Category: The Citizen

Tanzania’s green enterprise ecosystem is producing a growing number of ventures across recycling, regenerative agriculture, circular economy systems, eco-processing, and climate-resilient production.

Yet despite increasing momentum around sustainability and innovation, many green ventures continue to struggle to scale due to persistent financial barriers.

The challenge comes at a time when Tanzania’s climate and green growth ambitions require significant investment. According to Tanzania’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution submitted to the UNFCCC, the country requires approximately $19.2 billion by 2030 to implement its climate commitments, with a significant portion expected to come from international and private sector sources.

Speaking to The Citizen, the founder of Libe Green Innovation, Liberatha Kawamala, described the challenge as the ‘missing middle’ between early-stage support and the capital required for commercial expansion.

This ‘missing middle’ refers to the gap between early-stage financing in the form of grants, competitions, accelerators, and donor programmes, and the capital needed to scale up.

While many green ventures are able to access small grants or innovation support during their early development stages, scaling requires significantly different forms of investment, including financing for equipment, logistics, certifications, infrastructure, and operational growth.

‘For companies like ours, after the idea has been validated, funding becomes the greatest bottleneck.

A recycling business may start small, but to process over 5,000 metric tonnes each year, considerable capital investment is necessary, and that is where the journey of the majority of ventures stalls,’ Kawamala shared.

Her concern reflects a wider financing challenge facing Tanzanian enterprises.

According to the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2023, access to finance was cited as the biggest obstacle by 29.7 per cent of surveyed firms in Tanzania, ahead of challenges such as electricity, tax administration, transport, and business licensing.

Among firms that did not apply for loans, 16.6 per cent cited unfavourable interest rates, while 8.9 per cent cited high collateral requirements as the main reason for not seeking new loans or credit lines.

Ms Kawamala explained that at the growth stage, the funding requirements for an enterprise change dramatically.

Scaling means investing in new equipment, logistical infrastructure, certifications, and working capital, all areas not sufficiently addressed by grant funding or conventional lending schemes.

‘The challenge is compounded by the structure of formal financing systems themselves.

Conventional lenders typically favour short repayment periods, strong collateral requirements, and faster return cycles, conditions that rarely align with the operational realities of nature-based enterprises.

As a result, many climate-linked ventures struggle to move beyond pilot-stage operations despite demonstrating clear market potential,’ she said.

The recycling sector demonstrates the scale of the opportunity and the challenge. Tanzania’s Investment Guide on Waste Management estimates that the country generates between 12.1 million and 17.4 million tonnes of solid waste annually.

In Dar es Salaam alone, municipal solid waste generation was estimated at 1.68 million tonnes per year, while collection rates have historically remained below full coverage.

This creates major opportunities for recycling, composting, circular economy, and waste-to-value ventures, but also requires substantial investment in collection systems, processing equipment, transport, storage, and market development.

To address this financing gap, the RESOLVE-NbS framework proposes a range of de-risking approaches, including blended finance models, partial credit guarantees, concessional lending, and group guarantee systems that could improve access to capital for climate-resilient enterprises and community-based green businesses.

The Country Co-Director and Nature-based Lead at Axum, Syakaa William, stated that many nature-based enterprises face structural disadvantages because they operate within systems originally designed for conventional business models rather than long-term resilience-oriented investments.

‘Many ventures emerge from community-based initiatives where environmental and social outcomes are prioritised before commercial structuring.

While this creates strong development value, it can also complicate efforts to attract scale-oriented investment capital.

The mismatch between investment expectations and business timelines further intensifies the problem,’ Mr. Williams said.

He further revealed that nature-based enterprises often require longer periods before profitability is realised, while many funding systems continue to prioritise rapid returns and asset-light models.

This creates pressure on ventures operating in sectors where infrastructure, production systems, and ecosystem restoration require patience and long-term capital deployment.

According to the founder of Bantu Vegan, Sabrina Yegela, financing remains a continuous challenge throughout the growth journey of green businesses.

Combining regenerative agriculture with food production and hospitality, her enterprise requires substantial investment in farm infrastructure and processing capacity, areas where financing gaps become especially visible.

‘We are currently in a phase of heavy build-up, including farm infrastructure and processing facilities, which are areas where the financing gap hits the hardest.

My venture is perceived as too commercial for grants, too physical for tech investors, too early for banks, and too strange for many impact investors.

That is a system failure, not a me problem,’ she emphasised.

Although many green ventures generate public value through cleaner production systems, reduced emissions, improved waste management, sustainable land use, and employment creation, entrepreneurs argue that there are still limited policy incentives capable of improving competitiveness for climate-positive enterprises.

Proposed measures such as tax exemptions on recycling and green production equipment, VAT incentives for sustainable products, preferential procurement mechanisms, concessional credit windows, and targeted guarantee schemes are increasingly viewed as important tools that could accelerate the growth of green enterprises.

Analysts also point to a wider ecosystem imbalance where accelerators, investors, and innovation platforms remain heavily concentrated around technology ventures, leaving capital-intensive nature-based businesses comparatively underfunded.

Moving forward, stronger markets for sustainable products, simplified regulatory systems, targeted policy incentives, improved investor readiness, and greater access to long-term patient capital will be essential in building an ecosystem capable of supporting climate-resilient enterprise growth at scale.

Without this shift, Tanzania risks producing promising green ventures that remain permanently small, despite operating in sectors that are increasingly central to the country’s environmental resilience, job creation, and long-term economic transformation.

The Masasi District Court in Mtwara Region has arraigned 12 suspects on 27 counts of economic offences involving allegations of corruption and forgery of documents.

The suspects, some of them village leaders and officials from Chigugu Village in Masasi District, appeared before Principal Resident Magistrate Rehema Iddy on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, for charges hearing.

They are Merchior Mchopa, Jackson Ngombe, Michael Millanzi, Francis Chilumba, Mohamed Katopola, Hamis Namkutwanga, Husna Mohamed, Bibie Chivalama, Mbaraka Namkutwanga, Hamis Kalanje, Hamza Rashid, and Ismail Ngunga. According to the charge sheet in Case No. 12683/2026, the offences relate to alleged fraudulent activities during the implementation of the Ndanda-Mbwinji water pipeline project to Masasi in 2016.

The court heard that the accused allegedly facilitated the unlawful payment of more than Sh6 million to seven individuals under the water project.

It was further alleged that in 2018, they were involved in fraudulent compensation payments by the Masasi Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Manawasa).

The prosecution said the payments were processed using documents containing false information, resulting in financial loss to the government.

Preliminary investigations indicated the use of forged documents to facilitate the payments in breach of established procedures.

However, all the accused denied the charges after they were read in court.

Given the nature of the offences, the case is being handled under economic offences procedures in line with the law.

State Attorney Charles Mtungila requested an adjournment, saying investigations into some aspects of the case were still ongoing.

The court adjourned the case to Monday, June 22, 2026, when the hearing will continue.

Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) have intensified efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, with Kenya Police FC striker YvesJunior Koutiama emerging as one of the club’s top transfer targets.

The Jangwani-based side are expected to be active in the transfer market as they look to reinforce key areas of the squad in preparation for another demanding domestic and continental campaign.

Koutiama, a Burkina Faso international, has attracted attention following an impressive half-season spell with Kenya Police FC. The 27-year-old joined the Kenyan side from USFA in January and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most effective forwards. Despite arriving midway through the campaign, Koutiama scored 10 goals in 18 appearances, playing a key role in helping Kenya Police secure a third-place finish with 55 points.

His consistent performances earned him the Kenyan Premier League Best Foreign Player award at the end of the season. Sources close to the developments indicate that Yanga have already opened discussions with Kenya Police FC over a possible transfer.

However, negotiations are expected to be complex, as Koutiama remains under a long-term contract after signing a three-year deal earlier this year.

The pursuit of the striker comes as Yanga continue to plan significant adjustments to their squad ahead of the new season.

The club is also weighing the possibility of reshaping its attacking and creative options, including a potential return of Burkinabe attacking midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki, who is currently with Libyan side Al-Ittihad SC.

Aziz Ki was previously one of Yanga’s most influential players, playing a central role in their domestic dominance and strong continental performances before moving abroad.

His possible return is seen as part of broader squad reinforcement discussions aimed at restoring and maintaining the team’s competitive edge.

A resident of Kurusanga village in Bunda District, Mara Region, Ms Mkami Maseke, 43, has been admitted to Mara Regional Referral Hospital (Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial) in Musoma after her left palm was severed in an alleged attack by her former husband.

She also sustained injuries to her right hand, including a fractured bone, and suffered excessive bleeding.

Speaking from the hospital on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, she said the attack occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, at about 12 pm in Kurusanga village. She said she had gone to her farm in the morning to weed cassava and, after finishing, was heading home when she was suddenly attacked with a machete by her former husband.

‘He came and raised a machete, aiming at my head. I shielded myself with my left hand, which he cut four times until the palm came off.

He continued attacking me, and I raised my right hand, which he also struck twice,’ she said.

Ms Maseke identified the attacker as Nyawaga Warioba, 50, saying he fled after villagers responded to her screams, leaving behind his shoes.

She said she lost consciousness and later regained awareness at Nyamuswa Dispensary before being referred to the regional hospital.

The mother of three said she had been married to the man for 16 years.

‘Our marriage started failing after five years, and it became constant beatings. He did not support the family or engage in farming, yet we depended on agriculture,’ she said.

She said she left in April and returned to her parents’ home after failed reconciliation efforts.

She said the man later demanded repayment of the bride price so he could remarry.

‘We agreed I would pay Sh600,000, the value of two cows, although he had paid for four cows,’ she said.

She said she later sold farm produce and paid the amount through village leaders in May, believing the matter had ended before the attack.

‘He said he had been looking for me and finally found me,’ she said.

She appealed for justice, saying her disability had severely affected her farming livelihood.

Kwimange sub-village chairman George Saranga said the couple had repeatedly sought mediation over domestic disputes.

He said jealousy, often linked to phone conversations, frequently triggered violence.

‘In their last case, he broke her phone before beating her,’ he said.

Mr Saranga said that reconciliation efforts failed, leading to separation and a refund of the bride price in May.

A relative, Mr Bunuri Julius, said the severed palm was later recovered after a search.

He said it was taken to the police and later buried at home as it was no longer viable.

He said domestic violence cases had previously been handled through mediation, but the situation escalated.

‘We thought he would let her live in peace after the refund, but we are shocked by what happened,’ he said.

Mara Regional Police Commander (RPC), Pius Lutumo, confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing and the suspect is being sought.

Premier League coaches and players have voiced concern over the increasingly congested football calendar, warning that the delayed conclusion of the 2025/26 season is denying players adequate rest and compromising preparations for the next campaign.

They argue that the extended season not only reduces recovery time but also affects clubs’ planning, pre-season programmes and finances, with teams forced to shoulder additional costs to keep players in camp for longer periods.

Their concerns come after the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) announced that this year’s Kagame Cup will be staged from July 18 to August 9. The regional tournament will conclude less than a month before the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, which are scheduled to kick off on September 4.

For Tanzanian clubs, the calendar presents an even bigger challenge.

The Mainland Premier League season is set to end on June 30, while the CRDB Federation Cup final will be played on July 4, leaving little room for rest before teams begin preparations for regional and continental assignments.

The situation could be further complicated by the Community Shield, traditionally played shortly before the start of a new league season.

Many within the football fraternity believe the current scenario could have been avoided had the season concluded according to the original schedule, which projected a late-May finish before a series of fixture adjustments pushed the campaign deeper into the year.

Coaches and players have now called on the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) to adopt a more efficient fixture calendar next season, arguing that the current schedule has created unnecessary pressure on clubs and athletes alike.

Singida Black Stars coach Muhibu Kanu said both clubs and league authorities share responsibility for the situation, noting that while teams often request postponements due to continental engagements, the league must ensure that the calendar remains manageable.

“When the season ends late, players have very little time to recover. Some finish away fixtures and return directly to camp before travelling home.

They spend weeks living out of suitcases and constantly moving from one assignment to another. It takes a toll on them physically and mentally.

We need to learn from leagues that consistently finish their seasons on time,” he said. Dodoma Jiji midfielder Amani Josiah said the impact would largely depend on when the next season begins, but warned that an August kick-off would leave players with minimal recovery time.

“Pre-season preparation is crucial for every club. Coaches need enough time to build balanced squads and improve team chemistry. Players who did not feature regularly also need time to work on their fitness and sharpen their skills. A shortened break affects all of that,” he said.

Josiah added that many players make personal plans during the off-season, including weddings, family commitments and holidays that are often arranged months in advance.

“When the season is extended unexpectedly, those plans are disrupted and it becomes difficult to balance football and personal life,” he said.

Namungo assistant coach Ngawina Ngawina said inadequate rest could have serious physical and psychological consequences for players.

“Teams involved in CAF competitions may only give players a week off, while others might allow two weeks. When players return to camp so quickly, they are often not fully refreshed. Fatigue can affect performance throughout the season,” he said.

Mtibwa Sugar coach Yusuf Chippo said the extent of the problem would depend on the start date of the 2026/27 campaign.

“If the new season begins in September, players will still have some time to rest. But if it starts in August, the break will be very short. Players will have to use that limited time wisely to recover and prepare for another demanding season,” he said.

KMC attacking midfielder Daruwesh Saliboko said players must take responsibility for managing their off-season periods professionally.

“Many players spend their holidays playing street football, but professional players elsewhere use the break to completely switch off from the game and allow their bodies to recover. That is something we also need to embrace,” he said.

Namungo centre-back Hussein Kazi said a shortened off-season also affects family life, especially for players who spend most of the year away from home.

Twenty-eight students graduating from Aga Khan Mzizima Secondary School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme have secured scholarship offers worth more than $750,000 (about Sh1.9 billion), enabling them to pursue higher education at universities across several countries.

The scholarships were announced during the school’s graduation ceremony held recently at the Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam.

The graduands have received admission offers from universities in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The universities include the University of British Columbia, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Manchester.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aga Khan Education Service Tanzania chief executive officer, Dr Shelina Walli, commended the students for their commitment throughout their studies.

‘Behind every certificate awarded today lies years of perseverance, resilience and growth,’ she said.

The event was attended by education officials, including the Commissioner for Education in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Lyabwene Mtahabwa, and the Aga Khan Development Network resident representative for East Africa, Amin Mawji.

Delivering the keynote address, Toronto Metropolitan University president, Dr Mohamed Lachemi, urged graduates to view education as a lifelong investment.

‘The power to shape your future lies within your own hands, guided by education and strengthened by values,’ he said.

Aga Khan Schools general manager, Dr Rahim Somani, said the graduates were equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to their communities. Class valedictorian, Prisha Chheda, described the IB programme as challenging but rewarding.

‘This journey was demanding and, at times, overwhelming, but it was also meaningful and transformative,’ she said.

The scholarship awards come as rising higher education costs increase the importance of financial aid for students seeking international study opportunities.

In Tinde, Samuye, Ishina Bulaindi, Nhelagani, and surrounding villages in Shinyanga Region, attention is iancreasingly shifting from the scale of the illegal charcoal trade to what communities, experts, and authorities believe could finally bring the sector under formal control and sustainable management.

The discussion comes as Tanzania continues implementing the National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024-2034), which targets 80 percent adoption of clean cooking solutions by 2034 as part of wider efforts to reduce reliance on biomass energy and protect forest resources.

Police in Dar es Salaam have arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of Chinese businessman Bhaozang Ge, owner of XIL Li, a plastic bottle recycling factory in Mabibo in the city.

Mr Ge was allegedly killed by security guards at his factory on the night of May 15-16, 2026.

His body was cremated in Dar es Salaam on May 24, and the ashes were flown to China on May 27 for burial. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro said the suspects were arrested following extensive investigations launched after the killing.

The incident, he said, shocked the businessman’s relatives, friends and employees, prompting police to work with other investigative agencies to trace those responsible.

According to Mr Muliro, two suspects were arrested in Namanga while attempting to cross the border, while the other two were apprehended in Mabibo, where they had allegedly gone into hiding.

‘The murder caused panic among the deceased’s relatives, friends and people who knew him, prompting the Police Force to launch an in-depth investigation in collaboration with other investigative agencies,’ he said.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects conspired to attack the businessman before killing him and stealing Sh9 million from the factory.

‘After committing the crime, they took the money and fled to different parts of the country believing they could evade justice. However, our investigation tracked them down and led to their arrest,’ Mr Muliro said.

The suspects are Godson Simon, alias Laizer (25), of Olkolili in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region; Elisha Saitoti, alias Luqmay (24), of Mkonde in Handeni District, Tanga Region; Godfrey Laban, alias Mollel (30), of Makongo in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam; and Godson Pineli, alias Lisika (24), of Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.

Mr Muliro said some of the suspects had admitted involvement in the crime and disclosed how part of the stolen money was spent.

He said police had seized several cattle allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime and were retaining them as exhibits.

‘All legal procedures for securing and documenting the exhibits are ongoing. The suspects will be taken through the relevant legal processes, including referral to the National Prosecutions Office before being arraigned in court,’ he said.

Dar es Salaam. Singapore and Tanzania have pledged to deepen economic cooperation, with leaders and business executives from both countries identifying trade, investment, logistics, tourism and the digital economy as priority areas for future collaboration.

Speaking at the Tanzania-Singapore Business Forum on Tuesday, June 09, 2026, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said the two countries were building on long-standing ties rooted in centuries of Indian Ocean trade. Although geographically distant, he said Tanzania and Singapore share a history of exchange that can be leveraged to strengthen economic partnerships in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“We know the international trading order is not what it used to be. It is more uncertain, and that uncertainty is likely to endure.

In such a world, the answer must be to diversify, build new corridors of opportunity and create more resilient supply chains,” he said. President Shanmugaratnam described Tanzania as a country of immense promise, pointing to its youthful population, abundant natural resources, expanding investment opportunities and strategic location linking regional and global markets.

He said sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, logistics and the digital economy present strong prospects for collaboration between Tanzanian and Singaporean firms. “From sectors like agribusiness to tourism, there is real potential for meaningful partnership, combining Tanzania’s advantages with Singapore’s experience in efficient systems, advanced supply chain management, high-value services and the digital economy,” he said.

He said that stronger cooperation would help create jobs, enhance skills and support inclusive growth in both countries. During the visit, the two governments signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and a memorandum of understanding on carbon credit cooperation.

President Shanmugaratnam said the tax agreement would reduce the cost and risk of doing business while boosting investor confidence. “We signed an avoidance of double taxation agreement, which will lower the cost of doing business, reduce the risks of doing business and thereby give investors greater confidence,” he said.

The two countries are also working towards a bilateral framework to facilitate carbon credit transactions and climate-related investments. On her part, President Samia Suluhu Hassan described the visit as historic, marking the first state visit by a Singaporean Head of State to Tanzania, coinciding with 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

She said talks between the two leaders had resulted in agreements aimed at elevating bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. President Hassan noted that Singapore’s experience in economic transformation, port development, technology and investment management offers valuable lessons for Tanzania as it advances its industrialisation agenda.

She said Tanzania remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most stable economies, strategically positioned as a gateway to East and Southern Africa and the wider African market of more than 1.4 billion people.

“Despite strong diplomatic ties, significant opportunities remain untapped, particularly in trade, logistics, tourism, infrastructure and digital services,” she said. The President added that both countries should work towards building resilient supply chains and diversifying economic partnerships amid growing uncertainty in the global trading environment.

Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) chairperson Angelina Ngalula said the long-standing friendship between the two countries should now translate into concrete commercial partnerships, joint ventures and investments. She said Tanzania offers growing opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, mining, transport and logistics, energy and infrastructure.

According to her, Singapore’s strengths in technology, financial services, logistics, engineering and skills development align closely with Tanzania’s development priorities. “Governments can create an enabling environment and open doors, but it is the private sector that must drive trade and investment.

The real deals will be made by businesses,” she said. Ms Ngalula urged companies from both countries to use business-to-business engagements to identify investment opportunities and commit to practical follow-up actions.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) said it plans to expand its presence in Tanzania and across Africa as part of efforts to deepen commercial ties with the continent. SBF Vice Chairman Mark Lee said Africa is increasingly seen as a strategic growth market, with Tanzania emerging as one of the region’s most attractive investment destinations.

“We believe in Africa and we aspire to do considerably more on this continent than we have done to date,” he said, citing Tanzania’s strategic location, East African Community membership, investment reforms and expanding logistics infrastructure as key attractions for Singaporean investors. He said Singapore has registered 36 investment projects in Tanzania since 1997, valued at more than $500 million and creating over 3,000 jobs.

“Our role is to translate political momentum into commercial substance, into trade, investment and partnerships that endure beyond the headlines of a state visit,” he said. A delegation of 15 Singaporean companies is currently exploring opportunities in industrial logistics, consumer goods, green technology, digital solutions and tourism, signalling growing interest in Tanzania as a gateway to East Africa.

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Dar es Salaam. The opposition party, Chadema, has dismissed viral social media reports claiming it has reinstated former firebrand legislator Halima Mdee to bolster its ranks ahead of a renewed political contest with the ruling CCM.

Speaking in a telephone interview with The Citizen yesterday, Chadema secretary-general John Mnyika clarified that the party’s constitution and regulations prescribe a specific procedure for any expelled member seeking readmission. He emphasised that the process requires the individual to formally apply for membership through a written letter.

“After they have applied, the specific meeting or organ that expelled them must convene to deliberate on the letter and decide whether the membership is to be accepted or not,” said Mr Mnyika. He noted that the procedure differs significantly from that of members who resign voluntarily, as expelled individuals must have their reinstatement considered by the same body that removed them.

Mr Mnyika maintained that if such a process had taken place, it would already be a matter of public record. “If all those processes had been conducted, it would have been public knowledge by now,” he added, insisting that such reports are false.

The controversy dates back to November 27, 2020, when Chadema stripped 19 cadres of their membership after they were sworn in as Special Seats Members of Parliament in Dodoma without the party’s authorisation. The legislators included Halima Mdee, Esther Matiko, Grace Tendega, Cecilia Pareso, Ester Bulaya, Agnesta Lambert, Nusrati Hanje and Jesca Kishoa.

Others were Hawa Mwaifunga, Tunza Malapo, Asia Mohammed, Felister Njau, Naghenjwa Kaboyoka, Sophia Mwakagenda, Kunti Majala, Stella Fiao, Anatropia Theonest, Salome Makamba and Conchesta Rwamlaza. The group was expelled for allegedly acting contrary to the party’s position and failing to honour a summons issued by the National Council.

Following their expulsion, the MPs appealed to the party’s Governing Council, which upheld the decision. They subsequently sought legal redress in the High Court in an attempt to challenge the party’s move.

However, their legal battle hit a snag when High Court Judge John Mgetta dismissed their application on a technicality. The court sided with Chadema advocate Peter Kibatala, who argued that the MPs had sued a non-existent institution by naming the ‘Board of Trustees’ instead of ‘The Registered Trustees, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo-Chadema’.

Judge Mgetta ruled that the defect was substantial enough to warrant dismissal. Following the dissolution of Parliament in June 2025, the political landscape shifted as the 19 former legislators sought new political homes ahead of the October 29, 2025, General Election.

By late 2025, the ruling CCM, ACT-Wazalendo and Chaumma had emerged as the new platforms for at least 11 of the former Chadema members. While several, including Sophia Mwakagenda and Naghenjwa Kaboyoka, had previously held leadership or committee positions in the House, others actively sought CCM’s endorsement for the 2025 polls.

At the time of the realignments, Ms Mdee was among eight former members who had yet to publicly declare a new political affiliation and maintained that she wouldn’t join any other political party. She had previously criticised the process that led to her expulsion as being “clouded by intrigue and lacking transparency.

” As reports of her return continue to circulate in 2026, the lingering question remains whether the time is right for Ms Mdee to rejoin the party she once served with such vigour. For now, however, Chadema insists that its constitutional doors remain closed until a formal application is submitted and duly considered.

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