Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam will from June 1, 2026 host a high-profile Malaysian higher education delegation comprising officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Education, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), and representatives from nine leading universities during the Malaysia Education Expo.

The three-day expo, scheduled for June 13, 2026, is expected to bring together students, parents, universities and education stakeholders to explore opportunities in admissions, scholarships, academic partnerships and research collaboration between Tanzania and Malaysia. A 19-member delegation from Malaysia will also hold strategic meetings with the Ministry of Education, the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), local universities and schools as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Global Education Link (GEL) Executive Director Mr Abdumalik Mollel said the visit presents a major opportunity for Tanzania to expand international education links and expose students to globally competitive academic programmes. “This is not just a regular admissions exhibition.

It is a national opportunity to connect Tanzania and Malaysia in higher education, scholarships, joint programmes, research, innovation and cooperation agreements between universities of both sides,” he said. He said the delegation will include senior officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Education, EMGS leaders and university representatives who will provide information on academic programmes, tuition fees, admission procedures, student life and scholarship opportunities.

Among the universities expected to participate are Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UCSI University, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Selangor and Putra Business School, with additional institutions expected to confirm participation. Mr Mollel said the expo will benefit Tanzanian students seeking international education opportunities in science, technology, engineering, health, business, information technology, creativity and entrepreneurship, fields he noted are in growing demand globally.

He added that the initiative goes beyond student recruitment and seeks to strengthen institutional partnerships between Tanzanian and Malaysian universities through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), joint research projects, student and lecturer exchange programmes, innovation initiatives and short-term professional training. “Malaysian universities are ready to meet Tanzanian universities.

They are ready to listen to the needs of our universities and see how to build mutually beneficial partnerships. This is a good opportunity for our universities to connect with the international education system,” he said.

According to Mr Mollel, a joint engagement session will also be held where Malaysian universities will present their programmes and partnership priorities, while Tanzanian institutions will outline their interests in areas such as 2+2 academic programmes, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional development. He said the expo is also significant for the Ministry of Education, the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), the Samia Suluhu Hassan Scholarship Scheme Committee, parents and students, as it provides a direct platform for discussions on scholarships, international education standards and student mobility.

For TCU, he noted, the engagement could also create opportunities for exchanging experience with Malaysian higher education authorities on quality assurance, accreditation systems, joint programme development and management of students studying abroad. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi has named a 24-man squad ahead of two international FIFA friendly matches against Uganda and Rwanda scheduled to take place in Marrakesh, Morocco early next month.

The friendlies are expected to give the technical bench an opportunity to assess players and continue building a competitive squad for future international assignments. Taifa Stars will begin their campaign with a match against Uganda on June 5 before taking on Rwanda on June 9 in what are expected to be highly competitive regional encounters.

The matches form part of FIFA’s international calendar and will help the team maintain momentum as preparations continue for upcoming continental and World Cup qualifying competitions. Coach Gamondi has selected a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents from clubs both within Tanzania and abroad.

Domestic league giants Azam FC, Simba SC and Young Africans SC dominate the squad, highlighting the strength of the local league in producing national team players. The players called into the squad are Zuber Foba (Azam FC), Aishi Manula (Azam FC), Yona Amos (Pamba Jiji), Pascal Msindo (Azam FC), Nickson Kibabage (Simba SC), Ibrahim Hamad (Young Africans), Elias Lawi (Azam FC) and Bakari Mwamnyeto of Yanga.

Others are Vedastus Masinde (Simba), Mohamed Mussa (Mashujaa FC), Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England), Novatus Dismas (Galztepe FC, Turkey), Mohammed Sagaf (Eastbourne, England) and Abdukarim Kiswanya of Namungo FC. Others are Mudathiri Yahya (Yanga), Charles M’mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta), Alphonce Mabula (Shamakhi, Azerbaijan), Bakari Msimu (Coastal Union), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale FC, England), Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq), Selemani Mwalimu (Simba), Cyprian Kachwele (HFX Wanderers, Canada) and Said Khamis who plays for Immigration of Malaysia.

The inclusion of foreign-based players is expected to strengthen the squad with international experience, while local-based stars will be keen to prove themselves on the international stage. Several players have been impressive for their respective clubs this season and will be looking to carry their form into the national team setup.

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Arusha. A total of 150 women from pastoralist communities in Simanjiro and Kiteto districts in Manyara Region have been awarded customary land ownership certificates in a move aimed at strengthening their economic independence and addressing cultural barriers that have historically denied women the right to own land.

The certificates were handed over on May 23, 2026, in Arusha as part of efforts to empower women from pastoralist communities, many of whom have long faced discrimination under traditional customs and practices. One of the beneficiaries, Helena Isaya from Naisinyai village in Simanjiro District, said the initiative had brought renewed hope to many women who had endured hardship due to the lack of legal land ownership documents.

“We thank God and the organisation that helped us secure these title deeds because without this support we faced many difficulties. We suffered a great deal because even if you bought land, without legal ownership documents it remained a challenge.

Now we will have freedom over our land,” said Ms Isaya. She called on the government and development partners to continue providing civic education within pastoralist communities in order to address discriminatory customs and traditions, particularly those related to women’s land rights.

Another beneficiary, Suzan Lembris, said the certificate would enable her to legally own land and pursue development activities without fear of losing her property. “We are grateful to receive these title deeds because they will help me legally own my land.

Previously, we faced many challenges, including being denied land ownership because of our community’s traditions and customs,” she said. Kiteto District Council land officer Valence Huruma said organisations working alongside the government have played a major role in empowering women from pastoralist communities in areas such as education, health and now land ownership.

He said although Tanzanian laws guarantee equal rights to land ownership, women in pastoralist communities have continued to miss out due to entrenched cultural practices. “The Village Land Act No.

5 clearly outlines the right of every citizen to own land, but because of customs and traditions, women in these communities have not been given direct opportunities to own land,” said Mr Huruma. He added that collaboration between the government and development partners has helped raise awareness among women about their fundamental rights to own and use land for personal and community development.

“We appreciate these stakeholders for working with the government to build the capacity of pastoralist communities, especially women, so they too can access land ownership and use it to improve their livelihoods,” he said. Earlier, the executive director of the Maasai Women Development Organisation (MWEDO), Ms Ndinini Kimesera, said the distribution of the certificates coincided with the organisation’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

She said the organisation focuses on empowering women, girls and pastoralist communities through programmes in education, health, economic empowerment and land ownership. “Today is a day of celebration for us as we mark 25 years of our organisation, while also handing customary title deeds to women from pastoralist communities.

Many of them have very limited means and a large number are widows,” said Ms Kimesera. She said that through collaboration with the district authorities of Kiteto, Simanjiro and Longido, the organisation had successfully facilitated the issuance of customary land ownership certificates to 150 women.

Beyond land rights, Ms Kimesera said the organisation has also been implementing education projects for girls, ensuring those who miss out on schooling opportunities receive support. “So far, we have supported the education of more than 2,000 girls, some of whom are now professionals in fields such as law, medicine and nursing,” she said.

She added that the organisation also runs health programmes in 15 villages in Kiteto District, focusing on maternal and child health services that benefit more than 10,000 people annually. On climate change, she said the organisation has been educating communities on ways to cope with drought and encouraging alternative economic activities suited to changing environmental conditions.

“We are looking at how communities can adapt to climate change, including crops that can survive in dry conditions and livestock breeds that are drought-resistant. But none of this can succeed unless women have ownership of land and resources,” she said.

Lawyer Elifuraha Laltaika said empowering women is essential to national development. “As men, if we fail to empower women, then we are not doing the right thing.

When you empower a woman, you empower the nation and the entire community,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam: As Tanzania prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), T9 Company has launched an initiative aimed at helping Tanzanians tap into the economic opportunities expected to come with the continental tournament through the introduction of T9 Magazine Opportunity Plus. Speaking during the launch in Dar es Salaam, T9 Chief Executive Officer Othman Razak said AFCON is not only a football competition, but also a major platform for business, tourism and investment that could transform the lives of many Tanzanians.

“AFCON marks the beginning of huge opportunities. We want Tanzanians to understand how they can benefit from the arrival of visitors from different African countries and across the world,” said Razak.

He urged stakeholders, companies and institutions to use the platform to showcase and promote available investment and business opportunities linked to the tournament. Razak said the magazine has been specially designed to highlight sectors expected to benefit significantly from AFCON, including hospitality, transport, food services, tourism and small-scale businesses.

“Today is a very important and joyful day for us. We are launching a magazine with great value that touches on the economy, health and sports.

We are following the good example set by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in promoting people-centred development,” he said. He added that Tanzanians should begin preparing early to benefit economically from the tournament, noting that T9 would play a role in connecting entrepreneurs and stakeholders to maximise the available opportunities.

Razak further explained that the magazine, together with the T9 website, would continue providing updates on developments in sports, business and investment, adding that another edition of the publication is expected next month. He noted that major investments in infrastructure and transport services have positioned Tanzania to benefit significantly from the tournament, especially through increased tourism, trade and business activities.

“When you talk about AFCON, you are talking about enormous opportunities. Hotels will benefit, transport services will expand, and even small businesses such as food vendors, coffee sellers and transport operators will gain more customers before and after matches,” he said.

Razak added that the magazine would also help visitors’ access important information about tourist attractions, hotels and various services available in Tanzania, a move expected to boost tourism and contribute to broader economic growth. .

Dar es Salaam. The Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) has emphasised that the future performance of public institutions and state-owned enterprises hinges largely on strong governance systems, accountability and results-oriented leadership.

The remarks were made by the OTR Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr Chacha Marigiri, on May 24, 2026, while presenting a paper titled “Governance in Public Investment Entities the Functions and Powers of the Treasury Registrar” at a forum for chairpersons and chief executive officers held in Zanzibar. Mr Marigiri noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved through investment alone, but requires robust management systems that safeguard public resources and ensure they are deployed productively for national development.

He said public entities remain central to driving economic growth, delivering essential services and advancing the national development agenda, and must therefore be managed under high standards of transparency, efficiency and accountability. He further noted that government investments in public institutions, including entities in which the State holds minority shares, have reached 92.3 trillion shillings, underscoring the need to strengthen governance and investment management frameworks.

The investments span 308 public investment entities, covering commercial and non-commercial institutions, companies with minority government shareholding, as well as domestic and foreign investments. Mr Marigiri said the role of the OTR goes beyond routine oversight, focusing on ensuring that institutions operate with financial discipline, efficiency and full alignment with national priorities.

He outlined the core functions of the OTR as monitoring performance, tracking government dividends and returns, advising on board appointments and evaluations, conducting performance assessments and guiding investment decisions. He urged board chairpersons and chief executives to reinforce governance systems through the use of technology, strengthened risk management, ethical leadership and data-driven decision-making.

Citing international experience from countries such as Singapore, Norway, China and Malaysia, Mr Marigiri said the success of public investment depends more on the quality of governance than the scale of capital injected. “No nation succeeds merely by owning public institutions.

Success depends on how those institutions are managed with professionalism, accountability and long-term vision,” he said. Mr Marigiri added that the OTR has developed a Long-Term Perspective Plan (2025/262049/50) aimed at positioning the office as a catalyst for economic growth through strategic public investments in transport, energy, finance, agriculture, industry, tourism and mining.

He said sustained success will depend on stronger collaboration between boards, chief executives, government and oversight bodies in building competitive institutions capable of delivering measurable results. .

Mutukula. Tanzania and Uganda have intensified joint border surveillance and emergency response measures following a surge in Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, as regional health authorities move to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

The cross-border operation, coordinated by the East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC), aims to strengthen regional preparedness and establish a coordinated epidemiological response to prevent further transmission. The intervention follows an Ebola outbreak in the DRC that has since spread into Uganda, prompting high-level technical engagements to reinforce emergency response systems across the region.

Implemented in partnership with regional ministries of health, the exercise focuses on high-risk border areas, including the TanzaniaUganda, UgandaKenya and TanzaniaBurundi frontiers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) classified it as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), following a sharp increase in infections linked to the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain, for which there is currently neither an approved vaccine nor specific treatment.

Speaking on the urgent need for a unified regional response, the Director General of ECSA-HC, Dr Ntuli A. Kapologwe, said cross-border disease threats require stronger coordination and localised leadership.

“Disease outbreaks do not respect national borders; they thrive on our interconnectedness. Therefore, our response must match the speed of our communities,” said Dr Kapologwe.

He noted that while Uganda is a core ECSA-HC member state, the intergovernmental body is also supporting the DRC through its regional health security and emergency preparedness frameworks. “We stand in full solidarity with the governments, ministries of health and frontline healthcare workers in Uganda and the DRC.

As a region, we are not merely planning; we are actively deploying smarter systems by strengthening cross-border simulations, harmonising surveillance data and equipping border teams with real-time digital tools,” he said. Through ECSA-HC interventions, a Digital Point of Entry (PoE) Screening system has been rolled out at high-risk border posts and mass gatherings to replace traditional paper-based reporting with a real-time digital surveillance network.

The platform enables health officials to capture traveller information instantly, monitor highly mobile populations, improve data accuracy and transmit alerts directly to national surveillance databases for rapid verification and contact tracing. Uganda has intensified surveillance across 35 official Points of Entry and extended community monitoring to 44 border districts.

Tanzania has also expanded its surveillance infrastructure by mapping 59 official Points of Entry and deploying more than 600 port health officers to high-risk border areas. Speaking during the opening of the cross-border engagement at Mutukula, ECSA-HC Senior Specialist in Health Systems Strengthening and disease surveillance expert, Dr Benedict Mushi, described the initiative as timely.

“The increasing movement of people, goods and services across our borders continues to heighten the risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases, including Ebola. These Points of Entry are not only gateways for trade and integration; they are also the frontline of public health security,” he said.

Dr Mushi added that preparedness must be viewed as a continuous obligation. “Recent outbreaks in the region have reminded us that preparedness is not a one-off exercise.

This initiative is about operational readiness — ensuring our systems can detect outbreaks early, respond rapidly and coordinate effectively across borders,” he said. Providing an epidemiological update, Uganda’s Principal Medical Officer in the Department of Integrated Epidemiology, Surveillance and Public Health Emergencies, Dr Moses Ebong, said the outbreak first raised alarm in the DRC following unusual clusters of community and healthcare worker deaths reported in late April and early May.

By May 15, the DRC had declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province, with cases spreading across Mongbwalu, Rwampara and Bunia health zones before extending to North Kivu, including Goma and Butembo. Uganda reported its first imported case in Kampala on May 15 involving an elderly traveller from the DRC who later died.

Post-mortem tests later confirmed infection with the Bundibugyo strain. The team from the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community led public health experts from Uganda and Tanzania in assessing Ebola response preparedness at the TanzaniaUganda border on Saturday, 23 May 2026. PHOTO | Courtesy According to the latest WHO situation update issued on May 21, 2026, suspected cases linked to the outbreak had risen to 746, with 176 suspected deaths recorded across the region.

Confirmed infections in the DRC and Uganda stood at 85 cases, including two confirmed cases in Uganda, while the confirmed death toll had reached 10. Dr Ebong warned that the outbreak was expanding rapidly, particularly in densely populated border communities. “The numbers are doubling in less than a week,” he said.

“While rigorous screening is underway at official Points of Entry, there are also people crossing through informal routes. This means community-based surveillance must be strengthened significantly.

” Tanzania’s Principal Epidemiologist, Dr Remidius Kakulu, said the interconnected nature of communities across the region made coordinated action essential. “Communities in Uganda, the DRC and Tanzania are deeply interconnected through social and economic ties.

Because our borders are naturally porous, collective regional action and harmonised real-time surveillance tools are the only way to stay ahead of this virus,” he said. The initiative adopts a One Health approach, bringing together ministries of health, immigration, customs, security agencies, local government authorities, veterinary services and port health officials to strengthen regional preparedness against the growing health threat.

The East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA-HC) is also working closely with its 11 member states alongside regional bodies, including the Africa CDC and the WHO, to safeguard the collective health and wellbeing of the region. Through its regional network comprising Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, Sao Tome and Principe, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the intergovernmental body is coordinating a united response aimed at containing the expanding Ebola threat across the region.

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Dar es Salaam. Contract disputes involving players, coaches and football clubs in Tanzania have become a recurring feature at the start of each Mainland Premier League season and other domestic competitions, exposing persistent weaknesses in football administration.

The disputes range from unpaid salaries and unclear contract terms to allegations of altered agreements and failure by either party to honour contractual obligations. The situation has strained relations between clubs and their employees while undermining the professionalism and image of the game.

Stakeholders attribute the problem to financial instability in clubs, weak contract management systems, limited legal awareness among players and poor governance structures within football institutions. Despite growing commercial activity in Tanzanian football, many clubs are still said to lack robust administrative and financial systems, contributing to avoidable disputes.

Financial strain at the core Former chairman of the Legal and Players’ Status Committee, Said Soud, who is also Mtibwa Sugar chairman, said many disputes arise from players failing to adequately safeguard their interests during negotiations. He said players often focus on attractive financial offers and overlook key contractual details.

“The challenge exists, but the main problem lies with players themselves. Once they see money, they forget important matters such as keeping original copies of contracts, which later results in disputes with clubs,” he said.

Mr Soud said disputes often emerge over contract extensions that differ from initial verbal agreements, while rushed transfer processes also contribute to inconsistencies. He added that in some cases players allow clubs to handle registration processes under tight deadlines, resulting in discrepancies between signed agreements and documents submitted to official systems.

“Players must understand that signing a contract and registering it are two different legal processes,” he said. Financial instability within clubs has also been cited as a major trigger of disputes.

A coach who requested anonymity said delayed salaries are a frequent source of conflict. He said he once went more than two months without pay despite continuing to work.

“When salaries are delayed, misunderstandings are inevitable because players and staff have families depending on them,” he said, adding that he later pursued legal action before leaving the club. Analysts say such disputes affect not only individuals but also team performance and dressing-room cohesion.

Fountain Gate FC coordinator Wendo Makau said poor financial planning among clubs worsens the problem. He said some clubs sign players beyond their financial capacity.

“If clubs cannot afford players, delays in payment become inevitable. The solution is to sign within realistic budgets,” he said.

Education gap among players Stakeholders also point to limited education among players as a key factor behind contractual misunderstandings. Mtibwa Sugar chief executive officer Swabri Aboubakar said many players enter professional football at a young age and leave school early, limiting their understanding of legal and financial matters.

“Many players have low education levels and that affects their understanding of contracts and their rights,” he said. He added that education should be seen as empowerment, not interference, noting that modern football requires knowledge of contracts, taxation and commercial obligations.

Mashujaa FC chairman Major Abdul Tika said many players now seek legal assistance before signing contracts to avoid mistakes. Namungo FC coordinator Ally Suleiman said awareness is gradually improving, with both clubs and players increasingly involving legal experts.

Geita Gold FC player Said Mbatty said players are now more cautious due to past disputes involving colleagues. Legal perspective Sports lawyer Aloyce Komba said many disputes could be avoided if contracts were properly drafted and clearly defined.

“A contract must clearly state the parties involved, payment terms, bonuses and responsibilities,” he said. He added that poorly structured agreements often lead to conflicting interpretations.

Sports lawyer Jacob Mashenene said contracts should also address welfare issues such as medical insurance, accommodation and bonuses. .

Dar es Salaam. A new international study has found that simple, low-cost and community-based parenting programmes can improve school readiness among young children, including those with disabilities.

The study, titled Feasibility and Acceptability of a Co-Designed Inclusive School Readiness Caregiver Programme in Bangladesh, Nepal and Tanzania, was conducted under the EN-REACH programme. It assessed how caregivers can be supported to prepare children aged four to six for primary school.

In Tanzania, the research was implemented by experts from the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), with fieldwork conducted in Temeke District. Lead researcher Prof Nahya Salim Masoud said children whose caregivers received training in positive parenting, play-based learning and inclusive practices showed improved confidence, independence and readiness for school.

She said children with disabilities also benefited when included in mainstream activities through simple adaptations such as step-by-step learning, visual aids, games and storytelling. Another researcher, Dr Donat Shamba, said the findings highlight the importance of parental involvement in early childhood development and inclusive education in Tanzania.

He said the programme was implemented over five months through training sessions involving caregivers, teachers and community facilitators. “Caregivers were trained to use locally available materials and everyday activities to support learning, such as counting objects during household chores,” he said.

Researcher Jitihada Baraka said the study showed that community-based approaches can work effectively in low-resource settings when families, schools and communities collaborate. She said training sessions were held in familiar settings such as schools and health centres, which helped encourage participation and experience sharing among caregivers.

However, she noted challenges including transport difficulties, weather conditions, inconsistent attendance and limited follow-up after the programme ended. She said some positive practices declined once training sessions stopped.

The study recommends scaling up similar programmes through government pre-primary education and parenting support systems, particularly for vulnerable children and those with limited access to preschool services. Researchers said inclusive school readiness programmes also help reduce stigma around disability while improving children’s communication, hygiene, confidence, emotional regulation and social skills.

They added that caregivers of children with disabilities gained confidence in supporting their children’s education and communicating with teachers. The EN-REACH study involved researchers from Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal and the United Kingdom and received ethical approval from national and international review boards, including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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Arusha. Tanzania is set for a potential economic boost following the discovery of significant rare earth elements (REEs) deposits in Mkiu Village, Ludewa District, Njombe Region.

The newly discovered minerals, mainly Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr), are among the world’s most valuable strategic minerals due to their increasing use in modern technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, electronics and renewable energy systems. Officials say the discovery could position Tanzania among emerging producers of critical minerals in East Africa as the world accelerates its transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies.

Speaking to journalists on May 20, 2026, Njombe Resident Mining Officer, Engineer Lucas Mlekwa, said the discovery was made during ongoing mineral exploration activities in the region. He said the exploration is being conducted through cooperation between the government and Hongji Mining Co.

Ltd to establish the size and commercial viability of the deposits before large-scale investment begins. According to Mr Mlekwa, Tanzania stands to benefit significantly from the rapidly expanding global market for rare earth minerals.

“We have high hopes that Tanzania will become one of the countries benefiting economically through trade in these minerals in regional and international markets,” he said. He noted that the discovery comes at a time when investment in clean energy technologies is increasing globally, driving demand for rare earth minerals.

“These minerals are highly valuable because they are essential in many modern technologies. This marks the beginning of a major economic opportunity for Njombe Region and Tanzania as a whole,” added Mr Mlekwa.

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 minerals known for their unique magnetic and electronic properties. They are widely used in the manufacture of powerful magnets, batteries, electronic devices and renewable energy infrastructure.

Global demand for REEs has continued to rise sharply due to the rapid growth of electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy projects worldwide. Mr Mlekwa said Hongji Mining Co.

Ltd has completed the first phase of exploration and is now undertaking detailed assessments ahead of commercial production within the 280-square-kilometre project area. He added that more than Sh1 billion has already been paid in compensation to residents affected by the project, while environmental impact assessments are nearing completion before mining operations commence.

Director of Hongji Mining Co. Ltd, Mr Yahya Mohamed, said the company intends to use modern in-situ leaching technology, which minimises environmental damage by avoiding large open-pit or underground mining methods.

“We want local communities to benefit directly through employment opportunities, business growth and improved household incomes,” he said. Apart from the Njombe project, Tanzania is also home to the internationally recognised Ngualla Rare Earth Project in Songwe Region, considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits.

Economist Ediko Mosha said investment in rare earth minerals could significantly boost government revenues through taxes and exports, while stimulating growth in sectors such as transport, trade, services and technology. “At a time when the world is shifting towards clean energy and advanced technologies, the discovery in Njombe could strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global strategic minerals economy,” he said.

He added that the government should ensure Tanzanians fully benefit from the resources through policies and investment agreements that protect national interests and create long-term economic value. .

Dar es Salaam. Tears of anguish have etched on the face of a retired teacher, Ms Magreth Jacob, who says she lost S6 million after her ATM card was allegedly stuck in an ATM while she also spent about Sh12 million on expenses linked to a police investigation into the suspected theft.

Ms Jacob, a resident of Babati in Manyara Region, submitted her complaint to Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, on Sunday May 17, 2026, during his visit to Chemba District in Dodoma Region where he was listening to citizens’ grievances. The retired teacher who travelled from Manyara to Dodoma to seek assistance said she received her retirement benefits in January 2020 after concluding her long service in the education sector.

She said that after the funds were deposited into her bank account she occasionally withdrew small sums for daily needs. “I went to the bank ATM inserted my card and it was swallowed.

It was on Election Day, October 28, 2020, when the bank was closed I informed the police who told me to wait until the working day,” she said. She added that the following day coincided with Maulid celebrations, and when she returned to the bank on the third day, she was told the card could not be traced.

Ms Jacob, now a widow, said she was later asked to provide her account details. When bank officials checked, she was told that all her money had already been withdrawn through various agents according to system records.

She alleged that the withdrawals were conducted by agents operating in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The mother of four said she collapsed after being told her money was gone.

“My blood pressure rose, and I lost consciousness,” she said. She added that her late husband had been informed and rushed to assist her after the incident, and they immediately reported the matter to Babati Police Station.

“We recorded statements at Babati Police. They were later instructed to go to Manyara Police, who took over the investigation,” she said.

Ms Jacob further claimed she was forced to shoulder investigation-related costs, including transport and accommodation for officers involved in the case. “I paid expenses for a vehicle from Babati.

Three officers travelled and stayed in decent guest houses in Dar es Salaam using my money, which I had to borrow,” she said. Furthermore, she said the officers later travelled to Iringa in another hired vehicle as part of the investigation, but no arrests were made.

“For almost a week, they searched for the suspects, but later reported that they had not been found. They said they would instead trace the agents used in the transactions,” she said.

According to Ms Jacob, she was later told the entire process had cost her about Sh12 million, yet no recovery had been made. “Up to now, I have received nothing except losing my bank money and additional expenses.

I am a widow raising four orphaned children and supporting my elderly mother. I need the help,” she told the Prime Minister.

She said her complaint had already been submitted to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), but no tangible assistance had followed until she raised it directly during the public session. She also explained the difficulties she faced trying to reach senior leaders, saying she had previously failed to meet the Prime Minister during a visit to Babati.

“When you came to Babati, I did not get a chance to speak to you. I ran to Katesh, but still failed.

When I heard you were in Dodoma, I travelled and slept in Chemba, struggling to raise fare, so I could reach you,” she said. After hearing her complaints, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba directed that she be assisted and assured her that he would personally follow up on the matter before leaving.

Speaking on the issue, the Executive Director of the Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA), MsTusekelege Joune, said cases involving missing ATM cards should normally be resolved through CCTV footage and system checks. He said camera systems would typically show whether a customer attempted a withdrawal or whether a card was intercepted.

“If the bank has no evidence that the card was stuck, then it becomes difficult to verify what exactly happened,” she said. However, she noted that customers are often educated on protecting their PIN numbers when using ATMs, warning that fraudsters sometimes install devices to capture card details and secret codes.

“There are criminals who attach devices that trap cards while hidden cameras capture PIN numbers,” she said, noting that a customer may think the card is stuck, but in reality it has been stolen along with the PIN. She added that if investigations confirm negligence or system failure on the bank’s side then compensation responsibility could arise.

Under the 2019 regulations published in the Government Gazette by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) financial institutions are required to protect customers’ funds and provide clear information on fraud prevention. The regulations also require banks to educate customers on transaction safety and offer clear complaint-handling procedures.

Customers who remain dissatisfied with bank resolutions are allowed to escalate their complaints to the Central Bank for further review. .