Category: The Citizen

Music and culture will once again take centre stage in Zanzibar as organisers of the Sauti za Busara Festival launch a fresh campaign aimed at promoting women’s leadership and combating gender-based violence.

The initiative, dubbed the Gender Transformative Action Programme: Breaking the Glass Ceiling, is being implemented by the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Busara Promotions, the European Union and UN Women.

The programme will use the popular festival’s platform to take messages of gender equality and women’s empowerment directly to communities. Under the theme, ‘Inspire to Lead! Change Begins with Me’, a series of outreach activities will be held before and after the festival.

The activities will include music performances, film screenings, acrobatic shows and public discussions designed to educate and entertain audiences.

Four community events are planned across Stone Town, where women leaders and young people will engage residents on issues ranging from leadership opportunities to violence against women and girls.

Organisers say the campaign comes at a crucial time as gender-based violence continues to affect many women and girls in Tanzania.

Statistics cited by the organisers show that 27 per cent of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 12 per cent have faced sexual violence.

The programme will also shine a spotlight on the growing threat of online abuse and technology-facilitated violence, which increasingly targets young women and girls.

In addition to raising awareness, the outreach events will provide information on support services available in Zanzibar, including One Stop Centres and gender desks that assist survivors of violence.

The campaign will culminate in a youth-led event at Mombasa Secondary School on June 20, featuring panel discussions, performances and educational screenings.

Organisers say the partnership demonstrates how arts and culture can be used to spark important conversations and encourage communities to play a greater role in ending violence against women and girls.

There was a time when publishing information required a printing press, a broadcast licence, or a newsroom.

News organisations served as the gatekeepers of information, deciding what stories deserved public attention and how they should be presented.

Today, all of that has changed. A smartphone, an internet connection, and a social media account are enough to turn anyone into a publisher.

A witness to an accident can livestream events before journalists arrive on the scene.

The barriers to publishing have disappeared. This democratisation of information is one of the most significant transformations in modern media history.

But it has also created an important question for the media industry: If everyone is a publisher, what makes journalism different?

The answer lies not in the ability to publish, but in the responsibility that comes with it. Information and journalism are not the same thing.

Publishing information is easy. Journalism is hard work. It requires verification, context, balance, and accountability.

It involves asking difficult questions, checking facts, consulting multiple sources, and ensuring that information is accurate before it reaches the public.

A video posted on social media may show what happened. Journalism seeks to explain why it happened, whether it is true, and why it matters. That distinction has never been more important.

The digital age has created an abundance of information, but not necessarily an abundance of understanding.

Every day, social media platforms are flooded with rumours, opinions, manipulated images, and misleading narratives.

Information moves at extraordinary speed, often without any verification.

In this environment, the role of journalism becomes even more valuable. The public does not merely need more information. It needs trusted information.

Journalists operate within established ethical standards. They are expected to verify facts, correct errors, identify sources, and maintain fairness.

News organizations are accountable to their audiences, advertisers, regulators, and their own reputations.

Trust, therefore, has become journalism’s most valuable currency. Ironically, the rise of citizen publishing has made credibility more important, not less.

As audiences become overwhelmed by information, they increasingly seek sources they can trust. During moments of crisis, elections, natural disasters, or major breaking news events, people often return to established media brands for confirmation and context.

Being first matters. Being right matters more.

Granted, citizen journalism has expanded the reach of storytelling. Social media creators often identify trends and issues long before traditional media recognizes them. Eyewitness content has become an invaluable source during breaking news situations.

The challenge for news organisations is not to resist this change but to adapt to it. Successful media companies are increasingly integrating user-generated content into their reporting while applying the principles of journalism-verification, context, and editorial judgment.

The future belongs to media organisations that combine the speed and reach of digital platforms with the credibility and discipline of professional journalism.

This requires a change in mindset. Journalists are no longer the sole producers of information.

They are curators, explainers, investigators, and trusted guides helping audiences navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.

Their role is becoming less about controlling information and more about making sense of it. This shift presents an enormous opportunity for African media.

The continent has one of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing digital populations. Millions of citizens are creating and consuming content every day.

Yet the demand for trusted, accurate, and contextual journalism remains as strong as ever.

Media organisations that invest in credibility, innovation, and audience engagement will continue to play an indispensable role in society.

Because in a world where everyone can publish, not everyone can practice journalism. Anyone can post a rumour. Anyone can upload a video. Anyone can share an opinion.

But journalism demands something more. It demands evidence. It demands responsibility. It demands trust.

And in an age overflowing with information, those qualities may be more valuable than they have ever been.

The future of journalism will not be determined by who has the loudest voice or the biggest following. It will be determined by who consistently earns the public’s confidence.

Because when everyone is a publisher, credibility becomes the ultimate differentiator.

Tanzania has described the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as a strategic partner in its economic transformation agenda, as the country steps up efforts to build a $1 trillion economy by 2050.

Minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, said this during talks in Dar es Salaam with an Afreximbank delegation led by its East Africa Regional Director, Humphrey Nwugo, who was on a courtesy visit following his recent appointment.

Ambassador Omar welcomed Mr Nwugo and congratulated him on his new role, expressing Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening long-standing relations with the pan-African financial institution. He said Afreximbank has remained an important development partner for Africa over the years, noting Tanzania’s appreciation of its support to trade, infrastructure, industrial growth and private sector development.

The minister said Tanzania was encouraged by Afreximbank’s plan to mobilise an additional $1 billion within the next 12 months for investment in the country, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure and small and medium enterprises.

He said implementation of the Vision 2050 development agenda and the Fifth Five-Year Development Plan aims to build a competitive, private sector-led economy, adding that achieving this goal will require strong partnerships, long-term capital and innovative financing.

Ambassador Omar said there is still room to expand cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure, industry, health and trade facilitation.

He said the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on shared priorities and identify practical ways of strengthening collaboration.

He identified priority areas as industrial growth, private sector investment, human capital development and improving Tanzania’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

On his part, Afreximbank East Africa Regional Director Humphrey Nwugo praised Tanzania’s economic progress and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting its long-term development ambitions, including the $1 trillion economy target under Vision 2050.

He said the bank is interested in investing in strategic projects in sectors such as oil, minerals, iron ore and soda ash, while continuing to support the private sector through credit and working capital to drive value addition and industrial growth.

Afreximbank has remained a key financier of major development projects in Tanzania, providing funding and guarantees worth billions of US dollars for infrastructure, energy and strategic investments.

In 2018, the bank issued an $800 million guarantee for the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project in the Rufiji Basin, enabling Egyptian contractors to implement the project.

It has also provided a total of $700 million for infrastructure projects, including phases one to four of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

In the financial sector, Afreximbank has approved $230 million for commercial banks in Tanzania and extended about $80 million in credit facilities to the private sector.

The government has announced plans to introduce a policy aimed at limiting expenditure on vehicles by discontinuing the purchase of luxury cars in future, while maintaining that the move should not affect service delivery to citizens.

The clarification was made on Sunday, June 28, 2026, by the government’s chief spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa, during a press briefing in Dodoma.

He said the cost-cutting initiative would not involve selling vehicles already procured, contrary to speculation circulating in public discussions. Mr Msigwa was responding to questions regarding the government’s expenditure reduction measures announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, following remarks by Speaker of Parliament Mr Mussa Zungu, who also announced plans to abandon the use of luxury vehicles.

‘In this matter, we cannot say we will sell the vehicles already in use, but we will make adjustments to procurement laws so that we can purchase more affordable vehicles in future,’ said Mr Msigwa.

‘However, we must ensure that service delivery does not stop and that the plan does not limit our ability to reach citizens.’

Mr Msigwa, who also serves as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, said directives had already been issued to public servants following President Hassan’s announcement, noting that many government officials already use ordinary means of transport.

He also addressed concerns over rising sugar prices, saying the increase was linked to the effects of global conflicts, which have raised the cost of transporting and distributing goods.

‘Prices of many commodities are currently high due to the impact of international events,’ he said.

Mr Msigwa also criticised what he described as misinformation from individuals who focus only on the growth of the national debt while ignoring development achievements financed through borrowing.

‘I know they will not tell Tanzanians that we borrowed funds to build the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. They will not tell them that we borrowed to construct five sections of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR),’ he said.

‘Please tell Tanzanians to ignore such people,’ he added, without mentioning specific individuals.

He said an increase in the national debt should not automatically be viewed as a problem, arguing that borrowed funds help accelerate development projects, although repayment remains necessary.

Mr Msigwa also urged Tanzanians to visit the Sabasaba International Trade Fair, which began on June 28 and will run until July 13, 2026.

Meanwhile, Tantrade Central Zone manager Mr Sudi Mtengela said 20 countries had confirmed participation in the exhibition, while 40 major companies had already started showcasing their products and services.

On another matter, the Ministry of Information said it would participate in a major Kiswahili conference in France scheduled for July 4-7, 2026, describing it as an important opportunity for Tanzanians.

Every morning, millions of children wake up, put on their uniforms and head to school without thinking about the obstacles that might stand between them and a classroom.

For Ashinilat and Siwajibu, however, the journey to education is a daily struggle marked by transport challenges, inaccessible environments and a lack of essential support equipment needed to help them learn and live independently.

Australia’s Perseus Mining says it has injected more than Sh457.7 billion into Tanzania’s economy ahead of the start of commercial production at the Nyanzaga Gold Project, scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

The company, through its subsidiary Sotta Mining Corporation Limited, said the investment was made between July 2024 and March 2026 as construction of the gold mine in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region, continues.

It said Sh371.6 billion was spent on goods and services sourced from Tanzanian suppliers, while Sh60.7 billion was paid to the government in taxes and other statutory obligations. A further Sh25.1 billion went to employees’ salaries and benefits, with Sh305 million directed to community development projects. Sotta Mining Corporation Country Manager Isaac Lupokela said the figures reflect the project’s commitment to generating economic and social benefits ahead of production.

‘As part of our commitment to responsible and sustainable mining, we are focused on creating lasting value for local communities and the Tanzanian economy,’ he said.

He said more than 3,600 people are currently employed at the construction site, including 281 direct employees, most of whom are Tanzanians recruited from surrounding communities.

Mr Lupokela said the company had also provided 202 training opportunities over the past year and established a Community Employment Committee to improve transparency in recruitment and boost local participation.

Beyond employment, the company said it has invested in community infrastructure, including water supply systems in Sotta East and Sotta West villages, as well as health and safety awareness programmes.

Construction is also ongoing for a replacement primary school, a second primary school and a dispensary, while the Ngoma Bypass Road project is expected to improve road safety and connectivity.

The Nyanzaga Gold Project, which is about 50 per cent complete, is estimated to contain around four million ounces of gold reserves and is expected to operate for at least 16 years once production begins.

Perseus Mining holds an 80 per cent stake in the project, while the Government of Tanzania owns the remaining 20 per cent through Sotta Mining Corporation Limited.

Commercial production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

Global tourism is entering a new era. An era where cultural tourism is emerging as one of the Africa and the world’s most powerful economic and development drivers.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Oxford Economics, the global travel and tourism sector contributed approximately $11.1 trillion to the world economy in 2024, accounting for nearly 10 percent of global GDP and supporting an estimated 348 million jobs worldwide.

International travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, meaningful, and immersive experiences. Cultural tourism is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism economy.

From heritage sites and festivals to music, gastronomy, indigenous traditions, museums, and performing arts, cultural tourism now represents an estimated 35 to 40 percent of global tourism activity as per the UN Tourism and UNESCO Report.

Africa, particularly East Africa and the Indian Ocean coastal region, has been identified and recognised as a future powerhouse of this rapidly expanding sector.

Tanzania and Zanzibar possess unique advantages that position them to become global leaders in cultural tourism over the coming decades.

Across the world tourism trends are changing. Travellers are moving beyond traditional beach holidays and luxury resorts and are increasingly seeking experiences connected to local communities, heritage, performing arts, cultural; festivals, music, spirituality, cuisine, and history.

Countries such as Italy, France, Japan, Egypt, and Morocco have built thriving tourism industries around culture, heritage, and creativity.

These nations demonstrate how investment in museums, festivals, performing arts, architecture, and cultural preservation can generate billions in tourism revenue annually.

According to UN Tourism, Africa welcomed approximately 74 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. East Africa was among the continent’s strongest-performing regions due to its combination of wildlife, coastal destinations, heritage sites, and cultural diversity.

Why East Africa matters

East Africa offers one of the world’s richest combinations of tourism assets. The region is home to ancient civilisations, vibrant ethnic cultures, globally recognised wildlife destinations, and the historic Swahili Coast civilisation that once connected Africa with the Middle East, India, and Asia through Indian Ocean trade routes.

Countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are increasingly investing in cultural villages, heritage conservation, festivals, museums, and creative industries to diversify their tourism economies.

However, many analysts believe Zanzibar stands out as one of the region’s strongest future cultural tourism hubs.

Zanzibar’s strategic cultural advantage

Zanzibar possesses a rare combination of assets found in few destinations globally. At the centre of its appeal is the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Swahili architecture, Arab-African cultural fusion, and centuries-old trading history.

Unlike many island tourism destinations that rely mainly on beaches, Zanzibar combines marine tourism with deep historical and cultural identity. Visitors can experience taarab music, Swahili cuisine, traditional arts, spice tours, Islamic heritage, and internationally recognised festivals such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival and Sauti za Busara.

This integration of culture and tourism gives Zanzibar a competitive advantage over other Indian Ocean destinations such as Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles, which are often more dependent on luxury beach tourism alone.

Tourism experts note that modern travellers increasingly value destinations with strong identity, authenticity, and storytelling – areas where Zanzibar performs exceptionally well.

Tanzania’s broader tourism strength

Tanzania’s wider tourism ecosystem further strengthens Zanzibar’s potential. The country combines globally renowned wildlife tourism with cultural and coastal tourism, creating one of Africa’s most diversified tourism portfolios.

From the Maasai cultural traditions and Kondoa Rock Art Sites to Kilwa Kisiwani ruins and Swahili heritage towns, Tanzania possesses extraordinary cultural diversity with more than 120 ethnic groups and centuries of historical exchange.

The country is also witnessing growth in creative industries including music, film, fashion, gastronomy, and performing arts, all of which contribute directly to cultural tourism development.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism remains one of Tanzania’s most important foreign exchange earners and employment generators.

Cultural tourism is increasingly viewed as a way to expand benefits beyond traditional safari tourism while empowering youth, women, and local communities.

Experts say cultural tourism offers higher economic value than many forms of mass tourism because visitors tend to stay longer, spend more locally, and support small and medium enterprises.

The sector also aligns with sustainable development priorities promoted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which encourages environmentally sustainable and community-based tourism models.

Challenges and the road forward

Despite the enormous potential, challenges remain. Enabling policies, infrastructure development, heritage preservation, climate resilience, skills training, and investment in creative industries are critical for long-term success.

Tourism leaders and stakeholders in East Africa must strengthen branding, improve cultural preservation policies, invest in digital tourism marketing, and build stronger continental and global partnerships between governments, private operators, artists, and local communities.

If properly managed, Tanzania and Zanzibar could emerge not only as African cultural tourism leaders but as globally recognised centres of cultural tourism excellence.

As the world searches for more authentic and transformative travel experiences, the Swahili Coast may soon become one of the defining cultural tourism destinations of the 21st century.

Athletics Tanzania (AT) has named the Coastal Region (Pwani) as the host of this year’s National Athletics Championships, scheduled for July 3 and 4 at the Filbert Bayi grounds in Kibaha.

The championships were initially set for May 29 to 31 but were postponed due to logistical and administrative reasons before new dates were confirmed by the national federation.

The two-day competition will bring together athletes from all 31 regions of Mainland Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, competing across a wide range of track and field disciplines including sprints, middle and long-distance races, jumps and throws. Organisers say the event will not only serve as a platform to identify and showcase the country’s top athletic talent but also help strengthen grassroots athletics development in the host region.Athletics Tanzania President Rogath John Stephen said the federation’s Executive Committee selected the Coastal Region after assessing its growing capacity, organisational strength and commitment to athletics development.

He said the decision reflects AT’s confidence in the region’s ability to stage a successful national competition that meets required technical and organisational standards.

‘The federation has great confidence in the athletics leadership of the Coastal Region. Working closely with the regional sports committee and other stakeholders, we believe this year’s national championships will be staged successfully and to the required standards,’ said Stephen.

This will be the second time the Coastal Region has been entrusted with hosting the National Athletics Championships. The region previously staged the event in 2015, also at Kibaha’s Filbert Bayi grounds.

Officials say the return of the championships to Pwani highlights steady progress in sports administration and infrastructure development over the past decade.

Stephen confirmed that preparations are complete, adding that the event will feature athletes from all corners of the country, with more than 300 competitors expected to participate.

He said the championships remain one of Tanzania’s most important athletics competitions, providing a critical platform for talent identification ahead of regional and international events.

The organisers further noted that the competition will also play a key role in strengthening unity among regions while offering young athletes exposure to elite-level competition.

With final preparations in place, AT says it is confident the 2026 edition will deliver high-level performances and set new benchmarks for future national championships.

Dar es Salaam. Athletics Tanzania (AT) has named the Coastal Region (Pwani) as the host of this year’s National Athletics Championships, scheduled for July 3 and 4 at the Filbert Bayi grounds in Kibaha.

The championships were initially set for May 29 to 31 but were postponed due to logistical and administrative reasons before new dates were confirmed by the national federation.

The two-day competition will bring together athletes from all 31 regions of Mainland Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, competing across a wide range of track and field disciplines including sprints, middle and long-distance races, jumps and throws.

Organisers say the event will not only serve as a platform to identify and showcase the country’s top athletic talent but also help strengthen grassroots athletics development in the host region.

Athletics Tanzania President Rogath John Stephen said the federation’s Executive Committee selected the Coastal Region after assessing its growing capacity, organisational strength and commitment to athletics development.

He said the decision reflects AT’s confidence in the region’s ability to stage a successful national competition that meets required technical and organisational standards.

‘The federation has great confidence in the athletics leadership of the Coastal Region. Working closely with the regional sports committee and other stakeholders, we believe this year’s national championships will be staged successfully and to the required standards,’ said Stephen.

This will be the second time the Coastal Region has been entrusted with hosting the National Athletics Championships. The region previously staged the event in 2015, also at Kibaha’s Filbert Bayi grounds.

Officials say the return of the championships to Pwani highlights steady progress in sports administration and infrastructure development over the past decade.

Stephen confirmed that preparations are complete, adding that the event will feature athletes from all corners of the country, with more than 300 competitors expected to participate.

He said the championships remain one of Tanzania’s most important athletics competitions, providing a critical platform for talent identification ahead of regional and international events.

The organisers further noted that the competition will also play a key role in strengthening unity among regions while offering young athletes exposure to elite-level competition.

With final preparations in place, AT says it is confident the 2026 edition will deliver high-level performances and set new benchmarks for future national championships.

The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music production has raised concerns among Tanzanian artistes and producers, with warnings that musicians could lose control over their voices and creative work if they use AI-powered platforms without caution.

AI tools are increasingly being used to generate beats, master tracks and create vocals that resemble human voices, raising questions over copyright, ownership and artistic identity.

Music producer Lizer Classic said the industry is not under threat, but warned that many artistes do not fully understand how some AI platforms handle uploaded content. ‘People often accept terms and conditions without reading them carefully. In doing so, they may allow their recordings and voices to be used to train AI systems,’ he said.

He said AI systems can analyse vocal patterns and potentially replicate an artist’s voice without consent.

‘When you record your voice, the system can identify your tone and style. One day you may hear a voice that sounds exactly like yours,’ he said.

AI expert Jumanne Abdallah said the technology should be seen as a tool rather than a threat, arguing that it is creating new opportunities for creatives.

‘The real issue is not AI itself but how people use it,’ he said.

Singer-songwriter Rehema Jamal said AI has helped reduce barriers for independent artistes by supporting demo production, idea development and marketing.

However, she said it should not replace human creativity.

‘It should not replace an artist’s authentic voice or emotional expression,’ she said.

Intellectual property lawyer Daniel Lawrence said AI is raising legal questions that existing copyright laws are still addressing.

‘If a voice is replicated without consent, questions arise over ownership and liability,’ he said.

He advised artistes to be cautious when uploading unreleased songs or vocal recordings to AI platforms, noting that usage policies vary between systems.

Creative entrepreneur Asha Suleiman said transparency will become more important as AI becomes more embedded in music production.

‘If AI is used in a song, there should be clarity on how it was applied,’ she said.

Stakeholders said regulation, education and awareness of intellectual property rights will be key as the industry adapts to AI technology.

Tanzania will have a solitary swimmer, Collins Saliboko, representing the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Saliboko will compete under the guidance of coach Kanisi Mabena, according to reports received by The Citizen. Tanzania will also field amateur boxers, judoka and runners.

The 24-year-old swimmer is currently based in South Africa, where he is also in camp preparing for the global event while continuing with his studies as a second-year student at Nelson Mandela University. His training environment in South Africa has provided him with consistent exposure to high-performance swimming programs and competitive training partners, helping him refine his technique and endurance ahead of major international assignments.

Saliboko is no stranger to top-level competition, having steadily built his profile on the international stage over the past few years.

He represented Tanzania at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, competing in the men’s 100m freestyle event. In Paris, he gained valuable experience at the highest level of the sport, clocking 53.38 seconds in the heats.

He finished seventh in his heat and did not advance to the next round, but the race marked an important milestone in his development as one of Tanzania’s leading sprint swimmers.

Beyond the Olympic Games, Saliboko has consistently featured in World Aquatics competitions, where he has tested himself against some of the world’s best swimmers.

At the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in 2024, he delivered one of his strongest performances to date, setting a national record of 51.10 seconds in the men’s 100m freestyle. In the same championship, he also competed in the 100m butterfly, where he posted a time of 55.45 seconds, further demonstrating his versatility in sprint events.

In long-course competition, Saliboko has also made appearances at the World Aquatics Championships (50m pool), competing in both freestyle and butterfly sprint events. One of his standout performances came at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan, where he recorded 24.43 seconds in the 50m freestyle.

His participation across multiple events at this level has helped him gain valuable race experience and measure his progress against elite international competition.

Over time, Saliboko’s performances in both short-course and long-course formats have established him as one of Tanzania’s most consistent international swimmers. He has regularly set national records and continues to push the boundaries of Tanzanian swimming on the world stage, particularly in sprint freestyle events where competition is extremely intense.

His journey to Glasgow will once again place him on one of the sport’s biggest stages, where he will be aiming to improve on his previous international performances and continue building Tanzania’s presence in global swimming.