Category: The Citizen

Telecommunications company YAS has invested more than Sh1 trillion in expanding and upgrading its network infrastructure across Tanzania, as demand for high-speed internet and digital services continues to surge.

The investment, which includes the rollout of more than 4,800 telecommunications towers nationwide, aligns with Tanzania’s accelerating digital transformation agenda, with businesses, public institutions and households increasingly relying on digital connectivity for commerce, financial services, education and communication.

Simba SC finally ended their four-season wait for silverware after edging Azam FC 1-0 to lift the CRDB Federation Cup at Gombani Stadium in Pemba on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The victory marked Simba’s first major domestic trophy since the 2021/22 season, bringing to an end a period in which arch-rivals Young Africans (Yanga) dominated the competition.

Yanga had won the Federation Cup for four consecutive seasons before their reign came to an end this year following a dramatic 3-2 semifinal defeat to Azam FC at CCM Kirumba Stadium on June 21.

With the defending champions out of the way, Simba seized their opportunity to reclaim silverware and cap off a season of resurgence.

The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when Azam defender Yahya Zayd inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross delivered by Congolese winger Ellie Mpanzu. The own goal proved enough to separate the two sides in a tightly contested final.

Azam’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a major setback minutes later when midfielder Feisal Salum received a straight red card after elbowing Simba striker Libasse Gueye. Reduced to ten men, Azam found it increasingly difficult to create meaningful chances as Simba comfortably managed the closing stages.

The final had begun cautiously, with both teams showing defensive discipline in a physical first half that produced few clear-cut opportunities. Midfield battles dominated proceedings as neither side was willing to take unnecessary risks before the break.

However, Simba showed greater urgency after halftime, eventually forcing the mistake that handed them the breakthrough before maintaining their composure to secure the trophy.

The triumph represents a significant milestone for head coach Steve Barker, who has transformed the team’s fortunes since taking charge midway through the season.

Speaking after the match, Barker credited the club’s leadership for standing behind the team during a challenging campaign.

“I would like to thank our president Mohamed Dewji, the board and everyone at the club for the trust and support they have given us. This trophy is a reward for the hard work of the players, technical bench and the entire Simba family,” said Barker.

The title also provides Simba supporters with long-awaited celebrations after watching Yanga dominate domestic football over the past four years.

Beyond ending the trophy drought, the Federation Cup success restores belief within the Msimbazi Street club as it looks to build on the achievement heading into the 2026/27 season.

For Azam FC, the defeat will be difficult to accept after eliminating defending champions Yanga in the semifinals, only to fall at the final hurdle against a determined Simba side eager to bring silverware back to the club.

The East African Community (EAC) has urged citizens across the region to play an active role in advancing a new strategic direction introduced by the East African Kiswahili Commission (KAKAMA), aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of the Kiswahili language.

The Commission has adopted the new approach as part of efforts to drive innovation and strengthen the language through its Third International Kiswahili Conference, which begins on Sunday, July 5, 2026, ahead of the commemoration of World Kiswahili Language Day on July 7. Both events will be held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Speaking to journalists in Bujumbura on Saturday, July 4, Executive Secretary Dr Caroline Asiimwe said all EAC partner states should participate fully in achieving the Commission’s vision of promoting Kiswahili through artificial intelligence and multilingual technologies, in line with this year’s theme.

She said the Commission’s new agenda prioritises investment, innovation and regional collaboration as the key drivers of Kiswahili’s future growth.

Dr Asiimwe called for increased investment in areas such as companies producing Kiswahili digital content powered by artificial intelligence, the development of innovative language technologies and stronger regional partnerships to accelerate innovation.

“I urge East Africans to contribute in every possible way, particularly through investment, innovation and collaboration,” she said.

She also called on policymakers across EAC member states to seize the opportunity by introducing and strengthening policies that promote the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in the development and use of Kiswahili.

Dr Asiimwe invited people from all sectors across the East African region to take part in the conference, either by attending the sessions in person or following the proceedings online.

She noted that the conference coincides with the 10th anniversary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, marking a decade since its establishment.

Dr Asiimwe further encouraged East Africans to celebrate the Commission’s achievements over the past ten years and to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Kiswahili as a language of regional integration, education, innovation and sustainable development.

More than 54 shops have been destroyed and 23 others saved after a major fire broke out in the Lumumba area of Mwanza City, burning for about 14 hours before being contained at around 4am.

Mwanza Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Elisa Mugisha, said on Saturday, July 4, 2026, that the fire started at about 7pm on Friday, July 3, 2026, and was brought under control in the early hours of Saturday, July 4, 2026.

He said two buildings housing a total of 77 shops were affected, with most of the businesses, particularly cosmetics outlets, heavily damaged.

‘The two buildings had about 77 shops, but 54 were destroyed, meaning about 23 shops were saved. Some were completely burnt, while others were partially damaged and traders managed to salvage some goods,’ he said.

Residents reported loud explosions throughout the night, thick smoke and a strong smell of burning cosmetics, which made firefighting operations more difficult and hazardous.

Mr Mugisha said firefighters had to proceed with extreme caution to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent structures.

‘We found the fire very intense. It had spread through the upper floors and even crossed to the next street, from Lumumba Street to Lwagasore Street. We first focused on preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings because they are interconnected and used for business,’ he said.

He said one of the major challenges was the structure of the buildings, as nearly all shops had upper floors used as storage areas where the fire spread unnoticed and continued burning.

‘Another challenge is that almost all shops have upper floors used as storage, and that is where the fire was most severe. Fighting a fire in such areas is very difficult,’ he said, adding that the type of goods stored worsened the situation.

‘Most of the products sold there, cosmetics such as perfumes, are highly flammable and can explode when exposed to heat, so there were many and very large explosions,’ he said.

Due to the explosions, firefighters would often contain one section only for the blaze to re-ignite elsewhere, prolonging the operation.

Despite the difficulties, fire and rescue teams working together with police and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) managed to save several nearby buildings.

‘We thank God that although the fire spread from one building to another, we managed to save about four neighbouring buildings that were at risk,’ he said.

No injuries or deaths were reported, with both firefighters and civilians involved in the operation escaping safely.

‘We are grateful that there were no human casualties, no injuries or deaths. Our firefighters and members of the public all came out safely,’ he said.

On security, Mr Mugisha said isolated incidents of theft were reported outside the main affected area.

‘We do not have many cases of theft. The few complaints are from those who had moved their goods outside,’ he said.

He added that investigations into the cause of the fire and the extent of losses were ongoing.

‘The fire lasted about 14 hours. After investigations, we will determine the cause and the total losses,’ he said.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said police had increased security in the area to prevent looting.

‘The security of people’s property and traders in this area is assured. Police officers are on patrol,’ he said.

He added that officers had been deployed across all affected zones to deter any attempted theft.

‘Those who may have intended to loot did not get the opportunity. We have ensured they are contained,’ he said.

Currently, traders are retrieving their goods from the affected buildings under police supervision, while those whose shops were not affected have been encouraged to continue normal business operations.

Mwanza Regional Traders Association Secretary Khamis Muhere said more than 30 traders were directly affected.

‘Our preliminary estimate is that over 30 traders have been affected. Their shops and all goods have been completely destroyed,’ he said.

An eyewitness, Mr Gerald Juma, said the fire was difficult to control because it continued burning beneath the shops.

‘The first building to catch fire was the initial one. Tanesco (The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited) were called and came to switch off electricity and managed to control it briefly before leaving. The fire had already spread to goods stored below. When they left, it flared up again,’ he said.

One of the victims, Ms Mary Stephano, said the incident should serve as a lesson to traders and property owners on the importance of proper planning and insurance.

‘Property owners should consider proper building plans because business spaces here are very congested. People should also take insurance,’ she advised.

A growing push towards cleaner and more accessible urban transport is being accompanied by rapid expansion in asset financing, with Watu Credit Tanzania reporting that it has funded more than 13,000 gas-powered Tuktuks and introduced several hundred electric units in recent years.

The company says the financing model has enabled thousands of young Tanzanians to enter the transport sector, though it also reflects a broader shift towards income-generation lending tied to specific assets rather than traditional unsecured credit.

Speaking at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, Acting General Manager Seuri Kuoko said the firm’s strategy has centred on linking credit to productive tools such as motorcycles, three-wheelers and smartphones, which borrowers are expected to use to generate income while repaying loans.

‘We have spent the past five years focusing on solutions that create economic opportunities rather than simply providing loans,’ he said.

Mr Kuoko said Watu Credit has disbursed more than Sh700 billion over the period, financing over 30,000 motorcycles and Tuktuks in total, alongside smartphone loans aimed at expanding digital access.

He said more than 13,000 gas-powered Tuktuks have been financed to date, with between 400 and 500 electric three-wheelers introduced as part of an emerging shift towards cleaner transport, which the company says it intends to scale up.

The model allows customers to make an initial deposit before repaying the balance over time, after which ownership is transferred, a structure the company describes as central to its approach to financial inclusion.

However, the reliance on asset-backed lending also places borrowers in a position where income stability is closely tied to daily earnings from transport services, a sector often affected by fuel costs, maintenance expenses and fluctuating demand.

Mr Kuoko said the firm also provides support in cases where borrowers face disruption.

‘If a customer’s motorcycle is damaged, we assist them in getting it repaired so they can return to work and continue earning an income,’ he said.

Beyond financing, the company runs training programmes in financial literacy, credit management, road safety and responsible borrowing, aimed at improving repayment discipline and business sustainability among clients.

On the environmental front, Mr Kuoko said the introduction of electric Tuktuks aligns with broader national efforts to promote cleaner mobility, although the sector is still at an early stage of adoption compared to fuel-powered alternatives.

An exhibitor, Ali Mchongwe, said access to financing had enabled him to enter the transport business after lacking sufficient capital to purchase a vehicle outright.

‘I obtained a Tuktuks through Watu, and it has given me the opportunity to earn an income by providing transport services,’ he said.

He said the repayment structure allows individuals with limited savings to start small businesses, gradually working towards full ownership of the asset.

‘If you honour the loan agreement and complete your repayments, the vehicle becomes yours and you continue growing your business,’ he said.

As Tanzania continues to promote youth employment and cleaner transport solutions, the expansion of asset-based financing is likely to remain a key feature of the informal transport economy, even as questions persist around affordability, long-term sustainability and the resilience of borrowers in a volatile income sector.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has set aside Sh15 billion for the development of a cultural village, aimed at preserving and promoting the islands’ rich cultural heritage.

The project is expected to showcase Zanzibar’s traditional arts, music, architecture and cultural practices, while also strengthening cultural tourism and creating space for the growth of creative industries.

Speaking during the award night, the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture, Arts and Sports in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ), Dr. Riziki Pembe Juma, said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the cultural economy and expanding opportunities for artists, performers and cultural practitioners across the islands.

‘I had to confirm this so that you can see the light or a solution to the challenges of venues and our cultural activities,’ she said.

The cultural village will also serve as a venue for entertainment and cultural events, providing a dedicated space for performances, festivals, exhibitions and community gatherings.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to address long-standing challenges facing the cultural sector, including access to proper venues and infrastructure.

Dr. Juma further stressed the need for sustainable support systems for creatives beyond major events such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), noting that young filmmakers, scriptwriters and directors require continued engagement and opportunities.

‘ZIFF is very big and well-known, but these young artists, scriptwriters and film directors need ZIFF’s support beyond festival days. What you do during those five days is important, but then what? What’s there after ZIFF?’

Her remarks underscored the importance of strengthening year-round cultural platforms to ensure that festivals translate into long-term development for the creative industry in Zanzibar.

Kenya has unveiled a sweeping agricultural investment blueprint worth KES1.081 trillion (about Sh21 trillion), setting the stage for heightened competition across East Africa for capital, agribusiness investment and food systems transformation.

The National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP 2026-2030), launched during the Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) Summit held in Nairobi from June 30 to July 2, 2026, seeks to modernise agricultural value chains, expand irrigation infrastructure, strengthen food security and generate more than two million jobs by 2030.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its knockout stages, millions of Tanzanian football fans are sacrificing sleep to catch live matches from North America, with health experts warning that the month-long trend could affect productivity, mental wellbeing and road safety.

With Tanzania eight hours ahead of many World Cup host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, some of the tournament’s biggest fixtures are kicking off well after midnight, forcing supporters to choose between sleep and football.

From Dar es Salaam and Arusha to Mwanza, Mbeya and Zanzibar, bars, restaurants and makeshift viewing centres have remained packed into the early hours as fans gather to watch their favourite teams. Others stay awake at home, glued to television screens or streaming matches on their mobile phones.

While the atmosphere has created a festival-like mood, doctors say repeatedly staying awake through the night comes at a cost.

Sleep specialists warn that even a few nights of inadequate sleep can reduce concentration, slow reaction times and weaken the body’s immune system. For workers who report to the office early, drivers beginning their shifts before dawn and students attending morning classes, the effects can quickly accumulate.

The concern is particularly relevant in Tanzania, where many football enthusiasts balance demanding work schedules with an unwavering passion for the beautiful game.

Some employees admit they arrive at work exhausted after watching late-night clashes featuring global heavyweights such as Brazil, England, Argentina, France and Spain.

Coffee vendors have also noticed increased business in the mornings, with many customers looking for an energy boost after nights spent following the tournament.

Road safety experts are equally concerned, noting that fatigue can impair judgement in much the same way as alcohol. Commercial drivers, motorcyclists and long-distance bus operators are being urged to get adequate rest before taking to the roads.

Nutritionists also caution against the eating habits that often accompany overnight football viewing. Fried snacks, sugary drinks and energy beverages consumed in large quantities during late-night matches can contribute to weight gain, elevated blood pressure and other long-term health problems.

Despite the warnings, many supporters insist that the World Cup is a once-every-four-years spectacle worth losing sleep over.

For die-hard fans, especially those supporting English clubs during the domestic season, late-night football has become a familiar routine. Many say they will happily endure a few weeks of fatigue for the chance to witness football history unfold live.

Medical professionals, however, are encouraging fans to strike a balance. They advise supporters to take short naps where possible, remain hydrated, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, and prioritise sleep on nights when their favourite teams are not in action.

As excitement builds towards the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final, one thing is certain: while the World Cup continues to unite Tanzanians through football, the greatest challenge for many supporters may not be picking the winning team, but staying awake the next day.

The growing burden of kidney disease in Tanzania is driving demand for modern treatment options that are less invasive and more affordable than conventional surgery.

Government data show that the number of kidney patients receiving dialysis services at health facilities increased from 1,017 in 2019 to 3,327 in 2025, underscoring rising demand for specialised kidney care.

Against this backdrop, Sino Kangning Polyclinic has introduced technology that uses focused sound waves to break kidney stones into tiny fragments, allowing them to pass naturally through urine without the need for surgery.

Speaking during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, Dr Kanansia Mbowe said the procedure eliminates the need for surgical incisions and prolonged hospital stays.

“The patient does not undergo an operation or require admission. The machine directs sound waves at the kidney stone, breaking it into sand-like particles that are later expelled naturally through urine,” she said.

Dr Mbowe said the technology, commonly known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), is currently available at only a few health facilities in Tanzania but is already helping many patients avoid surgery and lengthy recovery periods.

She said many people still believe surgery is the only effective treatment for kidney stones, yet advances in medical technology now provide a safer, less invasive alternative for suitable patients.

In addition to kidney stone treatment, the facility has specialist urologists who manage a wide range of conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract.

Dr Mbowe also revealed that the facility has brought orthopaedic and microsurgery specialists from China who are capable of reattaching severed body parts, including fingers, hands and limbs.

She said such procedures have the highest chance of success when patients reach hospital within eight hours of the injury.

“Within that period, blood vessels and nerves can still be repaired. After that, the detached body part gradually loses viability because of the lack of blood supply, reducing the chances of successful reattachment,” she explained.

The specialists also provide treatment for chronic diabetic wounds through skin grafting, scar reconstruction and reproductive health services.

One of the visitors to the facility, Mr Manjit Kumar, said the introduction of non-surgical kidney stone treatment could significantly reduce treatment costs for patients.

“Patients will spend less time in hospital, recover faster and return to work much sooner. This will also reduce the financial burden associated with surgery,” he said.

Police in Mtwara Region, through the Cybercrime Unit, have arrested four suspects accused of involvement in fraud and other cyber offences across 11 regions of the country.

Mtwara Regional Police Commander Issa Suleiman told journalists on Saturday, June 4, 2026, that the suspects had been entering Mtwara at different times, where they allegedly committed fraud targeting financial service providers before relocating to other parts of the country.