Category: The Citizen

The National Executive Council of the Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma) has sacked its secretary-general, Mr Salum Mwalimu, and appointed Mr Benson Kigaila as acting secretary-general.

The decision followed a unanimous vote of no confidence by 31 members of the council, who accused Mr Mwalimu of several offences, including abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.

Chaumma’s Director of Organisation, Planning and Elections, Mr Ismail Kangeta, told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, that the council reached the decision during a meeting that concluded on Tuesday night.

“We have revoked Mr Mwalimu’s appointment and appointed Mr Kigaila to serve in an acting capacity,” said Mr Kangeta.

Earlier on Tuesday, before his removal, Mr Mwalimu wrote to the party chairman Hashim Rungwe, requesting the formation of an independent committee to investigate the allegations against him, saying he was prepared to step aside to allow the inquiry to proceed without interference.

Council members said the decision to withdraw confidence in Mr Mwalimu stemmed from allegations of abuse of office, congratulating CCM on its victory in the October 29 General Election, and misappropriation of party funds.

Tanzania is seeking to strengthen its position in the mining supplies industry through investment in local manufacturing aimed at reducing reliance on imported products and expanding value addition within the sector.

The move follows discussions between minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde and the owner and managing director of China’s Oriental Casting and Forging Ltd, Hou Songcun, on plans to establish a steel grinding balls factory in Tanzania.

Steel grinding balls are used in mineral processing plants to crush and grind ore before extraction and are among the key consumables used in mining operations.

Local production is expected to improve access to supplies for both large and small-scale miners while supporting industries linked to the sector.

Mr Mavunde invited the company to establish the plant at the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, an area being developed for industries supporting mining, mineral processing and value addition.

He said Tanzania’s mining growth strategy should extend beyond extraction and mineral exports to include manufacturing equipment and industrial inputs required by mining companies.

‘Our objective is to ensure that large and small-scale miners in Tanzania can access more of the products they need locally, without depending heavily on imports,’ he said.

According to Mr Mavunde, growth in mining activities has increased demand for reliable and competitively priced inputs. He said local production could reduce supply delays, lower operating costs and create employment opportunities.

He added that investment in industries linked to mining would allow more value generated by the sector to remain within the domestic economy.

Mr Hou said Oriental Casting and Forging Ltd was ready to invest in Tanzania, citing the country’s investment environment and continued expansion of the mining sector.

The proposed factory is expected to support efforts to strengthen local supply chains and increase Tanzania’s role in supplying mining products within the region.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said it was the players’ connection with the fans ?that was driving their push to succeed at World Cup, after the co-hosts qualified for the round of 16 on Tuesday.

Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador at the Azteca ?Stadium was their fourth straight victory without a ?goal conceded at the tournament.

“This connection we have ?with the fans is a driving force,” Aguirre said ?at a press conference.

On Tuesday night, the Azteca was ?once again overflowing, with just over 80,000 fans cheering on their team from start to finish and booing every time the opposing ?team touched the ball.

“I’ve had some great victories, ?but none like today’s, because it’s at home, with your own ,” ?added Aguirre, who previously managed Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.

On Sunday, Mexico will play in the round of 16 again at home in Mexico City ?against the ?winner of the ?match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Aguirre, 67, praised the Ecuadorean ?team, who finished second in the South American ?qualifiers ?with only two losses in 18 matches.

“It is not easy to beat Ecuador,” he said.

Aguirre was happy with Mexico’s ?performance, ?his only gripe being that ?they were unable to score more goals on the counterattack to kill ?off the game.

Tanzania could soon improve safety at some of its most isolated airstrips without constructing expensive control towers if a locally developed digital aviation system receives regulatory approval.

The proposed technology, developed by Eardrum Technologies, seeks to connect remote airstrips with existing Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) control towers through high-definition surveillance cameras, fibre-optic connectivity and intelligent software that enables air traffic controllers to monitor aircraft movements in real time from miles away.

If adopted, the system could initially be deployed at Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti National Park before being expanded to other remote aerodromes across the country, offering what its developers describe as a safer, cheaper and more efficient alternative to building conventional air traffic control towers.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Citizen, Eardrum Technologies Founder and Chief Executive Officer Florian Rutabingwa said the innovation was inspired by a longstanding challenge facing Tanzania’s aviation sector-providing reliable air traffic control services to remote airstrips where constructing and staffing full control towers is financially difficult.

“We asked ourselves whether it was really necessary to build a physical control tower at every remote airstrip when today’s technology allows controllers to see exactly what is happening from another location in real time,” he said.

“That became the foundation of our innovation.”

He explained that the proposed system replicates what an air traffic controller would normally see from the top of a conventional control tower by using multiple ultra-high-definition cameras mounted strategically around an airstrip.

The cameras continuously transmit live images through a secure fibre-optic network to an existing TCAA control tower, where controllers monitor aircraft arrivals, departures, runway conditions, weather changes and wildlife movement using specially designed software.

“The cameras are positioned in a way that provides the same viewing angle a controller would have from a physical tower,” Mr Rutabingwa explained.

“Our software combines all camera feeds into one operational screen, allowing controllers to zoom, rotate cameras, detect movement and respond immediately whenever there is a potential safety risk.”

According to the proposal, four long-range cameras would provide overlapping coverage extending up to three kilometres in every direction, eliminating blind spots across the operational area. The cameras are capable of rotating 360 degrees and include optical zoom and thermal imaging technology to improve visibility during poor weather conditions and at night.

Unlike ordinary CCTV systems, he said, the technology is specifically designed for aviation operations where every second matters.

“It is not just about watching cameras,” he said.

“The software analyses information, detects movement, alerts controllers and allows them to control every camera remotely. Everything happens in real time.”

The proposed system would also establish an on-site control room connected directly to the main control tower through secure communication channels while backup power systems and redundant network connections would ensure uninterrupted operations even during power outages or communication failures.

One of the biggest challenges in remote aviation, particularly inside national parks, is the presence of wildlife near runways.

Mr Rutabingwa said the technology could significantly reduce such risks by allowing controllers and park authorities to detect animals approaching the runway long before aircraft land or take off.

“The system gives everyone more time to react,” he said.

“Controllers, pilots and park management can immediately identify any obstruction and take appropriate action before it becomes dangerous.”

The proposal notes that the surveillance system could also support wildlife conservation by recording valuable footage for ecological research while ensuring minimal environmental disruption because only a limited number of cameras and communication structures would be required.

Unlike satellite or mobile internet connections, Eardrum Technologies recommends fibre-optic infrastructure as the backbone of the system because it provides much higher bandwidth, lower latency and greater reliability for transmitting high-definition live video.

Mr Rutabingwa said maintaining latency below 80 milliseconds is critical because controllers require virtually instantaneous images when directing aircraft.

“If there is even a slight delay in what controllers see, aviation safety can be compromised,” he said.

“That is why fibre optics remain the best option for this kind of operation.”

According to the proposal, the system also incorporates automated monitoring tools that constantly assess network performance, camera functionality and software health while cybersecurity measures protect the network against hacking, malware and unauthorised access.

Perhaps the biggest attraction, Mr Rutabingwa said, is cost.

Building and staffing conventional air traffic control towers in remote locations can require substantial investment in infrastructure, equipment and personnel.

Under the proposed model, existing TCAA control towers would instead supervise remote airstrips digitally, significantly reducing construction and staffing costs while making better use of existing air traffic controllers.

“We are not replacing air traffic controllers,” he stressed.

“We are giving them better tools to manage more locations safely from existing facilities.”The proposal estimates that, once fully developed, one designated control tower could supervise more than eight remote aerodromes through customised software capable of displaying multiple airfields simultaneously.

Mr Rutabingwa said the innovation has already been validated by successful international examples.

Countries including Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Romania and the United States already operate remote digital towers where controllers safely manage aircraft without being physically located at the airport.

London City Airport has used a digital remote tower since 2021, while Scandinavian Mountains Airport has relied on similar technology since 2019. Cranfield Airport in the United Kingdom also introduced a remote digital control tower in 2018.

“Tanzania does not need to reinvent the technology,” he said.

“The concept has already proven successful internationally. Our role has been to develop a solution that addresses Tanzania’s unique operational environment, especially remote tourism airstrips.”

He believes the innovation could eventually benefit tourism, conservation and emergency aviation services by extending air traffic control coverage to previously underserved locations.

According to the proposal, TCAA would benefit by expanding air traffic services without constructing additional towers, while Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) would strengthen aviation safety, wildlife protection and tourism management through continuous monitoring of remote airstrips.

The proposal recommends close collaboration between TCAA, Tanapa, conservation organisations and technology experts to pilot the system at Seronera before considering expansion to other remote airstrips across Tanzania.

A German tourist has been killed and her 17-year-old son seriously injured after a safari vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure and ploughed into visitors at a popular viewpoint in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The woman, believed to be in her mid-40s, was touring Tanzania with her husband and son as part of a family safari holiday that included a visit to the world-renowned conservation area. At the request of her family, her identity has been withheld to allow privacy during their period of mourning.

According to preliminary police information, the accident occurred shortly after a safari vehicle, an extended Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number T665 BSR operated by Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris, arrived at the Ngorongoro viewpoint after travelling from Serengeti to Arusha.

The vehicle, which had four occupants, was being driven by Hillary Mallya, who has been taken into police custody as investigations continue.

The Director of Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris, Mr Philipo Kimgoni, said the driver initially reported that the vehicle’s brakes had failed, though the company later suggested there may have been a temporary mechanical malfunction.

‘However, after inspecting the vehicle, we found the braking system intact. It is possible there was a temporary mechanical failure,’ he said, adding that police had already launched investigations.

Witnesses said the vehicle suddenly lost control moments after arriving at the viewpoint, where several tourists had stepped out of their safari vehicles to take in the panoramic view of the Ngorongoro Crater.

The runaway vehicle reportedly broke through safety barriers before striking visitors at the site.

The deceased and her son, who were travelling in a separate safari vehicle operated by Zara Tanzania Adventures of Moshi, had disembarked at the viewpoint when they were hit.

The teenager sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment, while his mother died at the scene despite efforts to administer first aid.

Officials said the family had been on a scheduled safari itinerary across northern Tanzania when the incident occurred.

The German Consulate in Arusha said it had not yet received formal notification of the incident from authorities.

Arusha Regional Police Commander SACP Justine Masejo confirmed that investigations were ongoing to establish the exact cause of the crash and determine whether any negligence or criminal liability was involved.

Authorities are expected to examine the mechanical condition of the vehicle, driver conduct, and safety arrangements at the viewpoint as part of the probe.

Barrick Mining Corporation, through its joint venture with the Government of Tanzania under Twiga Minerals Corporation, has emerged as the top dividend contributor at Dividend Day 2026 after paying Sh221.9 billion to the State.

The dividend cheque of Sh221.907 billion was presented to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House in Dar es Salaam by Barrick Tanzania Country Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido.

The payout placed Barrick-Twiga first among state-linked entities and reflects a continued rise in returns from the partnership. The company paid Sh93.6 billion in the previous financial year, Sh84 billion in 2022/23 and Sh53.5 billion in the year before.

Dr Ngido said the performance was supported by improved operations at North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines, while Buzwagi is being transitioned into the Buzwagi Economic Special Zone.

He said since the establishment of the joint venture in 2019, Barrick-Twiga has contributed to government revenue through dividends, taxes, royalties, levies, wages and payments to local suppliers.

Beyond fiscal contributions, he said the mines support surrounding communities through corporate social responsibility programmes in education, health, water and infrastructure.

The operations also generate direct and indirect employment and expand opportunities for local contractors and suppliers.

The company said the results reflect efforts to align mining operations with economic, social and environmental responsibilities.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, commended the executive director of the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), Mr David Kafulila, for spearheading reforms and institutional changes since assuming leadership of the centre.

Speaking during the launch of the Tanzania Chamber Portal and the Annual Trade and Investment Dialogue 2026 in Dar es Salaam, the Prime Minister praised Mr Kafulila’s contribution to advancing Tanzania’s public-private partnership agenda.

During the event, organised by the Tanzania National Chamber of Commerce (TNCC), the premier recognised progress in the implementation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects under the Sixth Phase Government, legal reforms, and efforts to strengthen the PPP framework nationwide.

Gracing the event, Dr Nchemba said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed many young people to drive the development agenda forward, giving an example of the PPPC head, Mr Kafulila.

“He’s a well-educated young man. And not just academically educated, he’s well-versed in current affairs. He understands the world,’ he said, describing him as a brilliant and highly capable young man.

Dr Nchemba said the cornerstone of transformation is the strategic appointment of youthful, and well-informed leadership.

‘Such individuals are credited with understanding the successful developmental trajectories of nations like Malaysia and Singapore,’ he said.

According to the premier, the international perspective is vital for ensuring that officials are not narrow-minded, but are instead equipped to implement practical solutions on the ground.

Furthermore, he said the government has signalled a robust commitment to removing bureaucratic and legal impediments.

‘The President has explicitly granted the authority to identify and amend any restrictive legislation through the appropriate channels,’ he said.

“I do not want to hear you complaining about it; Parliament exists. Take it there to be changed so we can make progress,’ added Dr Nchemba.

By providing this consent for reform, he said the presidency has removed excuses for stagnation, ensuring that the legal framework evolves to support national growth.

He insisted that this integrated approach positions the private sector as the primary engine for the nation’s future prosperity.

The private sector in Tanzania has undergone a fundamental strategic shift, transitioning from being viewed as an independent interest group to becoming the very heart of the country’s development strategy.

Dr Nchemba said the national vision is now heavily reliant on this synergy, as it derives a substantial 70 percent of its contribution from the private sector.

Consequently, he said it is imperative that every Tanzanian, regardless of whether they serve in the public or private sphere, understands that “the private sector agenda is now the national agenda.’

Since his appointment as Commissioner for Public-Private Partnerships in January 2023 and subsequent elevation to lead the PPPC the following year, Mr Kafulila has been credited with transforming the PPP framework from a largely policy-driven concept into a practical vehicle for delivering strategic economic infrastructure.

One of his key achievements has been overhauling the legal framework by spearheading amendments to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act and its regulations to strengthen private sector participation and improve project implementation.

These reforms were complemented by aligning the Budget Act, the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Act No. 6 of 2025, and the Loans, Guarantees and Grants Act to strengthen institutional coordination.

Consequently, Tanzania’s PPP pipeline has expanded to 113 projects, nine of which are under implementation, two are under negotiation, and three are in procurement, reflecting a robust portfolio.

Furthermore, 21 projects are undergoing feasibility studies, 36 are at the pre-feasibility stage and 42 remain at the concept stage.

The Centre has identified 410 additional potential projects across all 184 local government authorities, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridors, urban commuter rail systems, expressways, and large-scale energy projects.

Capacity building has also been prioritised, with 5,127 participants from government institutions and private organisations receiving specialised training.

The initiative extended to senior leaders, including Cabinet ministers and Tanzanian ambassadors, to mainstream PPP knowledge. Collaboration with international partners, including the World Bank, has produced 70 internationally recognised CP3P-qualified professionals.

Beyond government, Mr Kafulila promoted engagement through university forums, reaching 3,725 participants.

These engagements seek to foster research and evidence-based understanding of partnerships among students, academics, and future policymakers.

Contacted yesterday, stakeholders credited his leadership with transforming PPPs into a practical development tool.

Dr Moshi James of Mzumbe University said his work has strengthened the intellectual foundations for national transformation. ‘This approach aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 aspirations,’ said Dr James.

University of Dodoma lecturer, Dr Abiud Bongole, observed that PPPs have moved from policy discussions to practical implementation across key sectors.

‘Engagement with universities has strengthened collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector,’ he noted.

Mzumbe University lecturer, Dr Jasinta Msamula, described Mr Kafulila as a central figure: ‘It is now difficult to discuss PPPs in Tanzania without referencing his role.’

Former Controller and Auditor General and Wajibu Public Accountability executive director, Mr Ludovick Utouh, praised the emphasis on research.

‘This strengthens public sector confidence in partnering with private investors,’ he said, adding that it helps bridge the gap between the public and private sectors,’ he said.

Dr David Rweikiza of the University of Dar es Salaam highlighted the technical leadership.

‘It has contributed positively to national development efforts. However, sustained commitment will be required to ensure PPPs effectively support implementation of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan,’ he said.

Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) director of research and policy, Ms Mwanahamisi Hussein, said PPPs are vital, noting that the Songas project saved the economy Sh11 trillion.

‘We have successfully transformed a public asset into a modern commercial centre through the DDC Kariakoo Business Complex, the expansion of the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (Dart), and the modernisation of Dar es Salaam Port through global concessions, which is essential for regional trade,’ she said.

She added that such projects unlock private sector investment and accelerate the delivery of strategic national projects across Tanzania sustainably and efficiently.

The High Court, Kigoma Sub-Registry, has convicted, Mr Oscar Daudi, of manslaughter over the death of his son, Davies Oscar, who had cerebral palsy, after finding that he abandoned the helpless child in a sugarcane plantation in circumstances that directly led to his death.

The court ruled that while the prosecution failed to prove murder beyond reasonable doubt, Mr Daudi’s conduct in leaving the child in a remote field amounted to gross negligence that caused the fatal outcome.

The Zanzibar government has urged the People’s Bank of Zanzibar (PBZ) to avoid complacency, saying the lender still has significant room for growth despite its contribution to economic development.

The remarks were made on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, during the climax of celebrations to mark 60 years of the bank at Golden Tulip Airport.

He said that although PBZ has made notable progress, it has not yet reached its desired position, stressing that more work remains.

‘I am among those who want to see PBZ move from its current sixth position to first or second place. The capacity is there,’ stressed Dr Mwinyi, adding that the government stands ready to support the bank in achieving that ambition.

Dr Mwinyi outlined priority areas, including strengthening capital, expanding digital services, boosting innovation, empowering youth and women, investing in human resources, improving governance, and supporting national development goals.

He said PBZ’s progress shows that public investment can deliver strong results when backed by accountability, innovation, and sound management.

Furthermore, Dr Mwinyi noted that the government is pursuing a development vision aimed at building a modern, inclusive, and competitive economy, adding that the financial sector remains central to that goal.

He stressed that a strong economy cannot be achieved without strong financial institutions.

Presenting a brief overview of performance, PBZ managing director Fahad Soud Hamid said the bank had grown significantly since its establishment.

He said PBZ has evolved from a small financial institution into one of the country’s major banks, guided by successive presidential visions to empower citizens economically.

He added that the bank now ranks sixth nationally by assets, holding about Sh3 trillion and posting profits of Sh110 billion.

‘Today, PBZ is proud to be the sixth-largest bank in Tanzania, with assets worth Sh3 trillion and profits of Sh110 billion,’ he said.

He noted that the bank has expanded to more than 50 branches nationwide, driven by economic growth.

Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning in Zanzibar, Dr Hamad Omar Bakar, said PBZ remains a key government partner in promoting business growth, job creation, and citizen empowerment.

He said expectations were high for the bank to lead in innovation, expand digital services, widen its reach, and improve efficiency as it marks the milestone.

PBZ board chairman, Dr Juma Hassan Reli, said Tanzanians regard the bank as their own, reflected in its name, and it has made a significant contribution to the public.

South African police have arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-immigrant protests that were largely peaceful but turned violent in some areas, authorities said.

Police said 108 of the 120 protests held across the country passed without incident, while 12 required intervention as isolated cases of violence and looting were reported.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said the arrests were linked to a range of offences, including immigration violations, public violence, harbouring undocumented migrants and robbery.

In Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, one person was shot dead during looting at informal shops known as spaza shops, which are often owned by foreign nationals.

Police also confirmed that reinforcements were deployed in five of South Africa’s nine provinces, while soldiers were sent to parts of Johannesburg, including Hillbrow, where two people were injured in a shooting.

In Durban, police opened an inquest after a foreign national reportedly died after falling from the eighth floor of a building on the eve of the protests. Authorities said he is believed to have jumped in fear during the unrest.

The demonstrations were organised to coincide with a deadline issued by an anti-immigrant movement calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

The protests come amid months of rising tensions, during which foreign nationals have faced attacks, including looting of businesses and destruction of property in several areas.