Category: The Citizen

Dodoma. Benjamin Mkapa Regional Referral Hospital has called on Miss World Tanzania 2026 contestants to support a fundraising initiative aimed at subsidising costly stem cell transplantation treatment for children.

The appeal was made by the hospital’s acting director, Theophory Mbilinyi, during a visit by the contestants who toured the facility to learn more about its services, particularly in paediatric care. Mr Mbilinyi said the hospital is planning a fundraising gala to help families who cannot afford the procedure, noting that the minimum cost of a single stem cell transplant is about Sh75 million.

“Due to the high costs, the hospital has decided to organise a fundraising event, and we are calling on you to join us in this noble cause to support the health of our people,” he said. He added that the hospital has so far conducted stem cell transplants on 29 children, with two patients currently undergoing treatment and preparation.

Some cases, he said, are supported through government funding due to financial constraints faced by families. Mr Mbilinyi further explained that the procedure currently involves extracting stem cells from compatible family members, with patients admitted for around 30 days under specialist care.

He noted that ongoing research aims to expand access beyond family-based donors in the future. Leader of the Miss World Tanzania 2026 delegation, Mustafa Hassanali, welcomed the initiative, saying the contestants and organisers would take part in the upcoming fundraising efforts.

He praised the hospital environment, describing it as well-maintained and supportive for both patients and visitors. Mr Hassanali also said the Miss World Tanzania platform would be used to promote medical tourism and highlight Tanzania’s health facilities alongside its tourism attractions, both locally and internationally.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s drive to prepare young people for the fast-changing global economy has entered a new phase after the government extended the Samia Scholarship programme to the Master’s degree level, targeting some of the country’s brightest undergraduates in science and technology fields.

The latest move will see an initial batch of 10 students supported to pursue advanced studies in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and allied disciplines at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Zanzibar Campus, marking a major step in the country’s efforts to build high-level expertise for the digital age. Speaking exclusively to The Citizen on April 13, 2026, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said the expansion of the scholarship reflects the government’s recognition that future competitiveness will depend on investment in advanced skills, research and innovation.

“The future belongs to nations that invest in science, technology and innovation. Tanzania must position itself to move with advanced technology, and that starts with developing our own experts,” said Prof Mkenda.

He said the decision to support Master’s studies was deliberate, as the country now needs specialists who can solve complex problems, drive innovation and support strategic sectors of the economy. “At this stage of development, it is not enough to produce graduates with general knowledge only.

We need high-level professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, data systems, cybersecurity and digital engineering,” he said. The scholarship extension is significant because it shifts the programme from supporting access alone to building deeper expertise.

While undergraduate opportunities help widen participation, postgraduate training produces researchers, lecturers, innovators and technical leaders who can shape institutions and industries. For many graduates, however, the path to advanced study has often been blocked by cost.

Tuition fees, research expenses, accommodation and specialised learning tools can place postgraduate education beyond reach. Under the Samia Scholarship Extended programme, beneficiaries will receive full support covering tuition, meals and accommodation, books and stationery, research needs and health insurance for a two-year Master’s programme beginning in the 2026/27 financial year.

Prof Mkenda said the opportunity is open to all qualified Tanzanians and that selection will be transparent and merit-based. “We want every eligible Tanzanian to feel encouraged to apply.

This process will be fair, transparent and based on ability. Talent exists in every region of our country,” he said.

To qualify, applicants must be Tanzanian citizens, aged 35 years or below, and already admitted to the Master’s of Tech in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme at IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus. They must also have a strong academic record, including Division One in advanced science subjects at A-Level and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.

8. The admission deadline for the university programme is April 15, 2026, after which shortlisted candidates will sit for a screening examination on April 26 and interviews in early May.

Those who secure admission can then apply for the scholarship between June 1 and June 30 through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. According to Prof Mkenda, the selection of IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus also carries wider meaning.

“It places Tanzanian students within a world-class academic environment linked to one of the most respected technology institutions, while allowing them to study closer to home and remain connected to local challenges that need local solutions,” he said. Though the first intake is small, the long-term impact could be far greater.

A single highly trained specialist can improve public systems, launch new enterprises and mentor future students. For Tanzania, the message behind the scholarship’s new Master’s focus is clear: the country is not only educating for today’s jobs, but investing in the minds that will create tomorrow’s opportunities.

.

Dar es Salaam. The long-running national debate over the language of instruction in Tanzania has returned to centre stage after celebrated writer and poet Abdilatif Abdalla called on the government to honour the legacy of Julius Nyerere by making Kiswahili the official language of teaching in schools.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam on April 14, 2026 during the presentation of the National Mwalimu Nyerere Creative Writing Awards, Mr Abdalla said Tanzania has both the history and capacity to make the shift. “In honour of Mwalimu Nyerere, I humbly ask the government of Tanzania to reconsider this matter.

Let Kiswahili become the language of instruction in our schools. It is possible,” he said.

His remarks revive one of the most sensitive and enduring questions in Tanzanian education: should children continue to learn through English in secondary and higher education, or should the country adopt Kiswahili throughout the system? For decades, Tanzania has used Kiswahili as the medium of instruction in primary schools, while English has largely dominated secondary schools, colleges and universities. Critics say this transition creates a learning barrier for many students, especially those from rural and low-income backgrounds who may have little exposure to English outside the classroom.

Education experts have long argued that children learn best in a language they understand. They say language should be a bridge to knowledge, not a gatekeeper.

Mr Abdalla drew parallels with Europe’s own linguistic history. He noted that English and other European languages were once looked down upon in favour of Latin, which was considered the proper language of science, medicine and scholarship.

“People once claimed that English had no words for medicine or science and that true education could only be delivered in Latin,” he said, suggesting that languages grow through use, innovation and confidence. His argument echoes the thinking of many African scholars and literary giants.

Kenyan author Ngg wa Thiong’o famously championed African languages in education and literature, arguing that language carries culture, identity and ways of thinking. He warned that educating African children solely through colonial languages could distance them from their realities and creative potential.

Likewise, Nyerere himself translated world classics into Kiswahili and consistently defended the language as a tool of unity, dignity and national development, making Kiswahili one of Africa’s most successful national languages. That vision has also found space in current reforms.

Under the Education and Training Policy of 2014, Edition 2023, the government reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Kiswahili while improving competence in English and other languages. The reforms seek to raise literacy, communication skills and practical competencies, while ensuring that language supports learning outcomes rather than undermining them.

Although the policy does not abruptly remove English from the system, it has renewed momentum for wider use of Kiswahili in teaching, curriculum materials and assessment, particularly as Tanzania rolls out the improved 2023 curriculum. About the Awards At the awards ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Carolyne Nombo, said the government had spent S.

2 billion on the awards up to the 2025/2026 financial year, now in their fourth season. She said the investment covers book publishing, prizes for winners and broader support to the publishing industry.

“The government will continue creating opportunities for local writers, who are a national treasure,” she said. The awards form part of a wider state effort to preserve Nyerere’s intellectual legacy through Kiswahili and creative writing.

Chairperson of the awards committee, Prof Penina Mlama, said this year’s competition received 260 manuscripts from across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as well as from Tanzanians living abroad. Of these, 86 were poetry collections, 53 novels, 73 children’s stories and 48 plays.

“We are pleased to see participants from 27 regions. This shows national reach and growing interest,” she said, though she noted that many submissions failed to meet required standards.

The significance of the awards goes beyond literature. Director General of the Tanzania Institute of Education, Dr Aneth Komba, said creative writing strengthens learners’ imagination, problem-solving ability, reading culture, confidence and language skills.

She added that one of the new subjects introduced in curriculum reforms is Kiswahili literature, designed to nurture student talent in poetry, short stories, novels, drama, satire and oral expression. “These awards are a practical tool in implementing the Education and Training Policy and the improved 2023 curriculum.

They increase creative reading materials in schools,” she said. For many observers, that may be the heart of the debate.

Language is not only about grammar or classroom instruction. It is about access, confidence, identity and the ability of young people to think deeply and create boldly.

.

Dar es Salaam. The management of Simba SC has reinstated its Ghanaian striker, Jonathan Sowah, but on the condition that he trains with the club’s U-20 youth team.

Sowah was suspended earlier this year while the team was in Dodoma preparing for a Mainland Premier League match in February ahead of their clash against Dodoma Jiji FC. During that period, he was sent back to Dar es Salaam and has not featured in any league or competitive matches since.

Simba’s Head of Information and Communications, Ahmed Ally, confirmed that the player appeared before the club’s disciplinary committee and was found guilty of some of the charges against him. Ally explained that the committee decided Sowah should train with the youth team under close supervision.

A return to the senior squad will depend on his behavior and whether the committee is satisfied with his progress. “For now, Sowah remains our player and is required to train with the U-20 team.

This is part of a monitoring process, and once the committee is satisfied with his conduct, he will return to the senior team,” said Ally. Earlier, Sowah maintained that he is still under contract with Simba and expressed his love for the club despite the disciplinary issues.

He added that football is his profession and remains committed to Simba, revealing that he had previously turned down an offer to play in South Africa’s top league in order to join the club. “I love Simba, that’s why I chose to join them and turned down an offer from South Africa.

Football is my job and will always remain my job,” said Sowah. .

Dar es Salaam. Three employees of the Medical Stores Department (MSD), including a senior accountant and pharmacists, alongside three local government employees, have been arraigned before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, facing 37 charges including theft of medicines and medical equipment worth Sh5.537 billion, belonged to MSD.

The accused are also alleged to have intentionally caused MSD a loss of Sh14.6 billion. The accused in Economic Sabotage Case No.

7833 include Senior MSD Accountant, a resident of Kibamba Shule, Mr Suddi Abas. Others, all pharmacists, are residents of Manga Veta, Mr Petro Mdegela(42); a resident of Isyesye in Mbeya Region, Mr Rashid Hassan (34); a resident of Manga Veta, Mbeya, Mr Edward Tengulaga (40); a pharmacist at Momba District Council in Songwe Region, Mr Jackson Mahigi (39) and a pharmacist in Singida District and a resident of Mandewa, Ms Wema Mohamed (39).

The accused are also alleged to have laundered Sh5.537 billion by purchasing farms, plots, vehicles, constructing residential and rental houses, establishing a transport company, opening a hardware shop and operating pharmacies. They were brought to court on Monday evening, April 13, 2026, where the charges were read by Senior State Attorney Clara Chame before Principal Resident Magistrate Aaron Lyamuya.

However, before the charges were read, Magistrate Lyamuya informed the accused that they were not required to enter any plea because the court lacks jurisdiction to hear economic sabotage cases unless authorised by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He further noted that the money laundering charges they face are not bailable, and therefore they will remain in remand custody.

After this explanation, State Attorney Chame proceeded to read the charges. Out of the 37 charges, 31 relate to money laundering, three to theft by public servants, two to cause financial loss to a public institution and one to lead a criminal gang.

According to the prosecution, the first charge is leading a criminal gang. The accused are alleged to have, between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2025, in various areas of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Songwe, Dodoma, Singida and other parts of the United Republic of Tanzania, wilfully led a criminal gang to commit theft while employed as public servants.

The second charge is theft by a public servant, facing Mr Abas, Mr Mdegela, Mr Hassan and Mr Tengulaga. They are accused of, between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2025, in various areas of Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, stealing medicines and medical supplies worth Sh2.695 billion belonging to MSD, which had come into their possession by virtue of their employment.

The third charge is theft, facing Mr Abas, Mr Mdegela, Mr Hassan and Mr Mahagi. On the same dates and locations, they are alleged to have stolen Sh2.592 billion belonging to MSD, which had come into their possession through their employment.

The fourth charge is theft by MSD employees, facing Mr Abas and Ms Mohamed. They are accused of, between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Singida, jointly stealing Sh250 million belonging to MSD.

It was further alleged in court that the fifth charge is causing financial loss, which applies to Mr Abas alone. He is accused of, during the said period at MSD offices in Keko, Temeke District, intentionally causing a loss of Sh9.1 billion to MSD.

Another charge of causing financial loss applies to all the accused, who are alleged to have caused MSD a loss of Sh5.537 billion over the same period and regions. The seventh charge is money laundering, which applies to all the accused.

They are alleged to have laundered Sh5.537 billion, knowing that the funds were proceeds of theft committed while they were public servants. Charges eight to 10 relate to money laundering against Mr Tengulaga alone.

He is accused of, between January 2021 and April 2025 in Sinjilili area, Chunya District, laundering Sh2.695 billion by purchasing a plot and constructing eight houses, three residential houses in Manga Veta, Mbeya, and five rental apartments in Chunya–while knowing the funds were proceeds of theft committed during his employment. Charges 11 to 20 relate to money laundering against Mr Mdegela.

He is accused of, between July 1, 2021 and June 2025 in Mwansekwa, Manga Veta in Mbeya Region, laundering Sh2.695 billion and Sh5.537 billion by constructing residential houses in the area. He is also alleged to have purchased seven plots, established a transport company named Zenati Investment Limited and opened a hardware shop in the region, knowing the funds were proceeds of theft committed during his employment.

Charges 21 to 25 relate to money laundering against Mr Mahagi. He is accused of, during the said period in Manga Veta and Mwansekwa in Mbeya Region, as well as Mlowo and Nyiimbiri Lukutululi in Songwe Region, laundering Sh5.595 billion by purchasing plots and farms, including planting timber trees on four acres in Vwawa.

Mr Mahagi is further alleged to have used the funds to construct a house in Manga Veta and open a pharmacy known as Mseke Pharmacy in Soweto, knowing the money was proceeds of theft committed during his employment. Charges 25 to 37 relate to money laundering against Md Mohamed alone.

She is accused of, during the said period in Singida, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Coast regions, laundering Sh250 million by constructing three houses in Singida. She is also alleged to have purchased three plots located in Ilazo (Dodoma), Kijitonyama Ally Maua (Kinondoni) and Kibada (Kigamboni).

Ms Mohamed is further accused of purchasing three vehicles–Toyota IST, Premio and Audi–and opening three pharmacies: Setif Pharmacy (Singida), Vagas Pharmacy (Singida) and Mig Pharmacy in Gongo la Mboto, Dar es Salaam, knowing the funds were proceeds of theft committed during his employment. The prosecution told the court that investigations are ongoing and requested another date for mention.

The accused are represented by advocates Method Kagoma, Raymond Swai, Musa Mhagama and Seif Wembe. Magistrate Lyamuya adjourned the case to Monday, April 27, 2026 for mention.

The accused were remanded in custody as the money laundering charges they face are not bailable under the law. .

Dar es Salaam. Four people have been arrested after a large consignment of khat smuggled from Mombasa, Kenya, into Tanzania was intercepted in Bagamoyo District, the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has said.

The seizure comes a day after the authority reported a rise in the influx and use of khat in the country. The drugs, packed into 1,062 bundles and stored in 18 sacks, were recovered from a modern boat at Magambani Beach in Kaole Ufundi area.

All four suspects are Tanzanian nationals. Two are residents of Tanga, while the other two come from Dar es Salaam.

The interception follows growing concern by DCEA over an expanding network involved in khat trafficking, which has contributed to rising imports of the stimulant. In March alone, 1,267.12 kilogrammes were seized.

DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo said on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, that the boat was intercepted in the early hours of April 14, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation targeting an increasingly active trafficking network. He said that after notable progress in curbing industrial drugs and cannabis, authorities were now witnessing a sharp rise in khat use, with traffickers adopting new smuggling methods.

Mr Lyimo said the operation was launched following intelligence reports on a network transporting the stimulant through maritime routes. He added that a special team tracked the boat until it reached Kaole, where it was surrounded and intercepted.

“This boat has long been used to transport khat from Kenya into Tanzania. We have been monitoring it closely and have now succeeded in intercepting it together with its cargo.

This is a major step in the fight against drug trafficking. We are continuing to pursue those behind this illegal trade,” he said.

Mr Lyimo further said investigations were ongoing to uncover the wider network, including financiers, distributors and local recipients. “We will not tolerate any acts that endanger the safety and health of citizens.

Anyone involved in drug trafficking will face the full force of the law, regardless of status,” he said. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug-related activity, saying the fight against trafficking requires collective effort.

Kaole Ufundi hamlet chairman Hamad Urali said residents were shocked by the incident, noting the area had long been considered peaceful. “We never imagined such activities could take place here.

It shows how well-organised these networks are and how secretly they operate,” he said. Social affairs expert, Dr Amina Khamis, told The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, that the seizure reflects ongoing challenges in the fight against drug abuse and the need for wider cooperation.

She said khat use, especially among young people, is contributing to health and social problems, including dependency, reduced productivity, and petty crime. “It is important for communities to continue providing information whenever they suspect such activities.

Law enforcement alone cannot succeed without public cooperation,” she said. .

Dar es Salaam. Calls are growing for the government to amend the Marriage Act of 1971 to set 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for girls.

Currently, the law allows boys to marry at 18, while girls can marry at 14 or 15 with parental consent. Stakeholders say this contradicts child protection standards and exposes girls to early marriage.

The Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network (TECMN) said it is engaging the government to push for reforms. “We are undertaking policy advocacy to ensure the marriage law is amended so that no child is married below the age of 18,” said Ms Irene Ernest of the Children’s Dignity Forum.

She said discussions are ongoing with ministries responsible for legal affairs, community development and education to build consensus. “Our goal is to ensure that children complete their education without being forced into early marriages,” she said.

Ms Ernest added that the government and stakeholders are working on a framework to collect public views on possible amendments. Stakeholders say early marriage contributes to school dropouts and limits economic opportunities for girls.

Ms Sophia Nshushi, executive director of Teens Corridor, said poverty is a key driver, with some families marrying off daughters for bride price. She also cited harmful practices and beliefs that undervalue girls.

“There is a clear contradiction between the Law of Marriage and the Law of the Child, which defines a child as anyone below 18,” she said. TECMN chairperson Ms Tike Mwambipile said girls who become pregnant before 18 should be treated as victims under the law.

“A girl who becomes pregnant at that age is still a victim,” she said, adding that denying them education worsens the situation. Stakeholders are also calling for stronger measures to support school re-entry and raise awareness on the risks of child marriage.

.

align–justifyThis year will be very special for sports and, consequently, for sports betting: the FIFA World Cup, an extremely competitive season in the NBA, Formula 1 with new rules and plenty of unpredictability, and many top tennis players battling point by point for Grand Slam titles. align–justifyBookmakers are making special preparations to cover these major events, which tend to drive a high volume of bets on their platforms.

align–justifyThis article explains how platforms like 1x Cambodia make these preparations, both to reflect increased interest around major events and ongoing user activity. This ranges from special offers to enhanced security to handle the high number of bettors using the websites and apps.

Special Offers for Sports Betting align–justifyThe more important a sporting event is, the greater the number of bettors attracted by the odds for the matches. Bookmakers respond to this trend by offering special odds on selected matches.

Known as boosted odds, they are presented in various forms Boosted odds for single bets, in which the platform adds a percentage to certain selections and increases the potential return on selected bets, although outcomes remain uncertain.Boosted odds in bet builders, where a platform combines multiple selections from the same match and increases the odds for this custom bet.

Special accumulators, where players can select one accumulator bet per day to have the odds increased. The percentage increase rises as more selections are added to the ticket.

align–justifyIn addition to special odds, major events also feature betting missions. Bookmakers set a betting amount to be wagered on matches in a specific league, and users who meet these conditions earn free bets on any other match in the tournament.

Typically, the minimum odds required to participate in these offers are quite low, which may increase their appeal. align–justifySports betting platforms may also offer general promotions that can be used on any sporting event.

align–justifyA common promotion is the welcome bonus, which doubles the amount of users’ first deposit. This amount is credited as bonus funds and must be used on accumulator bets.

align–justifyAfter meeting the wagering requirements, users can transfer the funds to their main account and either withdraw the money or use it for any type of bet on the site. Enhanced Security align–justifyThe greater the number of users betting simultaneously, the greater the technical infrastructure required to support the high volume of bets.

For this reason, bookmakers also prepare for major events by investing in these structural improvements. align–justifyThe most important ones concern player security.

There are several factors that increase user protection: align–justifyData encryption – Using the SSL/TLS protocol, all data exchanged between users and platforms is encrypted, preventing interception during these exchanges. You can verify this by checking for HTTPS in the website address and the padlock symbol to the left of it.

align–justifyData encryption – Identity verification through the Know Your Customer process ensures that all players are protected from potential breaches of their betting accounts. Additionally, it helps identify suspicious betting volumes, preventing potential sports manipulation.

align–justifyIdentity verification – Identity verification through the Know Your Customer process ensures that all players are protected from potential breaches of their betting accounts. align–justifyAdditionally, it helps identify suspicious betting volumes, preventing potential sports manipulation.

align–justifyPayment methods – By using digital and instant payment methods, the security of deposits and withdrawals increases considerably. To make payments even more private, many platforms accept cryptocurrency payments.

Comprehensive statistics coverage on platforms like 1x align–justifyMajor events offer much broader statistics coverage during the course of matches. While smaller regional leagues have less data available, the most prestigious events offer a wealth of analyzed factors, ranging from individual player statistics to trends for teams as a whole.

align–justifyAll of this is displayed on the live betting interface in real time. This allows bettors to better understand what is happening in the matches and, consequently, place more informed bets.

align–justifyTypically, major tournaments are highlighted even in the visual layout of the live betting platform. align–justifyUsers who use tools obtained through processes like 1xBet download may use statistics and data on mobile devices.

Using an app also allows for faster betting. This way, you can analyze the stats, review data and respond to changing conditions.

Live Streams align–justifyIn addition to the vast amount of statistics, many of the most important events on the annual sports calendar are streamed live in high-quality video within the betting platforms. Users can watch the streams on the same page where they place bets, view the video in full screen, and even have it displayed as a picture-in-picture overlay.

align–justifyAlthough statistics provide a good overview of the matches, video streams can provide additional context, which offer a much broader understanding of the trends of each player and team. align–justifyAs a result, bettors may better assess betting decisions based on an understanding of these movements.

Additionally, it becomes easier to understand fluctuations in odds and know exactly when a particular bet offers good value by comparing the actual probability of it occurring with the multiplier value offered by the platforms. .

align–justifyThe FIFA World Cup is the biggest event in world sports, and since it takes place only every four years, it always arrives with enormous expectations. For this reason, the sports betting market is also extremely busy, which is a great opportunity for users of betting platforms and also marks a special time for bookmakers like Bizbet, who prepare in various ways to handle the high volume of bets.

align–justifyHere, you’ll see the World Cup’s potential to boost the sports betting market this year, with data on the event and the main expectations for this year’s edition, which begins on June 11 and ends on July 18. align–justifyThe FIFA World Cup in Numbers align–justifyThe World Cup is by far the largest sporting event in the world. The data is impressive.

To get a sense of the tournament’s sheer scale, it’s worth looking at a table showing how many people follow each of the major events, noting how far ahead it is of others that are already extremely prestigious. FIFA World Cup – 5 billion (viewers) Tour de France – 3.

5 billion (viewers) Cricket World Cup – 2.6 billion (viewers) Olympics – 2 billion (viewers) Winter Olympics – 2 billion (viewers) FIFA Women’s World Cup – 2 billion (viewers) UEFA Champions League – 380 million (viewers) Super Bowl – 127 million (viewers) align–justifyRevenue from the 2026 World Cup is expected to reach nearly $11 billion.

That includes $4.3 billion in broadcast rights alone, while sponsorships account for $2.8 billion. align–justifyHeld across three countries, Mexico, Canada, and the United States, in massive stadiums, ticket sales revenue is also expected to break records.

While ticket revenue for the Qatar World Cup was $950 million, the figure is expected to rise to $3 billion in 2026. align–justifyIn addition to the fact that it will be held in more countries and feature more matches, ticket prices also influence these figures. align–justifyIt is worth noting that these factors relate only to revenue tied to FIFA.

However, the money generated by the World Cup goes far beyond that. Projections indicate that approximately $35 billion could be generated globally through the sports betting market.

The figures are astronomical. align–justifyThis is amplified by the globalization of World Cup broadcasts.

In 2026, the competition is expected to be broadcast in more than 225 countries, the number reached during the 2022 edition held in Qatar. align–justifyThis will be the largest World Cup in history align–justifyThe 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature the new regulations adopted by FIFA, which increased the number of participating countries from 32 to 48. This significantly raises the number of matches, from 64 to 104. align–justifyThere will be four additional groups in the initial phase and an extra round of knockout matches.

align–justifyIn other words, there will be 40 more matches available for betting starting with this edition. Consequently, betting activity at bookmakers will increase exponentially.

align–justifyThe fact that there are more countries also greatly increases the number of people directly involved in the competition, since many more nations will be able to cheer on their national teams. There will be four debutants: Uzbekistan, Jordan, Curaaao, and Cape Verde.

align–justifyThe involvement of a larger population in the competition is also reflected in the host cities. For the first time, the World Cup will be held in three countries.

align–justifyAll of them are expected to fill their stadiums, as football is gaining traction in Canada and the United States, while Mexico is historically one of the most football-crazy countries in the world. In total, there will be 16 stadiums.

Here are the cities and the capacity of each one prepare strategies to further increase betting volume align–justifyThe bigger a sports competition, the more interesting it is for bettors. After all, extensive statistical coverage and live broadcasts make it much easier to find data to base your bets on and place larger wagers.

This alone would be a major draw for bookmaker users. align–justifyHowever, the platforms go further and offer even more incentives to their customers.

align–justifyThose preparing to bet on the World Cup can expect many special promotions on virtually every match in the tournament. B align–justifyookmakers will select certain odds for each game to be increased, encouraging a higher volume of bets.

This applies to both single bets and bets involving multiple factors within a single match. In addition to promotions specific to selected matches, users can also use a Bizbet promo code to get more credit for any type of bet they want.

align–justifyFurthermore, more betting markets tend to be made available to bookmaker users, particularly involving in-play betting during matches. align–justifySince many more people are following the games, you can expect instant markets, such as those where bettors predict what will happen in the next few minutes of each match.

These more complex markets are not usually available in smaller competitions. align–justifyFinally, it’s worth noting that sports betting platforms tend to feature special interfaces for live matches, displaying detailed statistics in real time.

align–justifyThis way, you can follow everything happening in the match on the same page where you place your bets. All of this can be done on a computer or a mobile phone.

align–justifyIn the latter case, betting apps are even more helpful, as they allow you to watch World Cup matches on big screens while placing bets on your mobile devices. .

Dar/ Arusha. The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by two convicts challenging their death sentence over the killing of a bodaboda rider and theft of his motorcycle, ruling that the circumstantial evidence on record was sufficient to link them to the offence beyond reasonable doubt.

The appellants, Mr Nathanael Matei and Mr Martin Tiophil, had challenged their conviction for the murder of Mr Haji Hussein, who was killed and robbed of his motorbike during the incident. The decision, which upheld a High Court ruling, was delivered on Friday, April 10, 2026, by a panel of three judges, Lugano Mwandambo, Abraham Mwampashi, and Lameck Mlacha, with a copy of the judgment posted on the Judiciary website.

Justice Mwandambo said that after reviewing the record, grounds of appeal, and submissions from both sides, the court was satisfied that circumstantial evidence firmly established the appellants’ involvement in the offence beyond reasonable doubt. Background The High Court at the Arusha Sub-Registry had earlier convicted the two men of murder and sentenced them to death.

Court records show that the offence occurred on October 11, 2020, in Kiru Ndogo village, Babati District, Manyara Region. On the day of the incident, the appellants allegedly followed Mr Abdul Hussein (prosecution witness) and hired transport from the Sigino Posta area to Kiru Kibaoni.

Due to the driver’s ill health, the trip was handed over to Mr Hussein, a grain milling operator, who agreed to ferry them. Prosecution evidence further stated that after transporting the appellants, the victim was never seen alive again.

It was alleged that after arrest, the appellants confessed to killing the deceased and dumping his body in Kiru Hill forest, before stealing his motorcycle and handing it to Mr Said Dinya (a prosecution witness). Police later recovered the body in Kiru Hill forest in a decomposed state, with hands tied and signs of strangulation on the neck.

A post-mortem report indicated death by suffocation, consistent with strangulation. The motorcycle was later traced and recovered in Bumbuta village after being used as collateral in a financial transaction.

In their defence, Mr Matei denied the offence, while Mr Tiophi admitted involvement but claimed he was forced to sign a statement he did not understand. The trial court found that the prosecution case was strongly supported by circumstantial evidence, noting that the deceased had been last seen with the appellants and that his property was later found linked to them.

Dissatisfied with the High Court ruling, the appellants filed five grounds of appeal, arguing that the evidence was weak, contradictory, and insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. They also challenged alleged confessions, claiming they were obtained under torture and were inadmissible, and criticised the handling of defence evidence.

Their lawyer argued that the High Court erred by relying on circumstantial evidence that did not form a complete chain, excluding the possibility of other perpetrators. State counsel opposed the appeal, maintaining that the evidence firmly linked the appellants to the crime, citing that they were the last people seen with the deceased and were connected to the disposal of the motorcycle.

Court ruling In its judgment, the Court of Appeal partly agreed with the appellants on procedural issues surrounding the confession statements. It found that exhibits P3 and P4 were recorded by a person not proven to have legal authority, rendering them inadmissible.

However, the court ruled that even after excluding those statements, there remained sufficient evidence to sustain the conviction. The judges held that circumstantial evidence is sufficient to prove guilt if it forms a complete and unbroken chain pointing to the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

The court also relied on the “last seen with the deceased” principle, noting that the appellants failed to provide a satisfactory explanation of what happened to the victim. It therefore dismissed the appeal, upheld the conviction, and confirmed the death sentence.

.