Category: The Citizen

Uzbekistan. Global efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation gained significant momentum this week.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) endorsed a $3.9 billion (Sh9.95 trillion) replenishment package and approved $232.5 million (Sh592.88 billion) for new environmental projects. Leaders described the move as a crucial step in the “final sprint” toward meeting global environmental targets by 2030. The decisions were made at the 71st GEF Council meeting in Samarkand city in Uzbekistan ahead of the Eighth GEF Assembly, which brought together nearly 2,000 participants from governments, civil society, development agencies and the private sector.

For Tanzania, a major GEF recipient in East Africa, the new funding cycle offers opportunities for environmental investment, though communities still face barriers to accessing funds. The GEF Council approved 24 projects across 22 countries, including $144.3 million (Sh367.97 billion) from the GEF Trust Fund, $67.7 million (Sh172.64 billion) through the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, and $20.5 million (Sh52.02 billion) from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund.

Beyond the immediate approvals, representatives of 186 participating countries endorsed the programming framework for GEF-9, a $3.9 billion replenishment covering the period from July 2026 to June 2030. Speaking during a press briefing, GEF Interim Chief Executive Officer Claude Gascon described the replenishment as a strong signal of continued global commitment to multilateral environmental action despite growing fiscal pressures in many donor countries. “The GEF-9 replenishment shows a very clear and strong signal that multilateral collaboration still matters,” he said.

“Donor countries pledged an initial $3.9 billion to help developing countries accelerate progress toward the 2030 environmental goals.” Mr Gascon said the new cycle will focus on integrated environmental programmes, blended finance, stronger private sector participation and greater support for vulnerable countries and local communities.

The package directs 35 percent of resources to Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, while 20 percent is earmarked for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. For Tanzania, environmental advocates welcomed the stronger focus on local participation but cautioned that many grassroots organisations still struggle to access available funding.

Speaking to The Citizen, Mr Tumaini Marijani, Regional Focal Point for the GEF Civil Society Organisation Network, said many village groups and local NGOs remain unaware that grants exist through programmes such as the GEF Small Grants Programme. “Even when they are aware, the application procedures are often too technical and difficult for grassroots organisations,” he said, adding that funding calls should be translated into Kiswahili and disseminated through district councils, ward offices and community organisations.

Mr Marijani also urged government institutions to strengthen awareness and capacity-building programmes for youth, women and community groups, arguing that local actors need greater exposure to funding opportunities and stronger links to international environmental platforms. GEF leaders say such concerns are being addressed through reforms designed to make financing easier and faster to access.

Mr Gascon said GEF-9 includes structural changes intended to make the institution “faster, simpler and more accountable,” while accelerating project approvals and reducing administrative complexity. “We know that countries need more resources, faster and with less complexity,” he said.

The reforms also place greater emphasis on aligning environmental investments with national priorities. Chizuru Aoki, Head of the GEF Division of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Funds, said guidance from international environmental conventions has increasingly stressed integration and policy coherence.

She noted that, “countries are now being encouraged to design projects that simultaneously address climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development priorities, while ensuring measurable impacts are tracked throughout project implementation”. Another major feature of the new funding cycle is the expanded use of blended finance, which aims to attract private investment alongside public environmental funding.

Dr Fred Boltz, Head of Programming at the GEF, said grant financing can play a critical role in reducing investment risks and unlocking larger pools of capital. “Public funding is absolutely necessary to conserve and manage the global environment, but it is not sufficient,” he said.

“Blended finance enables us to engage the private sector, support innovation and multiply the investments available for countries.” According to GEF figures, blended finance operations under the current cycle have generated more than $18 in co-financing for every dollar invested by the facility.

This story was produced as part of a reporting fellowship to the Eighth GEF Assembly supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network. .

Moshi. Brussels Airlines of Belgium has officially launched direct flights to Tanzania, marking its first landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) with more than 248 tourists on board.

The inaugural service comes as international flight operations at KIA increase from 148 to 152 weekly movements, a development expected to further boost tourism growth and air transport in the country. Speaking during the reception ceremony on June 3, 2026, Minister for Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa said the new route marks a significant milestone in strengthening Tanzania’s aviation sector and enhancing economic and social ties with Europe.

He said the airline’s entry reflects Tanzania’s rising profile in tourism and aviation, noting that KIA continues to serve as a key gateway to major attractions including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Prof Mbarawa praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, saying her vision has continued to attract more airlines and boost tourist arrivals, which have risen from 1.

6 million to over two million annually. He added that the government will continue improving aviation infrastructure, safety and service quality to create a more enabling environment for global carriers.

Brussels Airlines is expected to operate twice-weekly flights, strengthening links between Tanzania and Europe while opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambitious quest to join the ranks of uranium-producing nations has entered a defining phase, as the long-delayed Mkuju River project edges closer to industrial production amid growing pressure to secure financing and meet critical regulatory milestones.

Valued at approximately $1 billion (Sh2.6 trillion), the uranium project in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, is increasingly being viewed by both government officials and investors as one of the most strategically important mining ventures. For nearly 13 years, the project remained largely dormant after a collapse in global uranium prices forced investors to shelve plans for commercial extraction despite extensive exploration work and regulatory approvals.

However, a combination of rising demand for nuclear energy, stronger uranium market fundamentals and renewed investor confidence has revived hopes that Tanzania could soon emerge as one of Africa’s newest uranium producers. Yet even as preparations gather pace on the ground, the project faces a crucial challenge: securing long-term financing and advancing construction before the current special mining licence expires in April 2028. Developers of the project, Mantra Tanzania Limited, a subsidiary of Uranium One Group under Russia’s Rosatom State Corporation, have acknowledged that the remaining duration of the licence has become a key consideration for some financial institutions assessing the project.

Speaking during a recent meeting with government officials in Dodoma, Mantra Tanzania chief executive officer Ilya Shchukin said the company was in the final stages of negotiating financing arrangements with Russian financial institutions as well as Tanzanian banks, including CRDB and NMB. According to him, the company is seeking capital to finance construction of both the uranium mine and the large-scale processing plant expected to anchor industrial operations in Namtumbo.

“The challenge is that some financial institutions are hesitant to provide long-term loans when the licence is expected to expire in April 2028,” he said. However, Mantra Tanzania says discussions with the lenders remain active and investor interest has not diminished.

Speaking with BusinessWeekly, the company’s Sustainability Manager, Mr Majani Moremi, said financing for the project was being structured in phases to support the approved work programme, including preparations for the construction of the main processing facilities. He said the company was advancing discussions with a consortium of Russian and Tanzanian banks and had already reached preliminary agreements in that area.

“The project is viewed by the company and its shareholders as a long-term strategic investment for Tanzania, with priority placed on the consistent delivery of key milestones within the current licence period,” he said. Despite concerns among some financiers, the government has moved to reassure investors that it remains fully committed to the project.

Deputy Minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, said the government had no intention of revoking the company’s licence and urged Mantra Tanzania to accelerate preparations to ensure uranium production begins within the anticipated timeframe. Dr Kiruswa said the project carries significant economic importance because of its potential contribution to employment, infrastructure development and industrial growth.

“This is a strategic project for the nation. Tanzanians are expecting to benefit from the economic opportunities that will come with its implementation,” he said.

The renewed momentum surrounding the Mkuju River project follows the commissioning of a pilot uranium processing plant by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in July 2025, a milestone widely regarded as the most significant breakthrough since the deposit was discovered. The pilot facility was established to test processing technologies under actual operating conditions while generating technical data needed to design the future industrial complex.

According to Mantra Tanzania, the pilot phase has already yielded encouraging results. Mr Moremi said the pilot plant had enabled engineers to test technological solutions under real deposit conditions, helping to reduce risks associated with the design and construction of the main production facilities.

He noted that confidence in the project had been strengthened by improved global uranium market conditions, geological exploration results confirming the deposit’s substantial resource potential and the successful implementation of the pilot phase. “The pilot plant has produced positive results so far and has enabled the validation of key technological parameters needed for full-scale development,” he said.

The company’s implementation programme envisages a two-stage approach comprising the pilot phase and the construction of a main processing complex with a design capacity of 3,000 tonnes of uranium per year, scheduled for commissioning in 2029. To date, approximately 2,500 tonnes of ore have been mined and processed through the pilot facility, with more than 4,000 samples collected for analysis. Construction preparations are already underway, including infrastructure works required to support future mining and processing operations.

The Mkuju River deposit is estimated to contain about 139 million tonnes of uranium ore and is expected to sustain operations for more than two decades. Once operational, the project is projected to contribute more than one percent of Tanzania’s gross domestic product over the long term–a significant contribution for a single mining investment.

The government estimates indicate that more than 4,000 direct jobs could be created during operations, while more than 100,000 indirect employment opportunities may emerge through construction, transport, logistics and associated supply chains. Mantra Tanzania estimates that at least 21,000 households in Namtumbo and neighbouring communities stand to benefit economically through various value-chain activities linked to the project.

Mr Moremi said workforce localisation remained one of the company’s long-term priorities. “The project is intended not only to produce uranium but also to build local technical expertise and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities around the mine,” he said.

Beyond mining exports, discussions have also begun on the possibility of establishing a uranium-powered electricity generation facility in the future. Although still at a preliminary stage, the proposal reflects Tanzania’s growing interest in diversifying its long-term energy mix as industrial demand for electricity continues to rise.

If realised, such a development would place Tanzania among a small group of African countries exploring nuclear-related energy solutions. Even so, the project continues to attract scrutiny from environmental groups because of its proximity to the Selous ecosystem.

In 2012, UNESCO approved Tanzania’s request to excise part of the protected area to allow uranium extraction activities, a decision that drew criticism from conservation organisations concerned about potential environmental impacts. Mantra Tanzania insists the project complies with international environmental and radiation safety standards and says lessons learned during the pilot phase have strengthened environmental management plans ahead of commercial production.

.

By Charles Makakala Amonth or so ago, I was invited to speak at a forum where one of my fellow panellists was Prof Elgidius Ichumbaki, the current chairman of the University of Dar es Salaam Academic Staff Assembly (Udasa). After the session, we connected over his academic work on Kilwa–a place of deep personal interest to me.

I promised to follow up for more materials on its rich history. I will, for Kilwa, I believe, deserves a far greater place in our cultural and intellectual conversations.

Last week, however, it was not Kilwa that brought Prof Ichumbaki back to my attention, but an Udasa communique titled “Cuba Shall Never Die”. It was an interesting document.

For starters, it read like a script pulled straight from a 1970s politburo meeting. It was full of phrases such as: “US fascist puppet dictator”, “warmongering” and “Long live the Cuban Revolution”.

This is an ideological dialect that I am familiar with–and I was hoping it died with the USSR. But here we are–courtesy of our own “UD” scholars.

In the statement, Udasa expresses unreserved solidarity with Cuba, condemns US sanctions, and demands their removal. The authors wax lyrical about Cuba’s anti-colonial and humanitarian in Africa.

In their eyes, Cuba is a vanguard of resistance against imperialism and a symbol of humanity’s finest values. That last bit left me uneasy.

Initially, I hesitated to respond. Not having spoken to Prof Ichumbaki since our panel discussion, I wondered whether writing this article was prudent.

But my hesitation evaporated after reading a reaction from a former senior government official who celebrated the communique as a revival of the “golden era” of intellectual activism at “UD”: the age of Cheche, Walter Rodney, revolutionary politics, etc. I had heard enough.

After all, the Cold War rhetoric was only a small part of the issues I saw in Udasa’s statement. Firstly, the text presents Cuba’s economic struggles as though they were caused exclusively by American sanctions.

Certainly, sanctions have imposed costs, but to attribute Cuba’s predicament solely to Washington ignores decades of economic mismanagement and the suppression of the private sector in Cuba, leading to queuing in agonising breadlines. Secondly, while Cuban doctors have undoubtedly delivered valuable services across Africa and beyond, Udasa ignores the fact that the Cuban government reportedly retains up to 90 percent of the salaries paid by host countries while severely restricting the doctors’ freedom of movement.

To portray the entire system as purely “selfless humanitarianism” is a slap in the face to healthcare workers being financially exploited by Havana. Thirdly, the statement suffers from absolute silence about political oppression under the Cuban regime.

How can members of an academic assembly blindly cheer for a one-party state where independent academics, journalists, and protesters are routinely jailed or exiled for dissenting? Let us be clear: Cuba was good to Africa, and we should never forget that history. But historical solidarity does not grant an eternal licence to oppress one’s own people without scrutiny.

We should oppose any oppression that harms Cubans, whether it comes from within or without. The two positions are not contradictory.

Indeed, Cubans themselves make that very argument. Statistics suggest that even without sanctions, the revolution took Cuba backwards.

On the eve of the 1959 revolution, Cuba was a prosperous middle-income country with a GDP per capita equivalent to Spain’s and higher than Portugal’s. Over the decades that followed, much of Latin America moved forward while Cuba stagnated.

Today, Cuba imports 80 percent of its food, its once-vibrant independent media has been extinguished, and its historical GDP per capita growth ranks among the worst in the world. Little wonder so many Cubans vote with their feet: between 2022 and 2024 alone, roughly 500,000 migrated to the US, many hoping external pressure will force their government to change course.

This raises an obvious question: why is Udasa spending its limited institutional capital on geopolitical declarations about a Caribbean island while ignoring the views of many ordinary Cubans themselves? Critics might call it virtue signalling–projecting radicalism abroad while overlooking pressing realities at home. Tanzania is currently navigating an unprecedented political and social moment.

Udasa has the opportunity to issue fiery statements every week if it wishes. Why, then, is its voice so rarely heard on matters at home? And before anyone cites the October 2025 communique, that statement was issued six months ago.

I do not wish to be disingenuous: it is not safe for Udasa to speak freely on domestic matters, and I do not expect them to do so. However, one can still expect nuance, balance, and intellectual restraint rather than rhetoric that reads like pamphlets from another era.

Finally, what about the American blockade? I answered this question in January when the Americans unseated Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela: when you kill thousands of your people, I do not care how justice finds you, as long as it does. The Americans may often overreach, but they serve as a blunt instrument of pressure for millions trapped under repressive systems.

I think our friends at Udasa have forgotten who they speak for–not regimes, but citizens whose freedoms and dignity are trampled upon. Charles Makakala is a Technology and Management Consultant based in Dar es Salaam .

Dar es Salaam. The new initiative provides skills and hope for recovering drug addicts.

For many people recovering from drug addiction, overcoming dependency remains only the beginning of a long and difficult journey. Finding a job, earning a living and regaining societal trust remain among the biggest challenges they face after rehabilitation still.

It is these hurdles that a new partnership between the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) and the Vocational Education and Training Authority (Veta) seeks to address. The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, June 3, 2026, that will enable recovering drug users to acquire vocational skills and improve their chances of securing employment or starting their own businesses.

DCEA Commissioner General, Mr Aretas Lyimo, said the initiative is designed to give recovering drug users the tools they need to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. He noted that while treatment programmes help individuals overcome addiction, many struggle to reintegrate into their communities due to unemployment, poverty, and social stigma.

“Recovery does not end when someone leaves a rehabilitation centre. Many former drug users return to communities where opportunities are limited, making them vulnerable to relapse.

We must help them build a future, “he said. Under the agreement, beneficiaries will have access to vocational training programmes offered by Veta, equipping them with practical skills in areas such as mechanics, electrical installation, tailoring, carpentry, and information technology.

The skills are expected to help them secure jobs or establish small businesses, allowing them to support themselves and their families. Mr Lyimo said the partnership reflects a growing recognition that tackling drug abuse requires more than law enforcement and rehabilitation services.

“People need hope, opportunities and a chance to regain their dignity. When we invest in skills and economic empowerment, we are also investing in lasting recovery,” he said.

According to him, drug abuse remains a significant challenge in Tanzania and elsewhere, particularly among young people. Its effects extend beyond the individual, often contributing to family breakdown, crime, poor health and reduced economic productivity.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that the initiative would help many recovering drug users regain independence and contribute positively to national development. For those emerging from addiction and looking for a fresh start, the programme offers something many have struggled to find a genuine second chance.

Veta Director General, Mr Anthony Kasore, said the authority was committed to ensuring that recovering drug users receive the support needed to become productive members of society. He described the agreement as an important opportunity to support young people and others who have successfully undergone rehabilitation and are ready to start a new chapter in their lives.

“Rather than being isolated by society, these individuals should be given an opportunity to participate in economic and social activities. Skills training can help them become self-reliant and restore their confidence,” he said.

He added that the programme would also benefit recovering drug users who have already acquired skills informally. Through Veta’s recognition and certification system, such individuals will be assessed and awarded certificates that formally recognise their competencies, improving their chances of finding employment.

He also urged parents and communities to encourage young people to enroll in vocational training programmes, arguing that practical skills can help keep them engaged in productive activities and reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse and other social challenges. Drug abuse remains a significant concern in Tanzania, particularly among young people.

Beyond its impact on health, the problem contributes to family breakdowns, crime, reduced productivity, and other social, and economic challenges. .

Shinyanga. The ruling CCM Parents’ Wing Secretary General, Mr Ally Hapi, has urged party members to undertake self-assessment, warning that growing political competition requires the ruling party to strengthen its foundations and avoid complacency.

Speaking on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during a meeting with party members at the CCM regional offices in Shinyanga Municipality, Mr Hapi said the party’s continued hold on power would depend on its ability to address internal weaknesses and prepare members to respond effectively to emerging challenges. He called on members to deepen their understanding of the party’s ideology, establish training programmes, and embrace the demands of the digital era.

“The challenges facing the party include complacency, where some members assume victory is guaranteed, and a failure to educate ourselves about the party. We are also witnessing leadership positions being won not on merit but through the power of the ‘bag’–money,” said Mr Hapi.

“We must compete for leadership positions fairly, transparently, and with integrity,” he added. He also challenged party leaders to be proactive in defending CCM against criticism and opposition narratives.

“Leaders in our party must be able to withstand opposition tactics. When someone speaks negatively about the party, stand up, organise a public meeting and defend it.

Do not wait for the publicity secretary to respond on your behalf,” he said. Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Ms Mboni Mhita, outlined the region’s security situation and highlighted major development projects under implementation, while affirming strong cooperation between the party and government leadership.

“The relationship between the party and government in Shinyanga Region is excellent. The region has received more than Sh1.7 trillion for the implementation of various development projects, and our responsibility is to ensure the CCM election manifesto is implemented effectively,” she said.

Ms Mhita said government and party leaders continue to work closely to address challenges and oversee development initiatives across the region. “At this meeting, I am accompanied by the District Commissioner and the Executive Director so that we can listen to issues raised by members and ensure they are addressed at all levels, from the village upwards,” she said.

.

Mbeya. The High Court of Tanzania, Mbeya Sub-Registry, has sentenced a resident of Chunya District in Mbeya Region, Mr Barnaba Daud Mtewele, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his partner and her sister.

He was also sentenced to 10 years in prison for injuring his biological son with the same woman. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by Resident Judge Joachim Tiganga, who ruled that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Mr Mtewele was convicted of killing his partner, a primary school teacher at Mbugani Primary School, Ms Herriet Lupembe, 37, and her younger sister, a Form Two student at Isenyela Secondary School, Ms Ivon Tatizo, offences that occurred on March 31, 2023. He was also charged in Criminal Case No. 6799/2025 with injuring his seven-year-old son, Daud Barnaba Mtewele, the child he had with the deceased teacher.

The prosecution, led by State Attorney Augustino Magesa, called eight witnesses and tendered several exhibits to support the case. Evidence showed that Mr Mtewele and Ms Lupembe had a child, Daud, 7, who testified in court that his father visited them and on the day of the incident assaulted his mother and aunt using a club before attacking him.

The child told the court he lost consciousness after being struck and later identified his father as the attacker upon regaining awareness in hospital. A relative of the deceased testified that Daud named his father as the attacker while receiving treatment.

A doctor who conducted post-mortems said both victims died from excessive bleeding. An investigating officer told the court he responded to a report after efforts to reach the deceased by phone failed.

Police forced entry into the house and found two bodies with injuries, bloodstains and a club near the scene, as well as the unconscious child. A medical officer confirmed the child had sustained a skull injury and severe blood loss.

The defence, led by private lawyer Joyce Kasebwa, called four witnesses, including the accused, who denied the charges. A baptism certificate was also submitted, claiming he had attended a church service on the day of the incident.

However, the court ruled that the defence failed to account for his whereabouts after the service. After a two-hour reading of the judgment from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Judge Tiganga dismissed the defence and upheld the prosecution’s case.

He sentenced Mr Mtewele to death for the two murder counts and 10 years’ imprisonment for causing grievous harm to his son. State Attorneys Augustino Magesa and Geoffrey Kibasa said they were satisfied with the ruling, saying it would serve as a deterrent.

.

Dar es Salaam. Swissport Tanzania Plc has delivered improved returns to shareholders after reporting a rise in net profit to Sh6.5 billion for the year ended 2025, up from Sh5.5 billion in 2024, underpinned by stronger cargo handling revenues, growing passenger services, and expanded airline contracts.

In a clear signal of strengthened shareholder value, the board has proposed a total dividend of Sh3.27 billion, equivalent to Sh91 per issued and fully paid share, compared to Sh2.54 billion or Sh70.72 per share declared in 2024. The proposed payout reflects a firm recovery trajectory for the ground handling and aviation services provider, as it capitalized on rising cargo demand and increased passenger traffic across Tanzania’s key airports. In a statement shared to The Citizen, Interim Managing Director Joshua Jonas said the performance was supported by strong airline partnerships, operational stability, and growth in aviation activity across Tanzania.

“The strong financial performance was driven by continued customer retention, strategic pricing reviews, operational stability among airline partners, expansion of Air Tanzania operations, increased passenger volumes, growth in cargo imports, and improved utilisation of the Twiga Lounge by Aspire,” he said. He added that improved utilisation of infrastructure and a positive aviation and tourism environment further strengthened overall results.

Cargo handling remained the company’s main revenue driver, posting a 15 per cent increase in revenue from Sh26.56 billion in 2024 to Sh30.44 billion in 2025. This growth came despite only a marginal 1 per cent increase in cargo volumes, which rose from 34,280 tonnes to 34,537 tonnes, highlighting improved pricing strategies, efficiency gains, and stronger import flows. Passenger-related revenue also strengthened, anchored by continued growth at the Twiga Lounge by Aspire at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The lounge business served 42,285 passengers in 2025, up 14 per cent from 37,214 in 2024, driving a 20 per cent increase in revenue to Sh2.39 billion from Sh1.99 billion. The segment has increasingly become a key contributor to Swissport’s revenue diversification strategy.

During the year, Swissport Tanzania also expanded and strengthened its customer portfolio through several strategic wins and renewals. The company regained Ethiopian Airlines’ ground and cargo handling operations at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT), has earned international recognition after being named a FIA Innovation Challenge 2026FIA Region I Champion for its groundbreaking road safety initiative aimed at protecting schoolchildren.

The prestigious award was presented by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) during the FIA Region I Spring Meeting held in Budva, Montenegro, placing Tanzania among the continent’s leading innovators in road safety and sustainable mobility. AAT emerged as one of only three regional champions selected from 34 submissions across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, highlighting the growing influence of Tanzanian-led solutions in addressing global mobility and road safety challenges.

The recognition was awarded for AAT’s flagship project, Safe School Zone 360, an innovative audit and digital monitoring system designed to improve safety around schools through data-driven decision-making and continuous risk assessment. The initiative builds on AAT’s long-standing commitment to road safety through infrastructure improvements, awareness campaigns and community engagement programmes.

However, Safe School Zone 360 introduces a more comprehensive technology-based approach that allows real-time monitoring of safety conditions around schools. Through a web-based platform, schools can report hazards and safety concerns as they emerge.

The data collected enables authorities and stakeholders to identify risk hotspots, prioritise interventions and allocate resources more effectively to protect pupils, teachers and surrounding communities. The project comes at a time when road traffic injuries remain one of the leading causes of death among children and young people worldwide, increasing the need for sustainable and evidence-based safety solutions, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem congratulated AAT on the achievement, describing the initiative as a strong example of how innovation, collaboration and data-driven action can help create safer roads and better protect vulnerable road users. AAT President Nizar Jivani said the recognition reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to child safety and sustainable mobility.

“This recognition demonstrates the importance of investing in practical solutions that directly improve the safety of children on their journey to and from school,” said Jivani. He added that safer school environments are essential for protecting lives and building safer communities across Tanzania.

For her part, AAT Chief Executive Officer Najma Bahadur Rashid said the award would inspire the organisation to intensify its road safety efforts both within communities and in motorsport activities across the country. “This recognition challenges us to do even more in promoting road safety.

It is a proud achievement not only for AAT but also for Tanzania,” she said. Najma noted that safety remains a core requirement in all motorsport activities sanctioned by AAT, including the National Rally Championship (NRC).

“No rally event can be staged before organisers submit and meet the required safety measures. Safety is at the heart of everything we do,,” said Najma.

AAT joins fellow Region I champions from Germany and the United Kingdom, with the overall global winner set to be announced later this year during the FIA General Assemblies in Shanghai, China. The achievement marks another milestone for Tanzania, demonstrating how locally developed solutions can deliver international impact and contribute to making roads safer for future generations.

.

Moscow. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has dedicated an honorary doctorate conferred on her by Russia’s People’s Friendship University (RUDN) to all Tanzanians, describing the recognition as a tribute to the country’s collective commitment to progress, cooperation and human development.

Speaking after receiving the honour in Moscow, President Hassan said the award was not a personal achievement but a recognition of the efforts and aspirations of the Tanzanian people. “I have felt elated that when I received the news of this conferral, it dawned on me that this honour is not mine alone.

Rather, it is a tribute to our shared commitment to progress, cooperation and the advancement of humanity,” she said. She said that the recognition also symbolised the long-standing friendship between Tanzania and Russia and underscored the role of education in strengthening ties between nations.

President Hassan said the honour reflected the enduring relationship between the two countries, which have maintained close cooperation in education and other sectors for decades. She noted that thousands of Tanzanians have studied in Russia over the years, contributing to Tanzania’s development in various fields, while helping to strengthen people-to-people relations between the two nations.

The President is in Russia on a state visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Russia.

The honorary doctorate was awarded by Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in recognition of President Hassan’s contribution to leadership, international cooperation and the promotion of education and development. President Hassan said the recognition should inspire Tanzanians to continue investing in education, innovation and international partnerships as the country pursues its long-term development goals.

“This honour belongs to all Tanzanians,” she said. “It reflects what we can achieve when we work together for the progress of our nation and the betterment of humanity.

.