Category: The Citizen

Mwanza. The East African Community (EAC) has launched its 2025 report on the state of the Lake Victoria Basin — the first of its kind — featuring nine chapters that provide an in-depth assessment of the lake region’s current conditions.

The report analyses a range of challenges affecting the lake, including ecological degradation, environmental pressures, urban planning gaps, industrial growth, employment trends, tourism, and transport infrastructure such as roads, railways and inland water transport systems. Speaking on May 20, 2026 during a preparatory meeting ahead of the climax of the Lake Victoria Day commemorations scheduled for May 21, 2026 — marking 30 years since the MV Bukoba ferry disaster — the Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Dr Bwire Masinde, said urgent intervention is needed to rescue the lake.

Dr Masinde said the lake’s condition, particularly in major urban centres such as Mwanza City, continues to deteriorate due to severe environmental pollution. He noted that plastic waste and other solid refuse are still being dumped into the lake, accelerating ecosystem damage.

“Over the years, the state of Lake Victoria has continued to worsen. Experts warn that if urgent measures are not taken, within the next 30 to 50 years it may become extremely difficult to restore it to its original condition,” said Dr Masinde.

He added that several fish species that were once abundant have begun to disappear due to environmental destruction and unsustainable fishing practices. “We must act now.

Fish that were once plentiful have declined significantly. If we do not restore the lake’s environment before pollution intensifies further, some species may disappear completely,” he warned.

Dr Masinde further noted that Nile perch, a key economic species and a major source of food for communities around the lake, has declined sharply. Tilapia stocks have also reduced, while indigenous fish species continue to vanish.

He stressed the need for robust strategies to promote sustainable fishing while safeguarding drinking water quality, warning that solid waste entering the lake eventually turns toxic, posing serious health risks to surrounding communities. The report also highlights a worrying rise in illegal fishing activities across the Lake Victoria region.

The use of poison, prohibited nets and other illegal technologies continues to spread across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Dr Masinde called on relevant authorities to strengthen patrols and enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal fishing within the lake.

“We commend the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for the steps it is taking, and Uganda has also made significant efforts. However, it is still not enough.

Communities themselves must take ownership of the fight against illegal fishing,” he said. He warned that the use of poison in fishing poses a direct health threat, as fish caught using toxic substances are consumed by the same communities that harvest them.

“Communities must understand that stopping illegal fishing is their responsibility. It is difficult to comprehend how one can knowingly consume poisoned fish and share it with family and neighbours,” he added.

Dr Masinde further observed that there has been a rise in non-communicable diseases, including cancer, in the Lake Victoria region. He noted that in the 1960s such illnesses were rare in the area, but today referral hospitals such as Ocean Road in Tanzania, alongside facilities in Kisumu, Kenya, and Kampala, Uganda, are receiving increasing numbers of cancer patients from the region.

He said the East African Community has developed short-, medium- and long-term strategies to address the multiple challenges facing the lake. On his part, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania Resident Representative, Amon Manyama, said Lake Victoria remains a vital resource for citizens of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

“We would like to see all citizens — youth, women, the elderly and other groups — benefiting from the resources of Lake Victoria,” said Mr Manyama. He said UNDP’s contribution includes supporting research to determine the level of pollution in the lake and identifying effective solutions, including the use of technology to remove water hyacinth.

He added that such innovations could help convert the invasive weed into fertiliser and animal feed, while plastic waste could be recycled into new products, creating economic opportunities for youth and women. On safety, Mr Manyama said governments have introduced ambulances, constructed emergency monitoring stations and strengthened patrol services using specialised boats to assist lake users.

He noted that these interventions are also expected to boost tourism in the Lake Victoria region. UNDP, he said, has already conducted an assessment of tourism attractions in Tanzania’s Lake Zone regions, with a promotional campaign set to begin soon, starting with Ukerewe Island, which has been identified as a unique destination.

The Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr Alfred Okidi, called for stronger collective action to improve the state of Lake Victoria, involving governments, development partners, the private sector and citizens. He said the key responsibility of relevant institutions is to ensure sustainable management of resources in the Lake Victoria Basin, which spans five East African countries — Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

Dr Okidi added that the Lake Victoria Day commemorations were approved by the sectoral Council of Ministers and East African Community leadership, with May 21 designated annually for the observance. He recalled that the day holds particular significance for Tanzania, as it coincides with the commemoration of the MV Bukoba disaster, which claimed hundreds of lives from Tanzania and across East Africa.

For the first time, the commemorations are being held alongside academic discussions bringing together stakeholders from various sectors within member states to examine environmental pollution challenges, regional cooperation and financing mechanisms for development and conservation projects. Experts participating in the discussions presented recommendations submitted for funding consideration.

Overall, strategic projects worth more than US$2 billion are required urgently to restore and protect Lake Victoria. The launch of the report, which was funded by the German Development Agency (GIZ).

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania continues to train thousands of future teachers every year, but new research suggests that many enter classrooms during practicum placements unprepared, insufficiently supported and overwhelmed — raising concerns about the long-term quality of education.

A study by the University of Dodoma has highlighted challenges facing teacher trainees during teaching practicum, including fear of classroom management, lack of mentorship, professional isolation and shortages of teaching and learning materials in schools. The study, titled Enhancing Teacher Training: A SWOT Perspective on Practicum Experiences in Tanzanian Higher Education, was conducted by researcher Mariam John Nyang’anyi and published in the Journal of Educational Management and Policy Issues (2025).

Based on interviews, classroom observations and document analysis involving 12 teacher trainees placed in secondary schools in Morogoro Region, the research presents a detailed account of the practicum experience in Tanzania. At the centre of the findings is the argument that improving education quality is closely linked to strengthening teacher preparation, particularly the practicum component where trainees first encounter real classroom environments.

“The teaching practicum is essential for bridging theory and practice,” the study notes, adding that it helps trainees develop teaching skills through lesson delivery, planning and feedback. However, the findings show that many trainees are not adequately prepared for the emotional and psychological demands of teaching.

A key concern identified was what researchers termed “self-doubting tendencies”, with trainees reporting difficulties in public speaking, maintaining classroom discipline and managing large classes. “I experience considerable shyness when speaking loudly in front of groups, leading to uncertainty and recurring insecurity in social teaching situations,” said one trainee, identified as Alex.

Another trainee, Grace, said she still found it difficult to discipline students despite completing two practicum sessions. “Despite completing two practicums, I hesitate to discipline students due to uncertainty about the outcomes,” she said.

The study raises questions about whether teacher training institutions are adequately preparing students beyond academic theory to include emotional readiness and classroom confidence. According to the researchers, such challenges can weaken teaching effectiveness and ultimately affect learner outcomes.

A student teacher from Dar es Salaam, who completed practicum training in Coast Region and requested anonymity, said lack of guidance in schools remains a major challenge. “You arrive at school excited, but sometimes nobody guides you properly.

Some teachers see you as extra work instead of future colleagues,” she said, adding that feedback was often limited. The study similarly found that weak mentorship and professional isolation from experienced teachers were major barriers affecting trainees’ development.

“The isolation I observed from in-service teachers reduces my concentration on teaching efforts,” said another trainee, identified as Hellen. Researchers also cited poor infrastructure and shortages of learning materials as key constraints.

Observations revealed overcrowded classrooms, limited laboratory access and inadequate teaching resources, forcing trainees to rely heavily on improvisation. Despite these challenges, the study noted several positive outcomes from the practicum experience.

Many trainees reported improvements in lesson planning, communication skills, classroom interaction and creativity. Some said the experience helped them connect theoretical knowledge to real classroom practice, while others noted gains in resilience and adaptability.

The researchers recommend reforms including stronger collaboration between universities and schools, structured mentorship systems, emotional resilience training, improved classroom management preparation and better assessment of practicum placement schools. They also call for increased investment in school resources, particularly in rural areas where conditions remain most challenging.

The study concludes that the practicum can either serve as a critical bridge into the teaching profession or become a discouraging experience that pushes young teachers away from classrooms. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed nine judges to the Court of Appeal of Tanzania in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s highest appellate court.

According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications at State House and signed by Chief Secretary Ambassador Moses Kusiluka, the appointees include serving High Court judges and principal judges from various divisions across the country. Those appointed are Justice Abdi Shaaban Kagomba of the High Court, Dodoma Zone; Justice Yohane Bokobora Masara of the High Court, Arusha Zone; and Justice Immaculata Kajetan Banzi, Principal Judge of the High Court in Kagera Region.

Others are Justice Rabia Hussein Mohamed of the High Court of Zanzibar; Justice Cyprian Phocas Mkeha, Principal Judge of the Commercial Division of the High Court in Dar es Salaam; and Justice Yose Joseph Mlyambina, Principal Judge of the Labour Division of the High Court in Dar es Salaam. The list also includes Justice Imani Daud Aboud of the High Court, Dodoma Zone; Justice Mzee Ibrahim Ibrahim of the High Court of Zanzibar; and Justice Juliana Laurent Masabo, Principal Judge of the High Court in Dodoma.

The statement added that the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Court of Appeal judges will be conducted on a date to be announced later. .

Dar es Salaam. Stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to appoint a special criminal investigation commission to probe violence linked to the October 29, 2025 General Election, with some describing it as an opportunity for accountability while others question whether it can win public trust.

President Hassan announced the formation of the new commission on Monday through a statement issued by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka. According to the statement, the ‘Criminal Investigation Commission on Violent Incidents During and after the 2025 General Election’ has been formed under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32. The commission will be chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Shabani Ally Lila, alongside retired High Court judges Gad John Mjemmas, Awadhi Mohamed Bawazir and Aishieli Nelson Sumari as commissioners.

The move marks another significant phase in Tanzania’s response to violence that erupted during and after the 2025 General Election, leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured. The newly appointed body is expected to conduct deeper criminal investigations into killings, disappearances and alleged abuses reported during the unrest as the government faces continued pressure from opposition parties, civil society organisations and sections of the international community to ensure accountability and national reconciliation.

Some analysts believe the newly established commission could still provide an important opportunity for the country to rebuild trust and strengthen long-term stability if it conducts its work independently and transparently. A political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Ali Makame Ussi, said the commission now carries the responsibility of ensuring that the process gains public confidence and meets citizens’ expectations on accountability.

“The commission has a major task of ensuring that it earns the trust of the public and achieves the objective of holding those responsible accountable, as many citizens expect,” he said. According to Prof Ussi, the success of the process would play an important role in helping Tanzania restore unity and achieve lasting peace and stability.

“If the process is handled properly and fairly, it will help the nation return to unity and long-term calm,” he said. A lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie, said the commission faces a significant credibility test from the outset.

“The first responsibility before the commission is to build public trust so that its findings can help remove the country from the current deadlock,” he said. Dr Loisulie noted that divisions that emerged before and after the election had not yet healed because opposing sides still remained far apart.

“Even the earlier report did not unite the country. It was itself received in a divided manner,” he said.

He warned that the commission could face resistance from different groups unless wider national consensus was first established. However, National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa, said the country still lacked a clear consensus on the best path forward.

“As a nation, it is as if we still do not fully understand what we want and what we should do to achieve it,” he said. Mr Olengurumwa argued that the country needed a broader and more transparent process built around public participation, truth-seeking, reconciliation and institutional reforms.

“We should undertake something we are certain will help us move forward,” he said. For her part, Human rights activist Dr Ananilea Nkya said another major challenge would be whether the commission could independently investigate and identify suspects who may still occupy positions within state institutions.

“People are already exhausted, traumatised and frustrated. Some of the suspects in the killings could still be among leaders within government structures, and many fear the commission may struggle to openly address that,” she said.

Religious leaders have also weighed in on the debate, urging the commission to pursue truth and responsibility without fear. Bishop Amon Kinyunyu of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania said the new body should now focus on identifying those responsible for the violence and recommending practical accountability measures.

“The earlier commission helped explain what happened. This criminal commission must now identify the people responsible and ensure accountability measures are taken in order to help heal the nation,” he said.

For political parties, Deputy Secretary for Information, Publicity and Public Relations at ACT Wazalendo, Ms Shangwe Ayo, said the party still preferred an independent international investigation. “We still see the same situation as before.

Just as we did not support the previous commission, we do not see how this new commission will help us obtain anything meaningful,” she said. “Our position remains unchanged.

We believe only an independent international investigation will help establish the truth about what happened on October 29.” Vice Chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Joseph Selasini, also questioned whether the process would help restore public confidence. “The leaders are trying to avoid accountability.

The earlier report was not positively received by sections of society,” he said. Mr Selasini warned that creating another commission based on recommendations from a process already rejected by some groups risked deepening divisions rather than resolving them.

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Kibaha. A research centre focusing on development and poverty alleviation strategies inspired by the philosophy and approaches of Chinese President Xi Jinping has been launched on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Kibaha, Tanzania’s Coast Region.

The centre has been launched as Southern African liberation movements seek new approaches to transform their economies and alleviate poverty. The centre, established at the Mwalimu Nyerere Leadership School, is expected to serve as a platform for leaders and officials from six Southern African liberation movements to study China’s development experience and exchange ideas on improving citizens’ welfare.

The facility has already received more than 200 books and publications detailing China’s economic policies, poverty reduction strategies, and development experience, which Chinese authorities say contributed to lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty between 2012 and 2021. Leaders attending the launch represented liberation movements from six countries, including Tanzania’s CCM, South Africa’s ANC, Namibia’s SWAPO, Angola’s MPLA, Mozambique’s FRELIMO, and Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF. Speaking during the launch, CCM Secretary-General, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, said the longstanding solidarity among Southern African liberation movements should be preserved because it continues to play an important role in promoting development across the region.

She said the establishment of the centre marks a new chapter of cooperation aimed at strengthening efforts to combat poverty through the exchange of development experiences and policy ideas. “This unity has a long history linked to the liberation and development of our people.

We believe this centre will strengthen efforts to fight poverty and improve the lives of citizens,” she said. Head of the Tanzanian delegation, Mr Richard Kasesela, said the centre would become an important hub for learning how China implemented its development strategies and transformed the lives of millions of citizens within a relatively short period.

He said leaders and officials from the participating movements are expected to meet regularly for training on rural development, infrastructure investment, use of technology, and economic empowerment initiatives. “China has shown how practical development policies can rapidly improve people’s lives.

This is valuable experience for African countries seeking economic transformation,” he said. Principal of the Mwalimu Nyerere Leadership School, Prof Marcelina Chijoliga, said the centre was established through cooperation among the secretaries-general of the six liberation movements and would strengthen the institution’s role in leadership and development training.

“This is a leadership institution where we train different groups, including public servants and private sector stakeholders, to strengthen their skills and improve performance in their responsibilities,” she said. According to organisers, the centre is expected to strengthen cooperation between China and Southern African countries, build leadership capacity, and support research on strategies for reducing poverty and improving economic development.

Many countries within the Southern African bloc continue to face significant economic challenges despite possessing abundant natural resources. Tanzania, for example, continues to invest heavily in infrastructure projects such as the standard gauge railway, energy, ports, and mining, while a large share of the rural population still depends on agriculture for livelihoods.

South Africa, despite remaining Africa’s largest economy, continues to struggle with high unemployment and widening income inequality. Zimbabwe is still battling inflation and economic instability that continue to affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

Angola and Mozambique remain heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues, while unemployment and limited social services continue to be major public concerns. Namibia also faces persistent unemployment, particularly among young people, alongside growing concerns over income inequality.

The alliance among Southern African liberation movements dates back to the 1960s during anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles, when the parties worked together politically and diplomatically to support independence movements across the region. Under the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania played a central role in supporting liberation movements by providing shelter, training, and logistical assistance to freedom fighters from different Southern African countries.

Following independence, the liberation movements continued to maintain political, economic, and social cooperation aimed at advancing regional solidarity and improving the welfare of citizens. .

Dar es Salaam. Equity for Tanzania Limited (EFTA) has officially listed its corporate bond on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) after raising Sh33.04 billion, more than double its initial target.

The bond, issued under the EFTA Corporate Bond programme, surpassed its Sh15 billion target, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s leasing-based financing model and the growing strength of Tanzania’s capital markets. The offer opened on February 10, 2026 and closed on March 16, 2026, attracting strong participation from both retail and institutional investors.

Speaking during the listing ceremony, EFTA Managing Director Nicomed Bohay said the oversubscription demonstrated growing trust in the company’s business model and signalled a broader shift in how Tanzanian firms are raising capital. “These results reflect trust in the EFTA business model and Tanzania’s capital markets,” he said.

“The strong demand for high-quality fixed-income instruments has strengthened our funding position and supported our strategy to diversify capital sources by moving away from foreign currency loans in US dollars and euros and instead securing long-term financing in Tanzanian shillings.” Mr Bohay said the move would reduce exchange rate exposure and improve financial sustainability.

He said that proceeds from the bond would be used to expand EFTA’s financing of productive equipment, particularly in agriculture, transport and machinery sectors. The listing was welcomed by the DSE, which described the bond as a landmark issuance with wider economic significance beyond the capital market.

DSE Chief Executive Officer Peter Nalitolela said Tanzania’s capital markets had recorded strong growth over the past five years through increased issuances and innovative financing instruments. “Over the last five years, capital markets in Tanzania have experienced impressive growth in terms of successive issuances and the introduction of innovative ways of raising capital,” he said.

Mr Nalitolela said the EFTA bond stood out because of its alignment with national development priorities, particularly in agriculture, SME financing and financial inclusion. “This bond has multiplier effects on the Tanzanian economy.

It aligns with SME financing frameworks, agricultural financing and expanding financial inclusion,” he said. He added that the initiative also supports the country’s Development Vision 2050, which aims to build a resilient, inclusive and industrialised economy.

“Through EFTA’s business model, which uses agricultural machinery, we are shifting from traditional tools to more mechanised systems that enhance productivity,” he said. Meanwhile, Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) Director General Nicodemus Mkama said the successful issuance reflected government efforts to deepen financial markets and improve access to capital for productive sectors.

He described EFTA’s performance as one of the standout bond issuances of early 2026 after raising Sh33 billion against a Sh15 billion target. “These funds will be used to finance productive equipment such as tractors, processing machines, cargo and tourism vehicles, as well as mining and construction machinery,” Mr Mkama said.

He added that EFTA had become the first financial-sector company to offer leasing services through a publicly listed bond on the DSE. According to CMSA data, 99.4 percent of investors were local, with retail investors accounting for 95.4 percent, highlighting growing domestic participation in Tanzania’s capital markets.

Institutional investors accounted for the remaining 4.5 percent.

Mr Mkama attributed the strong uptake to policy incentives, including the removal of withholding tax on bond interest and the reduction of the minimum investment threshold from Sh1 million to Sh100,000, which widened participation among youth and women investors. He also cited digital platforms such as CRDB Bank’s SimBanking application for simplifying subscription and payment processes, alongside public financial education campaigns that improved investor awareness.

CMSA said it would continue strengthening the regulatory environment to encourage more public and private entities to raise capital through bonds, equities and collective investment schemes. .

In most African countries, efforts to alleviate poverty from the side of the mainstream systems, meaning governments, are crowded by the entangling webs of corruption. This corruption comes in variety, from rigging elections and denying right people the political power, to systemic embezzlement, manipulation of data and statistics, patronage networks, procurement frauds, tax frauds, etc.

In some cases countries remain poor because corruption punctuates the entire governance structures. It should be concerning when extravagance is hidden in the very processes of public service delivery.

The priority of public servants should be to deliver the services, meaning that funds are controlled to make the most for the end beneficiaries, meaning the general public. The fanciness of the process or the public servants is not a priority of public service, and it is unfortunate where it has been made that way.

In a third world country it should not be taken lightly that the health minister publicly displayed the national health budget carried in an ultra-luxury Louis Vuitton bag, costing over $5,000 (Over Sh13 million). Tanzania is not only a third world country, it is among the poorest in the bottom third globally, with about 49 percent of the population living below basic needs line ($2 per day, or Sh5,000), and about 51.35 percent experiencing multidimensional poverty involving lack of education, health, living standards, and income.

(Source: World Bank Open Data). With the resources Tanzania has, in the ideal sense we can say there is a possibility for growth.

But with the way things work, we can hardly rise from where we are because of misplaced priorities and sham patriotism on the side of those entrusted with governance. With our health system being underfunded and many people needing financial assistance in healthcare, luxury should be the last thing that comes to mind.

In fact a fair portion of our budgets is donor-funded, in the health budget above 20 percent. A culture of extravagance, when nurtured from above, it grows deeper roots in the lower levels as there will be no moral justification for overseeing lower levels of governance with regards to fiscal responsibility.

The result of this is chaos and irresponsibility where everyone in the government gets to look for best ways of fetching the public funds for themselves. It is a similar thing that happens when the government implements projects, where houses costs hundreds of millions and bridges cost incomprehensible billions.

The allocations in paper are deliberately disproportionate to the actual work for the personal benefits of leaders. In a country with so much poverty and many deaths that could be prevented if all resources were apportioned as allocated, no one is questioned or convicted after government audits.

If at all there are independent and functioning internal government’s purchases control bodies, such unnecessary purchases could have been flagged, if at all it was purchased by government funds. Of course the answer from the political actors will always be “NO!” Reports of CAG come and go with no one being held responsible for anything among the big fish.

It is because we have normalised corruption. As a nation with a predominantly young population, Tanzania might be heading towards irredeemable poverty if governance continues to be a circus.

With all the complaints in every sector, and especially the health sector, the government should discern what to do and do it well. There are people who die for lack of a mere Sh10,000 for purchasing medicine.

The bureaucracy and deceit is over the board, and no one is held accountable. Whatever the story behind the scandalous ultra-luxury customised Louis Vuitton budget bag, and other scarier stories of luxurious living among the leadership circle, the message that has gone around is that our leaders are extremely extravagant, and therefore have different priorities from the service they ought to deliver.

At a local community level, the price of such luxury can go a long way to make change if it translates into services. The sum of Sh13 million, which can buy over 20 quality hospital beds, should not be used to buy a bag for carrying papers of the national health budget.

The priority is not the budget papers, but to deliver quality service to the maximum capacity of our funds. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Taifa Stars have been handed a tough route to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers after being drawn in Group L alongside Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, setting up a challenging campaign for the East African nation as they target a place in the continental finals co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Nigeria national football team remain among Africa’s most successful sides, bringing multiple AFCON titles and World Cup experience, and are widely seen as favourites to top the group. Their depth, physicality and tournament pedigree present a major test for Taifa Stars, who will need strong performances both home and away to stay competitive in the qualification race.

Madagascar national football team have also emerged as a dangerous side in recent years, highlighted by their impressive run to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2019, while Guinea-Bissau national football team continue to grow as consistent participants in continental competitions, making Group L one of the most balanced and unpredictable pools in the qualifiers. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the qualification campaign will begin on September 21, 2026, with the opening two match windows running until October 6 before resuming in November and concluding group fixtures in March 2027. A total of 48 teams, including co-hosts, are divided into 12 groups, with the top two from each group qualifying for the finals set for June 19 to July 17, 2027. For Taifa Stars, the draw offers both a stern test and an opportunity to measure progress against Africa’s elite.

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Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are intensifying efforts to accelerate digital integration across Eastern Africa as regional leaders seek to expand trade and improve economic competitiveness through technology-driven systems.

The renewed cooperation comes as the EAC targets increasing intra-regional trade to 40 percent by 2030, with digital platforms expected to play a critical role in trade facilitation, logistics, financial services and cross-border payment systems. The issue featured prominently during a joint EAC-IGAD media training workshop on the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking during the workshop, IGAD director for economic cooperation and regional integration, Mohyeldeen Eltohami Taha, said stronger digital collaboration was essential for transforming Eastern Africa into a more connected and competitive regional market. “We recognize that without informed citizens, regional integration cannot fully succeed,” said Dr Taha.

He noted that discussions on digital transformation have often remained confined to governments and technical institutions, limiting public understanding of the economic and social opportunities created by digitalisation. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the EAC economy is projected to grow by 5.

6 percent in 2026, above Africa’s average forecast growth of 4.3 percent.

The EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin for October to December 2025 indicates that the bloc’s total trade grew by 25.4 percent, increasing from $124.9 billion in 2024 to $156.6 billion in 2025. During the final quarter of 2025 alone, total EAC trade reached $42.4 billion, with exports accounting for $20.8 billion and imports standing at $21.6 billion. Despite the growth, intra-EAC trade amounted to $19.3 billion in 2025, representing only 12.3 percent of the bloc’s total trade volume, highlighting significant untapped potential for regional commerce.

EAC deputy secretary general for customs, trade and monetary affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, said digital integration could significantly strengthen trade among partner states through interoperable systems for commerce, payments and service delivery. Ms Ssemuwemba added that digital technologies were creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators and small businesses while accelerating economic integration across the region.

The World Bank-funded Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) aims to strengthen broadband connectivity, cybersecurity systems, digital trade frameworks and cross-border digital services to support the establishment of a single digital market in Eastern Africa. The project’s first phase covers Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan, while implementation is coordinated regionally through the EAC and IGAD.

Ms Ssemuwemba stressed that the success of digital transformation would depend not only on infrastructure investments and policy reforms but also on public awareness and understanding of opportunities within the digital economy. The workshop brought together journalists, communications officials and policymakers from across Eastern Africa to discuss digital trade, cybersecurity, connectivity and governance initiatives shaping the region’s economic future.

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Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, today to participate in the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa 2026 (NEISA 2026).

According to a statement issued by the Director of Presidential Communications at State House, Mr Bakari Machumu, the summit will bring together government leaders, policymakers, investors, regulators and stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss the role of nuclear energy in strengthening energy security, industrialisation and sustainable development across Africa. “The summit will bring together government leaders, policymakers, investors, regulators and stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss the role of nuclear energy in strengthening energy security, industrialisation and sustainable development across Africa,” the statement said.

It added that “NEISA 2026 provides Tanzania with an opportunity to participate in Africa’s agenda on the safe use of nuclear technology in energy, health, agriculture, industry and research.” .