Category: The Citizen

Thousands of commuters in Dar es Salaam’s southern suburbs will soon be required to integrate their journeys through the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system after transport regulators directed all daladala operators along Kilwa Road to shift their operations to the Mbagala Rangi Tatu BRT terminal from July 1, 2026.

The directive by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) is part of wider efforts to boost usage of the city’s mass transit system and safeguard multi-billion-shilling investments in modern transport infrastructure.

The critical importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the education sector is underscored by the pressing need to bridge significant funding and quality gaps in developing nations.

In a comprehensive Rapid Evidence Review conducted in February 2026, Aurin Huq of the Institute of Development Studies explored how these arrangements can be leveraged to support the Basic Education sector in Tanzania.

Parliament’s Budget Committee has urged the government to strengthen accountability in public expenditure, warning that weak controls on the use of tax revenue could undermine voluntary tax compliance and efforts to increase domestic revenue.

Presenting the committee’s views during debate on the Sh62.3 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year on Monday, June 15, 2026, committee chairman Mr Mashimba Ndaki said revenue mobilisation must be matched by prudent and transparent use of public funds.

“Efforts to mobilise tax revenue must go hand in hand with accountability in the use of tax proceeds. Without proper expenditure controls, voluntary tax compliance will inevitably decline,” he told Parliament. The committee’s review found that despite strong revenue performance, the government continues to face challenges that result in significant revenue leakages.

According to the committee, some businesses continue to evade taxes by failing to use electronic fiscal devices (EFDs) and concealing financial records to reduce their tax liabilities.

Lawmakers also cited widespread smuggling at border posts, attributing the problem to shortages of personnel and inspection equipment, including cargo scanners.

The committee further raised concerns over the growing cost of tax exemptions and incentives, which reached Sh3.12 trillion in 2024, noting that assessments of whether such incentives deliver the intended economic benefits are not conducted regularly.

It also identified weaknesses in revenue collection systems, including internet outages, lack of backup infrastructure and increasing pressure on existing digital platforms, which have contributed to delays in cargo clearance and reduced collection efficiency.

To address the challenges, Parliament recommended further investment in the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s digital systems, including the Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) and the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS), to improve efficiency and minimise revenue losses.

The committee said the systems require about Sh30.2 billion for upgrades and integration with other government platforms.

Lawmakers also proposed the construction of a backup data centre in Dodoma at an estimated cost of Sh70 billion to ensure uninterrupted operations when the main facility experiences technical problems.

To curb smuggling, the committee urged the government to strengthen border patrols, deploy drones and install cargo scanners at key border points.

In addition, Parliament recommended the introduction of tax education in schools and higher learning institutions through collaboration between the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The recommendations came as Parliament continued debating the government’s budget proposals tabled by Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar on June 11, 2026.

Inspectors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Lakshmikanth Karunanithi and Eduard Captan, have expressed satisfaction with the progress of infrastructure upgrades at stadiums set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a recent inspection tour.

The officials conducted a detailed assessment of key facilities, including the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where they reviewed improvements to the playing surface, VIP and VVIP sections, as well as media facilities that will be used during the continental tournament. During their visit, the CAF delegation observed ongoing works aimed at modernising the stadium to meet international standards, with particular focus on enhancing the quality of the pitch, upgrading hospitality areas for dignitaries, and improving working spaces for journalists and broadcasters.

Beyond the main stadium, the inspectors also toured designated training venues at Gymkhana II and Faras grounds, which are being prepared to accommodate participating teams during AFCON 2027. The facilities are part of a wider infrastructure package intended to ensure smooth operations throughout the tournament.

After completing their inspection, Karunanithi and Captan praised the pace and quality of the renovation works, noting that the progress reflects strong commitment from the host nation to deliver world-class facilities.

They observed that the level of development achieved so far indicates serious intent to ensure that all venues meet CAF’s required standards well ahead of the tournament. According to the inspectors, continued momentum will be key in guaranteeing timely completion and full readiness before the competition kicks off.

The CAF visit forms part of a series of regular monitoring missions designed to track preparation progress in host countries ahead of major tournaments. These assessments are aimed at ensuring compliance with infrastructure, safety, and operational requirements set by African football’s governing body.

AFCON 2027 is expected to bring together the continent’s top national teams, and preparations are being closely monitored to ensure that stadiums, training facilities, and supporting infrastructure are completed to the highest possible standards.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to meeting CAF deadlines, with ongoing upgrades expected to further boost Tanzania’s readiness to co-host one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.

The government has urged the private sector, financial institutions, and development partners to scale up investments in the energy sector following the successful transformation of livelihoods for nearly two million people through the Energising Development (EnDev) programme.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy during celebrations to mark 13 years of the EnDev programme yesterday, the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr Innocent Luoga, saidA the market for clean energy solutions was now ‘real and growing’.

In Lwamgasa Village, Geita Region, about 60 children set to start Form One have vanished from classrooms, raising alarm among teachers and local leaders.

Despite strict attendance enforcement, the pull of nearby mining activities is proving stronger than the school bell, threatening the futures of these young students and the community’s efforts to keep children in education.

The government has stepped up investment in the energy sector with the launch of a Sh10.5 billion project to upgrade electricity distribution infrastructure in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, and surrounding areas, aimed at improving reliability and supporting economic growth.

The project was launched on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, by Minister for Energy, Mr Deogratias Ndejembi, in the Mbande area, Kongwa, where he inaugurated a power switching station and an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR).

He said the government continues to prioritise the energy sector due to its central role in driving industrial development, investment, trade, and improved livelihoods. Mr Ndejembi said major national projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, expansion of the national grid, and investment in renewable energy, have raised generation capacity to more than 4,000 megawatts.

‘Reliable electricity supply is the foundation of industrial growth, business expansion, investment, and improved social services. That is why the government continues to invest heavily in this sector,’ he said.

He added that Dodoma Region has been given special priority in energy infrastructure development due to its status as the country’s capital and administrative centre.

According to him, the project includes the construction of a switching station, the installation of a 20MVA voltage regulating transformer, and a 33kV transmission line from Zuzu to Mbande, covering 92 kilometres.

He said the new infrastructure will end reliance on a single transmission line previously supplying Kongwa from Dodoma City, which had led to unstable electricity supply amid rising demand.

‘These investments will improve system stability, reduce outages, enhance voltage quality, and increase Tanesco’s capacity to meet current and future demand,’ he said.

Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) managing director, Mr Lazaro Twange, said the project was informed by assessments showing rising demand driven by expanding economic and social activities in Kongwa and surrounding districts.

He said completion of the project will improve electricity supply in Kongwa, Gairo, Chamwino, and parts of Mpwapwa, while also creating a conducive environment for investment and production.

‘These infrastructures are designed to strengthen system stability, improve service reliability, and support socio-economic development,’ he said.

Mr Twange urged citizens to protect the electricity infrastructure to safeguard continued benefits from government investments.

‘We urge citizens to be the first protectors of this infrastructure by safeguarding it and reporting any acts of vandalism,’ he said.

Kongwa Industrialists and Traders Association chairperson, Mr Nemes Ritte, welcomed the project, saying businesses had been affected by frequent power outages and low voltage.

He said improved electricity supply would enhance production, attract investment, and boost economic growth in Kongwa and the wider Dodoma Region.

In the widely diverse socio-political landscape of African countries, the above complex words, namely: hegemony and kakistocracy, find the truest manifestations, hence there is a plenitude of case-studies for the same. This trend of politics is concerning because of the already foreseen risks, given the utter failure of its implementation elsewhere.

There is no debate about the primacy of dominance when politics, economics, culture, etc., are compared. Politics gives people greater access to power, which in turn impacts the entire societal body. The power to protect human life and dignity, and to influence productivity and integral development of persons, is largely in the political mantle. In most cases, experts have room to be at their best productive capacities if such is the motivation flowing top-down.

For instance, the whims of politics can water down and even tarnish the image and reputation of the expertise of experts such as teachers, lawyers, security personnel, investigators, physicians, engineers, etc., when their work is interfered with for whatever political interest. As such, when the political framework is built on principles of fairness, truth, and justice, the expertise of those responsible for governance flows at its best through the same veins.

Hegemony in Africa is manifested as dominance of family circles and cliques of the elite, with some leaders believing that other people do not qualify for political positions, except their children, relatives, or those from their circles. There are numerous examples of this all across the continent, most of which are known for causing civilians endless pain and grief in the effort to forcefully safeguard those seats of power for many decades now.

Nonetheless, in all hegemonic political systems, all over the world, there is always a local voice of resistance against oppression and domination.

The fact that it is done elsewhere does not justify that it is the right socio-political modus operandi, especially when it is clear that the states concerned are not monarchical, where, in principle, power is transferred by inheritance. Nepotism has deeply encroached African governance cycles, and often traces down to the lowest levels. The worst effect of this is not only a lack of proper representation of the people, but also having inefficient people in positions of power.

Kakistocracy is exactly that: a system of leadership under the worst, the least qualified, or even the most unscrupulous, who have somehow made their way up the ladder through their associations within elite and powerful circles.

This trend is particularly undesired because the interests of the leaders are far from improving the lives of the people. There is a lacuna of ambiguity and chaos in handling the priorities of society and solving actual problems.

Real-world problems need to be approached by people who first desire to bring change, and secondly, who personally have the know-how to initiate such change. It is not about capacity to command, or one’s popularity, but the ability to mobilise genuine action with genuine intention.

In socio-political systems that operate in this manner, accountability is an inexistent myth because those who are to hold each other accountable already have bonds of affinity, kinsmanship, etc. The legacy of this is embezzlement, misappropriation, low-quality, dysfunctional projects, suppression of the rule of law, and widespread infringement of human rights.

Today, Africa is home to over 20 conflicts that have lasted for more than two decades. This is the legacy inherited by the young generation alongside their youthfulness. The question is, amidst this widespread chaos and unfair politics, what are the chances of young people rising alongside their global peers while at home (in Africa) if governments do not make a conscious effort to challenge these persistent situations?

There cannot be growth if the political circles are not washed clean of corruption and the rule of law is not upheld as the absolute equaliser. It will continue to be a multiplication of speeches, plans, manifestos, committees, and philosophical publications, yet no actual impact on the ground.

It is really admirable to see in other countries how past leaders are made accountable for their economic choices and violations of human rights, and how the law is beyond wealth and popularity. In Africa, this move is similar to daydreaming, but it is indispensable. Until we get there, we are hardly going anywhere!

Somaliland has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, becoming one of the few foreign entities to establish a diplomatic mission in the disputed city, six months after Israel recognised the breakaway territory as an independent state.

The embassy was inaugurated during an official visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to Israel, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu welcomed the move, describing it as a sign of deepening ties between the two sides and praising Somaliland’s decision to locate its mission in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv, where most foreign embassies are based.

The development has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its territory. Mogadishu said engagement with Somaliland undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Palestinian Authority also condemned the embassy opening, saying it violated international law and resolutions concerning the status of Jerusalem.

Somaliland has governed itself since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, maintaining its own government, currency and security forces.

However, it remained unrecognised internationally until Israel became the first country to formally recognise its independence in December 2025.

Tanzania’s startup scene has never looked busier. In 2024, the country counted 1,041 known active startups and 95 organisations working in entrepreneurship and innovation support.

There are accelerators, innovation weeks, grant windows, pitch competitions, bootcamps, demo days and closing ceremonies.

Anyone who follows the sector knows the rhythm. The rooms are full, the photos are good, the language is confident.

The harder question is what remains after the event banners come down.

In 2024, Tanzania attracted about $53 million in startup funding. One company, NALA, accounted for $40 million of that amount.

Remove NALA from the total and the rest of the country raised roughly $13 million in a market of 67 million people. That is not a rounding error. It is the clearest measure of how thin the market still is.

NALA carries the heavy load in Tanzania’s startup story. Its success deserves pride, not qualification.

A Tanzanian-founded company has raised serious international capital and built a payments business serving customers in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

That is exactly the kind of ambition Tanzania should celebrate. But it should not be used to flatter a system that is not yet producing enough companies of similar depth. One exceptional founder cannot be made to stand in for an entire domestic pipeline.

The following year made the point harder to avoid. By late 2025, Tanzanian startups had raised under $15 million, while African startups had crossed $2.2 billion. Capital was still moving on the continent.

It was just not moving into Tanzania at the level our market size, talent and geography should command.

Kenya shows what a functioning investment market can begin to look like. In 2024, Kenyan startups raised about $638 million and took the largest share of startup funding in East Africa.

Since 2019, they have raised about $3.3 billion. Kenya is not a perfect comparison.

Nairobi has a deeper investor base, more regional headquarters and a longer record of venture-backed companies. But that is precisely the point.

Kenya built conditions that investors understand. Tanzania has built activity that visitors can attend.

Rwanda offers a different lesson. It is much smaller, with about 14 million people compared with Tanzania’s 67 million, yet it has been more deliberate about coordination, company registration and investor-facing reform.

Tanzania still lacks a unified startup policy. We have many programmes, but not yet the predictability and confidence that turn entrepreneurial energy into investable companies.

This is where the role of international development organisations needs honest scrutiny.

Their work is not worthless. Grants can help young companies test products, reach first customers and survive long enough to learn.

Some founders have received support they would not have found from banks, local investors or public agencies. That matters.

But useful support can still become a weak substitute for a real market.

Too much of the startup scene has become activity theatre. Workshops are held, entrepreneurs are trained, pitch competitions are staged, attendance sheets are signed, inclusion indicators are reported, photos are taken and donor reports are submitted, but far fewer people are required to answer what happened to the companies afterwards.

Did they survive after 18 months? Did they gain paying customers? Did they hire staff?

Did they raise follow-on funding? Did they move beyond grant money? These questions are harder to count, but they matter more.

A workshop can be reported immediately. A company takes years to prove.

That is the weakness at the centre of the ecosystem. A grant portfolio is not a venture market.

A pitch competition is not customer traction. An accelerator cohort is not a pipeline of investable companies.

Tanzania can keep producing well-designed reports that describe a lively ecosystem, while the actual market remains too shallow to finance the companies those reports celebrate.

This is not a criticism of Tanzanian founders. Many are building under conditions that would test even experienced entrepreneurs.

They face uncertain regulation, cautious banks, thin local risk capital, limited corporate procurement and investors who struggle to see a clear path to exit.

The issue is not founder ambition. The issue is the machinery around them.

Tanzania does not need another round of applause for being busy. It needs a startup act, clearer investment rules, more patient local capital and a better test of progress.

Public agencies, development partners, corporates and investors should be asking the same question.

How many Tanzanian companies, without depending mainly on grants or donor programmes, have reached commercial Series A funding in the last three years?

Until more Tanzanian startups can survive, raise commercial capital and scale without leaning on grants, the country’s startup story will remain what it is today – impressive in activity, thin in market depth.