Category: The Citizen

Tanzania’s trade surplus with neighbouring countries has remained broadly supported by mineral exports, particularly gold, even as overall performance shows regional fluctuations, according to the latest Bank of Tanzania data.

The Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report shows that Tanzania’s surplus stood at Sh1.55 trillion in the quarter ending March 2025, reflecting continued cross-border trade activity shaped by both rising imports and export gains in key sectors.

Despite a 4.5 per cent contraction in the surplus, gold exports from the Lake Zone continued to play a central role in sustaining Tanzania’s trade position with neighbouring countries.

The zone accounted for the largest share of the country’s cross-border surplus, driven by shipments of unrefined gold alongside cement and food products.

The report indicates that while some regions faced pressure from rising imports, particularly agricultural inputs, mining exports helped offset weaker performance elsewhere, maintaining an overall positive trade balance.

The Northern Zone also recorded an improved surplus, supported by a decline in imports of iron ore, steel, pharmaceutical products and plastic articles from neighbouring markets.

However, the Southern Highlands saw a widening deficit, driven by increased imports of maize seeds and fertilisers and lower cement exports, highlighting uneven regional trade dynamics.

Economists say the data points to a continuing pattern in which gold exports remain a stabilising force in Tanzania’s regional trade, cushioning the impact of seasonal agricultural fluctuations and import-driven pressures in other zones.

University of Dodoma economics lecturer Dr Lutengano Mwinuka said agricultural trade continues to be influenced by seasonal production cycles, affecting consistency in export flows across the region.

Independent economic analyst Mr Oscar Mkude said Tanzania’s trade performance reflects a structure still dependent on a few key sectors, with mining-particularly gold-providing critical support.

He said broader diversification would be needed to reduce exposure to seasonal shocks in agriculture and construction-related demand, which often affect import and export balances.

Agriculture remains a major contributor to regional trade but is still dependent on rainfall patterns, while manufacturing capacity is gradually expanding.

The ACT Wazalendo youth wing has rejected claims that Zanzibari youth are lazy, saying unemployment in the Isles is driven by weak policy frameworks rather than lack of effort.

The remarks come amid debate in the Zanzibar House of Representatives on employment, where some lawmakers have described local youth as idle.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, July 22, 2026, ACT Wazalendo youth wing vice chairperson, Mr Nassor Ahmed Marhun, said unemployment remains a serious challenge that requires strong policy direction and effective leadership.

He said young people in Zanzibar have demonstrated capability in education, sports, fishing, agriculture, technology, and innovation, despite operating in constrained environments and weak policy support systems.

Mr Marhun said the government has a responsibility to create enabling policies and education systems that expand job opportunities, rather than blaming young people.

‘Such statements not only disrespect young people but also reflect a failure to understand the real challenges they face and to provide solutions,’ he said.

He urged the government, if serious about addressing youth unemployment, to prioritise four key interventions.

These include providing an update on the pledge to create 350,000 jobs, including how many have been realised and progress made so far.

He also called for an end to remarks that ridicule or blame young people for unemployment, saying such rhetoric undermines their dignity.

Mr Marhun further urged the introduction of concrete measures to promote decent employment that respects labour rights and human dignity.

In addition, he said young people must be actively involved in policy formulation and implementation, rather than being sidelined and blamed for systemic shortcomings.

He stressed that Zanzibar’s youth are not lazy but are hardworking, innovative, and patriotic, with the potential to drive national development if given fair opportunities and enabling conditions.

Commenting on remarks by Deputy Minister for Youth, Employment and Empowerment Hassan Khamis Hafidh, who said hotel jobs are being taken by foreigners, Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office responsible for Policy, Coordination and the House of Representatives, Hamza Hassan Juma, said the statement was accurate and aimed at encouraging Zanzibaris to take up available opportunities.

‘Our youth should stop loitering in idle groups and instead apply for available jobs. A company recently advertised 150 driving jobs, but where are our young people? Indeed, they should not remain idle,’ he said.

He urged young people to actively apply for jobs and pursue further education to bridge skills gaps and improve competitiveness in the labour market.

Residents of Namtumbo District in Ruvuma Region have described how entrepreneurship training and related support under the JUA Project – Building Capacity and Employment – has enabled them to access jobs and start businesses, improving their livelihoods.

The project is implemented by Cooperative Paesi Emergenti (COPE) and targets 5,720 beneficiaries, including 400 households, 60 companies, four public institutions and two training institutions, with the aim of stimulating economic growth in Ruvuma Region and enabling citizens to access decent and fairly paid employment.

The project is implemented by COPE and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Speaking to The Citizen on Friday, June 19, 2026, one of the beneficiaries, university graduate Jemsi Mwingira, said the training enabled him and other youths to establish a business after securing a Sh19.7 million loan from the council during the 2021/22 financial year to purchase a sunflower-processing machine.

He said the initiative later enabled them to expand the project with an additional sunflower-processing machine worth Sh33 million, creating more employment opportunities for other young people.

‘Revenue from the project has enabled group members to build houses, access opportunities from private organisations, and has also helped us sell our products beyond the country,’ he said.

COPE JUA Project Manager Eleonora Bolliger said the programme targets youths, women and persons with disabilities in Namtumbo District, Songea Municipality and Songea Rural District.

She said it promotes entrepreneurship skills, employment opportunities and access to education aligned with labour market demands.

Namtumbo District Commissioner, represented by District Administrative Secretary, Mr Fransic Mgoloko, said COPE has more than 20 years of experience working in Tanzania and has been implementing the project in Ruvuma Region for the past 36 months.

He said the JUA Project empowers citizens through skills training, business education, innovation, and life skills to enable them to secure employment or become self-employed.

‘Genuine development is achieved by investing in people through skills and economic opportunities,’ he said, urging youths, women and persons with disabilities to take advantage of such initiatives whenever they arise.

As Tanzania remains free of Ebola cases, Africa has mobilized nearly Sh2.39 trillion in pledges to combat the rapidly expanding Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which has killed 204 people and infected 894 others in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda within a month of being declared a continental public health emergency.

Amid growing regional concern and intensified continental efforts to contain the outbreak, Tanzania has stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent the virus from crossing its borders. Screening and surveillance at border posts, airports and seaports have been intensified, alongside the issuance of guidelines to healthcare professionals and the public.

Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said that since the outbreak was announced, authorities have investigated 64 alerts reported from 21 regions. Of these, 11 suspected cases met the criteria for further assessment, and all tested negative for Ebola.

According to the latest one-month review by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), less than Sh234 billion of the pledged resources has so far reached affected countries and partners, despite an immediate response plan requiring approximately Sh1.35 trillion over the next six months.

The Africa CDC report identified six major challenges that will determine whether the outbreak can be brought under control.

The first is the absence of a licensed vaccine or therapeutic treatment specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, leaving health authorities reliant on traditional public health measures such as surveillance, isolation and infection prevention.

Another major challenge is insecurity in eastern DRC, where attacks on health facilities and armed conflict have disrupted response activities and forced temporary closures.

Additional concerns include infections among healthcare workers, persistent weaknesses in contact tracing, ongoing cross-border population movements and delays in the disbursement of pledged financial resources.

The report warned that the response risks falling behind unless surveillance systems improve significantly, noting that ‘the response cannot win while most contacts remain outside the surveillance system.’

The outbreak has affected 31 health zones in the DRC and one district in Uganda, with the eastern Congolese province of Ituri accounting for 91 percent of all cases and 78 percent of deaths, making it the epicentre of the crisis.

Health officials reported 38 new confirmed cases during the latest reporting period, underscoring concerns that transmission remains active despite intensified interventions.

The outbreak prompted Africa CDC to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on May 18, days after the disease was confirmed in the DRC and Uganda.

The report highlighted significant achievements during the first month of the response, particularly in surveillance and laboratory capacity.

More than 27,000 diagnostic tests are currently in the pipeline, while 21,600 rapid diagnostic tests have already been delivered.

Diagnostic supplies have been distributed to the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan and Burundi, while six laboratories have been decentralised to improve access to testing.

According to the report, these measures have increased the proportion of samples processed within 24 hours from 23.8 percent to 100 percent, helping to speed up diagnosis and patient isolation.

The response has also been strengthened through the expansion of digital surveillance systems, including the rollout of DHIS-2 tracking systems in affected areas to improve case monitoring and screening at border points.

With cases continuing to rise and transmission chains still active, the report says the success of the next phase of the response will depend on how quickly resources are disbursed, contacts are traced and frontline operations are strengthened

The death of Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Richard Abwao has left a deep void in his family, the Tanzania Police Force, and among colleagues and friends who remember him as a humble, consistent, and dedicated officer.

Mr Abwao died on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where he had been receiving treatment.

His death has triggered mourning across the Police Force, government institutions, family circles, and communities where he served during his long career.

To his family, Mr Abwao was not only a senior officer, but also a pillar of unity, an adviser, and a guardian.

Speaking in Morogoro on Monday, June 22, 2026, his younger brother Manley Abwao said the family had lost its backbone.

‘My brother was our parent, guardian, and adviser. He was the one who held the family together. His loss is a heavy blow that cannot be easily filled,’ he said.

Manley said the deceased had also been a mentor since joining the Tanzania Police Force in 1998, guiding him both professionally and personally.

‘He taught me discipline, work ethics, and the importance of unity. He valued family and was always ready to help anyone in need,’ he said.

Born on June 23, 1975, in Kawawa Village, Iringa District, the fallen police chief attended Bungo Primary School in Morogoro before joining Kigurunyembe Secondary School, completing Form Six in 1996.

He joined the Tanzania Police Force in 1998 and pursued studies, including an Advanced Diploma in Cooperative Management at Moshi Cooperative University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the College of Business Education (CBE).

He also undertook leadership courses that saw him steadily rise through the ranks, attaining SACP rank in 2024.

Over a career spanning more than 27 years, he served in several positions, including Officer Commanding Station Nyamwaga, District Police Commander for Kishapu, Regional Police Commander for Shinyanga, Simiyu, and Tabora from 2021 until his death.

Friends and former schoolmates remember him as a disciplined, but warm-hearted man who maintained close relationships despite his senior rank.

His longtime friend from Kigurunyembe Secondary School, Mr Ramadhan Libenanga, said Mr Abwao remained humble throughout his life.

‘Richard was a true friend. Even after becoming a senior commander, he never changed. When he came to Morogoro, he would always call me, and we would meet like old times,’ he said.

Kinondoni Police Zonal Commander, Mtatiro Kitinkwi, who also studied with him, said the deceased was a talented footballer and school team captain, playing as a left-footed winger.

His schoolmates included Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Denis Londo, musicians Joseph Haule (Professor Jay) and Seleman Msindi (Afande Sele), Ashton Balaigwa, Samuel Msuya, and Morogoro Press Club chairperson, Mr Nikkson Mkilanya.

Police leaders described the deceased as a disciplined, professional, and community-oriented officer who served with integrity and commitment.

They said he built strong relationships with communities in all regions where he worked and upheld Police Force values.

Minister Londo said Mr Abwao’s death was a loss to the family and the government, describing him as a humble and respected officer who remained grounded despite his rank.

According to the Police Force, Mr Abwao had been receiving treatment in various hospitals locally and abroad before passing away at Muhimbili National Hospital. He is survived by a wife and one child.

Following a farewell ceremony at his home in Mjimwema, Morogoro Municipality, his body was transported to Shirati in Mara Region for burial.

The Police Force, under the Inspector General of Police, joined family, relatives, and friends in paying final respects to the senior commander, whose career spanned over two decades of dedicated service.

The High Court in Manyara Sub-Registry has dismissed a land dispute filed by Narosoito Village Council against four individuals and declared three of them the lawful owners of the contested land.

The case, numbered 5366/2025, was filed by Narosoito Village Council, Simanjiro District Council, and the Attorney General (AG) against Noah Kibunda, Yeremia Lemandi, Mathayo Palaleti, and Sokoine Kibunda.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Justice Nenelwa Mwihambi ruled that the plaintiffs had failed to prove that the land belonged to the village or that the defendants had occupied it unlawfully.

The dispute centred on 150 acres in Nengamai Hamlet, Narosoito Village, in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region.

According to the plaintiffs, Mr Kibunda had encroached on 75 acres of grazing land, Mr Lemandi on 50 acres of open land, Mr Palaleti on 25 acres of grazing land, and Mr Sokoine on a further 25 acres of grazing land.

They asked the court to declare the land the property of Narosoito Village, order the defendants to vacate it, pay compensation for the alleged encroachment, and cover the costs of the suit.

In their submissions, village leaders argued that the disputed land formed part of village land reserved for grazing and open spaces under the village land-use plan and a customary right of occupancy certificate issued in 2023.

The defendants denied the allegations, maintaining that they had been lawfully allocated the land between 2000 and 2001 by the leadership of the former Orkesumet Village, which was later subdivided into Lormorijoi and Narosoito villages.

The court heard witnesses from both sides and conducted a site visit before reaching its decision.

It also received testimony from former village leaders who confirmed that the defendants had been allocated the land in accordance with procedures in force at the time.

The plaintiffs relied on evidence from three witnesses led by Narosoito Village chairman Petro Alamnyaka, who maintained that the disputed parcels formed part of village land designated for grazing and open-space use.

He told the court that the village holds a registration certificate and customary title deed covering 13,793 acres of grazing land and insisted that the defendants had occupied the disputed areas without authorisation.

Simanjiro District Council town planning officer, Mr Marco Michael, testified that, under the 2020-2030 Narosoito Village Land Use Plan, areas occupied by the first and third defendants fall within village grazing land.

He said the plan had been prepared in compliance with legal requirements and approved by the relevant authorities.

The plaintiffs’ third witness, former Narosoito Village chairman, Mr Kayeni Kiroiya, supported the claim that part of the disputed land had been reserved for village use before the conflict arose.

He said several village meetings had resolved that the land should remain designated for grazing and open-space purposes.

However, the defendants called eight witnesses who testified that the land had been legally allocated to them between 2000 and 2001 by Orkesumet Village before its division into Lormorijoi and Narosoito villages.

They produced ownership documents and testimony from former village leaders confirming that proper allocation procedures had been followed and that they had occupied the land peacefully for more than two decades.

The court was also informed that the suit had initially been filed against four defendants, including Sokoine. However, he died while the matter was still before the court.

Following his death, the plaintiffs formally withdrew the case against him in accordance with Order XXIII Rule 2(b) of the Civil Procedure Rules, leaving the judgment to apply only to the remaining three defendants.

Court ruling

Justice Mwihambi held that the evidence presented by the plaintiffs, including the customary title deed and village land-use plan, failed to adequately explain whether the disputed land had already been allocated to private individuals before those documents were issued.

The court found that by the time Narosoito Village was officially registered in 2010, the defendants were already in occupation and use of the land, and had been doing so for several years.

It further noted that when the village land-use plan was prepared in 2020 and the customary title deed issued in 2023, the land was already under the defendants’ occupation.

In her judgment, Justice Mwihambi said the defendants’ evidence was more convincing and credible than that presented by the plaintiffs when measured against the standard of proof required in civil proceedings.

The court also rejected reliance on certain letters and decisions issued by the Executive Director of Simanjiro District Council, ruling that the office lacked legal authority to determine land ownership and that the documents therefore carried little evidential weight.

Consequently, the court found that Narosoito Village Council had failed to prove ownership of the disputed land or establish that the defendants had encroached on it.

The suit was dismissed with costs, and the court declared Noah, Yeremia, and Mathayo the lawful owners of the disputed land.

Justice Mwihambi concluded that the right to own property, including land, is protected under the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and cannot be taken away except through due process of law.

As Tanzania accelerates efforts to build a competitive digital economy, a new partnership with Finnish innovation experts is expected to strengthen the country’s growing pool of technology entrepreneurs and innovators.

The initiative, which brings together 50 Tanzanian participants for an intensive five-day innovation training programme in Dar es Salaam, comes at a time when policymakers are increasingly looking to technology-driven solutions to address youth unemployment and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global digital marketplace.

The training, facilitated by experts from Finland and coordinated by the Tanzania Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), focuses on practical approaches to innovation, entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of digital solutions.

Speaking during the opening of the programme on June 22, 2026, ICTC Director General Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, said Tanzania’s ambition is not merely to create technology users but to nurture innovators capable of developing solutions that can compete internationally.

“We are looking at how these innovations can create jobs for our young people, contribute to various sectors of the economy and make Tanzania more competitive globally,” said Dr Mwasaga.

He noted that innovation is a critical pillar of Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda and plays a central role in unlocking opportunities within the digital economy.

“Tanzania has a large and energetic youth population. We want them to become creators of technology, not just consumers. These skills will help them understand how innovation can generate value and contribute to economic development,” he said.

Supporting Tanzania’s digital ambitions

The training is being delivered under the Digital4Tanzania (D4T) programme, a government-to-government initiative supported by Germany, Finland and Estonia. The programme aims to strengthen Tanzania’s digital ecosystem through investments in skills development, cyber security, interoperability, research and innovation.

Over the past decade, Tanzania has made significant investments in digital infrastructure, including the expansion of the National ICT Broadband Backbone, improvements in mobile connectivity and the digitisation of public services.

However, experts argue that infrastructure alone is insufficient unless accompanied by local innovation capable of solving real-world challenges.

According to Dr Mwasaga, the training aligns with five strategic pillars that are shaping the country’s digital future: cyber security, digital skills development, modern communication infrastructure, the digital economy, and research and innovation.

One of the key aspects participants will explore is innovation procurement-a concept widely used in developed economies but still relatively new in Tanzania. The approach enables governments and institutions to purchase innovative solutions developed by startups and young entrepreneurs, creating a market for home-grown technologies.

“When participants understand what has been achieved in Finland and how innovation contributes to economic growth, they will be better positioned to replicate successful models in Tanzania,” Dr Mwasaga explained.

He added that efforts are underway to strengthen innovation hubs and incubation programmes to ensure that promising ideas developed by young Tanzanians can mature into scalable businesses capable of competing across East Africa, the continent and beyond.

Learning from one of the world’s innovation leaders

Finland consistently ranks among the world’s leading countries in education, innovation and technological advancement. The Nordic nation is internationally recognised for its strong startup ecosystem and effective collaboration between government, academia and the private sector.

Addressing participants, Finnish innovation expert Tiina Koivuniemi encouraged Tanzanian innovators to embrace experimentation and develop confidence in their ideas.

“The greatest benefit of this programme is that participants will gain practical tools for managing innovation, exchange experiences and build professional networks that can support future collaboration,” she said.

She urged young innovators to remain courageous and view societal challenges from different perspectives.

“Innovation often begins when people are willing to question existing approaches and test new ideas. We want Tanzanian innovators to feel confident in experimenting and learning from the process,” she added.

Startups see opportunity for growth

Participants described the programme as a timely intervention, particularly as Tanzania’s startup ecosystem continues to expand despite persistent challenges related to financing, mentorship and market access.

Founder of ReinoLab, an AI-powered digital science laboratory, Peace Bisake, said the training would expose local innovators to international best practices and improve their ability to compete globally.

“The digital economy is increasingly borderless. If we want Tanzanian innovations to gain international recognition, we need exposure to global standards and innovation methodologies,” she said.

Similarly, founder of Paki Urban Limited, Mr Rodrick Mshanga, observed that many innovators possess strong ideas but lack the business development skills needed to transform them into commercially viable enterprises.

“Many young innovators know how to build solutions, but they struggle with scaling their businesses, attracting investment and positioning their products competitively. Programmes like this help bridge that gap,” he said.

As a senior university librarian, I have observed a profound shift in how we define a ‘student.’ In today’s rapidly evolving labour market, the traditional model of classroom-bound education is being challenged by a powerful, ancient concept: ‘autodidacticism’.

This practice of self-education or learning without the formal guidance of teachers is no longer a niche pursuit for the ‘self-made man’; it has become an essential survival skill for the modern era.

Autodidacticism allows individuals to choose their own subjects, materials, and rhythm.

Historically, this path was often the only route for those excluded from elite academic circles. African ancestral learning was fundamentally practical, collective, and deeply rooted in self-directed interest and learning.

Rather than relying on academic circles of the classroom, formative and summative assessments, native learning methods across East Africa, and probably all of Africa, were in the form of lifelong learning.

As noted, young men worked alongside male elders to master essential businesses and skills like carpentry, building, and metal works, while young women learned the art of homestead management, cooking traditional meals, and family care from their mothers.

Far from being merely domestic or occupational, these gender-aligned pathways were vital socio-economic structures.

They equipped the youth with tangible, specialised skills that ensured immediate self-reliance and smooth integration into the social composition, securing their identity and purpose within the community.

This African ancestral learning model bonds overwhelmingly with modern self-learning (autodidacticism).

Though elders directed the ancestral learning and skills transfer, it demanded enormous interest, commitment, and motivation from the learner.

Knowledge was actively acquired through participation, observation, practice, and real-life problem solving, which was used to impact the community. Learning was competency-based and society-driven, which meant that unemployment was very minimal.

In essence, traditional African youths were natural autodidacts, mastering complex skills by actively engaging with their surroundings and taking ownership of their cognitive and manual development.

Today, the landscape of youth learning has dramatically shifted. Formal schooling often prioritises academic theory over practical trades, leaving a critical gap where informal, intergenerational knowledge transfer used to thrive.

These foundational hand skills are rarely passed down naturally within the family or village structure anymore.

However, the rise of the digital age has sparked a powerful resurgence of autodidacticism among contemporary youth.

It is as if nature is calling for a reversal of skill-based, informal ancestral learning.

Facing high unemployment and mismatched job markets, today’s young people are increasingly turning to digital space using online videos, forums, and open-access platforms to teach themselves the very skills that formal systems overlook.

Today, the ‘self-learning curriculum’ is infinite, ranging from YouTube tutorials on coding to massive open online courses (MOOCs) that provide democratic access to quality education for anyone, anywhere, and at whatever time.

In my opinion, libraries are the natural heart of this movement. Libraries are the future of self-taught workers.

Libraries are no longer just quiet repositories for printed books; they are dynamic learning ecosystems and ‘multi-skilling engines’ for youth empowerment.

Libraries are repackaging evidence-based information into easy to use step by step procedures for practical skills that youth need.

A young person utilising library databases, multimedia collections, and step-by-step procedures to study agricultural innovations or using open educational platforms to acquire coding skills is not just gaining knowledge; they are building a pathway to self-reliance.

By providing access to digital resources and guidance on how to use them, libraries act as silent but powerful incubators of innovation.

However, the path of the autodidact is not without significant hurdles. In many regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Tanzania inclusive high cost of internet, intermittent connectivity, and a lack of ICT infrastructure are challenges.

Furthermore, our own research at Aga Khan University Library, Tanzania, shows that many patrons find online tools like the electronic catalogue (OPAC), EndNote, and LibGuides need librarians to support them in using these tools effectively.

Librarians’ daily Information literacy training activities give users the ability to identify, locate, and evaluate information as a prerequisite for participating effectively in the information society.

As we look towards the future, we must recognise that the challenge of unemployment cannot be solved by formal systems alone.

I call upon our governments to move beyond merely recognising unemployment among youths and invest strategically in community libraries within communities where most unemployed youths reside.

Community libraries should employ librarians with digital skills to transform the library spaces and make them suitable for youth autodidacts.

These spaces must be empowered with stable internet, digital tools, and trained personnel who can guide self-directed learning.

If we treat libraries as centres of autodidacticism, we can transform ‘unemployment’ from a state of passivity into an opportunity for structured self-development and creativity.

The library is a space where a young person can transform time into skills and knowledge into a livelihood. It is time we invested in that transformation.

Dr Jackline Kiwelu is the Senior Librarian at the Aga Khan University in Tanzania

Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has said the era of relying on foreign aid to finance development and social services is over, urging Tanzanians to embrace self-reliance in addressing national challenges.

He said the modern global economy requires countries to build strong domestic resource bases, instead of depending on external assistance.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks on Sunday, June 21, 2026, during a fundraising event for the completion of an income-generating building owned by the Anglican Church of Tanzania at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Central Tanganyika Diocese in Dodoma.

Speaking at the service, he said the bishop’s sermon on global change aligned with government policy on building a self-reliant economy.

‘I believe the era of aid has passed. We used to have a desk managing aid funds and sector baskets, but these are no longer part of our budget. The President has consistently emphasised a budget based on domestic resources,’ he said.

He said this approach should be embraced as a national mindset, noting that the Sh62.3 trillion 2026/27 budget is largely financed through domestic revenue, dividends from public institutions, and other internal sources.

He added that the government does not want essential services for vulnerable groups to keep relying on foreign aid, but instead to be supported through domestic systems.

‘Previously, centres for children with special needs were often funded through foreign aid. It is time to move away from that thinking. Tanzanian children in need must be cared for by Tanzanians,’ he said.

He said the government is reviewing procedures and regulations that may unintentionally encourage dependency on external assistance.

He noted that in some cases, persons with disabilities seeking assistance from public offices are issued letters to solicit funds instead of receiving direct support.

‘When a person with a disability goes to a public office, they should not be sent to raise funds. They should be assisted immediately,’ he said.

He urged local government authorities to identify orphanages and vulnerable groups so they can be supported through formal government systems.

Earlier, the cleric who led the service said Tanzania has sufficient resources, adding that it is unfortunate for churches to rely on letters seeking foreign assistance.

He noted that churches in Europe and the United States have also seen declining attendance and capacity, making long-term reliance on them difficult.

The Anglican Church of Tanzania Archbishop, Dr Maimbo Mndolwa, said the Church operates on Holy Scripture, tradition, and reason.

The government has directed regional and district health authorities to ensure that gains made through a nine-year family planning programme are not lost following the closure of a UK-funded initiative that expanded reproductive health services to millions of Tanzanians.

Speaking during a learning symposium in Dodoma to mark the official close-out of the Scaling Up Family Planning (SuFP) Programme, Chief Medical Officer Dr Grace Magembe instructed Regional Medical Officers (RMOs) and District Medical Officers (DMOs) to integrate successful interventions into local plans and budgets to guarantee continuity of services.

Dr Magembe said the officials had not been invited merely to witness the end of the programme but to ensure its achievements become part of routine health service delivery across the country.

‘We must make sure the progress achieved through this programme continues beyond donor support. Regional and council health authorities should incorporate these interventions into their plans and budgets so that services remain available to the people who need them most,’ she said.

The SuFP Programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), was implemented between 2017 and 2026 through a partnership involving the Government of Tanzania, EngenderHealth, UNFPA, MSI Tanzania, Pathfinder International, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT), DKT International and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Over the past nine years, the programme focused on expanding access to family planning and reproductive health services, particularly among women, girls, young people, people with disabilities and residents of underserved communities.

According to programme partners, SuFP strengthened family planning service delivery, improved reproductive health commodity supply chains, enhanced the capacity of health providers and promoted data-driven decision-making within the health sector.

The programme also introduced disability-inclusive and youth-responsive approaches aimed at addressing barriers that have historically limited access to reproductive health services for vulnerable groups.

Addressing the symposium, Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission in Tanzania, Mr Will Guest, said the programme had demonstrated the impact of sustained investment in reproductive health.

‘The UK remains firmly committed to advancing the rights of women and girls. In Tanzania, the SuFP programme shows what that commitment can achieve,’ he said.

Mr Guest noted that more than 5.2 million women and girls had been reached with family planning services through the programme.

He added that the initiative helped prevent over 6,500 maternal deaths and approximately 8.3 million unintended pregnancies during its implementation period.

‘These achievements have empowered women and girls to make informed choices about their futures while contributing to improved health outcomes across the country,’ he said.

However, Mr Guest stressed that preserving those gains would require stronger local ownership, continued investment in high-impact interventions and the application of lessons learned to future health programmes.

Speaking on behalf of implementing partners, UNFPA Tanzania Resident Representative Mr Mark Bryan Schreiner said the programme had demonstrated the value of collaboration between government institutions, development partners, healthcare providers and communities.

‘The SuFP Programme has shown that meaningful progress is possible when stakeholders work together towards a common goal,’ he said.

‘The lessons generated through this initiative provide valuable guidance for future investments in reproductive health and health systems strengthening. As we close this chapter, it is important that the gains made are sustained.’

On top of that, MSI Tanzania Chief Operating Officer Dr Stephen Mutegeki echoed the call, saying the organisation would continue working with government and other partners to support equitable access to reproductive health services.

He said the programme’s success was built on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving the wellbeing of Tanzanians.

‘The end of the programme should not mean the end of its impact. We will continue working with government and partners to ensure that the systems, skills and services established through SuFP continue benefiting women, young people and vulnerable communities across Tanzania,’ said Dr Mutegeki.