Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Mainland big guns, Young Africans (Yanga), Simba SC and Azam FC are among Tanzanian clubs set to benefit from FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Programme (CBP), a global compensation scheme tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026 that rewards clubs for releasing players to national teams during both the qualification campaign and the final tournament.

The development places Tanzania’s football heavyweights in line for fresh financial inflows from world football’s governing body, in recognition of their long-standing contribution to national team duty through player development and release. The programme is particularly significant for Yanga, Simba and Azam, who have consistently supplied key players to the Taifa Stars as well as other national teams across Africa during the World Cup qualification cycle, strengthening their eligibility for multiple payments under the scheme.

Under the qualifying stage arrangement, FIFA will pay clubs approximately USD 2,360 for every World Cup qualifying match in which one of their registered players featured while on international duty. The payment also extends to players included in the matchday squad, including substitutes, increasing the scope of compensation for participating clubs.

The initiative is part of FIFA’s broader effort to strengthen cooperation between clubs and national teams, while ensuring that clubs are financially recognised for releasing players during international windows, which often disrupt domestic league schedules. Record $355 million fund increases support for clubs worldwide FIFA has confirmed a record USD 355 million fund for the 2026 CBP cycle, representing a 70 per cent increase compared to the previous World Cup edition.

The fund is structured under a renewed agreement between FIFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC), reflecting a broader commitment to club football development. For the first time, the programme includes World Cup qualifying matches, with USD 100 million allocated specifically for this phase.

Based on 905 qualifying fixtures, clubs are expected to earn an average of around USD 2,360 per player, per match depending on involvement. A further USD 250 million has been reserved for clubs whose players participate in the final tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

These payments will be calculated on a per-player, per-day basis, taking into account squad selection and the duration of each player’s involvement with their national teams. The remaining USD 5 million will be set aside for administrative costs linked to programme implementation, with any balance directed back into global club football development under the FIFAEFC agreement.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the expanded model as a landmark step in recognising the contribution of clubs worldwide, noting that the inclusion of qualifiers ensures “more clubs than ever before” benefit directly from the World Cup cycle. European Football Clubs (EFC) chairman Nasser Al-Khelaafi also welcomed the revised structure, saying it strengthens the partnership between clubs and national teams while ensuring a fairer distribution of financial rewards across all levels of the game.

Eligibility for payments will be determined by player registration at the time of international release, with additional safeguards covering replacements and mid-tournament transfers to ensure transparency and fairness. .

Arusha. Efforts by Idd Kiture to overturn a 30-year jail term after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl have failed at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR), which dismissed his application.

Mr Kiture, who is serving his sentence at Ukonga Central Prison in Dar es Salaam, filed Application No. 010/2019 against the United Republic of Tanzania, alleging violations of his fundamental rights during investigation, trial, and judgment.

He asked the Court to declare violations, award $10,000 compensation, quash his conviction and order his release. On Friday, June 5, 2026, the Court sitting with eight judges led by President Blaise Tchikaya and Vice President Chafika Bensaoula dismissed key arguments, ruling there were no grounds to overturn the conviction or grant release.

Case background Tanzania raised a preliminary objection, arguing the Court lacked jurisdiction and could not order the release of the applicant. The Court dismissed the objection, holding that, under Article 3(1) of its Protocol, it has jurisdiction over the interpretation and application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other human rights instruments.

It further confirmed that Article 27(1) empowers it to grant appropriate remedies, including release where justified. On admissibility, the Court rejected Tanzania’s claim that Mr Kiture should have first sought review of the Court of Appeal decision before approaching the international court.

Judges held that he had exhausted all domestic remedies after going through the Morogoro District Court, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal. They noted that review of Court of Appeal decisions is an exceptional remedy, not a mandatory step before filing a case.

On the merits, Mr Kiture alleged violations including discrimination, denial of equality before the law, denial of the right to appeal, unfair trial, delay, and inhuman treatment. However, the Court dismissed most claims for lack of evidence.

It found no proof of discrimination or breach of equality before the law. The claim that he was denied the right to appeal was rejected, as he had fully exercised his appeal rights up to the Court of Appeal.

The allegation of excessive delay was also rejected; proceedings took six years, five months, and one day, which the Court found not unreasonable. Claims that the charge sheet was defective were dismissed, as procedural irregularities did not prejudice his defence.

Allegations of police beating or mistreatment were also rejected for lack of evidence. However, the Court upheld one key claim: lack of legal aid.

It found Mr Kiture was not provided legal representation despite facing a serious rape charge carrying a 30-year sentence. The Court ruled Tanzania had a duty to provide free legal aid in such serious cases even without a request from the accused.

It therefore found a violation of Article 7(1)(c) of the African Charter, read with Article 14(3)(d) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Despite this, the Court held he failed to prove financial loss, so monetary compensation was not warranted.

Instead, it awarded symbolic compensation of Sh500 for moral harm caused by the lack of legal aid. Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.

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Arusha. Businessman Taqabbal Mwasha has been acquitted after spending 2,465 days behind bars while facing allegations of trafficking narcotic drugs, specifically khat (miraa), from Ethiopia to the United Kingdom.

The period runs from September 5, 2019, when he was arrested by officers of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) in Dar es Salaam, to June 5, 2026, when the High Court’s Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division cleared him of all charges. Mr Mwasha, a resident of Sakina, Arusha, was arrested at the Tanzania Posts Corporation parcel section in Ilala District, Dar es Salaam, accused of trafficking 214.85 kilogrammes of narcotics (miraa) allegedly destined for the UK.

He consistently denied the allegations throughout the investigation, trial, and up to his acquittal. On June 5, 2026, Justice Sedekia Kisanya ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered his release.

In the judgment published on the Judiciary website on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the judge said the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain a conviction. “Having considered the evidence from both sides, the Court finds that the prosecution has not discharged the burden of proof required in criminal cases, namely proof beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.

He added that contradictions in witness testimony and gaps in the prosecution case must be resolved in favour of the accused. “Therefore, the accused, Taqabbal Ayoub Mwasha, is found not guilty of trafficking narcotic drugs as charged,” the court ruled.

The court further ordered his immediate release unless held on other charges, the return of his passport, and destruction of the seized narcotics held by DCEA in accordance with the law. The prosecution team was led by Senior State Attorney Elizabeth Muhangwa, assisted by State Attorneys Marietha Maguta, Glory Kilawe, Blandina Mnung’a, Erick Davies, and Erick Kamala.

The State called 10 witnesses and tendered 10 exhibits in support of its case, while Mr Mwasha was initially represented by advocate Benjamin Mageni and later by Mohamed Majaliwa. How he was arrested Prosecution evidence showed the case began on August 23, 2019, when a Tanzania Posts Corporation intelligence officer flagged three suspicious parcels during scanning at Dar es Salaam offices, one bearing Mr Mwasha’s name.

Scanner images allegedly indicated plant material inside, prompting alerts to supervisors and DCEA officers, who initiated monitoring of the shipments. On August 29, 2019, officers identified 10 additional boxes from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, addressed to Mr Mwasha in Arusha, again flagged by scanner images suggesting plant material.

A further two boxes were intercepted on August 30, 2019, this time linked to export documentation from Arusha to the United Kingdom, also associated with the accused. The prosecution alleged that on September 5, 2019, Mr Mwasha visited the Posta offices to inquire about delayed parcels and was subsequently arrested by DCEA officers who were monitoring the operation.

A DCEA officer testified that the accused was apprehended at the premises while attempting to collect the parcels, which were later analysed and confirmed to contain narcotics. In his defence, Mr Mwasha told the court he went to Posta after being informed of issues concerning his parcels, denying any involvement in drug trafficking.

He insisted he only saw the parcels after his arrest and denied ownership or knowledge of the 13 boxes allegedly linked to him. He said items seized from him included phones, cash, receipts and documents recorded as exhibit D3. While acknowledging involvement in forestry product trade and previous exports, he denied any connection to the alleged narcotics shipments to the UK.

The judgment Justice Kisanya said the central issue was whether the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He found serious procedural flaws in handling exhibit P3, including failure to follow proper sampling and scientific testing procedures, which undermined the reliability of the evidence.

“These deficiencies go to the root of the reliability of the analysis relied upon by the prosecution,” the judge said. The court also held that the search leading to the seizure of the exhibits was conducted without a valid search warrant as required under Section 43 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

It further ruled that the prosecution failed to justify bypassing legal procedures on grounds of urgency. In conclusion, the court found the prosecution had not met the required legal threshold and ordered Mr Mwasha’s immediate acquittal.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Rashid Mlegelo produced a dominant display to defeat Zambia’s Douglas “Bokya the Road Warrior” Chilufya in the first round of their featherweight contest at the ANZA MMA Pro 002 event in Kenya last Saturday.

Mlegelo secured victory via a rear-naked choke submission, forcing his opponent to tap out before the end of the opening round in a non-title bout contested at a weight limit of 66.5kg. The victory marked another important step in Mlegelo’s professional MMA career as he moves closer to a potential title shot.

According to his camp, two more victories could earn him an opportunity to challenge for the featherweight belt. The bout was sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation and attracted fighters from across the region.

Speaking after the contest, Mlegelo thanked God for the victory and revealed that he had been fully aware of the challenge posed by Chilufya, who boasts a strong background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “It was a tough fight because my opponent had extensive experience in Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

He has won multiple gold medals at the East African Open, so I knew I had to remain focused from the start,” said Mlegelo. Despite his opponent’s grappling credentials, the Tanzanian fighter remained composed and executed his game plan effectively to secure a convincing finish.

Mlegelo’s coach, Xavier Gerniers, praised the fighter’s performance, describing it as a proud moment for both the team and the country. “With his victory at ANZA MMA Pro 002, Rashid not only made his team proud but also represented Tanzania with distinction through a dominant performance,” said Gerniers.

The coach added that the victory carried special significance as it came during a week that marked the first anniversary of the passing of Coach Cole, a respected figure within the team. “In a week that marks one year since we lost Coach Cole, Rashid ensured that the legacy he left behind continues to thrive.

For that, the entire team is proud and grateful,” he said. The victory further strengthens Mlegelo’s growing reputation on the regional MMA circuit and underlines Tanzania’s rising presence in combat sports as local fighters continue to make their mark on international stages.

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Mara. What began as a simple request at a medical camp in northern Tanzania has grown into a remarkable story of compassion, resilience and global solidarity that is transforming the lives of vulnerable girls in Mara Region.

In January 2026, when the Give a Future Foundation was conducting one of its free medical outreach camps, representatives from the Hope for Girls Centre approached the organisers with a modest question. Could the girls at the shelter also receive medical services? For Rishen Patel, founder of Delaware Investments and the Give a Future Foundation, the answer was immediate.

“Bring everyone,” he said. At the time, few could have imagined that those two words would spark a partnership that would eventually attract international philanthropists, local volunteers, business leaders and conservation tourism operators, all rallying around a common cause: protecting girls from female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and other harmful practices.

Today, the Hope for Girls Centre in Mugumu is home to more than 100 girls who have escaped or are at risk of abuse. The centre provides shelter, education and emotional support, helping them rebuild lives that many feared would be defined by trauma.

Yet what struck Patel most during his first visit was not their hardship. “Despite everything they had been through, they were smiling, studying, dreaming and planning their futures,” he recalled.

“I left knowing we had a responsibility to do more.” As the centre’s reputation spread, more girls sought refuge there.

The growing numbers soon stretched the facility beyond its limits, with many girls living in crowded rented accommodation. The challenge was clear: the centre needed a permanent home.

A major breakthrough came in 2025 when renowned Indian actor and philanthropist Nagarjuna Akkineni learned about the project during a visit to the Serengeti. After meeting the girls and hearing their stories, he pledged to cover food costs for the entire centre for a year.

He later committed substantial financial support towards the construction of a permanent safe house complex. The planned Serengeti Safe House Complex is expected to provide far more than accommodation.

The facility will include modern dormitories, classrooms, vocational training workshops, a library, healthcare services, recreational facilities and agricultural projects aimed at improving food security and sustainability. For Hope for Girls and Women founder Rhobi Samwelly, herself a survivor of FGM, the project carries deep personal significance.

“I was cut because when I was a girl, no safe house existed for me to run to,” she said. “That pain is why I build safe houses today.

Because of the support we have received, construction of the modern Serengeti Safe House Complex will start soon.” She credits a growing network of supporters, including Mapito Safari Camp Serengeti, whose staff regularly volunteer at the centre, offering mentorship, life-skills training and practical support to the girls.

What makes the initiative unique is the diversity of people behind it. From local community members and tourism operators to international donors and philanthropists, the project has evolved into a global movement built on a shared belief that every girl deserves safety, dignity and opportunity.

In a region where harmful traditional practices continue to threaten the futures of many young girls, the Hope for Girls Centre stands as a powerful reminder that change often begins with a single act of kindness. And in this case, it all started with one simple request and one simple answer: “Bring everyone.

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Arusha. Young people from East and Central Africa have been urged to take the lead in combating drug abuse by educating communities, promoting prevention efforts, and actively participating in initiatives aimed at curbing the use and trafficking of illicit substances in their countries.

The call was made by Tanzania’s Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) Commissioner General, Mr Aretas Lyimo, during the closing of the three-day East African Youth Forum on Drugs 2026 (EAYFD), held in Arusha. Mr Lyimo challenged young people to reject any involvement in drug use and trafficking, stressing that their choices today will shape the future of their nations.

He said young people are a critical force in preventing drug abuse and should be regarded as partners in addressing a challenge that continues to affect communities and hinder economic development across the region. “You should not be seen only as beneficiaries of anti-drug programmes, but as key partners in designing and implementing sustainable solutions to this cross-border challenge,” said Mr Lyimo.

“From today, go back to your communities and become ambassadors in the fight against drugs. I believe you will be part of the solution to this problem,” he added.

He said drug abuse and trafficking remain serious threats to social welfare and economic growth across many African countries, calling for stronger cooperation among governments, institutions, and young people. Mr Lyimo also urged stakeholders to invest more in awareness and prevention programmes to protect the younger generation, which is expected to drive future development.

“Prevention remains the most effective way to reduce drug abuse. We must invest in life-skills education, strengthen family support systems, and create safe environments where young people can openly discuss the challenges they face without fear,” he said.

The forum, held under the theme “Accelerating Drug Demand Reduction among East African Youth,” brought together more than 200 youth leaders from Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Mauritania, and South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Forum Coordinator, Ms Halima Omar, said the event aimed to bring together youth leaders from institutions and organisations involved in drug control efforts to share experiences and discuss challenges in tackling drug abuse.

“We recognise that young people are among the most affected by drug abuse, yet they are also the generation we rely on to shape effective youth policies and secure the future of our nations. That is why we felt there was important work to be done,” she said.

Ms Omar said addressing drug abuse requires collective action and cross-border knowledge sharing. “This challenge cannot be solved in isolation.

That is why we organised this forum for the first time, bringing together young people from different countries to discuss how we can help youth break free from drug dependence, whether it is used as an escape from personal challenges or for recreation,” she said. A participant from Kenya, Mr George Ochieng, said the forum had strengthened young leaders by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to become agents of change at the community, national, and regional levels.

“We also had the opportunity to discuss youth leadership, mental health, advocacy, and youth participation in policy-making processes within our respective countries,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania continues to invest heavily in expanding access to education, attention is increasingly turning to a critical question: how can teachers be supported to deliver quality learning in the classroom? The answer was at the centre of the National Teaching Skills Competition awards ceremony held in Dar es Salaam on May 6, 2026, where 35 teachers from pre-primary, primary and secondary schools were recognised for excellence and innovation in teaching.

The winners will receive plots of land near their workplaces as part of a government effort to motivate teachers and encourage professional excellence. Speaking during the event, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said teachers remain the backbone of national development because they shape the knowledge, skills and values of future generations.

He urged teachers across the country to continue embracing innovative teaching methods and modern technologies to help learners develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills needed in the 21st century. “The government will continue to value teachers’ contributions by improving working conditions and providing incentives that enhance teaching and learning,” he said.

The competition comes at a time when Tanzania is implementing major education reforms under the Education Sector Development Plan and the new competency-based curriculum, both of which place greater emphasis on learner-centred teaching, digital skills and improved learning outcomes. Education experts say rewarding teachers for excellence is increasingly important as the country seeks to address persistent learning challenges, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy.

According to the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), the 2026 competition focused on strengthening teaching competencies in reading, writing and arithmetic, commonly known as the 3Rs. For pre-primary education, special attention was placed on helping children master letter sounds, an area that has been identified as a challenge for many learners.

TIE Director General Dr Aneth Komba said the competition aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of ensuring that every child can read fluently by the time they reach Standard Three. “The aim is to improve teaching and learning of foundational skills so that children acquire the competencies needed for future learning,” she said.

Dr Komba noted that preparations for the competition involved analysing learner performance data from the National Examinations Council of Tanzania and reviewing new curriculum requirements to identify priority areas for improvement. A total of 3,153 teachers registered for the competition through a digital platform known as the National Teaching Skills Competition System.

Of those, 1,263 uploaded lesson videos for assessment. The competition was conducted at council, regional and national levels, with judges evaluating lesson planning, content delivery, learner participation, use of ICT, teaching aids, continuous assessment and the promotion of 21st-century skills.

The initiative reflects a growing shift towards professional development that recognises classroom practice rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications. Education analyst and lecturer, Dr Thomas Jabir, said teacher motivation remains one of the most important factors influencing learning outcomes.

“When teachers are recognised for good performance, it boosts morale and encourages others to improve. Such programmes also create opportunities for sharing best practices across schools and regions,” he said.

He added that as Tanzania expands school infrastructure and enrolment, equal attention must be paid to classroom instruction because learning outcomes depend largely on teacher effectiveness. Data from government education reports show that Tanzania has made significant progress in increasing school enrolment over the past decade.

However, education stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to the need for stronger teacher support systems, including continuous professional development, mentorship and access to digital teaching resources. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Sports, Husna Sekiboko, said improving education requires collaboration among teachers, parents, learners and community leaders.

She noted that ongoing reforms in education governance and management are intended to strengthen service delivery and improve student learning outcomes nationwide. .

Arusha. The High Court of Tanzania, Sumbawanga Sub-Registry, has conditionally discharged Mr Ng’umbu Kapeza, popularly known as Masanja, after noting a reconciliation reached with his former wife, whom he attacked with a machete, with the pair later restoring their relationship and even having a child after the incident.

The ruling was delivered on Friday, May 29, 2026, by Justice Thadeo Mwenempazi, who ordered that the accused be released on condition that he does not commit any criminal offence for 12 months. The court said that despite the seriousness of the offence and the severe harm suffered by the victims, it also considered the reconciliation between the parties, the remorse shown by the accused, and the fact that peace had been restored within the family.

Mr Kapeza faced two counts of attempted murder, contrary to section 211(a) of the Penal Code, and causing grievous harm, contrary to section 222(a) of the same law. According to court records, the incident occurred on the night of December 23, 2023, at the Kashelami area in Mpanda District, Katavi Region, when the accused attacked the home of John and Tatu while they were asleep.

The court heard that Tatu was formerly married to the accused before they separated, and she began living with John. It was alleged that the accused, together with two others, forcibly entered the house and attacked the victims using machetes.

In evidence presented in court, Tatu identified the attacker as her former husband. The matter was reported to the police, and investigations commenced.

Medical reports from Katavi Referral Hospital showed that the victims sustained severe injuries, including broken bones and permanent disability. The accused was arrested on January 18, 2024, and later gave caution statements admitting involvement in the incident.

During the trial, he pleaded guilty to all charges and admitted the facts presented by the prosecution under section 198 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). Following the plea, the court convicted him without calling witnesses.

During mitigation, the prosecution urged the court to impose a harsh sentence given the seriousness of the offence and the injuries sustained, despite the accused having no prior criminal record. The defence, however, asked the court to consider that he was a first-time offender, had pleaded guilty early, had shown remorse, and had cooperated fully with investigations.

It was further argued that the incident was triggered by emotional anger after the accused allegedly found Tatu with another man in circumstances where the separation process had not been formally completed. The court was also told that the accused is a father of a large family with four wives and 28 children, six of whom are still young and dependent on him.

A key submission in mitigation was that after the incident, the accused and Tatu reconciled, resumed their relationship, and even had a child together. The court was further informed that Tatu had forgiven the accused and appeared in court to confirm the reconciliation.

In his ruling, Justice Mwenempazi said the court considered both aggravating and mitigating factors. He noted that despite the seriousness of the offence and the severe injuries suffered by the victims, the accused was a first-time offender, had shown remorse, reconciled with the victims, and restored peace within the family.

The judge further observed that a custodial sentence could disrupt the reconciliation already achieved between the parties involved. For those reasons, the court invoked its powers under section 38(1) of the Penal Code and ordered that the accused be released conditionally for 12 months, during which he must not commit any criminal offence, failing which he would be brought back before the court for sentencing in accordance with the law.

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Dar es Salaam. The government has dismissed concerns that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent state visit to Russia could affect Tanzania’s diplomatic relations or economic cooperation with other countries, insisting that the country remains committed to an open and interest-driven foreign policy.

Speaking on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said Tanzania would continue engaging with all partners based on national interests and development priorities. He was responding to questions from journalists on whether the visit could strain relations with countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia.

Prof Mkumbo said it was important to distinguish between diplomatic relations and economic sanctions, noting that many countries that have imposed restrictions on Russia continue to maintain formal diplomatic ties with Moscow. “No country has completely severed diplomatic relations with Russia.

Even countries that have imposed sanctions continue to communicate and cooperate in various areas,” he said. He explained that economic sanctions do not necessarily signify a breakdown in diplomatic engagement, as countries often maintain political and diplomatic channels while applying targeted restrictions in specific sectors.

“It is important to distinguish between sanctions and diplomatic relations. Diplomatic relations remain intact.

Countries continue to communicate and cooperate in various areas,” he added. Prof Mkumbo reiterated Tanzania’s longstanding position in favour of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military confrontation.

“We want all conflicts to be resolved peacefully. The world should return to an international order that respects the principles of the United Nations,” he said.

He stressed that Tanzania would continue pursuing a foreign policy guided by national economic interests, while avoiding alignment with competing geopolitical blocs. “Tanzania looks at its economic interests.

In today’s competitive investment environment, we cannot choose friends based on their conflicts, but on what serves our national interest,” he said. According to Prof Mkumbo, the current global environment requires countries to engage with a broad range of partners, including nations with differing political positions, in pursuit of investment, trade and development opportunities.

He said Tanzania would continue strengthening cooperation with traditional and emerging partners across the world, including countries in the West, Asia and the Middle East. The government, he added, remains committed to expanding investment, infrastructure development, and trade partnerships while maintaining an independent foreign policy.

Prof Mkumbo emphasised that Tanzania would continue participating actively in international diplomacy while safeguarding its sovereignty, and economic priorities. “We will engage with everyone.

This is a world of broad cooperation, but we will always be guided by Tanzania’s national interests,” he said. .

Uzbekistan. Tanzania has called for increased climate adaptation financing and stronger support for vulnerable developing countries as the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with global leaders warning that time is running out to meet environmental targets by 2030. The week-long gathering started on June 01, 2026, and brought together 2,378 representatives from 168 countries to discuss solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, collectively known as the triple planetary crisis.

Speaking on behalf of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Minister of State in the Second Vice President’s Office of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Hamza Hassan Juma, said climate adaptation remains a matter of survival for developing countries, particularly those in Africa. “For developing countries, climate adaptation is not a choice but a matter of survival,” he said, while welcoming the launch of the ninth replenishment cycle of the GEF, which secured approximately $3.9 billion (Sh9.9 trillion) in new pledges from donor countries.

Mr Juma said Tanzania appreciates recent reforms introduced by the GEF, including simplified project procedures and faster access to funding, which have helped countries implement environmental projects more efficiently. “As one of the beneficiary countries of the GEF, Tanzania welcomes such improvements to enhance flexibility, easy access to funds, and timely execution of projects,” he said.

Tanzania has been allocated $33.5 million (Sh87.1 billion) under the GEF-8 cycle and an additional $20 million (Sh52 billion) from the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). According to Mr Juma, the country has already secured approvals for its entire allocation.

The minister noted that the Assembly was taking place at a critical moment as the world approaches 2030, the deadline for several global environmental and sustainable development commitments. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to reverse biodiversity loss, strengthen climate resilience and accelerate environmental recovery.

A major focus of discussions throughout the Assembly was the growing gap between adaptation needs and available financing. Tanzania cited findings from the Adaptation Gap Report 2025 showing that developing countries require an estimated $365 billion annually to implement climate adaptation measures, while current financial flows remain far below that level.

“Tanzania emphasizes that adaptation should remain a cross-cutting priority across all GEF-9 interventions,” Mr Juma said. He also called for greater investment in technology transfer, innovation, ecosystem-based approaches and locally led adaptation initiatives.

The country further appealed for additional resources to support vulnerable nations that contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions but suffer the most severe climate impacts. Beyond public financing, delegates discussed the growing role of private sector investment in addressing environmental challenges.

Valerie Hickey, Director for Environment at the World Bank Group, said, “the GEF can play a critical role in helping governments establish regulations and policy frameworks that reduce investment risks and attract private capital.” She advocated what she described as a “Goldilocks blend” of concessional and commercial finance, where public funding helps absorb risks while maintaining commercially viable investments capable of generating measurable environmental benefits.

The Assembly also highlighted the need for governments to align environmental, economic and development policies to achieve lasting results. In his closing remarks, Interim GEF Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson Claude Gascon said the world already possesses the knowledge, evidence and solutions needed to address environmental challenges.

“What we need now is the collective determination to act with greater speed, greater coherence, and greater ambition than ever before,” he said. Mr Gascon stressed that environmental protection should no longer be treated as a separate policy area but as the foundation of economic resilience, food security, public health and sustainable development.

He called for continued public development assistance, stronger policy coherence among governments, greater participation by the private sector and a whole-of-society approach involving communities, women, youth, scientists, farmers and civil society organizations. “The last sprint to 2030 has begun.

Let us act with urgency and with purpose,” he said. As delegates departed Samarkand, the message emerging from the Assembly was clear: achieving global climate and environmental goals will require not only more funding, but also stronger partnerships, better policies and faster implementation.

For Tanzania and many other developing countries, securing adequate adaptation finance remains one of the most urgent priorities in the coming years. This story was produced as part of a reporting fellowship to the Eighth GEF Assembly supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.

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