Category: The Citizen

Iringa. The grounds of Lugalo Secondary School were filled with celebration, songs and cheers during a recent graduation ceremony.

But beyond the festivities, it was a deeply moving moment involving student Winfrida Wilson that captured the attention of many. Despite being visually impaired, Winfrida confidently stood before the audience and delivered a speech–transforming the ceremony into a historic and emotional occasion.

Winfrida, who is expected to sit for her Advanced Level examinations in 2026, delivered her speech on April 17, 2026 using assistive technology known as a Refreshable Braille Display. The device connects to a computer or mobile phone and converts text into Braille, enabling users to read through touch.

Her ability to read independently amazed attendees and stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination. For many present, the moment went beyond a school celebration–it became a testament to overcoming challenges that often hinder academic and personal progress.

Fellow students watched in admiration, while teachers and guests were visibly moved by her achievement. Her success was widely seen not only as a personal milestone, but also as a reflection of broader efforts to ensure inclusive education for all children, regardless of their circumstances.

Winfrida’s journey began in Lukole village in Mpwapwa District, where she grew up in a modest family facing economic hardship. Access to education was not always guaranteed.

Her uncle, Sebastian Masinjisa, recalled the family’s struggles. “We were living in very difficult conditions.

Even basic needs were a challenge, but we did our best to ensure she received proper care,” he said. Despite the obstacles, Winfrida showed early passion for education, beginning her primary schooling in Dodoma Region and working hard to keep pace with her peers.

However, her studies were disrupted while in Form Five after developing an eye condition that led to loss of sight, forcing her to temporarily withdraw from school. The situation caused distress within her family, compounded by misconceptions in the community, with some attributing her condition to superstition.

“People said many things. Some believed she had been bewitched, but we did not lose hope.

We believed she could still study,” said Mr Masinjisa. He added that some relatives even suggested early marriage, but the family rejected the idea and remained committed to her education.

A turning point came when Winfrida listened to a programme on Radio Uzima, hosted by police officer Ezroni Magesa, which discussed support for people with visual impairments. Encouraged, she obtained his contact and reached out for assistance.

“I decided to call because I knew it was my last chance to achieve my dream of continuing with education,” she said. Inspector Magesa recalled receiving the call on August 6, 2021. “We were deeply moved by her determination to continue with education,” he said.

Following the call, he and his team traced her home and assessed her situation, eventually facilitating her return to school with necessary support. After an academic assessment, Winfrida was transferred to Lugalo Secondary School, where she could access specialised support for visually impaired students.

According to Special Education Officer Yuda Nyange, the decision was based on her strong academic potential. “We established that she still had strong academic ability, so we placed her in a school where she could receive better support,” he said.

At Lugalo, she learned to use specialised learning materials and assistive technology, enabling her to continue her studies effectively. Each examination she has taken since then has marked not just academic progress, but a victory over adversity.

Iringa Regional Police Commander Allan Bukumbi said her achievement highlights the importance of collaboration between institutions and society. He noted that the Tanzania Police Force remains committed to supporting vulnerable groups, emphasising that education is a right for every child.

He also urged parents not to hide children with disabilities, but to seek early support. For her part, Winfrida expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey.

“I thank my teachers, my family and the police force for helping me reach where I am today,” she said, adding that she hopes to pursue higher education. The police force has also provided her with financial assistance of Sh5 million to support her daily needs and preparation for the next stage of her education.

Her story stands as a reminder that challenges do not define one’s future. With determination and the right support, barriers can be overcome–and dreams realised.

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By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The government has unveiled plans to recruit 45,000 new civil servants in the 2026/27 financial year, backed by a proposed budget of Sh1.6 trillion aimed at improving public service delivery and strengthening governance systems.

The proposed allocation marks an increase of nearly Sh200 billion from the Sh1.4 trillion approved by Parliament for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Presenting the budget estimates in Parliament on Friday, April 17, 2026, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ridhiwani Kikwete, outlined key priorities including employment creation, payroll reforms and institutional efficiency.

He said the government plans to issue permits for 45,000 new positions to fill existing vacancies across public institutions, a move expected to ease unemployment pressures while enhancing service delivery. In addition, 7,124 replacement staff will be recruited to ensure continuity in critical sectors.

The minister said the government will also focus on staff promotions, career development and leadership strengthening within the public service. Plans include filling 500 leadership positions and facilitating transfers for 7,000 employees to improve efficiency and performance.

Some 70 public institutions are expected to benefit from incentive schemes and structured career development frameworks aimed at motivating workers and aligning remuneration systems. A significant portion of the budget will also address salary-related concerns, including verification and approval of arrears claims across 425 institutions, as well as continued settlement of outstanding payments for current and former public servants.

Mr Kikwete said the government will conduct a comprehensive review of salary disparities as part of a long-term strategy to harmonise pay across the public sector. Efforts to modernise public service systems will include the expansion and upgrading of digital platforms such as the e-Watumishi to improve payroll management, data accuracy and integration with other systems.

A centralised dashboard will also be introduced to enhance real-time data access for decision-making. The ministry will further oversee staff audits and data verification in 127 institutions, expand electronic systems to more agencies, and strengthen compliance with laws, regulations and ethical standards.

Public service accountability will also be reinforced through the handling of 3,500 employee complaints and the rollout of nationwide ethics campaigns. The reform agenda also includes reviewing key policies and legal frameworks to align public service management with the country’s long-term development goals.

Training programmes will be conducted for 115 employing authorities to strengthen human resource management and governance practices. With support from development partners, including the World Bank, the government is also set to implement a citizen-centred public service reform programme aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness.

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Arusha. The government has continued strengthening efforts to ensure citizens access clean, safe and affordable cooking energy, with the use of such energy rising to 23.4 percent from 6.

9 percent recorded in 2021. The government has set a national strategy aimed at ensuring that by 2034, at least 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy in order to protect both public health and the environment. Speaking during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the best ways to promote the use of clean cooking energy in Arusha today, a representative of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Emilian Nyanda, said the progress had been driven by the implementation of a special strategy launched in May 2024. He said the government recognised the importance of clean cooking energy and set specific targets to expand its availability across the country, noting that when the strategy was being prepared, usage levels were below 10 percent.

According to Nyanda, one of the key approaches that has contributed to the improvement is raising public awareness about the benefits of clean cooking energy and the dangers associated with using polluting fuels such as firewood and charcoal. “For now the level has increased and we have reached 23.4 percent of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy.

This shows that through this national strategy it has started helping us, and one of the approaches we are using is to build community awareness about the strategy, the importance of using clean energy and the challenges of using non-clean energy,” he said. Nyanda added that the strategy provides guidance on how to achieve the government’s targets through policy improvements and the involvement of various stakeholders.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is also an important stakeholder in implementing the strategy, given that a large proportion of Tanzanians rely on forest resources as their main source of energy. A representative of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Joseph Makero, who is also the head of the Olmotony Forestry Training Institute in Arusha, said efforts are underway to ensure that increased use of clean energy goes hand in hand with forest conservation.

He said the ministry is focusing on three key areas, including promoting alternative energy sources to reduce tree cutting, encouraging the use of residues from forest-based industries as an energy source, and supporting simple technologies that can help citizens adopt cleaner cooking options. “We know that some forms of energy are still expensive, but through these discussions one of the issues we emphasised is ensuring that we have friendly policies that work together so that citizens can find solutions for using clean cooking energy,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of involving citizens–especially those living in rural areas where firewood and charcoal are widely used–in all programmes aimed at promoting clean cooking energy. Meanwhile, the Assistant Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Tanzania, Charles Tulahi, said the dialogue formed part of the implementation of the Clean Cooking Fund (Cook Fund) project funded by the European Union.

He said FAO in Tanzania has been implementing various projects aimed at promoting clean cooking energy, particularly within the agriculture sector. Tulahi said the organisation has been encouraging the use of biogas in several areas, including Kigoma, where livestock keepers are urged to use animal waste to generate gas for household use.

“In areas such as Karatu, we have promoted the use of biogas in schools and among individuals. The aim is to reduce environmental pollution, improve people’s health and minimise tree cutting,” he said.

He added that the initiatives also target various social groups including students, youth and women to ensure awareness about clean cooking energy spreads across all generations. For his part, a project coordinator from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Savinus Kessy, said the organisation is working with several government institutions including the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG) to strengthen implementation of the strategy.

“We mainly focus on building the capacity of government institutions and working with the private sector and civil society organisations to ensure the entire clean energy value chain functions effectively,” he said. He added that through the collaboration, stakeholders continue reviewing existing policies to identify gaps and make improvements aimed at ensuring effective management and long-term success.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC could once again set up a blockbuster showdown, this time in the Union Cup final scheduled for April 29 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The prospect of yet another meeting between the arch-rivals emerged following the release of the tournament fixtures, which map out the full pathway of the competition set to kick off on April 21 in Zanzibar. According to the draw, Yanga will begin their campaign against Mwembe Makumbi, a Zanzibar Premier League side that finished fourth last season, while Simba SC face Mafunzo, who ended the Isles league campaign in third place.

Both mainland heavyweights are widely expected to advance from their opening fixtures, potentially paving the way for a deeper run into the knockout stages. Elsewhere, Azam FC, who finished third in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, will take on KVZ, while Singida Black Stars are set for a tough encounter against Zanzibar champions Mlandege in another highly anticipated mainland-versus-islands clash.

The bracket sets up a clear path to a potential “Mzizima derby” in the semifinals, with the winner of Yanga against Mwembe Makumbi likely to meet the victor of Azam FC versus KVZ, should results go according to ranking and form. On the opposite side, the winner between Simba SC and Mafunzo will face either Singida Black Stars or Mlandege in the other semifinal.

If both Yanga and Simba progress through their respective paths, fans could be treated to a dream final featuring the country’s most popular and fiercely followed clubs. Such a final would add another chapter to their long-standing rivalry, coming just months after their latest Mainland Premier League meeting earlier this season.

The tournament will officially be launched today in Dar es Salaam, alongside a fundraising drive aimed at securing the Sh1.02 billion budget required for its organisation. Organisers said the funds will cover prize money, individual awards such as Man of the Match honours, accommodation for participating teams, transport logistics, and other operational costs needed to ensure the smooth running of the event in Zanzibar.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s education system is facing a silent but costly challenge: graduates are leaving universities without the soft skills employers increasingly demand.

A recent study published in the University of Dodoma’s Journal of Educational Management and Policy Issues highlights a structural gap in how higher learning institutions prepare students for the realities of the modern workplace. The 2025 study by Noel Mkwizu, Albino Tenge and Lily Makalanga shows that soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving, are not just complementary, but central to employability.

Its findings show that training approaches alone do not directly lead to employment unless they intentionally build these skills. The study establishes a strong link between soft skills and employability, indicating that graduates with stronger interpersonal and adaptive abilities are significantly more likely to secure jobs.

Across Tanzania, employers have long raised concerns about graduates’ lack of workplace readiness. The study confirms this, pointing to a “significant gap between the skills graduates possess and those demanded in the labour market,” particularly in soft skills.

Education analyst Hemed Mvula told The Citizen that the shift in expectations is undeniable. “Today’s workplace is dynamic.

Employers want people who can think, communicate and adapt. Academic knowledge alone is no longer enough,” he said.

Globally, this trend is also gaining ground. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development notes that employers are increasingly adopting a “skills-first” approach–prioritising what individuals can do over what they studied.

Soft skills, often described as the human side of work, shape how individuals interact, solve problems and respond to change. The UDOM study shows that even well-designed training programmes fail to improve employability unless they deliberately integrate these abilities.

Researchers describe soft skills as a “bridge” between education and employment, acting as a critical link between training and job outcomes. Higher education expert Steven Tweve said technical competence alone is no longer sufficient.

“You can have a graduate who is very strong technically, but if they cannot communicate, work in teams or solve problems, employers will hesitate. These are the skills that make someone employable,” he explained.

At the heart of the problem is how education is delivered. For years, higher learning institutions in Tanzania have emphasised theoretical knowledge and examinations, often at the expense of practical and interpersonal skills.

Although reforms such as competency-based training (CBT) have been introduced, the study finds they only succeed when combined with real-world exposure, including internships and apprenticeships. Programmes that blend classroom learning with workplace experience show the strongest results, underscoring the value of hands-on training.

“Experiential learning is key. Students need exposure to real work environments where they can develop these skills naturally,” said Dr Tweve.

However, many institutions still lack the infrastructure, industry partnerships and resources needed to provide such opportunities. The implications extend beyond individual job seekers.

The soft skills gap is increasingly becoming a national economic concern. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the labour market, but a mismatch between education and employer needs contributes to unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people.

According to the World Bank, skills gaps reduce productivity and limit a country’s competitiveness in the global economy–translating into lost opportunities for both individuals and industries. Experts further argue that addressing the challenge will require a systemic shift.

Universities must redesign curricula to integrate soft skills into teaching and assessment, including group work, presentations, internships and problem-based learning. Stronger collaboration between academia and industry is also essential to ensure training reflects real market demands.

At the policy level, investment in facilities, teacher training and curriculum reforms will be critical to support practical learning. The UDOM study delivers a clear message that the future of education lies not just in knowledge, but in capability.

As Tanzania pushes to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy, closing the soft skills gap may prove to be one of the most important reforms in its education system. Because in today’s job market, it is not just what you know that matters, but how well you can use it.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s leading female golfer, Madina Idd, is gearing up for one of the biggest tests of her career as she prepares to compete in the Sunshine Development Tour Thika Sports Invitational, set for April 19 to 21 in Kenya.

The prestigious tournament will be staged at the renowned Thika Sports Club, a course known for challenging layouts that demand precision, patience, and mental strength. With a prize purse of KES 2 million (S0.4m) and a strong field of competitors expected, the event is shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures on the East African golfing calendar.

For Madina, this is more than just another tournament. It represents a strategic step in her journey to compete consistently at a higher level.

Over the past few years, she has established herself as Tanzania’s top golfer through a combination of discipline, steady improvement, and notable performances in domestic competitions. Now, she is looking to translate that success onto the regional stage.

The Thika Invitational offers re than prize money. Golfers will also battle for Official World Ranking Points, World Amateur Golf Ranking points, and valuable standings in the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Order of Merit.

These incentives make the tournament a crucial platform for players aiming to break into elite professional ranks. Madina will face stiff competition from some of East Africa’s finest talents, particularly from Kenya, a country with a deep and competitive golf culture.

Playing away from home adds another layer of difficulty, as course familiarity and local support often give home players an edge. Despite these challenges, Madina has shown she can rise to the occasion.

Her calm approach under pressure and ability to maintain consistency across rounds have become defining features of her game. Those qualities will be essential if she is to contend against a strong and diverse field.

Her participation also highlights the gradual rise of Tanzanian golf on the regional scene. For years, the country has worked to develop its talent pipeline, and players like Madina are now beginning to carry that progress onto bigger stages.

A strong performance in Thika would not only boost her personal rankings but also enhance Tanzania’s visibility in competitive golf circles. Beyond rankings and recognition, the tournament offers invaluable experience.

Competing against top-tier players exposes athletes to different playing styles and higher standards, both of which are critical for growth. For Madina, every round in Thika will be an opportunity to learn, adapt, and push her limits.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation continues to build. While winning would mark a historic milestone, even a solid showing would reinforce her status as one of East Africa’s rising stars.

When she steps onto the fairways of Thika Sports Club, Madina will not just be chasing a title she will be advancing her journey, carrying the hopes of Tanzanian golf, and proving she belongs among the region’s best. .

Dar es Salaam. A delegation from Norway’s Equinor, led by Mr Noel Cox and accompanied by a representative from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Mr Asiad Mrutu, has visited key service providers earmarked to support the implementation of the proposed $42 billion Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in the Lindi and Mtwara regions.

The visit focused on assessing and verifying the readiness and capacity of the Mtwara Port to handle the wide range of cargo expected during the execution of the major strategic energy project once operations begin. During the tour, the delegation was briefed by the Acting Port Manager, Mr Mtunze Sudi, on a series of upgrades undertaken at the port.

These include improvements to cargo handling infrastructure, enhanced operational efficiency, and the introduction of modern technologies to support port operations. Mr Sudi said the developments have significantly strengthened the port’s ability to handle diverse cargo types efficiently and in line with the requirements of large-scale international projects.

“This has boosted our preparedness to handle project-related operations once they commence,” he said. He further assured the visiting delegation that the port is fully prepared to provide services whenever required, stressing that management is committed to delivering fast, high-quality services to support successful implementation of the project, which is expected to be a key driver of national development.

Tanzania’s long-anticipated LNG development, estimated to cost around $42 billion, is planned for the gas-rich southern corridor of Lindi and Mtwara. The project, jointly pursued by the Government of Tanzania through TPDC and international energy partners including Equinor and Shell, is designed to monetise substantial offshore natural gas reserves.

However, the project has remained in the negotiation phase for several years, largely due to complex discussions over fiscal terms, regulatory frameworks, and the Host Government Agreement (HGA). Negotiations between the government and investors are ongoing, with stakeholders seeking to reach final investment decisions that would unlock the construction phase.

Once concluded, the LNG facility is expected to significantly transform Tanzania’s energy sector and position the country as a major exporter of liquefied natural gas in the region. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania continues to promote the upcoming Assembly during the ongoing 152nd meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul, where it is using the platform to invite global lawmakers to attend the Arusha session, the country’s tourism sector is poised for a significant boost ahead of the October 2026 gathering.

The 153rd IPU Assembly is scheduled to take place from October 5 to 9, 2026, at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha, and is expected to bring together more than 2,000 delegates from 183 member parliaments. The 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) comes to Tanzania at a time when the global parliamentary body is under the leadership of its President, Tulia Ackson, the former Speaker of the Tanzanian National Assembly, placing the country in a unique position as it prepares to host one of the organisation’s most significant gatherings.

Speaking during the ongoing Assembly in Istanbul, today, Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Marketing Manager Vivian Temi said Tanzania’s exhibition pavilion has continued to attract a large number of delegates seeking information about the country’s tourism attractions and investment opportunities. “Our pavilion has been receiving a large number of visitors who are keen to learn about Tanzania’s tourism attractions and investment opportunities in the sector,” she said.

“We are seeing a strong level of interest. Many of the delegates who visited our pavilion have registered and confirmed that they will attend the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha.

“Most of the delegates are not only coming for meetings. They are also planning to visit tourist attractions, which creates a direct opportunity for our tourism industry,” she added.

Her remarks come as Tanzania intensifies its promotional campaign on the sidelines of the Istanbul meeting, targeting lawmakers and parliamentary leaders from across the world. Earlier, speaking during a visit by an IPU delegation to Arusha as part of inspection and preparatory activities for the Assembly, Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said the conference presents a timely opportunity for the country.

“This conference is an opportunity for the people of Arusha and Tanzania as a whole to showcase the peace, security, stability and international trust that the country enjoys,” he said. “We have assured them that we are ready to provide full cooperation to ensure this historic conference is successful,” he added.

Mr Makalla also called on residents and businesses to position themselves to benefit from the anticipated influx of international visitors. Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Azzan Zungu made his remarks during the signing of the hosting agreement between Tanzania’s Parliament and the IPU, held in Dar es Salaam.

“This Assembly will bring a large number of visitors into the country, and sectors such as hospitality, transport and tourism stand to benefit significantly,” he said. “We are fully prepared to host this Assembly to the highest standards, and all necessary arrangements are being put in place to ensure its success.

” On his part, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, who also spoke during the signing ceremony, said the agreement reflects the shared commitment to successfully organise the Assembly. “This Assembly will not only address global parliamentary issues but will also strengthen cooperation among member states,” he said.

The President of the IPU, Tulia Ackson, has played a key role in securing the hosting rights for Tanzania, further elevating the country’s profile on the global stage. In a related development, young Tanzanian environmentalist Georgina Magesa addressed the ongoing 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul as a special guest, where she spoke on the need to safeguard future generations.

Ms Magesa emphasised the importance of protecting Generation Alpha through deliberate efforts by current leaders, particularly in ensuring a safe environment and addressing risks facing children. “The world needs a safe generation, and this generation must be protected now by those who came before them,” she said.

She also highlighted the need to create enabling environments, including the protection of natural ecosystems and shielding children from harmful practices. .

On April 13, Orca Energy Group announced that it had agreed to sell its Tanzanian business, including the Songo Songo gas field operated through PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited, for a nominal consideration of $10 a number that appears absurd but in reality signals something more consequential: not the absence of value, but the accumulation of risk, uncertainty, and unresolved conflict that reshaped how that value is understood. Songo Songo is not a marginal asset.

For more than two decades, it has underpinned Tanzania’s domestic energy system, supplying gas for power generation and industry while generating substantial revenues for the Government through taxes, royalties, and profitsharing. This is not an asset that simply lost value, but one whose commercial logic became difficult to sustain within the regulatory and contractual environment that evolved around it.

What is being transferred is both a producing gas field and a relationship that broke down. The Production Sharing Agreement signed in 2001 functioned for most of its life as intended balancing investor returns with state participation.

However, as the licence approached its October 2026 expiry, alignment gave way to tension. Orca’s position, now forming the basis of international arbitration proceedings reportedly valued at up to $1.2 billion, is that state actions disrupted the project’s economic equilibrium.

The Government’s position, though not yet publicly detailed, will almost certainly rest on its sovereign right to regulate a strategic resource in the public interest. These are not trivial arguments.

They sit squarely within the core doctrines of international investment law: fair and equitable treatment, legitimate expectations, and the limits of regulatory power. Tribunals resolve these disputes through examination of conduct whether actions were proportionate, consistent, and undertaken in good faith.

While those legal questions will take time to resolve, the commercial reality has already shifted. Orca has chosen to exit.

The buyers Taifa Gas Tanzania Limited (49 percent) and UAEregistered Amber Energy Investment LLCFZ (51 percent) are not acquiring a clean, conventional asset. They are stepping into a structure carrying ongoing obligations, unresolved negotiations, and dispute exposure, the contours of which will depend on how rights and liabilities are structured under the transaction.

This is where the conversation must shift from transaction to strategy. First, arbitration does not disappear with a change in ownership.

The treatment of ongoing claims raises legal questions around standing, assignment, and treaty protection. What is more likely is not prolonged litigation but a negotiated outcome.

The risk is not that a settlement occurs, but that it occurs without clarity on what Tanzania is conceding, preserving, or redefining in the process. Second, control matters.

A majority stake held by an international investor whose ownership and financing structure is not yet fully transparent raises governance questions. Tanzania’s legal framework, including the Petroleum Act 2015 and oversight by institutions such as the Fair Competition Commission and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, gives the Government both the authority and responsibility to ensure visibility before approving the transaction.

Third, and most importantly, the licence itself. There is a persistent assumption that longstanding operators have a right to renewal.

They do not. Under Tanzanian law, extension is not automatic.

It must be applied for, negotiated, and approved. What the new owners are acquiring is not certainty, but an opportunity to negotiate and this is where Tanzania’s leverage is strongest, before approvals are granted.

What failed in the final years of this asset’s lifecycle was not alignment of interests, but clarity of process. Licence discussions appear to have drifted until positions hardened.

Stabilisation provisions, designed to provide investor certainty, are now being tested in arbitration. Regulatory actions are interpreted through the lens of dispute rather than engagement.

That is not a sustainable model for the next phase of Tanzania’s gas sector. What is required now is not approval of a transaction, but the design of a framework one that defines how extensions are negotiated, how fiscal and regulatory changes are managed, and how disputes are resolved before they escalate.

The deeper question this deal raises is not about Orca, but how Tanzania intends to manage strategic assets in a world where capital is sensitive to risk. Increasing Tanzanian participation in key sectors is a legitimate objective, but ownership is not governance and a deal is not a strategy.

A $10 transaction does not mean an asset is worthless. It means something in the system around that asset stopped working.

The opportunity now is to fix it. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s National Arts Council has moved to end confusion in the beauty pageant industry by confirming who holds the mandate to send a national representative to Miss World.

The clarification follows uncertainty after multiple organisers appeared to claim links to Miss World. At the centre is 361 Degrees Africa, led by designer Mustafa Hassanali, which organises Miss World Tanzania and will send this year’s representative.

Basata Acting Executive Secretary Edward Buganga said the mandate is governed by strict international licensing. “This is not an open space.

361 Degrees Africa is the only recognised holder,” he said. The issue intensified after Basila Mwanukuzi transferred Miss Tanzania rights from The Look Company to Lamata Village led by Lea Mwendamseke Lamata, raising questions over which global contest the winner would join.

Historically, Miss Tanzania fed directly into Miss World under Hashim Lundenga. That link has now been severed, aligning Tanzania with global practice where a single licensed entity controls representation.

Basata said other pageants can operate but cannot send contestants to Miss World. The move is expected to bring clarity, protect credibility and strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness internationally under Hassanali’s stewardship.

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