Category: The Citizen

The government is preparing sustainable economic growth guidelines aimed at helping small-scale producers and processors comply with regulatory standards without facing multiple inspections from different government institutions.

Speaking on Monday, July 20, during a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the proposed guidelines, a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour Department), Odo Hekela, said institutions responsible for the environment, labour, social security, agriculture and forestry had agreed to adopt a coordinated approach to streamline compliance requirements for producers and investors.

He said the move was intended to address complaints from businesses over overlapping inspections by various regulatory agencies, stressing that the government’s role is not to hinder production but to ensure goods meet national and international standards. “Our aim is to enable producers to assess their own compliance before government inspectors visit. The government’s role is not to create obstacles but to safeguard product quality and compliance with established standards,” Mr Hekela said.

He noted that international markets increasingly require proof that products are manufactured in compliance with environmental protection, workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, and quality standards.

According to him, the biggest challenge facing small producers is not non-compliance but limited awareness of legal requirements relating to environmental protection, employment, workplace safety, labour contracts, wages and the prohibition of child labour.

“We want producers to assess themselves as though looking into a mirror. They should know in advance whether they meet the required standards before an inspection. This will reduce bureaucracy and improve the competitiveness of Tanzanian products in international markets,” he said.

Acting Morogoro Zonal Manager of the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), Joyce Omolo, said the guidelines would make it easier for investors and producers to comply with environmental laws before official inspections.

She said the approach had already reduced inspection times because many investors now conduct self-assessments and address compliance gaps before inspectors arrive.

“Work that previously took three or four days can now be completed within two days because investors have already complied with most legal requirements. Our role is simply to verify compliance,” Ms Omolo said.

Samuel Kajiba, a project officer with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said collaboration between the government and stakeholders in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth would strengthen sustainable production, protect the environment and improve communities’ resilience to climate change.

He said IUCN is implementing the SUSTAIN project, which seeks to promote sustainable food production systems while protecting landscapes and ecosystems.

The project began in 2024 and its first phase will run until 2030, with a second phase expected to continue until 2036.

“These initiatives help us build resilient ecosystems, protect land, water resources and biodiversity, while strengthening communities’ capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change,” Mr Kajiba said.

He added that the long-term goal is to integrate the approach into national implementation frameworks, creating a unified system that links economic growth, environmental conservation and climate resilience while contributing to the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

Arusha Gymkhana Club golfer Jay Nathwani produced a composed final-round display to win the Arusha Open Golf Tournament after finishing with a three-round aggregate score of 223 at the weekend.

Nathwani, representing the host club, carded rounds of 74, 74 and 75 to finish seven-over-par and hold off a strong challenge from clubmate Christopher Botha in one of the season’s most competitive domestic tournaments.

The victory underlined Nathwani’s consistency over the 54-hole championship as he remained in control throughout the three rounds. Both settled for second place on a total of 226 after returning rounds of 77, 77 and an impressive final-round 72 to finish 10-over-par, three strokes behind the champion.

TPDF Lugalo Golf Club’s Isiaka Dunia completed the podium after posting rounds of 78, 72 and 77 for an aggregate score of 227, while his clubmate Enoshi Wanyeche finished fourth on 230 following rounds of 71, 79 and 80.

Victor Joseph of Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club rounded off the top five with a total score of 238 after carding rounds of 82, 77 and 79.

The tournament attracted leading amateur golfers from across the country, with players battling over three demanding rounds on the Arusha Gymkhana course.

The event once again highlighted the growing standard of Tanzanian golf and provided another opportunity for the country’s top players to collect valuable ranking points ahead of upcoming national competitions.

In the subsidiary event, Arusha Gymkhana Club’s Neema Olomi maintained her excellent form by emerging champion with a total score of 151.

The national ladies’ captain, who has enjoyed an outstanding season, opened with 74 before adding 77 to comfortably secure top honours.

Loveness Frank of Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate occupied second place after posting 83 through 16 holes at the time of the leaderboard update. Burhan Jivajee from Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club claimed third position on 171 after rounds of 86 and 85, while Arusha Gymkhana junior Fidel Mrema finished fourth on 173 with rounds of 77 and 96.

Lina Francis, also of Arusha Gymkhana Club, completed the top five after returning rounds of 81 and 93 for a total of 174. The Arusha Open once again lived up to its reputation as one of Tanzania’s premier golfing events, attracting experienced competitors alongside emerging talents.

Mbeya. In Mbeya Region, agriculture is doing more than driving the local economy.

Revenue from major crops is being channelled into education, with district councils building schools named after the commodities that finance them.

The initiative has improved access to education in rural areas, reducing the distance pupils travel to school while contributing to better academic performance.

Regional authorities say the strategy demonstrates how agricultural wealth can be reinvested in social services while encouraging communities to appreciate the value of farming.

Mbeya, one of Tanzania’s leading agricultural regions, produces both food and cash crops, including cocoa, pyrethrum, tobacco, avocados, coffee, sesame, potatoes, bananas and beans.

The sector is the backbone of the region’s economy and a major source of local government revenue.

The government has also supported the sector through fertiliser subsidies and investment in irrigation to boost productivity and help farmers adapt to climate change.

In Chunya District, revenue from tobacco has financed the construction of Mayeka Secondary School, formerly known as Tobacco Secondary School. The girls’ school has reached Form Three, while construction of a dormitory is under way.

District authorities are also planning another school that will be funded through revenue generated from gold mining.

In Mbeya District Council, income from pyrethrum has financed Pareto Secondary School, reflecting the crop’s contribution to the council’s finances. Agriculture accounts for about 80 percent of the council’s own-source revenue.

Rungwe District has used levies from avocado production to build Avocado Secondary School, which is expected to begin operations soon.

Meanwhile, Kyela District has established Cocoa Girls Secondary School using revenue generated from cocoa production. The school has enrolled students up to Form Two, with a dormitory, administration block and additional sanitation facilities under construction.

Residents say the schools have reduced transport costs, improved access to education and eased the burden on parents.

‘Before Pareto Secondary School was built, our children travelled long distances to attend school. Now they study closer to home, arrive on time and perform better academically,’ said Mr Yusuph Mwankenja.

Another resident, Ms Beatrice Aloyce, said expanding schools into rural communities had improved access to education while reducing household costs.

‘The government deserves credit for bringing schools closer to the people. Our responsibility is to support these efforts whenever necessary,’ she said.

Cocoa farmer Faustine Charles said the initiative shows how agriculture can drive broader social and economic development.

‘Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. Farmers should continue adopting good agricultural practices to improve productivity, while stakeholders should keep supporting government initiatives,’ he said.

Agricultural expert Benjamin Alex said other regions could replicate the model by investing agricultural revenue in education and other public services.

‘Investors could also contribute by supporting the construction of health centres, roads and other infrastructure, allowing the government to direct resources to other priorities,’ he said.

He also urged farmers to follow professional advice to improve productivity and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian produce in local and export markets.

Education stakeholder Benjamin Rafael said every region should consider investing revenue from its leading economic activities in projects that directly benefit communities.

Mbarali District Executive Director Raymond Mweli said the district was planning to establish a school financed through revenue from rice production.

‘We are incorporating the project into our budget plans and identifying a suitable site. We expect to begin implementation once preparations are complete,’ he said.

Kyela District Executive Director Frolah Luhala said the council was also considering building a boys’ school using revenue generated from oil palm production.

Chunya District Executive Director Tamimu Kambona said plans were under way to establish another school, to be named after gold, reflecting the district’s mining industry.

Mbeya District Executive Director Erica Yegela said agriculture contributes about 80 percent of the council’s own-source revenue, enabling continued investment in education and other community development projects.

Tanzania has taken a major new step along the progressive journey towards the adoption of electric mobility after the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) officially issued specific operational guidelines for electric vehicle charging stations and battery swapping systems.

The guidelines open a new chapter for investors and users of this technology, establishing foundations for safety, investment, and operation of the infrastructure required to drive the country’s electric vehicle sector.

For years, the toughest part of winning in African sport often came after the final whistle. Teams could battle for 90 minutes, grind out victories or pull off dramatic comebacks, only to spend weeks-or even months-waiting for the bonuses they had already earned. Too often, the joy of victory faded long before the reward arrived.

Today, that script is being rewritten by betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus (LRB), a performance-driven initiative that ensures players and technical staff are rewarded while the celebrations are still echoing inside the dressing room. Instead of chasing unpaid match bonuses, winning teams receive instant mobile money payments within minutes of victory, turning every hard-earned result into an immediate payday.

The numbers show the programme is gaining serious momentum. Over the past year alone, Locker Room Bonus has delivered more than US$1.67 million through over 47,000 instant payouts, rewarding more than 7,000 players and coaches from 387 clubs across nearly 3,000 football, basketball and volleyball matches in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi and Cameroon.

Behind every payment is pawaPass, a digital verification platform that confirms eligible recipients before bonuses are released directly to their mobile wallets. The technology removes middlemen, eliminates unnecessary delays and allows players to enjoy the rewards of victory before they have even left the stadium or arena.

But Locker Room Bonus is about more than speed-it is also changing the scoreboard for equality. Across every participating country, men’s and women’s teams compete for exactly the same winning bonus. In Ghana, for instance, players in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League collect the same reward per victory as their counterparts in the men’s Premier League, proving that a win is worth the same regardless of who delivers it.

For betPawa founder Kresten Buch, the initiative is built on a simple sporting principle: winners deserve to be rewarded when they win. Rather than handing out subsidies, Locker Room Bonus links financial incentives directly to performance, giving players another reason to compete harder and clubs another incentive to chase results.

The programme has also found a strong advocate in Mr Eazi, Chairman of Choplife Gaming and one of its ambassadors, who says instant rewards restore professionalism and respect to domestic sport. In his view, athletes are not asking for favours-they are simply receiving the prize they have earned through discipline, teamwork and performance.

Having already made its mark in football and basketball, Locker Room Bonus is now extending its reach into volleyball through its partnership with the Kenya Volleyball Federation, with more sports and markets firmly in its sights.

As African sport continues to raise its standard on the pitch, court and beyond, Locker Room Bonus is proving that innovation can be as valuable as tactics, talent and teamwork. In this new era, victory is no longer measured only by the scoreline or the trophy-it is also reflected in the instant notification that lands on a player’s phone moments after the match, confirming that the reward for winning has arrived.

A few years ago, I walked into a client meeting convinced I needed to impress him. I had the full “Impress the Client Starter Pack”: case studies, glowing referrals, a polished portfolio, and rehearsed answers to questions he hadn’t even asked yet.

In my mind, this wasn’t a pitch, it was the thin line between financial stress and financial flexibility. I’d already spent the money mentally, I was ready to join the soft life and end my social media posts with ‘#NaEnjoyment’.

When the day arrived, I was ready to explain my process, experience, and services, and convince him that hiring me was the smartest business decision he’d make all year. Then, 12 minutes into the conversation my carefully rehearsed talking points felt completely irrelevant. The client started talking about his pain points and what was frustrating him. I had spent so much time preparing to talk about myself that I hadn’t spent nearly enough time preparing to understand his business needs.

My imaginary brunches were postponed and my soft life era was immediately downgraded to “character-building season.” I took the news particularly hard, but the experience taught me that pitches are not just about proving how impressive you are but rather about helping people feel understood.

Fast forward to five years later, and I’ve landed a very similar project. This time I approached the pitch with the mentality of building trust and understanding the business needs first, rather than proving myself.

Communication experts often refer to a concept called WIIFM, which stands for “What’s In It For Me?” Whether we are pitching a client, investor, employer, or business partner, people naturally view opportunities through the lens of their own needs and challenges. They are not primarily interested in how clever our solution is. They are interested in how it improves their situation.

The mistake I made and others still do when pitching is believing their product needs to sound revolutionary. As a result, they spend most of their time talking about features, credentials, and capabilities. Meanwhile, the person sitting across from them is silently asking a different set of questions. Will this solve my problem? Can I trust you? What could go wrong? Why should I choose you instead of someone else?

Research in communication psychology consistently shows that people are more likely to be persuaded by individuals they perceive as credible, competent, and genuinely interested in helping them. This principle is reflected in what many professionals call the Trust Equation. While there are several versions, the underlying idea is simple: trust increases when expertise and reliability are combined with genuine understanding.

I learnt this lesson the hard way. Early in my career, I thought my job was to impress people with everything I knew. Over time, I discovered that the most successful conversations happened when I spent less time explaining and more time listening.

The next time you prepare a pitch, remember that your audience is probably not wondering how impressive you are. They are wondering whether you understand what is making their job harder and if you can make a difficult situation easier.

The most effective pitches do not sell services. They sell a future where the problem is smaller, the risk is lower, and the path forward is clearer.

Police in Dodoma Region have confirmed the detention of University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer Melkisedeki Kaijage, saying investigations are ongoing into allegations against him.

Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Mr Gallus Hyera, told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, on Monday, July 20, 2026, that Kaijage was in police custody and would be taken to court once investigations are completed.

‘Yes, we are holding him over those allegations, but we cannot provide further details at this stage because investigations are still ongoing. Once the process is completed, everything will be made public, including whether he will be presented before other legal authorities,’ said Commander Hyera. News of Kaijage’s arrest was first released by the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (UDOMASA), which stated in a document signed by its secretary, Isaack Mahenge, that the arrest was linked to allegations of encouraging participation in planned demonstrations scheduled for July 7, 2026.

According to the UDOMASA statement, on July 3, 2026, Kaijage received a summons through his head of department instructing him to report to the UDOM Police Station on July 8. He complied with the summons and arrived accompanied by two UDOMASA leaders and his lawyer.

‘On the evening of July 8, 2026, Kaijage was taken to the Regional Criminal Investigations Officer’s (RCO) office to provide a statement, where his leaders and lawyer learnt that the lecturer was being accused of encouraging the July 7, 2026 demonstrations,’ part of the statement reads.

UDOMASA said efforts to secure his release on bail were unsuccessful despite their argument that the offence was eligible for bail. The association later decided to pursue legal action through the court, filing a case at the High Court of Tanzania, Dodoma Registry, which is scheduled to be mentioned on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

UDOMASA Chairman Dr Gerald Shija said the association was continuing to seek justice for the lecturer in order to establish whether the matter was solely related to alleged encouragement of demonstrations or whether there were other issues involved.

‘We cannot know what else may be involved, but the charge sheet stated that it was about encouraging demonstrations, including the use of his writings, which neither you nor I know the details of. However, I believe the truth will eventually come out,’ Dr Shija said.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said she was not aware of the matter but promised to follow it up before commenting further.

University of Dodoma Vice Chancellor Prof Lughano Kusiluka said he had no information about the detention of any university employee, explaining that he was away from the university on a special assignment.

Prof Kusiluka said his current location made it difficult to access social media platforms and receive updates on developments at the university.

‘I do not have any information about what is happening at UDOM at the moment. I have been away for some time due to a special assignment, which I am now close to completing. Where I am, communication is also difficult, including accessing my phone,’ Professor Kusiluka said.

UDOM Head of Communications Rose Mdami also said she had no official information regarding the lecturer’s detention.

President Hassan has launched the construction of the sixth lot of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, linking Tabora and Kigoma, in a move expected to improve transport connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the western regions.

The Sh7.5 trillion project covers 506 kilometres and comprises the Tabora-Kigoma and Uvinza-Msongati sections, with completion scheduled for 2030.

President Hassan launched the project on Monday in Kigoma Region by laying the foundation stone, marking the start of construction of one of the country’s major railway expansion projects.

The railway is expected to reduce travel time between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma from more than 20 hours to about eight hours, while opening up new business opportunities along the western corridor.

Construction of the project has reached more than 10 per cent, with the railway expected to create about 15,000 jobs for residents of Kigoma and Tabora.

The SGR extension is also expected to boost trade by connecting Kigoma with the Port of Dar es Salaam and neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.

Technology firm Petabyte Aircom, in collaboration with the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), has showcased its Peoplelink Smart Digital Interactive Classroom solution at the Tanzania Technology Community (TTC) exhibition, highlighting efforts to accelerate digital transformation in the education sector.

Speaking during the exhibition at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Petabyte Aircom Marketing and Business Manager Navneet Vijay said the company’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting schools and higher learning institutions through innovative technology solutions.

He said smart classroom technologies are transforming teaching and learning methods while equipping students with digital skills and creativity needed in an increasingly technology-driven world. The Director of Knowledge Management at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (Costech), Mr Samson Mwera, said innovations showcased by students demonstrate Tanzania’s growing capacity to nurture a generation capable of using science and technology to address development challenges.

Among the innovations displayed were a technology-based traffic management system aimed at reducing congestion at road intersections, a Smart Parking system to guide motorists to available parking spaces, and 3D printing technology for producing various items.

Mr Mwera said many students are already learning computer programming and demonstrating innovation skills despite being at early stages of their education.

He added that Costech plans to support promising innovators through financial assistance for projects that meet set criteria, enabling them to develop their ideas beyond exhibitions.

Meanwhile, TTC Director Baraka Yusuf Jacobo Magiri said the organisation is working with the government to strengthen technology education by building the capacity of teachers and students to adopt modern digital learning methods.

He called for the integration of coding, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national education curriculum, as well as increased investment in digital learning tools such as smart boards.

A senior teacher from Tegeta A Primary School in Ubungo Municipality said the exhibition had provided students with an opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase their talents and develop interest in using technology to solve real-life challenges.

The exhibition brought together students, teachers, innovators and technology stakeholders to promote the use of science, technology and innovation in addressing development challenges.

The detention of a University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer, Melkisedeki Kaijage, has reignited debate over academic freedom in Tanzania, with academics and their union warning that the incident could undermine universities’ role as centres of independent thought, research and evidence-based debate.

The concerns follow confirmation by the Tanzania Police Force that Dr Kaijage is being held over allegations linked to incitement.

Police told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi on Monday July 20, 2026 that investigations are continuing, while UDOM management said it had not received official information regarding the lecturer’s detention. The case has since attracted the attention of the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Trade Union (THTU), which argues that the incident raises broader questions about the protection of academic freedom and the relationship between law enforcement and higher learning institutions.

In a detailed legal and policy analysis released on Monday, the union said the arrest of academics over issues connected to their professional duties risks creating fear within universities and weakening the country’s higher education system.

“The recent incidents involving the arrest, questioning and prosecution of academics over opinions expressed while carrying out their academic duties have generated a wider debate on the limits of academic freedom and how law enforcement should be balanced with the protection of the fundamental rights of academics,” the union states.

According to THTU, academic freedom goes beyond what lecturers say inside lecture halls.

It encompasses the right of academics, researchers and students to teach, learn, conduct research, publish findings and participate in scholarly discussions without intimidation or unlawful interference.

Citing international instruments, including UNESCO’s 1997 Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel, the union argues that universities can only fulfil their mission of generating knowledge and innovation when scholars are able to pursue research and express academic opinions freely.

The organisation also notes that Tanzania’s legal framework already recognises freedom of expression under Article 18 of the Constitution and that the Universities Act and Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) guidelines emphasise institutional autonomy and academic freedom.

The union says Dr Kaijage’s detention follows earlier arrests of two lecturers from St John’s University of Tanzania, who were also accused of offences linked to planned demonstrations.

It says Kaijage, who had responded to a police summons, is being detained for the second time after previously being arrested during events surrounding demonstrations in December last year.

THTU maintains that it has closely followed the cases, including visiting police stations where the lecturers are being held, while seeking to ensure they access their legal rights.

“The right to bail is among the fundamental rights of an accused person as recognised under the Constitution,” the document states, adding that continued detention without bail and delays in presenting suspects before court have raised legal questions that deserve careful consideration.

Beyond the legal issues, the union warns that such arrests could have far-reaching consequences for universities.

It argues that fear of arrest may encourage lecturers to avoid discussing sensitive public policy issues or undertaking research in areas such as governance, law and human rights.

“The arrests create a chilling effect within universities,” the paper says. “Academics may begin to censor themselves by choosing not to teach or research certain subjects for fear of legal or administrative consequences.”

According to the analysis, the consequences could extend beyond individual lecturers.

The union warns that restrictions on academic debate may affect the quality of teaching, discourage scientific research, weaken institutional autonomy, damage collaboration between lecturers and students and reduce Tanzania’s attractiveness as a destination for international academic partnerships and research funding.

THTU further argues that universities play a vital role in producing professionals, policymakers and innovators capable of addressing national challenges through evidence-based solutions.

“If the learning environment is driven by fear, intimidation or repression instead of the freedom to think, question and seek truth based on evidence, the nation risks producing professionals who are afraid to ask difficult questions or offer independent advice,” the union states.

To strengthen academic freedom, THTU is calling on the Government to amend the Universities Act to explicitly recognise academic freedom as a protected right, while urging security agencies to distinguish legitimate academic activities from criminal conduct.

It also recommends that universities strengthen institutional autonomy through internal policies and that national bodies, including TCU and the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), work together to develop national guidelines on academic freedom.

As investigations into Dr Kaijage’s case continue, the debate has moved beyond the fate of one lecturer. For many within Tanzania’s higher education sector, the discussion now centres on how the country can simultaneously safeguard national security, uphold the rule of law and preserve the academic freedom that universities require to fulfil their mission of teaching, research and innovation.