Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Mainland Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga), Simba and Azam FC have received a timely boost ahead of the resumption of the league on Friday following the return of several key players who had joined their respective national teams for the FIFA international window.

The league resumes with three matches on Friday, with Azam FC taking on Fountain Gate FC at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium. In other fixtures, KMC will host TRA United at the KMC Complex from 6:30 pm, while Coastal Union will entertain Namungo FC at the Mkwakwani Stadium from 9 pm.

The return of international players is expected to strengthen the title-chasing sides as the season enters a crucial stage. The Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, returned home yesterday from Marrakesh, Morocco, where they had planned to play two international friendly matches against Uganda and Rwanda.

However, both matches were postponed due to sanitary and public health considerations. Yanga, who are defending the league title, had three players in the Taifa Stars squad: Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad, Bakari Mwamnyeto and Mudathir Yahya.

Their return comes as a welcome relief to the technical bench ahead of the club’s remaining fixtures. Apart from the Taifa Stars trio, Yanga also had several foreign-based internationals away on national duty.

First-choice goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was with the Mali national team, striker Prince Dube joined Zimbabwe, while midfielder Allan Okello linked up with Uganda’s national team. The Cranes Reports from the club indicate that all the players are expected to rejoin training sessions today and tomorrow as preparations intensify for the league run-in.

Simba also had three representatives in the Taifa Stars squad namely Seleman Mwalimu, Nickson Kibabage and Vedastus Masinde. The trio are expected to join their teammates in training today as the Msimbazi Street side continues preparations for its upcoming assignments.

Azam FC, meanwhile, released four players to Taifa Stars. The quartet of Zuberi Foba, Aishi Manula, Elias Lawi and Pascal Msindo are expected to rejoin the squad between yesterday and today ahead of Friday’s encounter against Fountain Gate.

Other clubs will also welcome back their international representatives. Pamba Jiji goalkeeper Yona Amos, Namungo midfielder Abdulkarim Kiswanya, Mashujaa defender Mohammed Mussa and Coastal Union’s Bakari Msimu are all expected to return to training today.

Their return is set to add quality and depth to their respective squads as the race for league points resumes across the country. .

Dar es Salaam. The Zanzibar national football team, popularly known as the Zanzibar Heroes, is set to face Uganda, nicknamed The Cranes, in an international friendly match on Friday at the New Amaan Complex.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 pm, according to Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) Secretary-General Hussein Ahmada Vuai, who described the fixture as a key part of preparations for both teams ahead of upcoming international assignments. Uganda were originally scheduled to face the Tanzania national football team (Taifa Stars) in Marakesh, Morocco on June 5, but that match was postponed following a decision by Moroccan authorities due to sanitary and public health considerations.

The friendly against Zanzibar now provides Uganda an opportunity to regain competitive momentum ahead of future fixtures. Uganda is set to arrive in Zanzibar today, while the Zanzibar Heroes will also begin their training camp today in preparation for the match.

Head coach Hemed Suleiman “Morocco” has named a strong squad that includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Goalkeepers selected are Ahmed Issa Haji “Bolo” (JKU SC), Hamad Ubwa “Baro” (Mlandege FC), and Suleiman Said Abraham (Namungo FC).

Defenders called up for the match include Salum Khamis “Gado” (JKT Tanzania FC), Said Mussa “Mbeki” (Mlandege FC), Mukrim Issa “Miranda” (Singida BS), Ibrahim Abdallah Hamad “Baka” (Yanga SC), Abdulmalik Adam “Agreiy” (Singida BS), Hussein Ali “Mbegu” (Simba SC), Abdallah Kheir “Sebo” (Singida BS), Mohamed Mussa Salum (Mashujaa FC), and Abubakar Nizar “Ninju” (Yanga SC). The midfield comprises Jamal Saleh “Jaku” (Mlandege FC), Fahad Msham Said (Meridiana Spain), Abdulnasir Mohamed “Casemiro” (Yanga SC), Abdulnassir Asaa “Gamal” (Mashujaa FC), Sheikhan Khamis Ibrahim (Yanga SC), Mudathir Yahya Abass (Yanga SC), Abdallah Yassin “Kundana” (Mbeya City), and Feisal Salum Abdallah “Feitoto” (Azam FC).

Leading the attack, the Heroes will field Mzee Hassan Mzee (Azam FC), Aimar Hafidh Abubakar (Azam FC), Mansour Omar Kombo (Black Sailor FC), Ali Khamis “Kokoro” (Fufuni FC), Mussa Hassan Salum (Mlandege FC), Ali Khatib “Inzaghi” (Uhamiaji FC), and Muslih Simai Ameir “Morata” (Kipanga FC). Coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman expressed confidence in his squad, describing the friendly as a platform to assess team readiness, build cohesion, and showcase Zanzibar’s football talent on the international stage.

Fans and football enthusiasts are expected to flock to the New Amaan Complex for what promises to be a thrilling night of competitive football, tactical battles, and a celebration of community and sport. .

Dar/Shinyanga. Every evening in Tinde, Samuye, Ishina Bulaindi and neighbouring villages in Shinyanga Region, long convoys of bicycles and motorcycles loaded with sacks of charcoal move along narrow bush paths cutting through farms and woodland.

Transporters avoid main roads where Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) checkpoints are stationed, instead using informal village tracks locally known as “njia za panya” (rat paths), which have become an alternative transport network. Residents describe the flow as organised, predictable and largely uninterrupted despite patrols.

Demand from Shinyanga Municipality and surrounding urban centres continues to fuel the movement, forming part of a wider regional charcoal supply chain serving households and small businesses. The trade is sustained by seasonal dry conditions that make rural forest access easier and by informal networks linking producers, transporters and traders.

Under the Forest Act (Cap. 323 R.

E. 2023), commercial harvesting requires permits, while transport of illegally harvested forest products is prohibited.

Regulations require Transit Passes to be verified at checkpoints under TFS and that offenders risk fines, seizure of equipment and prosecution under forest legislation. Enforcement duties rest with forest officers mandated to inspect consignments and confiscate illegal products.

TFS operations also include roadside patrols and intelligence gathering in hotspot areas. In practice, however, field observations suggest that significant movement occurs outside this framework as many consignments reportedly change routes repeatedly to avoid detection points.

Transporters say avoiding checkpoints is a deliberate strategy. “We avoid checkpoints because, without documents, you are stopped and get comprehensive questioning,” said Mr Dotto Leonard (not his real name).

“We use bush routes and know all stations,” he added, as transporters say coordination is essential for navigating rough terrain and avoiding interception. Bicycles carry up to four sacks while motorcycles move in groups, feeding urban demand.

Accidents are also common on poorly maintained bush paths, especially at night, as night convoys rely on scouts who monitor road conditions ahead. Movements begin in the evening when visibility drops and patrols are fewer.

Occasionally, enforcement officers chase transporters and confiscate bicycles, motorcycles and charcoal. Officers face challenges of evasion and occasional hostility during operations.

Despite risks, many remain in the trade due to limited livelihood options and difficult access to permits. Many young people depend on the charcoal trade as a primary source of income due to limited employment opportunities in rural areas.

Charcoal is aggregated at village points before being transported to urban markets. Some middlemen finance production and control supply chains linking rural producers to urban traders.

At Usanda gate, traders pay about S,000 per sack to proceed to Shinyanga. Leaders say the arrangement creates an appearance of regulation but leaves movement outside proper verification.

Village leaders say they are rarely involved in enforcement coordination and the lack of inclusion weakens cooperation mechanisms. Communities say they receive no benefit despite handling large volumes of charcoal.

Village authorities say limited resources hinder effective monitoring of forest product movement. Deforestation is visible with declining tree cover, kiln sites and expanding bare land.

Experts warn that continued tree loss may worsen soil erosion and biodiversity decline. Smoke from charcoal kilns also contributes to local air pollution, affecting nearby settlements, with health workers linking exposure to respiratory problems in nearby communities.

“We used to have many trees, but now the heat is rising and the rainfall pattern is changing,” said Ms Rebeka Hamduni, adding that trees are disappearing because charcoal has become the main business, affecting the soil. TFS says it conducts checkpoints and uses digital systems to verify consignments.

Digital verification systems include scanning of Transit Pass documents at checkpoints. Despite measures, violations continue across the harvesting and transport chain as Shinyanga is also a transit corridor, complicating enforcement.

Officers inspect documents, verify Transit Passes and confiscate illegal consignments. Authorities say success depends on cooperation from communities and stakeholders.

As informal village routes continue to undermine checkpoint enforcement, authorities continue awareness campaigns, but the challenge remains structural. Cross-agency coordination between forest and police units is ongoing but inconsistent.

Authorities say long-term solutions require balancing enforcement with alternative livelihoods. Sustainable forest management initiatives are being explored alongside stricter enforcement measures to curb illegal charcoal trade.

However, implementation challenges continue to slow progress across production and transport networks in the Shinyanga Region framework, which remains under pressure today. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Singapore have taken steps to deepen trade and investment ties as Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam began a three-day state visit aimed at unlocking fresh economic opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The visit, which commenced on Monday, June 08, 2026, and is scheduled to run to June 10, 2026 at the invitation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, came as both nations sought to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, industrialisation and skills development amid expanding economic links between Africa and Asia. President Shanmugaratnam was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers, senior government officials and business leaders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said in a statement that the visit marked a new chapter in relations between the two countries, which established diplomatic ties in December 1980 and celebrated 45 years of cooperation last year. Economic cooperation has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pillars of the bilateral relationship.

Trade between Tanzania and Singapore expanded significantly over the past decade, with Tanzanian exports to Singapore rising from $43 million in 2020 to nearly $183 million in 2022 before easing to $142 million in 2023, according to figures cited by the ministry. Major Tanzanian exports included cocoa beans, coffee, cloves, copper, precious stones and frozen fish.

Imports from Singapore consisted mainly of fuels, machinery, electrical equipment, medical products, chemicals and other manufactured goods. “As Tanzania advances its ambitions for industrialization, digital transformation, infrastructure modernisation, and economic diversification, Singapore’s expertise in governance, logistics, urban development, innovation, and skills training offers valuable partnership opportunities,” the ministry said in the statement.

The ministry noted that the visit was expected to provide a platform for business leaders from both countries to explore new commercial partnerships and investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy. Singaporean investment has already established a notable presence in Tanzania’s energy, manufacturing, transport, construction and natural resources sectors.

According to the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), 36 projects worth $535 million involving Singaporean investors had been registered between 1997 and July 2025. The projects were expected to create more than 3,200 jobs. Manufacturing accounted for the largest share of these investments, followed by construction, transport, agriculture, infrastructure development and natural resources.

Among the most significant investments was that of Singapore-based energy company Pavilion Energy, which acquired a 20 percent stake in offshore gas Blocks 1, 3 and 4, highlighting investor confidence in Tanzania’s energy sector. The visit was also expected to culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for bilateral consultations between Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The arrangement would create a structured mechanism for regular political and economic dialogue, enabling the two governments to monitor progress and identify new areas of cooperation. Beyond trade and investment, Tanzania has benefited from Singapore’s technical assistance programmes, including scholarships, professional training and capacity-building initiatives.

The recently launched SingaporeAfrica Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability (SAPLINGS) programme for 20262028 is expected to support African countries, including Tanzania, in areas such as digitalisation, governance, port management, financial technology, healthcare, smart cities and trade facilitation. .

Moscow. Tanzania’s long-delayed Mkuju River uranium project has received fresh momentum following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s official visit to Russia, with Minerals minister Anthony Mavunde expressing confidence that the strategic investment is now moving closer to full-scale implementation.

Speaking to The Citizen in Moscow on the sidelines of the President’s visit, Mr Mavunde said discussions between Tanzanian and Russian leaders had reinforced commitments towards advancing the project, which is expected to position Tanzania among Africa’s leading uranium producers. The Mkuju River project, located in Namtumbo District in Ruvuma Region, is being developed by Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Russia’s Uranium One Group under the Rosatom State Corporation.

Valued at about $1 billion, the project has remained largely dormant for more than a decade after a collapse in global uranium prices delayed commercial development despite the completion of exploration activities and regulatory approvals. However, improved market conditions, growing global interest in nuclear energy and renewed engagement between Tanzania and Russia have revived prospects for the project.

Mr Mavunde described the uranium venture as one of the most important mining projects currently under development in Tanzania. “The Mkuju project is a flagship investment not only for the mining sector but also for the wider economy.

Tanzania is among a small number of African countries with the opportunity to develop a uranium industry of this scale,” he said. According to the minister, President Hassan’s visit had provided an opportunity for direct engagement with Russian authorities and stakeholders involved in the project.

He said the discussions demonstrated a strong commitment by the Russian government and project partners to accelerate implementation. “The visit has added significant momentum to the project.

We expect to see major developments within a relatively short period because several preparatory stages have already been completed,” he said. He pointed to the commissioning of a pilot uranium processing plant by President Hassan in July last year as a major milestone, describing it as evidence that the project had moved beyond the planning stage.

The pilot facility was established to test processing technologies and generate technical data required for the design of the future industrial complex. Mr Mavunde said additional progress had been recorded in recent weeks, including the announcement of tenders for infrastructure works at the project site.

“Mining activities have already commenced within the framework provided by law. When you visit the site, there are clear signs that operational work is underway,” he said.

Questions have persisted over the project’s financing arrangements, particularly as the current special mining licence is due to expire in April 2028. Developers have previously acknowledged that some lenders have expressed concerns about extending long-term financing while the licence approaches expiry. However, Mr Mavunde said the government remained confident that the project would proceed as planned.

He noted that the licence could be renewed under existing legal provisions and emphasised that substantial progress had already been achieved after years of delays linked largely to investor-related challenges. “The government took various measures to help unlock the project.

What matters now is that important steps are being taken and the project is moving forward,” he said. Recent disclosures by Mantra Tanzania indicate that financing discussions are continuing with both Russian financial institutions and Tanzanian banks as the company seeks capital for mine construction and the planned processing plant.

Beyond uranium development, Mr Mavunde said Tanzania and Russia had also agreed to deepen cooperation in geological research, institutional strengthening and skills development. He noted that historical ties dating back to the former Soviet Union had played an important role in Tanzania’s mining sector and could provide a foundation for future collaboration.

“One of the areas we are looking at is strengthening geological research and building the capacity of our professionals. Modern mining increasingly depends on technology and we must ensure that our workforce is prepared for these changes,” he said.

The minister said Russia had expressed willingness to support training programmes and technical cooperation aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s mining institutions. If fully developed, the Mkuju River project is expected to transform Tanzania’s position in the global uranium market.

Mr Mavunde said projected production could exceed 4,000 tonnes annually at full capacity, potentially making Tanzania one of Africa’s leading uranium producers. “Once production reaches full capacity, Tanzania could become the second-largest uranium producer in Africa after Namibia and among the top global producers,” he said.

The minister added that the project’s estimated investment of $1.2 billion would generate substantial economic benefits through employment, government revenues and local business opportunities. Government estimates indicate that thousands of direct and indirect jobs could be created during construction and operational phases, while local authorities are expected to benefit through service levies and other revenue streams.

Communities surrounding the project in Namtumbo are also expected to benefit from increased economic activity, infrastructure improvements and expanded business opportunities linked to mining operations. The Mkuju River deposit is estimated to contain about 139 million tonnes of uranium ore and is expected to support mining operations for more than two decades.

The project forms part of a broader government strategy to expand the contribution of mining to the national economy following the sector’s achievement of surpassing the 10 percent contribution target ahead of schedule. Looking ahead, Mr Mavunde said Tanzania’s long-term vision was to unlock more value from its mineral resources through exploration, investment and increased participation by local miners.

“Tanzania has been blessed with abundant mineral resources. The task before us is to transform those resources into tangible economic benefits for our people and ensure the mining sector becomes one of the major pillars of the national economy,” he said.

He said that the government was intensifying geological surveys across the country while creating an enabling environment for small-scale miners, medium-sized operators and large investors to participate in the sector’s growth. Mr Mavunde’s statement concurs with what President Samia Suluhu Hassan said at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) on Friday, June 5 that discussions so far point to the fact that Tanzania will have its first nuclear power plant will be ready during the 2028/29 fiscal year.

The goal, she said, was in line with Tanzania’s energy production goals that put emphasis on a mix of various sources. Currently, Tanzania produces approximately 4,000 megawatts but according to President Hassan, the goal is to raise this to 8,000 megawatts by 2030 and to 70,000 megawatts by 2050. .

The United States denied entry to Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan over the weekend, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup. FIFA said on Monday that Artan would be unable to train or officiate at the tournament, which begins on Thursday, after US authorities refused him entry into the country.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” a FIFA spokesperson said. Artan said he remained optimistic despite the setback and would continue focusing on his refereeing career.

“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support, and I promise to keep my refereeing standards high as I concentrate on the future,” he said. “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues every success during the World Cup.

I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.” US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was deemed inadmissible following additional vetting.

The agency did not provide further details, citing law enforcement, national security and immigration considerations. The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies under President Donald Trump.

Last year, Washington imposed a travel ban affecting citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia. Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football’s Best Male Referee for 2025, reportedly held a valid visa.

Somalia’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. .

Arusha. A Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) Kanani Mpya Church pastor in Kitiangare, Arusha, Ms Salome Kikoti, has recounted how she rescued a 19-year-old man from being burnt alive by residents after he was accused of stealing a mobile phone in Arusha.

The youth, Mr Kelvin Alex of Ngulelo, was allegedly seized by an angry mob at Sekei kwa Shabani area following a street robbery incident involving a mobile phone snatching case. Pastor Kikoti said she intervened because she believed the young man still had a chance to reform and should be handed over to the police rather than subjected to mob justice.

“No one is without sin, and no one has the right to take another person’s life,” she said, adding that she decided to take him to the Central Police Station so that the law could take its course. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 6, 2026, after two young men were accused of snatching a phone from a woman on her way to church.

Witnesses said the victim screamed for help, prompting residents to chase the suspects. One suspect escaped, while Mr Alex was caught by residents, noting that the motorcycle allegedly used in the incident was set on fire before attention turned to the suspect.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, June 8, 2026, Pastor Kikoti said she was returning from a Women’s Christian Union (WCU) meeting in Kimandolu when she came across the incident. Pastor Kikoti said she first found the motorcycle already burning and went inside to pray before returning to see residents preparing to set the suspect on fire.

“When I came out, I found people wanting to burn the young man. When I saw his age, I saw he was like my child, so I rushed to stop them,” she said.

“They had already poured petrol on him and beaten him. I told them to stop because no one has the authority to take another person’s life,” added Pastor Kikoti.

She said she had to struggle to rescue the youth before eventually taking him to the Central Police Station in a three-wheeler vehicle, where she recorded her statement and handed him over to police officers. “I do not know him personally, but I felt pain for him.

He is the age of my children,” she said. She likened the situation to the biblical story of Saul, who later became Paul after his transformation.

“Even those who have committed serious crimes can repent and change,” she said. A resident who witnessed the incident said anger had been fuelled by repeated cases of theft in the area.

“I have also been robbed several times on this road. When I arrived, people were already very angry,” he said.

Mr Alex, however, denied involvement, saying he was wrongly caught up in the incident. “I have never stolen a phone.

We were going to Matejoo when the incident happened,” he said. He claimed he was a passenger on a motorcycle whose rider was accused, adding that he was caught after attempting to escape.

According to witnesses, the stolen phone was later recovered after being thrown away, while another suspect escaped. The incident has renewed debate on the rising mob justice cases in the country.

In a similar case on April 15, 2026, Police Constable Roland Mollel was killed in Arusha after being mistaken for a thief and attacked by a mob. Legal experts have repeatedly warned against mob justice, saying suspects must be handed over to authorities for due process.

Lawyer Peter Madeleka has previously said such acts violate the law and the Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence. He stressed that only law enforcement agencies have the authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute suspects, urging stronger civic education to prevent further incidents.

.

By Mindi Kasiga Less than 72 hours after concluding a State Visit to the Russian Federation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was back on the diplomatic stage in Dar es Salaam, welcoming Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the first State Visit ever undertaken by a Head of State from Singapore to Tanzania. The rapid succession of high-level engagements reflects Tanzania’s increasingly active international diplomacy and its deliberate pursuit of strategic partnerships capable of advancing national development priorities under Vision 2050. President Tharman’s visit, which coincides with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Singapore, marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations and signals a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, skills development, digital transformation, food security, healthcare and climate resilience.

Speaking after official talks at State House, President Samia described the visit as historic, noting that it comes at a time when Tanzania is intensifying efforts to attract investment, strengthen economic competitiveness and equip its youthful population with the skills required for a rapidly changing global economy. The discussions highlighted Tanzania’s pragmatic foreign policy approach, which increasingly places economic diplomacy at the centre of international engagement.

By strengthening partnerships across diverse regions, from Eurasia to Southeast Asia; Tanzania is positioning itself to leverage global opportunities in support of its long-term development agenda. “Our friendship is bigger than the current levels of trade and investment,” President Samia said while emphasizing the need to expand economic cooperation beyond its current scale.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in strategic sectors including logistics, industrial development, agribusiness, education, healthcare and the digital economy. Several agreements signed during the visit are expected to provide a stronger framework for future trade and investment flows between the two countries.

For Tanzania, the significance of the visit extends beyond bilateral relations. It underscores the country’s growing profile as a regional gateway economy and an increasingly influential actor in Africa’s engagement with Asia.

President Tharman described Tanzania as a country “confident in its potential and well placed to shape the opportunities ahead,” citing its strategic location, youthful population and expanding role within the East African Community (EAC). His remarks come at a time when Tanzania’s regional influence is becoming increasingly evident.

Just last month, the Presidents of Rwanda and Kenya each undertook official visits to Tanzania, underscoring the country’s growing strategic importance to both their respective national interests and the wider East African region. Earlier in March, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda also visited Tanzania ahead of the EAC Summit at which Uganda assumed the Chairmanship of the Community from Kenya.

The transition coincided with another important development for Tanzania’s regional standing, as a Tanzanian national assumed the position of Secretary General of the EAC Secretariat. These developments reflect Tanzania’s prominent role in shaping regional integration, economic cooperation and political dialogue within East Africa.

The visit also generated momentum for discussions on a possible Free Trade Agreement between Singapore and the East African Community, a move that could significantly strengthen economic linkages between East Africa and Southeast Asia while opening new opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer and digital cooperation. Beyond its bilateral significance, the proposed agreement highlights Tanzania’s growing role as a bridge between regional and global markets.

As host of the EAC Headquarters, one of the Community’s founding members and one of its largest economies, Tanzania is strategically positioned as a gateway for international partners seeking engagement with East Africa. In this context, the prospect of an EAC-Singapore Free Trade Agreement carries strategic importance not only for Tanzania but for the entire region, potentially creating new avenues for market access, supply-chain integration and economic diversification at a time of significant shifts in the global trading system.

President Samia’s recent engagements with both Russia and Singapore illustrate the evolution of Tanzania’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing global environment. While firmly anchored in the country’s longstanding principles of independence, sovereignty and non-alignment, Tanzania is increasingly pursuing a strategy of diversified international engagement that seeks constructive partnerships across regions and political blocs.

This approach reflects a foreign policy that remains non-aligned yet actively multi-engaged, guided not by geopolitical rivalries, but by national interests, mutual benefit and development priorities. Through strategic partnerships with countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, Tanzania is advancing a diplomacy increasingly defined by diversification, economic pragmatism, knowledge exchange and investment promotion.

As the country moves towards the aspirations of Vision 2050, such an approach positions Tanzania to leverage global opportunities while maintaining the strategic autonomy that has long been a hallmark of its foreign policy. Ambassador Mindi Kasiga is the Director of Communication for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

.

Unguja. Zanzibar plans to establish its own stock exchange and an investment bank in a move that could transform how businesses, government entities and investors raise capital for economic development.

The two initiatives are among the key priorities outlined by the Minister for Finance and Planning, Dr Juma Malik Akil, as he tabled a Sh8 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year in the House of Representatives yesterday. Dr Malik Akil said the government would oversee the establishment of the Zanzibar Investment Bank (ZIB) and the Zanzibar Stock Market.

The proposals signal Zanzibar’s intention to deepen its financial sector and create new avenues for investment at a time when the Isles are seeking to attract more private capital into strategic sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, fisheries, blue economy projects and manufacturing. A stock exchange serves as a marketplace where companies and institutions raise funds by issuing shares and bonds, while investors buy and sell those securities.

Besides providing businesses with access to long-term financing, stock markets improve transparency, corporate governance and public participation in wealth creation. They also help governments and state-owned enterprises mobilise funds for development projects.

For Zanzibar, a dedicated stock market could provide local enterprises with an alternative to bank borrowing, allowing them to raise capital directly from investors. It could also enable residents to invest in local companies and benefit from the growth of the Isles’ economy.

The planned investment bank is expected to complement the exchange by financing large-scale projects and attracting domestic and foreign investors. Investment banks typically structure major transactions, advise on fundraising and support businesses seeking capital for expansion.

The move would place Zanzibar alongside a growing number of East African jurisdictions that operate capital markets. The region is currently served by the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya, the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange in Tanzania, the Uganda Securities Exchange and the Rwanda Stock Exchange.

These exchanges facilitate the trading of shares, bonds and other securities and have increasingly embraced electronic trading platforms. Tanzania’s own stock market, the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, was incorporated in 1996 and began trading in 1998. It offers trading in shares, bonds and real estate investment trusts and operates under the oversight of the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA).

“In this period, the ministry will establish the Zanzibar Stock Market and an investment bank,” Dr Akil told lawmakers. Beyond the two flagship projects, the ministry plans to strengthen digital systems in government budgeting and financial management, promote gender-responsive budgeting and finalise the Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP) 20262031. The government also intends to review the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act No.

4 of 1998, prepare legislation governing the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), and develop a population policy alongside procurement guidelines for information technology equipment and special groups. Other priorities include integrating electronic systems across government institutions, introducing agricultural insurance schemes and establishing a subsidiary to manage life insurance services under ZIC Life Insurance.

Meanwhile, the House Budget Committee urged the ministry to strengthen revenue collection, close loopholes and ensure that growth in public debt remains aligned with repayment capacity. During the budget debate, members of the House of Representatives called for stronger oversight of revenue collection and the creation of new revenue sources, while urging tax authorities to avoid enforcement measures that unnecessarily disrupt businesses.

Several lawmakers also stressed the need to make Zanzibar more open to trade and investment, arguing that effective implementation of the proposed reforms will be critical if the Isles are to achieve faster economic growth and attract greater private-sector participation. .

Dar es Salaam. As the global race for critical minerals intensifies, Tanzanian researchers are preparing to tackle one of the country’s biggest development questions: how can the nation’s vast mineral wealth be transformed into long-term prosperity rather than remaining a source of raw exports? This question will take centre stage during the 11th Research and Innovation Week at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), where scholars, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners will meet to discuss how strategic minerals can support Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and accelerate the country’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

The three-day event, which begins on June 9, carries the theme: “Harnessing Tanzania’s Mineral Wealth to Advance Renewable Energy, Digital Transformation and Societal Security.” According to UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Prof Nelson Boniface’s media statement on June 8, 2026, the discussions come at a time when demand for critical minerals is growing worldwide due to the expansion of renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

“The theme highlights the strategic importance of Tanzania’s mineral resources in driving 21st-century development,” Prof Boniface said. He noted that minerals such as graphite, nickel, lithium, cobalt and uranium have become increasingly important in renewable energy systems, while graphite, rare earth elements, copper and gold are essential in supporting digital transformation and emerging technologies.

For Tanzania, the challenge is no longer simply extracting minerals from the ground. The bigger question is how research, innovation and policy can help the country add value, develop local industries and create jobs from these resources.

Experts say countries that have successfully transformed their economies have often invested heavily in research and technology to ensure natural resources become catalysts for industrial growth rather than commodities for export. This is one of the reasons scholars gathering at the event are expected to examine how Tanzania can strengthen linkages between universities, government and industry to maximise the benefits of its mineral wealth.

The discussions will also focus on how research findings can support evidence-based policymaking and help position Tanzania to compete in emerging sectors linked to clean energy and digital technologies. University Director of Research and Publication, Dr Mathew Senga, said the annual event has increasingly become a platform through which the university demonstrates the impact of research on society, government and national development.

According to Dr Senga, research conducted at the university has contributed to solving practical challenges facing communities, informed public policy and strengthened the institution’s reputation both nationally and internationally. He said the growing visibility of UDSM research reflects the university’s commitment to producing knowledge that directly responds to Tanzania’s development priorities.

“Our focus is not only on generating knowledge but also ensuring that research translates into solutions that benefit society, support government priorities and contribute to economic transformation,” he said. The significance of this year’s event is further elevated by the participation of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is expected to deliver a public lecture during the opening day.

For many participants, Singapore’s development story offers valuable lessons. Despite its limited natural resources, Singapore transformed itself from a developing nation into one of the world’s most advanced economies through strategic investments in education, innovation, research and human capital development.

Researchers believe Tanzania can draw important lessons from Singapore’s experience, particularly in building strong institutions, supporting innovation ecosystems and investing in science and technology as drivers of economic growth. The public lecture is expected to provide insights into how nations can leverage knowledge, innovation and strategic leadership to achieve sustainable development.

Beyond the lectures and exhibitions, the event will host strategic partnership dialogues bringing together universities, research institutions, government agencies and private sector players to explore ways of commercialising research findings and accelerating value addition in the mining sector. As Tanzania advances discussions on Vision 2050, many observers view the country’s critical minerals as an opportunity to redefine its development trajectory.

However, they argue that the true value of these resources will depend not only on what lies beneath the ground, but also on the quality of research, innovation and policy decisions that determine how the wealth is utilised. .