Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. In a judiciary historically dominated by men, Regional Magistrate Sara Omar Hafidh is redefining leadership on the bench in Zanzibar; her rise from a young law student to one of the region’s most respected judicial officers is a personal triumph.

It is also a symbol of change within the legal profession. Her presence reflects shifting tides.

It signals growing space for women in positions of judicial authority. She began her legal journey at Zanzibar University, where she earned a Bachelor of Law and Sharia.

From the outset, she showed strong academic discipline. She was equally committed to public service.

Studying both civil law and Sharia gave her a deep understanding of Zanzibar’s legal structure. It prepared her to work within a system shaped by statutory law, religion and custom.

Determined to expand her perspective, she pursued an LLM in Jurisprudence specialising in Cybercrime at Beijing Normal University. There, she explored emerging legal challenges linked to technology and transnational crime.

She later completed a Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa at the Centre for Human Rights, based at the University of Pretoria. This experience strengthened her grounding in constitutionalism and regional human rights systems.

These academic achievements gave her a dual lens. One lens was rooted in local legal traditions.

The other was shaped by international human rights standards. Together, they formed the backbone of her judicial reasoning.

They also shaped her commitment to gender equality within the justice system. “I began my career in private practice as a legal officer and advocate before joining the public sector as a State Attorney and Public Prosecutor, serving for over six and a half years.

During this period, I handled high-profile criminal and economic cases and focused particularly on violence against women and girls,” she recalls. Her years as a prosecutor were intense.

They were also formative. She worked directly with survivors of gender-based violence.

She saw the fear many carried into courtrooms. She observed how stigma and intimidation could silence victims.

She encountered evidentiary gaps that complicated prosecutions. These experiences shaped her deeply.

They formed her judicial philosophy. Justice must be impartial.

It must be evidence-based. But it must also recognise vulnerability.

It must respond to social realities. It must protect dignity without compromising fairness.

That philosophy now defines her courtroom. As a Regional Magistrate in the Judiciary of Zanzibar, Sara presides over a wide range of criminal matters.

She applies legal rigour in every case. She also leads with empathy.

In cases involving gender-based violence, she adopts trauma-informed approaches. She ensures survivors are not re-traumatised during testimony.

She explains procedures clearly. She maintains a strict courtroom order.

She prevents intimidation. She upholds privacy safeguards where necessary.

At the same time, she protects the rights of the accused. She grounds her decisions in statutory provisions.

She relies on evidence. She references constitutional guarantees.

She aligns her reasoning with international human rights principles. For her, gender sensitivity and impartiality are not opposites.

They work together. They strengthen justice.

“A major milestone in her career was co-authoring the 2023 Gender Bench Book on Women’s Rights for Judges and Magistrates in Zanzibar. The bench book created a structured guide for gender-responsive judicial practice.

It addressed inconsistencies in rulings. It clarified standards in cases involving women and children.

It strengthened responses to gender-based violence. It promoted uniform interpretation of rights,” she said.

The publication has since become an important judicial tool. Magistrates and judges rely on it for guidance, reinforces constitutional protections and encourages gender-sensitive reasoning.

As a law school trainer, Sara integrates the bench book into her teaching. She mentors emerging lawyers.

She encourages them to internalise human rights standards early. She prepares them to carry forward gender-responsive justice.

Her advocacy does not end at the courtroom door. She serves as Zanzibar Coordinator for the Tanzania Women Judges Association.

In that role, she promotes professional development for women in the judiciary. She organises workshops on Women’s Rights in Africa.

She supports training on Judicial Enforcement of Socio-Economic Rights. She helps women judicial officers strengthen subject-matter expertise.

She also supports structured mentorship programs. Young female lawyers receive guidance on leadership pathways.

They are encouraged to pursue specialisation. They are advised on balancing professional growth with public service.

Participation in initiatives such as the Women Leadership Program at the Uongozi Institute strengthens decision-making and executive skills. These programs build confidence.

They build competence. They prepare women for senior judicial roles.

Despite improvements, women remain underrepresented in higher judicial positions. Historical exclusion plays a role, societal expectations add pressure, professional and community responsibilities often compete.

Sara acknowledges these realities. She advocates for institutional reform, supports leadership training as part of career progression, encourages specialisation in areas such as Disability Rights and Socio-Economic Rights.

She believes preparation creates opportunity. One of her most delicate responsibilities involves navigating Zanzibar’s legal pluralism, customary norms, religious principles and statutory law often intersect.

These intersections can create tension. Sara approaches them carefully.

Her grounding in Sharia provides cultural fluency. Her human rights training ensures constitutional alignment.

She interprets statutes with sensitivity. She evaluates religious and customary arguments with caution.

She ensures that no interpretation undermines fundamental rights. For her, tradition has value.

It shapes identity. It guides communities.

But it cannot override constitutional protections. It cannot justify discrimination.

Especially not against women or children. This balance defines her judicial approach.

Mentorship remains central to her mission. “As a Regional Magistrate, I prioritise mentorship and integrity,” she says.

“The next generation of legal professionals — especially women — must pursue advanced expertise, communicate effectively and remain committed to social, economic and political advancement for women and children.” Looking ahead, Sara envisions a judiciary that is firm and fair.

She sees a system that responds decisively to gender-based violence. She imagines stronger protections for children’s rights.

She hopes for more women in leadership roles. She aims for efficiency, transparency and integrity in every court.

Her legacy, she believes, should go beyond judgments delivered. It should be measured in systems strengthened.

It should be seen in women promoted. It should be reflected in survivors treated with dignity.

Above all, it should ensure that the courtroom doors she has opened remain open — not temporarily, but permanently — for the generations of women who will follow. .

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, in partnership with Mwananchi Communications Limited MCL, has taken a bold step to improve the environment by planting 600 trees within its premises as part of efforts to make the area more attractive while promoting environmental conservation.

The exercise took place last Saturday, bringing together club members and staff from Mwananchi Communications Limited who joined forces to ensure the success of the initiative. Guided by the powerful reminder that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second best time is now, participants embraced the activity with a shared sense of urgency and responsibility toward the environment.

Speaking during the event, the club’s General Manager, Lilian Msangi, said the main objective of the initiative is to enhance the club’s surroundings and make it a more appealing place for both members and visitors. She emphasized that the exercise is sustainable and will be conducted annually as part of the club’s culture of environmental conservation.

“We sincerely thank Mwananchi Communications Limited for being a key partner in making this initiative successful. It is something we are proud of.

We also appreciate all staff and members who actively participated,” said Msangi. On his part, the club’s Board management Chairman, Francis Kiwanga, noted that the club, which boasts a history of over 100 years, continues to improve its infrastructure and environment to meet modern demands.

Kiwanga added that tree planting has numerous benefits, including improving air quality by increasing oxygen levels, reducing environmental heat, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity. He further said that trees help mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, making the club a safer and healthier place for people.

Speaking at the event, Mwananchi Communications Limited Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Edson Sosten, said the company is proud to partner with the club in the initiative. “We are a purpose driven media organization guided by our mission of empowering the nation.

This means not only informing and educating the public but also taking responsibility for the impact we create in the communities and environment we serve,” he said. Sosten explained that as a media house, their work largely depends on paper, which creates a responsibility to give back to the environment.

“In collaboration with Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, the initiators of this commendable program, we are proud to plant 600 trees as part of our commitment to restoring what we use and contributing to a more sustainable future,” he said. He added that the initiative reflects the company’s belief that true empowerment goes beyond content and must be demonstrated through action.

According to him, the move creates a balance between development and responsibility, ensuring that as they lead conversations today, they also protect the future. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club for leading these efforts, as well as all partners and stakeholders who made this initiative possible.

Together, we demonstrate that meaningful and sustainable impact is achieved through collaboration,” he said. He added that as MCL continues its journey toward becoming a more digitally driven media institution, it remains committed to reducing its environmental footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and using its platforms to inspire collective action.

“Because at MCL, empowering the nation also means protecting it for future generations.” .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania national team (Taifa Stars) captain Mbwana Samatta has officially opened his goal account in Ligue 1, scoring for Le Havre AC in their 1-1 draw against OGC Nice last Sunday.

The match, played at the Allianz Riviera, saw the Tanzanian striker hand his side the lead in the 41st minute. Samatta showed composure inside the box, calmly finishing off a well-weighted pass from midfielder Rassoul Ndiaye.

The goal marked a significant milestone for the Taifa Stars skipper, who had been searching for his first strike since joining the French side during the summer transfer window. Despite Le Havre’s promising first-half display, the hosts responded after the break.

Ali Abdi brought Nice level in the 59th minute, ensuring the two sides shared the spoils in a tightly contested encounter. Samatta, who put in a hardworking and disciplined performance throughout the match, remained a constant threat to the Nice defense before being substituted in the 87th minute.

Head coach Didier Digard opted to replace him late on with defender Stephan Zagadou as Le Havre looked to hold onto the valuable away point. Samatta’s contribution, however, stood out as one of the key moments of the match, highlighting his growing influence within the squad.

The result leaves Le Havre sitting 14th in the league standings with 29 points from 29 matches, just ahead of Nice, who occupy 15th place with 28 points from the same number of games. Meanwhile, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain continue to dominate the table with 63 points from 27 matches.

Le Havre will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Angers SCO on Saturday at the Stade Raymond-Kopa. The club will be hoping Samatta can build on his breakthrough performance and add more goals as they aim to climb further up the standings.

With this goal, Samatta has now scored in five different European leagues, underlining his vast experience, adaptability, and consistency at the highest level of the game, while continuing to inspire Tanzanian football on the international stage. .

In moments of economic uncertainty, one truth consistently rises above everything else: pressure reveals priorities. Across global markets, businesses are tightening their belts.

Marketing and media budgets–once treated as default engines of growth are now under intense scrutiny. Every shilling, dollar, or rand spent must justify itself.

Every campaign must prove it is not just active, but effective. Every partnership must demonstrate clear value.

For the media industry, this is not just another cycle of caution. It is a moment of exposure.

Because when budgets shrink, strategy gets exposed. In times of abundance, inefficiencies can quietly survive.

Campaigns can be launched without clearly defined objectives. Media plans can lean heavily on availability rather than effectiveness.

But in a constrained environment, comfort disappears. Ambiguity becomes expensive.

Every decision must be intentional, and every outcome must be defensible. This shift is forcing a fundamental reset in how clients engage with media.

The questions being asked today are very different from those of the past. It is no longer sufficient to ask, “How much reach can we generate?” The real question has become, “What measurable impact will this investment deliver?” Clients are moving decisively away from volume-based thinking and toward value-based decision-making.

They are prioritising platforms, partners, and strategies that can clearly connect media spend to real business outcomes sales, growth, engagement, and long-term brand equity. This is where the media industry faces a defining challenge.

For decades, much of the industry has been structured around selling inventory–advertising space, airtime, impressions, and placements. While this model has supported revenue growth and operational scale, it often falls short in an environment where clients demand accountability, insight, and measurable return.

The gap between what is sold and what is actually needed becomes impossible to ignore when budgets tighten. And in this moment, clients are making sharper, more strategic choices.

They are consolidating spend. They are reducing the number of agencies and media partners they work with.

They are shifting away from fragmented relationships toward fewer, more accountable partnerships. Loyalty is no longer automatic; it is earned continuously through performance, insight, and relevance.

For media organisations, this reality presents both risk and opportunity. The risk is straightforward: those who continue operating with a transactional mindset will gradually find themselves excluded from high-value, performance-driven budgets.

The opportunity, however, is far more powerful: to redefine the relationship with clients entirely–from vendor to strategic growth partner. To achieve this transformation, media organisations must fundamentally rethink their approach in three critical areas.

First, clarity of value. Every proposal must clearly answer one essential question: why this, why now, and why us? It is no longer enough to describe what is being offered.

The emphasis must shift to what will be achieved. Whether the objective is awareness, engagement, lead generation, or conversion, the value proposition must be precise, relevant, and aligned directly with the client’s business goals.

Second, precision in execution. In a constrained market, broad, generalised campaigns lose effectiveness.

Clients are increasingly looking for targeted, data-driven, and highly efficient solutions. This requires a deeper understanding of audiences, smarter use of insights, and continuous optimisation during campaign delivery.

Precision is no longer a competitive advantage it is a baseline expectation. Third, accountability in outcomes.

Measurement must evolve beyond surface-level metrics such as impressions or clicks. Clients want to understand contribution, not just activity.

How does media investment support pipeline growth? How does it influence consumer behaviour? How does it strengthen brand positioning over time? Even when full attribution is complex, smarter frameworks for reporting and learning can significantly strengthen trust and confidence. When budgets are tight, trust becomes the most valuable currency in the market.

Ultimately, shrinking budgets are not simply a constraint on the industry. They are a filter.

They expose weak strategy. They reward clarity.

They punish inefficiency. And they elevate those who can move beyond selling media to delivering measurable business value.

In the end, they force a more important question than ever before: Not who can sell the most, but who can create the most value. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Tanzania’s newly appointed ambassadors have been tasked with aggressively advancing the country’s economic, political, and diplomatic interests as they take up their assignments across the world.

Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi issued the directive on Monday, April 13, 2026, during a high-level farewell meeting with envoys at Chamwino State House in Dodoma, urging them to become strategic drivers of Tanzania’s global agenda. His key message was clear: Tanzania’s diplomacy must deliver by opening doors, building influence, and driving the nation’s development agenda on the global stage.

Addressing the diplomats before their departure, Dr Nchimbi emphasised the need for innovation, hard work, and results-oriented diplomacy. “Actively promote Tanzania’s investment opportunities and position the country as a preferred destination for global investors and business leaders,” he told envoys.

He further directed the ambassadors to align their work with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly in strengthening international relations and accelerating economic growth. The Vice President underscored the importance of adhering to key national frameworks, including the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, the ruling party’s election manifesto, and other government directives, describing them as critical tools in shaping the country’s future.

Dr Nchimbi also congratulated the envoys for earning the trust of the Head of State, urging them to safeguard that confidence by delivering measurable results in their respective assignments. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ambassador-designate to Oman, Ms Maulidah Hassan, expressed gratitude for the guidance and pledged that the team would work diligently to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The group of envoys and their workstations in brackets include: Ms Zena Ahmed Said (Saudi Arabia), Mr Cyprian Luhemeja (Zambia), Ms Maulidah Hassan (Oman), Mr Salim Othman Hamad (Comoros), Ms Swahiba Mndeme (Sweden), Mr Noel Kaganda (Korea), and Mr Musa Haji Ali, who will serve as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. In a March 2026 reshuffle, President Hassan assigned duty stations to the new ambassadors, noting that the appointments aim to strengthen foreign representation and improve economic diplomacy with a focus on delivering concrete outcomes.

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For three and a half years, Fatma Hassan Nasser had been a student at Ahlul Bayt International University pursuing a Bachelor’s in Law. She had one year left, before returning home to Tanzania.

Her younger sister UmmyKulthum was in the first year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Qazvin, a city in North Central Iran. War was the last thing on their minds; these Tanzanian girls had blended so well with other students, just like all young people do on campuses.

New culture, new friends, everything was calm. “I spent most of my time with my Indian, Sudanese, Pakistani, and Lebanese friends,” UmmyKulthum Nasser said.

Their dream was to graduate and find jobs in Tanzania. Their mother in Kibaha was counting the days before her girls got back home.

She knew it would be a few years for the younger and a year for the older one, but little did she know that a war was brewing. Israel and the United States of America coordinated airstrikes, and the bombardment of Iran started on February 28. To Tanzanians, the war might seem remote and only viewed from their smartphones, gasping at the horrific deaths, but for the Nasser sisters, this war came right on their back yards.

As the missiles and drone attacks started, UmmyKulthum was in bed sleeping; she had no idea what was going on outside her window. She picked up her phone to scroll through her favourite social media pages when she noticed there was no internet.

Her initial assumption was that her internet got cut or she ran out of data, trying to remember if she had paid for it or not. She didn’t think much of it.

She just woke up and started to clean her room and do a few chores. When she was done and stepped out of the dormitory, she began hearing whispers and rumors that the war had started.

“I was in disbelief at first, I told them, there is no way,” she remembers. Fellow students told her it’s a fact, and that’s why there is no internet access.

That’s when it hit her, that indeed. The country that she has called home for one year is under attack.

Fatma heard the loud noises as the bombs were dropping on an oil reserve in Tehran, though it was not near her residence, the sounds felt uncomfortably close. “We had to go outside, and I looked up; I was the missile; I was scared that anytime one would drop on us, and we would be done,” she narrated.

Five missiles were dropped near her hostel. She was terrified, considering that some of the missiles were reported to have consumed the lives of 168 students, when they obliterated Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ primary school in Minab.

Fatma remembers her hostel building just shaking and the door flung open, and seeing fire raining from the sky. “I left my fate to Allah; if he wanted me gone, so be it,” she said.

The last war wasn’t that scary; it lasted just 12 days. This one was an escalation; they assassinated the Supreme Leader,” said Fatma with tears in her eyes.

Fatma, who is a Shia Muslim, said. This is the greatest loss, unimaginable.

“UmmyKulthum couldn’t believe it when she was told of his demise; she just thought it was fake news. It came as a shock to her.

Amidst all the bombardments, thousands of Iranians gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran to mourn Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei. “It was not only a loss to Iran, but to Shias and Muslims across the world,” she said.

“I thought the war would last for a week and it would end,” UmmyKulthum added. The War has been ongoing for 7 weeks now, with the ceasefire agreement barely holding.

The evacuation of 11 Tanzanian students commenced when it was clear that the war would drag on much longer than expected. Fatma had to leave Tehran and join her sister in Qazvin.

In the depths of the night, Tanzanian officials had organized a Bus for all students available to head to the northwestern Turkish Border. They traveled through the night and by 8;00 am the next morning, they had arrived at the border.

“Our Ambassador was waiting for us at the border,” Ummykulthum said. They were whisked away to the city of Van, which is roughly 150 kilometers from the border, and there, they were each given a room to recuperate.

The next morning, they had to leave and take a domestic flight to Istanbul, where Air Tanzania, the National Carrier, was waiting to take them back home. “When Tanzanians face problems abroad, the one who is supposed to rescue us is our government,” Fatma said.

During the War, families and friends couldn’t get visas to rescue them. At that moment, only diplomatic channels are used.

Fatma explained that a visa takes nearly a month, but government-to-government communication can forgo all that due process. Some Tanzanians who chose to stay in Iran remained behind.

Contrary to what has been said in the media, Ummykulhum said life for women in Iran is not restrictive at all. “Some women even walk around with their heads half covered, and they are not bothered by the police as insinuated in Western media reporting,” she said.

These ladies were among many young Tanzanians, on scholarship provided by the Iranian government. For UmmyKulthum, it was more than just studies; she was fascinated by the Persian culture, from their food, language, music, and their everyday lives.

At traditional events, Ummykulthum and other foreigners were always welcomed into Iranian homes, where they were given food and celebrated with the locals. “Most people think Iran is just a place for Islamic studies, but it has leading Science, Technology, law, and other highly ranked universities,” Fatma explained.

“They teach in English and Persian,” she added. Studying abroad for Fatma was advantageous.

As a Lawyer with an International degree and an additional language, Persian, she views that as an important factor in her CV. “I always say when I apply for a job, and they see that beyond the degree, I have an additional language, they will consider me above others,” she explained.

In this competitive job market, she knows hunting for one equipped with that would open more doors. “I could also teach people Persian as a language; few people know it here, and I can start something, teach it as a source of income,” she explained.

Fatma, who is on an Iranian government scholarship, is studying at Ahlul Bayt International University in Tehran, which is also government-run. Saw that as an opportunity to seek government employment later.

Fatma never thought she would be back in Tanzania so soon. She was supposed to graduate in February of 2027. She doesn’t know what lies ahead, but she is glad she is safe and sound at home, next to her mother.

“When my mum saw me, she hugged me and started crying,” Ummykulthum recalled. They are hoping everything will get back to normal so that they can resume their studies.

But Fatma is also seeking alternatives. Any university that will allow her to finish her two remaining semesters.

“It is not easy to find a university that accepts me to study for the remaining year, but I will try,” she said. For Ummykulthum, she has not made up her mind whether she will find another university abroad or study in Tanzania.

All options are on the table as they await the news of the war. It all depends on how long the war will take.

“I do not hate Americans or Israelites, as the people; we see them protesting the war in their countries too, but I hate the politicians; they have destroyed so many people’s lives,” Ummykulthum said. .

Dar es Salaam. As the cost of living continues to rise following increases in fuel prices, workers’ unions have urged employers and the government to adopt measures to provide relief to employees so they can cope with these challenging times.

Representatives of workers from both the public and private sectors said it is important for employers to consider providing workplace meals and shared transport services for employees to help reduce the cost of commuting between home and work. They said such measures are necessary because the cost of living has risen sharply while workers’ salaries have remained unchanged, leaving many employees struggling to make ends meet.

Workers are presenting these proposals at a time when fuel prices have increased globally due to disruptions in energy supply chains caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The conflict, involving the United States and Israel against Iran, led to the destruction of key oil production infrastructure, while the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes, was temporarily closed.

However, Hormuz has been reopened for two weeks, a development that followed the suspension of hostilities after negotiations between Iran and the United States began, although talks are reported to have stalled. Responsibility for employers Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, the Tanzania Revenue Authority Workers’ Union (Tarewu) Secretary General, Mr Michael Marere, said rising fuel prices have affected many sectors of the economy while workers’ salaries have remained stagnant.

“During this period, employers should support workers in reducing their cost of living. For example, by providing shared transport or workplace meal services to ease financial pressure,” he said.

Economic analyst, Mr Oscar Mkude, said the cost of transport, food, and other essential services has increased significantly, making it difficult for workers to survive on their current earnings. He said employers have traditionally paid relatively low wages, so when living conditions change suddenly, the impact on workers becomes particularly severe.

“At this time, it is important for employers to treat the situation as an emergency and provide cost-of-living relief for employees, at least for several months until the situation stabilises,” he said. Apart from that, Mr Mkude said that since the government is responsible for safeguarding citizens’ welfare, it should consider removing part of the tax imposed on workers’ salaries to provide relief during this difficult period.

“The government should review alternative revenue sources so that it can reduce the tax currently charged on salaries. This will help because even if wages are not increased, workers will retain more of their income,” he said.

Taxes on salaries should be reduced The Tanzania Private Schools Teachers’ Union (TPTU) Secretary General, Mr Julius Mabula, said that to support workers, the government should conduct an urgent salary review based on inflation and establish a system for annual wage adjustments in line with economic conditions. “In addition, the government should reduce pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) for low-income earners to improve their ability to cope with rising living costs.

It should also strengthen price control mechanisms and ensure that the supply of essential food commodities remains stable and affordable,” he said. Regarding rising transport costs, he suggested that the government introduce subsidies for public transport or create incentives encouraging employers to provide transport allowances for their workers.

He also said the government, through the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), should implement firm measures to control inflation using appropriate monetary and fiscal policies. He said instead of companies focusing primarily on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, it is more important for them to provide direct emergency support to their employees during this period of escalating living costs.

“The government should take immediate and strategic steps to protect workers’ welfare because workers are the backbone of production and national development. Without supporting workers, the country’s economy cannot remain stable,” he said.

For his part, the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (Tucta) President, Mr Tumaini Nyamhokya, said the effects of rising fuel prices are global and not unique to Tanzania. He said fuel costs affect many sectors, including food production and transport, although in the health sector, the impact is less visible due to government-subsidised services.

“We workers are suffering just like other citizens. We urge the government to review fuel pricing policies because the impact is significant.

If possible, it should utilise fuel reserves to reduce the severity of this situation,” he said. He also advised the government to regulate traders to ensure they sell fuel based on the price at which it was purchased, rather than applying new prices to existing stock.

Workers suffer the most The Research, Academic and Allied Workers’ Union (RAAWU) National Chairperson, Ms Jane Mihanji, said the rise in fuel prices is driven largely by global factors, but workers continue to bear the greatest burden. “Workers are among the largest taxpayers because deductions are made directly from their salaries.

We urge the government to identify practical solutions to ease the pressure created by this situation,” she said. She added that even households relying on cooking gas have been affected, while the cost of food and other essential services continues to rise steadily.

Ms Mihanji also called on countries involved in armed conflicts to pursue peaceful resolutions, noting that such disputes affect even nations that are not directly engaged. “I urge workers to remain calm as we wait for government action,” she said.

On the other hand, the Tanzania Plantation and Agricultural Workers’ Union (TPAWU) Secretary General, Mr John Vaaye, said the increase in fuel prices has dealt a heavy blow, particularly to private sector workers in rural communities. “We are experiencing severe hardship due to the rising cost of living while our incomes remain low.

The government should identify sustainable ways to reduce this burden,” he said. Salaries should be increased Economist and business expert, Dr Donath Olomi, said that although salary increases may be difficult to implement immediately, sectors such as transport, where operational costs are rising rapidly, should consider adjusting wages.

“Even workers in manufacturing industries can have their wages reviewed. We do not know how long this situation will persist.

Still, if it continues for an extended period, employers should consider increasing salaries, particularly by reviewing the minimum wage,” he said. Government measures At the beginning of April 2026, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, while presenting the 2026/2027 budget in Parliament in Dodoma, addressed the issue of rising fuel prices and said the government is actively working on solutions.

“We have observed prices beginning to rise. We will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address this challenge so citizens can continue accessing fuel at affordable prices while controlling the rising cost of living,” he said.

On April 7, 2026, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dr James Mataragio, said an official statement would be issued once all required procedures had been completed. .

Arusha. East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana has tasked Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr James Ole Millya, to address long-standing challenges facing the regional parliament at East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers meetings, saying the issues have persisted for years.

He made the remarks on Monday, April 13, 2026, during a special sitting of the Fifth Assembly, after the deputy minister was sworn in at a session held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha and attended virtually. “Honourable Ole Millya is not new to the Fifth Assembly.

He previously served as a Member of Parliament here, later contested in the general election held last year and won, before being appointed Deputy Minister in the ministry responsible for EAC affairs. We believe you are familiar with the challenges we face, and in Council of Ministers meetings, you will work on them,” said Mr Ntakirutimana.

He said the Assembly was encouraged by Mr Ole Millya’s appointment and would offer him full support to enable him to discharge his duties as a member of the Council of Ministers, the EAC policy-making organ. In his remarks after taking the oath of office, Mr Ole Millya said Tanzania, as a committed member of the EAC, would continue to play its role in advancing regional integration and achieving the bloc’s objectives.

He said, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), strongly believes that cooperation among member states remains key to advancing EAC goals. “You will recall that before assuming this position, I was a Member of this Assembly, where I was happy to work with you.

I am pleased to return, and I promise to dedicate myself to ensuring we build a stronger Community. I recognise the importance of this special Assembly, and I will fulfil my duty to ensure Eala remains a strong organ in advancing the integration agenda,” said Mr Ole Millya.

He added that Eala operations depend on contributions from member states, noting that some recent sittings had not taken place due to financial constraints caused by delayed remittances from partner states to support EAC activities. Meanwhile, Eala MP from South Sudan, Ayason Kennedy, urged the Assembly to address the difficult situation lawmakers are facing due to delayed salaries for six months, saying it was affecting their performance.

“We are aware that member states failing to contribute are hampering the work of the Assembly and the Community as a whole. Some MPs have taken bank loans expecting salaries to repay them, and as time passes without payment, interest continues to accumulate,” said Kennedy.

Speaker Ntakirutimana responded that the Bureau of the Assembly had already discussed the matter in detail and submitted it to the Council of Ministers’ Finance and Administration meeting, where recommendations would be acted upon. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s growing influence in shaping trusted institutions and competitive brands across the continent has received a major nod, with Neemarose Singo, Head of Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, being named among Africa’s most influential brand and marketing executives.

Ms Singo has been recognised in the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), a prestigious initiative by Brand Africa and its partners. The list identifies and celebrates 100 senior marketing leaders from across Africa and the diaspora who are driving brand strategy, customer insight, and business growth.

The recognition highlights a broader shift in Africa’s business landscape, where marketing has evolved from a traditional support function into a core driver of relevance, economic participation, and institutional trust. The ACMO100 honours leaders whose work goes beyond mere communication, actively influencing how organisations grow and how markets develop at scale.

For Tanzania, this accolade signals an increasing presence in continental business conversations. Local institutions and professionals are playing a pivotal role in how Africa positions itself, competes, and grows on the global stage.

The development comes at a time of sustained growth and institutional strength for Stanbic Bank Tanzania. With over 30 years of operations in the country, the bank has solidified its position across corporate, investment, and commercial banking.

It has been instrumental in supporting key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and enterprise development, placing it at the centre of Tanzania’s evolving economic landscape. The bank’s excellence has been consistently recognised.

In 2026, Stanbic Bank Tanzania received multiple international accolades at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards, including Best International Private Bank, Best Bank for Next Generation, and Best Bank for Client Service. Furthermore, the institution was named Best Bank in Tanzania for 2025 by The Banker, reinforcing its strong financial performance, innovation, and contribution to economic development.

Mr Manzi Rwegasira, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Tanzania, noted that the recognition of their Head of Brand and Marketing reflects both individual leadership excellence and the overall strength of the institution. “This recognition reflects the calibre of leadership within the bank and the strategic value of our brand.

A strong brand is a critical asset that anchors trust, drives relevance, and supports our ambition to serve clients meaningfully as Tanzania’s financial sector continues to expand,” Rwegasira said. In the banking sector, marketing plays a defining role.

Trust is built not only through products but through clear communication, consistent delivery, and confident customer engagement. Marketing sits at the centre of this process, translating strategy into understanding and ensuring that a brand’s promise matches the customer’s experience.

Speaking on her recognition, Ms Singo emphasised that the moment reflects a broader shift in how brand leadership is understood across the continent. “Across the continent, brand building is evolving beyond visibility to meaning.

It is about understanding people, earning trust, and delivering real business outcomes. In banking, this means enabling customers to engage with financial systems confidently, ensuring that what we stand for as a brand is experienced consistently, and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive economy,” Singo remarked.

The Africa CMO 100 list reflects this shift, with financial services being among the most represented sectors. This underscores the critical importance of trust and inclusion in markets where millions of people are entering formal financial systems for the first time.

Brand Africa’s independent research over the past 15 years has consistently found that while 68 percent of Africans believe in Africa, only 18 percent of the brands they most admire are African. The ACMO100 exists to recognise and connect the leaders who are best positioned to change this narrative.

“CMOs and senior brand leaders are among the most powerful architects of Africa’s future,” said Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. Through strategy, stewardship and influence, they shape narratives, build trust, and guide the preferences of hundreds of millions of people.

ACMO100 exists to recognise, celebrate and connect these leaders,” said Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. The inaugural ACMO100 honourees will be officially celebrated at Brand Africa Week in Addis Ababa, scheduled for 2226 May 2026. As Tanzania deepens its integration into regional and global markets, the ability of its institutions to build trust, communicate clearly, and remain relevant will increasingly define their competitive success.

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Mbeya. Deputy Minister for Works, Mr Godfrey Kasekenya, has directed contractors to work diligently and professionally during emergencies to minimise hardship for citizens.

Mr Kasekenya issued the directive on Monday, April 13, 2026, while inspecting bridge infrastructure damaged by recent heavy rains in Rungwe District in Mbeya Region and Ileje District in Songwe Region. He also commended Awesome Co.

Ltd for constructing a temporary bridge within a short period at Lubangalala River in Rungwe District. Speaking after the inspection, he urged contractors to demonstrate commitment and innovation, particularly in emergencies, to reduce disruption whenever roads and bridges are damaged.

“I commend Ms Grace Frederick for the good and patriotic work you have done in finding a quick solution and restoring communication between residents of Rungwe District in Mbeya Region and Ileje in Songwe Region. We want contractors like you,” he appreciated.

He also praised the government for facilitating the communication restoration after the bridge collapse due to heavy rains. “The restoration of communication between Rungwe and Ileje districts will enable citizens of Mbeya and Songwe regions to continue with social and economic activities, thereby improving their livelihoods,” he said.

The Lubangalala Bridge, which links Mbeya and Songwe regions, was swept away by floods triggered by landslides on March 25, killing 22 people and injuring several others. For her part, Awesome Co.

Ltd contractor, Ms Grace Frederick, thanked the government for entrusting her with the project since March 27, when reconstruction works began. A Rungwe resident, Emeria Haonga, said the floods had created major challenges, cutting off communication and destroying crops, and thanked the government for its swift response.

Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) manager in Songwe Region, Mr Lugano Mwambingu, said the agency is confident that rehabilitation works will be completed on time to restore economic activities. .