Category: The Citizen

East African Community (EAC) partner states have moved a step closer towards creating a unified regional digital market after experts approved a harmonised framework for trusted cross-border data flows and stronger protection of citizens’ personal information.

If endorsed by EAC ministers and partner states, the framework could significantly transform digital services across the region by enabling banks, mobile money operators, hospitals, universities, logistics firms, e-commerce platforms and technology companies to exchange data securely across borders.

Four Tanzanians have won all-expenses-paid trips to Mexico to watch a FIFA World Cup match through Mixx’s promotion dubbed Kila Muamala ni Bao la Ushindi, as the digital financial services provider says the campaign has encouraged greater use of digital payments across the country.

The winners are Sumaiya Khamis from Zanzibar, Deogratius Haule, Edwin Kambo and John Mzee. They will attend the World Cup match between Mexico and England scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026.

The winners, drawn from different parts of the country, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Arusha, received their travel tickets during a ceremony held in Dar es Salaam before departing for Mexico on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Mixx Chief Executive Officer Angelica Pesha said the campaign had demonstrated that digital financial services offer more than just a convenient way to make payments, but also create opportunities for users.

“Every transaction has value. It makes everyday life easier, enhances the security of financial transactions and supports business growth.

Today, it has also created an opportunity for some Tanzanians to travel to Mexico and experience the FIFA World Cup. That is the message behind our ‘Every Transaction is a Winning Goal’ campaign,” she said.

Pesha said more than 60 customers have benefited from the promotion so far, winning cash prizes, Hisense electronic appliances and the chance to attend the FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

One of the winners, John Mzee, said he never imagined that using Mixx for his everyday transactions would enable him to fulfil his dream of watching the World Cup live.

“I am grateful to Mixx for this unique opportunity. I never thought my routine transactions could take me to Mexico. This experience has shown me that every transaction truly has the potential to change someone’s life,” he said.

Pesha said the campaign is ongoing, with weekly winners continuing to receive cash prizes of Sh1 million, while one grand prize winner will walk away with Sh50 million.

She encouraged more Tanzanians to use Mixx for sending and receiving money, paying bills and making everyday payments, saying every transaction contributes to expanding digital financial services and advancing financial inclusion in the country.

The Police Force has called for closer collaboration among the police, members of the the public and private security companies in efforts to curb crime and maintain peace in the country.

The call was made by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ulrich Matei during a special event organised by SGA Tanzania to bid farewell to the company’s retirees and recognise employees who have served the company for more than 20 years through a programme dubbed Club 20.

The colourful event was held at Hekima Gardens in Dar es Salaam and was attended by representatives from the Police Force, the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (Tucta), SGA’s top management, staff members and other invited guests.

Speaking at the event, DCP Matei noted that the private sector has an important role to play in maintaining security and public order. He also called on retirees to serve as role models during retirement and assist, where possible, in community policing initiatives.

The DCP further commended SGA for prioritising staff welfare and leading by example, noting that many private companies do not fully comply with directives on training, vetting, supervision and remuneration. He urged other security companies to emulate SGA’s practices and congratulated the retirees for their dedicated service, as well as employees who had served the company for more than 20 years for their exemplary commitment.

“With over 95 employees having worked for more than 20 years at SGA, it is something worth celebrating,” said the DCP.

He also called on all private security companies to improve efficiency and invest more in technology, training and compliance with the law, while observing human rights standards in order to minimise complaints during service delivery.

The DCP reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to continued collaboration with SGA Security, as has been the case over the years.

Speaking on behalf of SGA Tanzania, the company’s Head of Finance, Mr Jonathan Geleta, thanked the Police Force for the cooperation it has extended to private security companies.

“SGA will continue to adhere to all guidelines and regulations provided by the Police Force in order to ensure efficiency in delivering our services to the community,” he said.

He congratulated the retirees for their distinguished service to the company and urged them to serve as ambassadors of peace and uphold good morals as they begin a new chapter of their lives within their communities.

SGA Security was the first private security company to operate in Tanzania, having been established 42 years ago. The company currently employs more than 5,000 Tanzanians through its nationwide network of branches.

The company also offers advanced security solutions, including the transportation of high-value goods and cash, guarding services, emergency response and the installation and maintenance of electronic security systems. SGA also maintains several ISO certifications and has won numerous awards in Tanzania and across the region for the quality of its services.

The Mainland Tanzania Premier League has become one of East Africa’s most competitive football competitions, attracting quality talent from across the continent.

That influx of foreign players has not only strengthened the league but has also reshaped one of its most coveted individual honours, the Golden Boot award.

For four consecutive seasons, foreign players have claimed the league’s top scorer award, highlighting both the growing quality of imported talent and the challenges facing Tanzania in producing prolific goalscorers.

The last Tanzanian to win the Golden Boot was Geita Gold striker George Mpole, who topped the scoring charts with 17 goals during the 2021/22 season. Since then, the award has remained firmly in foreign hands.

The shift began in the 2022/23 campaign when Yanga’s Congolese striker Fiston Mayele and Simba’s Burundian forward Saido Ntibazonkiza shared the Golden Boot after each scored 17 goals.

Their success demonstrated the impact experienced foreign attackers were having in the league. In 2023/24, Yanga’s Burkina Faso international Stephane Aziz Ki raised the standard further by finishing with 21 goals, the highest tally recorded in the past five seasons.

Tanzanian midfielder Feisal Salum came close with 19 goals but was forced to settle for second place despite enjoying the best scoring season of his career.

The trend continued in 2024/25 when Simba’s Ivorian midfielder Jean Charles Ahoua claimed the award with 16 goals.

Yanga striker Clement Mzize emerged as the highest scoring Tanzanian, finishing second with 14 goals and proving that local players remain capable of challenging for the honour.

The just concluded 2025/26 season produced a similar outcome. Singida Black Stars striker Mosi Ndumumwe of Burundi won the Golden Boot with 17 goals, while Azam FC’s Feisal Salum again finished second after scoring 15 goals.

The numbers paint a clear picture. Since Mpole’s triumph in 2021/22, every Golden Boot winner has been a foreign player.

During that period, Tanzanian players have repeatedly come close but have been unable to finish above their foreign counterparts.

Several factors explain the growing dominance

The first is recruitment. Tanzania’s leading clubs now prioritise signing experienced foreign attackers with proven scoring records in African competitions.

Clubs such as Yanga, Simba, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars are competing for league titles, domestic cups and continental honours, making immediate impact more valuable than long term player development.

Proven foreign strikers often offer a lower risk than nurturing young local forwards.

Another factor is the role these players occupy within their teams. Foreign attackers are usually signed specifically to score goals and are therefore entrusted with leading the attack.

They frequently take penalties, occupy central striking positions and become the focal point of attacking play, increasing their chances of finishing as the league’s top scorers.

By contrast, many Tanzanian players perform different tactical roles.

Fei Toto provides a perfect example. Although naturally an attacking midfielder rather than a centre forward, he has finished second in the Golden Boot race twice, scoring 19 goals in 2023/24 and 15 in 2025/26.

His performances demonstrate remarkable consistency but also expose the shortage of local strikers capable of matching foreign forwards over an entire campaign.

Youth development also remains a concern. Tanzania continues to produce technically gifted footballers, yet few develop into clinical finishers capable of consistently scoring between 18 and 20 league goals.

Many young forwards require more specialised finishing coaching, improved movement inside the penalty area and greater composure in front of goal.

Experience is another advantage enjoyed by foreign players. Most arrive in Tanzania after competing in several professional leagues across Africa, bringing tactical discipline, physical strength and the confidence needed to convert chances under pressure.

Those qualities often prove decisive during a demanding 30 match season.

Nevertheless, there are reasons for optimism. Mzize has developed into one of the country’s most promising young strikers, while Feisal Salum has consistently demonstrated that Tanzanian players can compete with the league’s best attackers.

Their performances suggest the gap is narrowing, even if the Golden Boot has remained elusive.

The challenge for Tanzanian football is to convert potential into results.

Clubs must continue investing in youth academies while placing greater emphasis on developing specialist strikers who can shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack.

Until more local forwards consistently deliver high scoring seasons, however, the Golden Boot is likely to remain the preserve of foreign players, whose experience, quality and efficiency continue to set the standard in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League.

It’s not easy for a man to sustain his drinking levels if he doesn’t act smart. That is, if he can’t ensure his limited cash takes him through the month-a month during which he needs to drink daily.

Yeah, drinking daily isn’t too bad for your health and wealth (ha!) if you limit your intake to just a couple of beers.

If you aren’t smart, you’ll often find yourself having just two, or even one, instead of your usual three.

Yeah, three gives you sleep quickly, enabling you to start snoring before your better (bah!) has finished reading the first sentence of charge sheet against you.

Si you know, in the mind of the lady who swore before God on your wedding she’ll hold you for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer…till death finishes you off, will always query why you aren’t doing enough so that she holds you for better and for richer!

The charge sheet will normally read thus: ‘You always come home late, because you prefer your drinking buddies than your family. I’m well informed by impeccable sources that your buddies call you Dangote.’

She’ll continue: ‘You’re called Dangote because you pour rounds more than everybody else in any crowd you share a table with.’

You interpret that to mean she has discovered she’s married to a brainless bum. A very stupid husband!

Her charge sheet will also ‘show’ you’ve a chick or two in every bar you frequent. It would further ‘expose’ that you’re squandering money ‘with your bar wives even as the family feeds on dreary ugali with mchicha almost daily’

With such kind trumped-up charges, you need to ensure you sleep very fast and heavily so that you don’t hear them in full.

As all drinkers know, a meaningful amount of booze in his system enables a man to pass out as soon as his head hits the pillow.

Now to make sure you don’t deny yourself the beer you need for a quick sleep fix, you’ve adopted various ways to dodge freeloaders.

For instance, you only offer a drink to someone you’re certain will reciprocate with one…or even two.

And then there’s this smart trick you’ve seen being applied by some fellows.

They clandestinely pay for the beers they need and leave them with the akaunta with instructions.

Now as soon as they join you, they’ll hail a mhudumu and tell her: ‘Please go and tell the akaunta to release to you my four beers Massawe bought me yester-night when I was already too drunk to consume even an extra drop of beer.’

A good trick, this one! Since you take ‘Castro Laiti’ and your tablemates would be addicted to other brands, there’ll be no question of anyone suggesting they help to polish off your yester-night’s stock.

You’ve also developed the habit of paying your bills using Lipa Namba. With this method, you kill any chance of a mhudumu asking whether she may convert some of your change to a beer for herself.

Since you aren’t as stupid as you may look, you’ve saved the Lipa Namba of the bars you often patronise.

So, after getting your bill, you simply proceed to pay without involving the mhudumu, then tell her to check out with the akaunta to verify.

If she’s the type that considers you stupid, she’ll most likely say, ‘I hope you’ve posted eight thou instead of six, so I can also take one, au siyo, bebi wangu?’

‘Just go and check, baby,’ you’ll tell her. She’ll go to verify, and by the time she comes back to your table to say, bebi umenidanganya, you’ll have sneaked away. Smart, isn’t it?

Governments, meteorological agencies and humanitarian organisations have called for greater investment in early warning systems, stronger government leadership and sustainable financing to help communities act before climate disasters strike.

The appeal was made during the Fourth World Meteorological Organization (WMO) International Workshop on Operational Climate Prediction (OCP4) in Arusha, where experts stressed that accurate weather forecasts must be translated into practical action to reduce the impacts of droughts, floods and other climate-related hazards.

Vodacom Tanzania Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customers’ personal data and promoting a trusted digital economy through its active participation in the First Annual Personal Data Protection Conference held in Dar es Salaam from June 30 to July 1, 2026.

The telecommunications company, which was among the principal sponsors of the conference organised by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), received a special award in recognition of its contribution to advancing Tanzania’s personal data protection agenda.

The award was presented by the Director General of the PDPC, Dr Emmanuel Mkilia, and received by Vodacom Tanzania’s Senior Privacy Specialist, Ms Upendo Haji, in recognition of the company’s support for the conference and its efforts to promote awareness of privacy and personal data protection in the country.

Held under the theme, “Data Privacy as the Pillar: Securing an Inclusive Digital Future Towards Vision 2050,” the conference brought together regulators, financial sector leaders, legal experts, technology professionals and policymakers from Tanzania and across Africa to discuss ways of strengthening personal data protection frameworks amid rapid digital transformation.

The conference highlighted the growing importance of personal data protection as a foundation for building a secure, inclusive and trusted digital economy in support of Tanzania’s Vision 2050 aspirations.

Participants noted that as digital technologies and services continue to expand, both public and private institutions must strengthen data protection frameworks, build public trust and create an environment that supports responsible innovation.

During the conference, senior Vodacom executives shared insights on strengthening data governance and promoting digital trust in an increasingly connected world.

Vodacom’s Director of Legal, Risk and Compliance, Mr Olaf Mumburi, participated in a panel discussion on safeguarding financial data in the digital economy, focusing on electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) systems, consent management and fraud prevention.

Speaking during the discussion, Mr Mumburi underscored the importance of robust data governance frameworks in building customer trust and supporting the sustainable growth of digital financial services.

Meanwhile, Mr David Smuts, Managing Executive at the Group Privacy Office of Vodacom Group South Africa, addressed the strategic role of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in enhancing institutional accountability and strengthening trust in the digital economy.

He said DPOs play a critical role in ensuring organisations handle personal data responsibly, transparently and in a manner that respects customers’ rights.

Vodacom’s Head of Cyber Security, Mr Joel Kazoba, also contributed to discussions examining whether innovation can thrive without compromising privacy.

He stressed that technological innovation and personal data protection must go hand in hand, noting that customer trust is built through strong data protection systems, transparency and responsible data use.

According to Vodacom Tanzania, the company’s active participation in the conference reflects its commitment to ensuring personal data protection remains a key pillar of its business strategy and customer promise.

The company said the recognition received at the conference further reinforces its position as an advocate for the safe use of technology and the development of a secure and trusted digital ecosystem in Tanzania.

France, the Netherlands and Belgium have recorded 3,700 excess ?deaths during the June heatwave that sent temperatures soaring Europe, with authorities warning that the numbers are preliminary and could rise.

Experts have said the heatwave, which lasted from about June ?20-28, was the worst recorded in Europe, causing disruption to ?power generation, damaging infrastructure and overwhelming healthcare systems. The ?extreme heat was almost certainly driven by climate change, scientists ?said.

There were 2,025 excess deaths recorded in France during the ?heatwave, with a particular increase in deaths among people aged over 45, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told local television on Friday.

Deaths at home ?rose 91% between June 22-28 compared to the previous ?week, while deaths in nursing homes and healthcare facilities also increased, the ‘s ?public health authority said in a bulletin.

“Mortality will … be higher than these initial figures suggest,” the authority warned.

‘Unprecedented’ Mortality Data’

In Belgium, the Health Ministry said on Thursday it had registered ?excess mortality of ?about 1,200 ?deaths between June 18 and June 29, adding that 530 of the deaths were among people ?aged 85 or older. People aged under ?65 accounted ?for 180 of the excess deaths.

“Such excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country,” the ministry said in ?a statement.

Authorities ?in the Netherlands said the heatwave led ?to about 480 excess deaths, mainly among the over 80s.

Because we’ve been looking for you.

People miss you. I definitely miss you. Some people will swear they don’t… right before they rush to buy a “2 for 5,000” miracle deal from a man selling it out of a cardboard box in broad daylight.

Things around here have become… impressively creative.

Take honey, for example.

Honey is no longer just honey. It’s now a collaboration between sugar syrup, laboratory confidence, and one exhausted bee that probably didn’t even consent to being on the label. They bottle it beautifully, slap on a picture of mountains, flowers, and happy bees, and suddenly we’re expected to believe those bees have been working overtime without ever filing for annual leave.

Then there’s alcohol. Not the fun kind.

The kind that makes you wake up feeling like your brain spent the whole night mixing cement at a construction site. Some bottles don’t even bother hiding anymore. They just borrow a famous brand’s outfit and hope nobody notices before the first sip.

Bananas have entered politics.

Some mysteriously disappear before the whole bunch reaches the market. By the time the shipment arrives, it looks like the bananas resigned halfway through the journey. Everybody pretends that’s completely normal.

Rice?

Rice has become an influencer.

It’s glowing.

Shining.

Moisturised.

Looking like it follows a 12-step skincare routine and drinks three litres of water a day. Some even get a little apple polish treatment so they can sparkle under supermarket lights. Unfortunately, beauty filters don’t improve taste.

Black jeans, black shoes, and black clothes deserve acting awards. Someone introduces them to a mysterious “colour booster”, and suddenly they’re shining brighter than your future.

Until…

…the first wash.

Or sometimes the first walk home. Then they remember who they really are.

Milk has become a trust exercise. You no longer drink milk. You negotiate with it.

“Please… let today be cow’s milk and not cow’s opinion mixed with half the village water supply.”

Tea time has become an act of faith.

Eggs…

Ah, eggs.

Even unborn chickens have entered the corruption economy. You take your eggs for hatching, and later you’re told,

“Half were bad.”

Really?

Can I see them?

“No.”

Can I at least count them?

“Just trust us.”

The same people asking for trust don’t even trust each other enough to leave a calculator unattended.

Cooking oil has become a chemistry experiment.

Spices have become works of fiction.

And don’t even get me started on those “Imported Products.”

Imported…

Yes.

From the room behind the shop. With international packaging and local confidence. Integrity, this marketplace has become Netflix.

Everybody deserves an Oscar.

The packaging is acting.

The labels are acting.

The salespeople are acting.

Even the smile at the counter sometimes feels sponsored.

And us?

We’re the audience.

Buying Premium DisappointmentS in premium-looking packaging.

Nowadays shopping isn’t shopping.

It’s CSI.

We inspect.

We shake.

We sniff.

We google.

We read reviews.

We compare.

We pray.

Sometimes all at the same time. And somehow… we still get played.

The funny part?

People have become experts at spotting fake products.

The sad part?

We’re becoming less interested in spotting fake characters. Somewhere along the way, fear changed jobs.

People aren’t as afraid of doing the wrong thing anymore. They’re afraid of being the only honest person in the room.

Afraid of missing out.

Afraid of staying poor.

Afraid that integrity doesn’t pay bills. So shortcuts started looking like career advice.

That’s why I’m writing to you again.

Please…

Come back.

But don’t travel alone.

Bring your cousin Fear of God.

Right now, Fear of Poverty has rented an apartment in this country and is behaving like it owns the entire neighbourhood. It has convinced people that survival excuses everything. That cheating is “being smart”.

That lying is “business”.

That fake is “innovation”.

That getting caught is the only real mistake.

While you’re packing, please don’t forget your siblings.

Honesty.

Accountability.

Contentment.

And if possible, bring plenty of “Be a Good Person” gift hampers.

Make them family-sized.

We clearly need bulk supplies.

Because at this rate, even if they started selling fake Integrity, some people would still ask,

“How much for two?”

I’m tired, Integrity.

Not because people make mistakes.

But because mistakes are now marketed as business models.

Still…

I’m hopeful you’re only delayed.

Not discontinued.

Yours sincerely

Tanzania has launched a National Information System for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISSTI), a strategic digital platform designed to transform how research data is collected, shared and used to guide national development decisions.

The launch, held on July 2, 2026, during the takeoff of 40th anniversary celebrations of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)), marks a major policy shift aimed at addressing long-standing fragmentation in the country’s science, technology and innovation (STI) ecosystem.

Presenting the system, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said NISSTI is intended to become a central pillar in strengthening coordination and evidence-based planning in the STI sector.

‘Today we are launching a strategic national platform that will strengthen coordination, review and practice of science, technology, and innovation information in Tanzania,’ he said.

For decades, Tanzania’s research landscape has been characterised by multiple unconnected databases across universities, ministries, research institutes and innovation hubs.

While these institutions continue to generate valuable scientific knowledge, the absence of a unified national system has made it difficult to translate research into policy, commercial products and scalable innovations.

Therefore, the NISSTI platform is designed to serve as a single national gateway for research outputs, innovation data and scientific information. It is expected to connect researchers, policymakers, universities, innovators and private sector actors in one integrated system.

‘The platform will support evidence-based planning, research development, innovation management, institutional coordination, and strategic decision-making,’ the minister added, calling on all stakeholders to actively participate in updating and using the system.

From fragmented systems to integrated knowledge

The introduction of NISSTI responds to a structural weakness that has affected Tanzania’s research ecosystem for years

According to Prof Mkenda, the success of the platform will depend on collective responsibility. ‘The success of this platform depends on collective participation, institutional commitment, and shared vision for the future of Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem,’ he said.

He further underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation environments, stating: ‘We will continue supporting initiatives to promote digital transformation, research excellence, youth-led innovation, and strategic partnerships for national development.’

Supporting the policy direction, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Prof Carolyne Nombo, said the initiative marks a national effort to mainstream science, technology and innovation into Tanzania’s long-term development agenda.

She described the 40th anniversary of COSTECH not only as a commemorative milestone but also as a national campaign.

‘The 40th anniversary celebrations of COSTECH are a national campaign aimed at making science, technology and innovation a public agenda and a key instrument in achieving Vision 2050,’ she said.

Prof Nombo stressed that the priority is ensuring knowledge generated in universities, research institutions and innovation hubs directly contributes to key economic sectors.

COSTECH’s role in a new STI architecture

At the institutional level, COSTECH has been positioned as the coordinating hub for the new system. Its leadership emphasised that NISSTI is not just a database, but a national infrastructure for managing research and innovation outcomes.

COSTECH Commission Chairman, Prof John Kondoro said the system must directly inform national priorities and investment decisions.

‘Information obtained through NISSTI should form the basis for setting national priorities, guiding investment, and increasing the productivity of research and innovation,’ he said.

He added that the system must become a trusted and functional national asset: ‘We want NISSTI to be a living system, one that is credible and that supports Tanzania in building a knowledge-based economy towards Vision 2050.’

Prof Kondoro further noted that the Commission will closely oversee implementation to ensure government directives are executed effectively and with measurable results.

Analysts say the significance of NISSTI lies in its attempt to resolve one of the most persistent barriers to innovation in Tanzania: fragmented knowledge systems.

Education and innovation policy analyst, Dr Rehema Mallya, said the country has long struggled with scattered research data.

‘Tanzania has produced a large volume of research over the years, but much of it remains invisible or inaccessible. This leads to duplication and weak policy uptake,’ she said.

By integrating fragmented systems into a single national platform, the government aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, reduce duplication of research and improve the commercialisation of innovations.

However, its success will depend on institutional discipline, sustained investment and the willingness of stakeholders to treat research data as a shared national resource rather than isolated institutional property.