swimming Gala demonstrate that coordinated efforts can yield meaningful progress.

Importantly, the gala reinforced the role of sport in youth development. By providing a safe and competitive environment, it encouraged discipline, teamwork, and confidence among participants.

Organizers stressed that the long-term vision extends beyond competition, aiming to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent identification and athlete progression. For North Coast Swimming Club, the second-place finish is more than just a podium achievement.

It reflects years of consistent work and a commitment to nurturing young talent. The club’s performance is expected to inspire other Tanzanian teams to raise their standards and invest more in structured development programs.

Looking ahead, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of swimming in Tanzania. Plans are already underway for the next edition of the gala, as well as additional training camps and competitions aimed at maintaining momentum.

As the region continues to embrace swimming as a competitive and developmental sport, Tanzania’s strong showing at the gala sends a clear message: the country is not only participating but increasingly competing at the highest levels in East Africa. .

Dodoma. The government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to fast-track implementation of Vision 2050, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, climate resilience and coordinated development of the blue economy.

The plans were revealed on Tuesday April 21, 2026 as the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Yusuph Masauni, tabled budget estimates for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament. The minister asked the House to approve a total of Sh99.98 billion for the 2026/27 fiscal year.

This amount represents an increase of Sh18.12 billion, compared to the 2025/2026 budget, which stood at Sh81.86 billion. Presenting the proposals, Masauni said the government will use the upcoming budget to strengthen institutional coordination and accelerate delivery of strategic priorities under Vision 2050, particularly the third pillar focused on environmental conservation and climate change resilience.

He noted that a new strategic plan for 20262030, alongside the Strategic Transformation Programme for Sustainable Environment, will serve as key instruments in translating long-term national aspirations into actionable programmes. “The initiative is expected to mobilise nationwide participation, elevate environmental protection to a central development agenda and ensure high-level oversight in implementation,” he said.

According to him, a central component of the government’s agenda is the structured coordination of the blue economy, which has been identified as a major driver of economic growth and job creation. Mr Masauni said the government will establish a comprehensive coordination framework, including the preparation of guidelines and a Blue Economy Investment Master Plan to guide public and private sector participation.

This effort is aligned with the National Blue Economy Policy of 2024 and is intended to create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and efficient resource use. Tanzania’s Blue Economy Investment Master Plan focuses on sustainable utilization of marine and freshwater resources (20252035) to boost GDP, targeting fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Key areas include aquaculture, deep-sea fishing, seaweed farming, maritime transport, and marine energy, aligned with the National Blue Economy Policy 2024 and Zanzibar Development Plan. In practical terms, he said, the government plans to begin implementation of a national marine spatial planning process covering territorial waters, starting with data collection, ecological assessments and mapping of human activities.

Public awareness campaigns will also be rolled out to build understanding and support for sustainable use of marine resources. The initiative is expected to boost the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product, expand employment opportunities and reduce conflicts over resource use.

The minister further emphasized that public-private partnerships will play a critical role in unlocking capital, technology and expertise needed to implement large-scale blue economy projects. “Capacity building for professionals and awareness programmes targeting government institutions, parliamentary committees and local communities are also planned to ensure inclusive participation.

On environmental management, the government expects to intensify coordination across ministries, regional administrations and local government authorities to implement key policies and laws, including the National Environmental Policy of 2021 and the Environmental Management Act. “Efforts will focus on improving access to environmental data through digital systems, strengthening public education and enhancing compliance with regional and international environmental agreements,” Mr Masauni noted.

Among key notable events according to the minister, Tanzania is set to host the 12th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention on marine and coastal environment protection in October 2026 in Dar es Salaam. The meeting is expected to open new opportunities for investment, strengthen regional cooperation and promote locally produced goods.

In addition, key priority areas for 2026/27 also include large-scale environmental restoration projects, climate resilience programmes in vulnerable regions such as Kigoma, and ecosystem conservation initiatives targeting lakes, forests and coastal zones. The government further plans to plant billions of trees, expand green spaces and implement community-based projects to address climate change impacts while improving livelihoods.

“Other priorities include strengthening carbon trading systems through the establishment of a national carbon registry and improving monitoring, reporting and verification mechanisms,” said the minister adding that the government will also expand environmental education, enforce pollution control measures and promote clean cooking energy under the national strategy. In its 2026/27 plans regarding to union matters, the Vice President’s Office is expected to continue enhancing cooperation between the union government and the government of Zanzibar, including resolving outstanding union issues, promoting public awareness and supporting joint development initiatives.

Mr Masauni told parliament that the combined measures are designed to ensure that environmental sustainability, economic growth and social development move in tandem as Tanzania advances towards its long-term development vision. He called for continued collaboration from development partners, the private sector and citizens to realise the country’s transformation agenda.

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Arusha. The Musoma Sub-Registry of the High Court of Tanzania has dismissed an application by Wambura Simbanne seeking extension of time to file a notice of appeal against a 30-year prison sentence for manslaughter, after finding that he failed to justify a delay of more than three years.

In a ruling delivered on April 20, 2026, Justice Kamazima Kafanabo held that the application lacked sufficient legal grounds to warrant the court’s discretion in extending time. Simbanne had filed the application under Section 14(1) of the Appellate Jurisdiction Act, seeking leave to lodge a notice of appeal out of time against a judgment delivered on February 22, 2022, in Criminal Case No.

90 of 2021. He argued that the delay was caused by illness, stating that after his conviction he was transferred from Tarime Prison to Ukonga Central Prison, where he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and placed under medical care. According to his affidavit, the condition affected his ability to communicate with prison authorities and follow up on the appeal process.

He also claimed he believed prison officers were handling the matter on his behalf. However, the court noted that the delay stretched to 1,140 days–far beyond the statutory limit of 30 days for filing a notice of appeal.

The State opposed the application, arguing that the applicant had failed to provide sufficient explanation or evidence to support his claims. It said no medical records were submitted, and key dates relating to the alleged illness and transfers were not provided.

In his ruling, Justice Kafanabo said the court’s discretion to extend time must be exercised only where sufficient cause is demonstrated. He noted that factors such as the length of delay, explanation provided, diligence by the applicant and the existence of arguable grounds in the intended appeal must all be considered.

“The applicant has not provided a satisfactory explanation for the inordinate delay,” the judge said, adding that mere incarceration does not automatically justify failure to comply with procedural timelines. The court further observed that prisoners are still required to demonstrate diligence in pursuing their legal rights, even where they rely on prison systems for communication.

It also faulted the affidavit for failing to account for the entire period of delay or provide supporting documentation for the alleged illness. While acknowledging that courts may consider sympathy in appropriate cases, Justice Kafanabo emphasised that it cannot replace legal requirements.

“Justice must be administered in accordance with the law, and not on sympathy alone where no valid cause is shown,” he ruled. The court concluded that Simbanne had failed to establish sufficient grounds to justify the delay of more than three years and seven months, and accordingly dismissed the application.

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Madrid. Lamine Yamal has underlined the influence of Lionel Messi after being named the world’s best young athlete at the Laureus World Sports Awards, capping a remarkable rise for the 18-year-old Barcelona forward.

The Spain international received the Young Sportsperson of the Year award at the ceremony in Madrid, adding to a growing list of individual honours that already includes the 2025 Kopa Trophy and last year’s Laureus Breakthrough award. Speaking after the ceremony, Yamal used the moment to pay tribute to Messi, widely regarded as Barcelona’s greatest-ever player and the benchmark for generations of footballers.

He described the Argentine as “the best footballer in history” and said his ambition is to follow in his footsteps. “I hope I can follow his path,” Yamal said, acknowledging the comparisons that have increasingly followed him during his rapid ascent at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team.

The award cements Yamal’s status as the leading young talent in world football, a reputation built on a string of standout performances for both club and country. Still only 18, he has already played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic success and was instrumental in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest stars.

His recognition at the Laureus awards places him alongside some of the biggest names in global sport, with tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka among the senior winners on the night. For Yamal, however, the spotlight remains firmly on football and on living up to the legacy of Messi at Barcelona — a challenge he appears to embrace rather than shy away from.

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Dar es Salaam. Just days after a national debate was reignited by fresh findings on the soft skills crisis among graduates, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has unveiled a new partnership that could mark a major turning point in how universities prepare students for work.

On April 21, Tanzania’s oldest and leading university officially launched the UDSM-SKILLIKA Programme, a collaboration with Exact Manpower Consulting Ltd aimed at equipping students with the practical and behavioural skills employers have long said are missing. The launch comes shortly after a study published in the University of Dodoma’s Journal of Educational Management and Policy Issues revealed a strong link between soft skills and employability, warning that many graduates continue to lose opportunities despite holding academic qualifications.

The new initiative signals that universities are now responding directly to the challenge. Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Prof Rose Upor, Dr Flora Magige, said the programme reflects UDSM’s wider reforms to ensure graduates match labour market demands.

“In February 2024, the University published its Industrial Advisory Committee Guidelines to guide engagement with public and private sector actors so that we produce labour market-adaptive graduates and relevant research programmes,” she said. She added that industry linkages are no longer optional for higher learning institutions.

“Such partnerships enhance teaching for the labour market, strengthen competency-based learning and help institutions meet the skills needs for national development,” she noted. Dr Magige said the university sees collaboration with industry as a strategic two-way process that supports innovation, technology transfer and knowledge exchange while strengthening Tanzania’s socio-economic progress.

She said curriculum reviews undertaken in the 2024/25 academic cycle were also designed to improve graduate employability. “We expect one of the outcomes to be greater contribution of universities to Tanzania’s development and competitiveness across sectors,” she said.

At the centre of the new response is a three-stage model that follows students throughout their university journey. The foundation programme will target first-year students, an intermediate level will support second-year students, while finalists will receive advanced readiness training before graduation.

“This is not a one-day intervention. It is a continuous journey from admission to graduation,” Dr Magige said.

“The University fully supports the initiative.” Exact Manpower Consulting Ltd Managing Director, Mr Kaaya Ndenkunde, said the partnership was born out of a clear reality in the labour market.

“Academic excellence remains essential, but it is no longer sufficient on its own to guarantee workplace effectiveness, career progression or economic independence,” he said. According to him, employers across sectors continue to deliver the same message: graduates understand theory, but many need structured development in communication, discipline, problem-solving and financial responsibility.

“That gap affects productivity and delays meaningful contribution in the workplace,” he said. Mr Ndenkunde said SKILLIKA was designed as a deliberate answer to that challenge.

“The emphasis is not on theoretical understanding alone, but on demonstrable competence–how students think, communicate, manage themselves and perform in real-world environments,” he said. He added that the programme goes beyond helping graduates secure jobs.

“It equips students not only to seek employment, but to operate independently through entrepreneurship, income-generating activities and creating opportunities for others,” he said. Education experts have welcomed the development, saying it should now be expanded nationwide.

Higher education analyst, Dr Steven Tweve, said the UDSM move shows that universities are beginning to take employability concerns seriously. “For years, many institutions focused on examinations and certificates.

What UDSM has done is recognise that the labour market now rewards capability, not papers alone,” he said. He said if similar models are adopted across public and private universities, Tanzania could significantly reduce graduate unemployment and underemployment.

“This should not remain a single-campus success story. It needs policy support so every university integrates structured soft skills training into learning,” he added.

Education researcher, Dr Hemed Mvula, said the country has for too long paid the price of ignoring workplace skills. “When graduates fail interviews, struggle in teams or cannot communicate ideas, the loss is personal, institutional and national,” he said.

He noted that poor employability costs millions of shillings in wasted talent, repeated recruitment processes and lower productivity. “Closing this gap means better returns on education investment and a stronger economy,” he said.

During the launch, Prof Beatrice Mkenda, Dean of the University of Dar es Salaam School of Economics, referred students to the recent article published in The Citizen on the UDOM study, using it as evidence of why the new programme matters. .

Dodoma. The government has outlined a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the private sector’s role in driving economic growth, positioning it as a central pillar in the country’s long-term development agenda.

Responding to a question by Kigamboni MP Haran Nyakisa Sanga in Parliament yesterday, the Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Dr Pius Chaya, said the government is finalising key policy frameworks to improve the business and investment climate. Dr Chaya said the recently completed National Development Vision 2050 envisages the private sector contributing about 70 percent of the country’s economic growth.

“To realise this goal, the government is finalising the second phase of the Business and Investment Environment Improvement Plan (MKUMBI II),” he told the House. He added that a new investment policy and its implementation strategy are also being prepared to ensure a more conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors.

Dr Chaya further revealed that in the 2026/27 financial year, the government plans to develop a comprehensive policy, legal framework and strategy for private sector development. The measures will include the introduction of guidelines for assessing private sector performance, as well as tools to measure its contribution to the targeted 70 percent share of the economy.

In addition, the government is working on establishing a National Business and Investment Statistics Management System to improve data collection and monitoring. He said efforts are also underway to strengthen private sector dialogue platforms through the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), alongside reinforcing industrial, trade and investment units at regional and district levels.

To further ease doing business, the government plans to establish One Stop Facilitation Centres (OSFCs) in every region and district, aimed at streamlining services and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for investors. Dr Chaya emphasised that the government views the private sector as a key development partner and will continue to create a stable, predictable and business-friendly environment.

“The private sector remains a crucial driver of economic growth. Our focus is to ensure it expands, creates jobs, broadens the tax base and contributes fully to national development,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. The global aviation industry is enjoying one of its strongest recovery phases in recent years, but emerging geopolitical tensions, rising operating costs and supply chain disruptions are beginning to cloud the outlook, industry experts warn.

Latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows air cargo demand rose by 11.2 percent in February 2026 compared to a year earlier, supported by stronger global trade, improving manufacturing activity and resilient supply chains. Passenger demand also remained robust, rising by 6.

1 percent, with airlines recording record February load factors of 81.4 percent, signaling strong recovery momentum across both passenger and cargo segments. Despite this positive trajectory, aviation stakeholders caution that the outlook remains fragile due to escalating geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, where ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran are already disrupting global air operations.

Prominent Tanzanian aviation executive Mr Gaudence Temu says the industry is entering a period of uncertainty despite the strong demand fundamentals. He notes that while a temporary ceasefire has been reported between the United States and Iran, uncertainty remains over whether it will hold or escalate again–posing significant risks to global aviation stability.

“Regardless of the positive outlook, the industry will face major challenges from the ongoing conflict. There is still uncertainty on whether the ceasefire will hold or whether the war will continue,” he said.

According to him, the conflict has already affected airspace security, forcing airlines to reroute flights, close certain air corridors and reduce operational efficiency. “Airspace closures and rerouting have become more frequent, and this has reduced the effectiveness of operations across many international carriers,” he added.

These disruptions, he said, have led airlines to scale down capacity and reduce the number of flights on some international routes. The operational disruptions have also triggered a sharp increase in ticket prices globally, as airlines attempt to offset higher fuel costs and longer flight paths resulting from rerouting.

“Ticket prices have surged due to higher operating costs and longer routes,” he said. Africa and Tanzania not insulated While Africa accounts for only 2.

1 percent of global air cargo demand, according to IATA data, industry experts say the continent will still feel the ripple effects of global disruptions. Mr Temu noted that Tanzania, despite being geographically distant from the Middle East conflict zones, is not insulated from the economic consequences.

This week IATA had also confirmed that while crude prices dropped following recent ceasefire announcements, restoring the global supply of jet fuel and other refined products needed more time. Speaking to The Citizen, senior aviation expert Mr John Njawa said rising costs remain one of the most significant structural challenges facing airlines globally, including Tanzania’s national carrier.

“Cost is still a major challenge for flag carriers. Even when demand is strong, profitability is eroded by rising operational expenses,” he said.

Mr Njawa said airlines must adopt stronger internal strategies, including performance-based incentives and improved organizational efficiency, to remain competitive in a volatile environment. He also emphasised the need for better coordination of legal and regulatory frameworks to reduce operational friction across the sector.

Mr Njawa further urged governments and industry stakeholders to adopt long-term strategic planning to strengthen aviation resilience, particularly in developing markets. His remarks come at a time when global aviation is projected to generate $41 billion in profits in 2026, according to IATA, yet profitability remains uneven across regions and individual carriers.

Local market On March 30, 2026, the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) Mr Charles Kichere presented the 2024/25 report to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. It showed that Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) had accumulated debt of Sh748 billion by June 2025, with losses rising to Sh191.19 billion in 2024/25 alone, bringing total losses above Sh700 billion.

Costs rose faster than revenues, with expenses reaching Sh675 billion. Load factor averaged 55 percent across 87 routes, while inefficiencies in cargo operations and weak controls led to additional losses, including Sh20 billion through agents and Sh3.35 billion in idle aircraft costs.

While global aviation continues to show resilience, the combination of geopolitical uncertainty, rising fuel costs and operational disruptions is reshaping industry expectations. For Tanzania and other emerging aviation markets, the challenge is not just participating in the global recovery–but surviving its volatility.

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