Category: The Citizen

Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine has extended its ‘Zero Malaria’ campaign to approximately 44,000 households in Msalala District, Shinyanga Region, through indoor spraying and mosquito breeding control measures aimed at reducing malaria transmission.

The campaign has reached households in Bugarama and Bulyanhulu wards, targeting communities surrounding the mine as part of ongoing efforts to support public health interventions.

Speaking after the completion of the exercise, Msalala District acting executive director Julieth Petro, who also serves as district coordinator for vector control activities, said the programme had successfully covered the targeted households in the two wards.

Barrick Bulyanhulu has been supporting various community initiatives, including health interventions such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) programmes designed to reduce malaria cases in areas surrounding the mine.

Barrick Bulyanhulu community relations officer Zuwena Senkondo said the annual campaign seeks to reduce malaria infections by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and controlling mosquito populations in communities near the mine.

She said the company would continue supporting government efforts aimed at improving the welfare of communities and strengthening public health initiatives.

‘Health remains an important issue in any community. That is why Barrick Bulyanhulu has continued implementing initiatives aimed at reducing malaria infections, particularly among women and children who are among the groups most affected by the disease,’ she said.

Ms Senkondo said the first phase of this year’s campaign reached 44,000 households through spraying activities while residents were also provided with mosquito nets.

She added that the insecticides used in the exercise are approved and considered safe for household use, including pyrethroid-based products.

The spraying exercise was implemented by Gekahil Inter-Trade Ltd and created temporary employment opportunities for approximately 95 young people who participated in the programme.

Barrick said broader interventions under the ‘Zero Malaria’ initiative, including mosquito spraying, distribution of treated mosquito nets, public education and promotion of regular health screening, have contributed to reducing malaria infections in communities surrounding the mine.

The government has moved to reassure the public and development partners following a European Parliament resolution that objected to the European Commission’s proposed pound 156 million (about Sh470 billion) cooperation programme for Tanzania in 2026, insisting that the vote neither suspends funding nor represents a final decision by the European Union.

More than three decades after Namibia attained independence and over six decades since Tanzania became a frontline state in Africa’s liberation struggles, the leaders of the two nations believe a new battle must now be fought- the battle for economic liberation.

That message dominated Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s three-day State Visit to Tanzania, where she and President Samia Suluhu Hassan repeatedly stressed that the historical ties forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid must now be translated into jobs, investments, trade and prosperity for ordinary citizens.

Tanzania is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with Russia, targeting increased investment in strategic sectors including mining, infrastructure, energy and agriculture following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent landmark visit to the Russian Federation.

The call was made during celebrations marking Russia Day at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. The event, hosted by Russian Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, was dedicated to Crimea and brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Russian community in Tanzania.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde said relations between the two countries had entered a new phase driven by stronger economic diplomacy and growing trade ties.

Mr Mavunde, who represented the Tanzanian government at the event, said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg earlier this month had opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.

‘This was a truly historic moment and the first visit by a Tanzanian Head of State to Russia in nearly six decades,’ he said. ‘The discussions between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Vladimir Putin have injected fresh momentum into our partnership and laid a strategic roadmap for future cooperation.’

The minister noted that Tanzania and Russia are preparing to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations, recalling that Russia was among the first countries to recognise Tanzania’s independence and establish diplomatic ties in December 1961.

According to Mr Mavunde, bilateral cooperation has expanded beyond historical and political ties to include trade, investment, education, tourism, energy and mining.

He said annual trade between the two countries has been growing by an estimated 20 to 25 percent, with dozens of Russian companies sourcing products from Tanzania while Tanzanian firms continue to import goods from Russia.

To accelerate this growth, Tanzania is inviting more Russian state-owned corporations and private investors to explore opportunities in the country.

‘We welcome targeted partnerships in strategic infrastructure, mineral value addition, green energy and large-scale modernised agriculture,’ Mr Mavunde said.

The minister also highlighted growing collaboration in education, noting that Russia has expanded scholarship opportunities for Tanzanian students to 150 annually, alongside additional slots offered by Russian universities.

He said language and cultural exchanges would play an important role in strengthening future cooperation, particularly among young people.

Another major outcome of President Samia’s visit, according to Mr Mavunde, is the planned launch of direct Air Tanzania flights linking Tanzania and Russia from July.

He described the new route as a significant milestone expected to boost tourism, trade and investment by reducing travel barriers between the two countries.

In the mining sector, Mr Mavunde reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of the Mkuju River uranium project being implemented by Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Rosatom.

He said the project, which is expected to be completed by 2028, represents one of Tanzania’s highest-priority strategic investments and will support the country’s entry into the nuclear energy value chain.

‘The project demonstrates our shared commitment to using advanced technologies to support sustainable industrial and economic development,’ he said.

Mr Mavunde added that the government remained committed to supporting Rosatom’s long-term engagement in Tanzania and facilitating the successful implementation of the project.

He further reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Russia based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared development interests.

‘As President Samia stated during her visit, Tanzania values Russia’s long-standing friendship and contribution to Africa’s development,’ Mr Mavunde said. ‘The success of the recent visit demonstrates what can be achieved when nations build bridges based on mutual respect and common interests.’

One of the league giants, Simba SC kept the pressure firmly on their title rivals after a narrow but important 2-1 victory over Pamba Jiji FC at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam on Sunday in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League. The result ensured the title race remains tightly contested as the season enters its decisive phase.

The win means Simba SC remain second on the table with 61 points from 26 matches, just two points behind leaders Young Africans (Yanga), who continue to top the standings with 63 points.

The gap keeps the championship battle finely poised, with every remaining fixture now carrying significant weight. In the chasing pack, Azam FC sit third with 55 points, while Singida Black Stars, TRA United, and JKT Tanzania remain within reach of the upper half, hoping to finish strongly.

Simba SC started the match with high intensity and quickly imposed themselves on possession. Their early pressure paid off in the 7th minute when Ellie Mpanzu broke the deadlock. The goal came from a perfectly weighted pass by Neo Maema, who split the Pamba Jiji defensive line and released Mpanzu into space. The forward showed composure to slot the ball past the goalkeeper and give Simba an early lead.

However, Pamba Jiji FC responded positively and refused to be overwhelmed. Their persistence was rewarded in the 18th minute when Mathew Tegisi Momanyi capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score. The equaliser shifted momentum slightly, forcing Simba SC to reorganise and regain control in midfield.

The second half saw a more dominant Simba side, with increased tempo and sharper attacking transitions. They controlled possession and pushed Pamba deeper into their own half, creating several chances before finally restoring their advantage in the 64th minute. Libase Gueye finished off a well-worked move to make it 2-1, a goal that ultimately proved decisive.

Despite late pressure from Pamba Jiji FC, Simba SC’s defence held firm, showing discipline and game management to secure all three points. The victory was crucial in maintaining their title challenge and ensuring the race with Yanga remains alive heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

The result also highlights Simba SC’s growing consistency under pressure, with key attacking contributions from Mpanzu and Gueye underlining their depth in crucial moments of the season. While Young Africans (Yanga) still hold a narrow advantage at the top, the two-point margin ensures that the championship outcome remains wide open.

In another Mainland Premier League fixture, Tanzania Prisons secured a 2-1 win over Dodoma Jiji FC at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya. The result leaves Tanzania Prisons in 15th place with 23 points from 26 matches, as they continue their fight to avoid relegation in a tense end to the seaso

Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) have returned to the summit of the Mainland Tanzania Premier League following a 2-0 victory over Fountain Gate FC yesterday.

Yanga secured all three points through a dominant second-half display, with both goals coming shortly after the restart. Pacome Zouzoua broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after being set up by Mudathir Yahaya, finishing calmly to give the hosts the lead. Just two minutes later, Yanga doubled their advantage when Laurindo ‘Depu’ Aurelio latched onto a well-delivered pass from Maxi Nzengeli and made no mistake to seal the win. The victory saw Yanga climb back to the top of the standings with 66 points, strengthening their push to retain the league title as the season enters its decisive phase.

They now hold a two-point lead over second-placed Simba, who continue to apply pressure in the title race, while Azam FC sit third with eight points separating them from the leaders. The result further highlights the intensity of the championship battle, with only a handful of matches remaining as the top three sides continue to fight for supremacy in a tightly contested campaign. Mainland Tanzania Premier League has been suspended for six days to allow four clubs to compete in the semifinals of the CRDB Federation Cup. The break gives defending champions Young Africans (Yanga), Simba, Azam FC and Coastal Union an opportunity to focus on their quest for a place in the domestic cup final.

Simba will kick off the semifinal action on June 20 when they take on Coastal Union at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha. The Msimbazi giants will be aiming to keep alive their hopes of ending the season with silverware after missing out on the league title race.

The second semifinal will be played a day later, on June 21, when defending champions Yanga face Azam FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

The encounter is expected to be fiercely contested as both sides seek a place in the final and a chance to lift one of Tanzania’s most prestigious knockout trophies. Following the cup fixtures, attention will shift back to the league campaign.

The Mainland Premier League is scheduled to resume on June 24, with all 16 teams returning to action as the race for the title, continental places and survival intensifies in the closing stages of the season.

Tanzania is stepping up efforts to position its higher education sector on the global stage, with experts and university leaders meeting in Arusha to chart strategies aimed at improving international competitiveness through research, innovation and academic collaboration.

The experts are expected to adopt resolutions to strengthen the country’s higher education system, with a particular focus on research, technology and partnerships with international institutions.

What began as the familiar story of a worried parent seeking answers for a frequently ill child soon turned into a long and demanding health battle for Stella Nyakanga.

Her daughter, Joicy Lungu, suffered repeated bouts of illness from an early age, prompting the family to seek medical attention. When Joicy reached the age of two, tests confirmed that she had sickle cell disease, a diagnosis that would dramatically alter the family’s life.

The Government has confirmed that Tanzania remains free of Ebola cases and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens through enhanced surveillance and preparedness measures.

Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said the Government continues to strengthen its readiness to respond to the disease following ongoing outbreaks reported in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The minister said that, as of June 18, 2026, no Ebola case had been reported in Tanzania and the country’s public health security situation remained stable. ‘I would like to assure citizens that our country remains free of Ebola cases. The Government is fully prepared to prevent, detect early and contain any threat that may endanger the health of Tanzanians,’ said Mr Mchengerwa.

The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Florence Samizi; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Grace Magembe; Dr Erasto Sylvanus; and other senior ministry officials.

He said the Government has intensified screening and surveillance at border posts, airports and seaports, while also issuing guidelines to healthcare professionals and the public.

According to Mr Mchengerwa, since the Ebola threat was declared, authorities have investigated 64 alerts reported from 21 regions. Of these, 11 suspected cases met the criteria for further assessment and samples were collected, all of which tested negative for Ebola.

He said all necessary measures continue to be implemented to ensure the highest standards of safety for both citizens and healthcare workers, with the aim of preventing the disease from entering the country.

Mr Mchengerwa pledged that the Government would continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely and transparent updates to the public whenever necessary.

He also urged citizens to follow guidance issued by health experts and rely on official Government sources for information, while avoiding the spread of unverified reports that could undermine efforts to safeguard the country against the Ebola threat.

Six days after Simon Benjamin Mkwizu and his wife, Victoria, welcomed quintuplets at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), CRDB Bank has stepped in with financial support aimed at helping the family raise the children.

The bank visited the family on Friday, opening bank accounts for the five babies and their parents while also providing additional support intended to strengthen the family’s long-term welfare.

Speaking during the presentation, CRDB Bank Chief Operating Officer Bruce Mwile commended doctors, nurses and health professionals at Muhimbili for ensuring the safe delivery of both the mother and the babies. ‘The services provided at Muhimbili National Hospital demonstrate a high level of professionalism, dedication and commitment in protecting the lives of both mother and children,’ Mr Mwile said.

He said that while the birth of quintuplets was a blessing for the family, it also brought increased responsibilities in terms of childcare and upbringing.

‘CRDB Bank has a responsibility to support this family, and we have come with assistance that we believe will help in raising these children,’ he said.

Through its Youth Banking unit, the bank opened Junior Jumbo accounts for each of the five children and deposited Sh1.5 million into each account.

The mother was also given a Malkia account and financial support worth Sh2.5 million, with Sh1.5 million deposited into the account and Sh1 million set aside to support her business activities.

For the father, who works as a transport officer, the bank opened an iMBEJU account designed for entrepreneurs and provided him with a new three-wheeler taxi (bajaj) to help improve household income. The vehicle also comes with comprehensive insurance cover.

The bank further arranged premium health insurance for Victoria and the five babies, while CRDB’s brokerage unit purchased shares worth Sh500,000 for each child.

In addition, through the iMBEJU programme under the CRDB Bank Foundation, Mr Mkwizu will receive financial literacy and entrepreneurship training.

Mr Mkwizu thanked both Muhimbili and CRDB Bank for the support.

‘What CRDB has done is extraordinary. It feels like giving clean drinking water to someone suffering from thirst in the desert,’ he said.

Muhimbili National Hospital Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo said the accounts opened for the family would create a sustainable way for individuals and institutions wishing to support them.

‘Many people want to help the family, but some forms of support may not last long. These accounts will allow those wishing to provide long-term support to contribute directly towards the children’s future,’ she said.

Dr Kimambo said that the babies, who were born with low birth weights, had continued to improve and no longer required machine support following specialised care at the hospital.