Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPPs) has given opposition party Chadema until 3.

30pm on May 20 to submit a detailed explanation as to why it should not face disciplinary sanctions, including suspension, a fine, or both, for allegedly breaching laws governing political conduct in the country. However, Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika told The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, that the party was preparing its response and was not yet ready to publicly disclose the full details of its defence.

The threat follows a letter referenced HA.322/362/16A/22 dated May 7, 2026, accusing Chadema’s senior leadership and Central Committee of issuing statements that contravene the Political Parties Act.

According to the Registrar, the party has engaged in activities capable of causing a breach of peace and threatening national security. The letter states that among the allegations are remarks made by Chadema Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania John Heche, who is accused of calling for nationwide demonstrations to pressure the Judiciary into releasing party chairman Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing court proceedings.

The ORPPs argue that such calls amount to an unlawful attempt to interfere with judicial independence. Furthermore, the Registrar cited remarks by Chadema Korogwe District chairman Oliver Kisaka, who reportedly praised the “firmness” of residents in Kibamba and Ubungo during unrest on October 29, 2025, suggesting that “major reforms” could emerge from such demonstrations.

The Registrar interpreted the remarks as inciting political unrest and glorifying violence. The letter also objected to a May 5, 2026, statement issued by the Chadema Central Committee, saying it allegedly used defamatory and insulting language against President Samia Suluhu Hassan and State security agencies, accusing them of human rights abuses and “trampling” on citizens’ rights.

Clarification from deputy registrar When contacted regarding the threats, Deputy Registrar of Political Parties Sisty Nyahoza clarified the legal measures the office was considering. He stressed that the current proceedings concern suspension of registration, which differs from complete deregistration.

“Suspension occurs when the Registrar halts a party’s registration, meaning that for a specified period the party is barred from conducting political or party activities,” explained Mr Nyahoza. He compared the situation to a student being sent home for breaching school rules rather than being expelled.

However, he noted that considering the “seriousness of the offences”, the office could impose suspension, a fine, or both if the party’s explanation is found insufficient. Mr Nyahoza stressed that although the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it does not provide room for breaking the law or pressuring courts through “street protests.

” He noted that other political parties, including ACT-Wazalendo, had addressed similar matters without using the “inflammatory language” allegedly used by Chadema. Stakeholders react with alarm The threat against Chadema has triggered condemnation from political stakeholders and academics, many of whom view the move as an attack on democracy.

Former ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe criticised the Registrar’s office on social media, accusing it of acting as the “12th player” for the ruling CCM. He argued that the State was ignoring its own shortcomings while targeting opposition parties.

“We consider any threat against Chadema to be a threat against democracy itself,” Mr Kabwe wrote on his X account, formerly Twitter, warning the Registrar that “Tanzanians are not fools.” Similarly, ACT-Wazalendo Secretary-General Ado Shaibu warned that banning or suspending Chadema could “plunge the country into a political crisis.

” He said CCM leaders had committed several mistakes without facing threats of suspension, suggesting double standards in the Registrar’s oversight. A political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, expressed concern that the Registrar had become a “taskmaster” instead of a guardian of political parties.

He warned that suspending Chadema would tear apart the country’s “political fabric” and undermine the ongoing reconciliation process, given that Chadema remains a key stakeholder in the efforts. Dr Mbunda said such confrontational politics benefit only a few people while oppressing many others, potentially plunging the country into deeper political uncertainty.

Political science lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Paul Loisulie, said the Registrar of Political Parties risks deepening political divisions because many Tanzanians perceive recent actions against Chadema as oppressive. He said the party had been sidelined from political activities for a year while its chairman remained in custody, creating a perception that the Registrar was harassing opposition parties rather than promoting reforms.

Dr Loisulie argued that restricting political activities would not silence criticism, noting that even if Chadema was prevented from speaking, others would continue raising concerns. “Lasting solutions could only be achieved through political consensus and dialogue among stakeholders, although reaching such a consensus remained difficult under the current political climate in Tanzania amid growing tensions between political actors,” he observed.

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Dar es Salaam. Chief Executive Officer of GSM Group, Aisha Mohamed, has described the planned 20,000-seater stadium for Young Africans (Yanga) as a transformational project that will reshape the future of football infrastructure development in Tanzania.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the landmark project in Dar es Salaam, Aisha said the proposed stadium is not only important for Yanga supporters, but also for the wider growth of sports business and infrastructure in the country. “Today marks an important milestone not only for Yanga, but also for the future of sports infrastructure development in Tanzania,” said Aisha during the ceremony attended by government leaders, Yanga executives, club members, supporters, and stakeholders from the sports sector.

The project is expected to provide Yanga with a modern football home capable of hosting local and international matches while boosting the club’s commercial potential. According to Aisha, GSM’s involvement in the project is built on a long-standing relationship with Yanga that has existed for more than a decade.

“For over a decade, GSM Group has proudly supported Yanga through different stages of its growth and transformation,” she said. She noted that during that period, the club has evolved into a professionally managed institution with strong ambition, improved performance, and a growing international reputation.

Aisha explained that GSM secured the project following a rigorous and competitive tender process that involved technical evaluations and strategic discussions aimed at identifying a capable development partner. “We are honoured that GSM emerged successfully through what was a competitive, transparent, and rigorous tender process,” she stated.

She emphasized that the project requires more than financial investment, saying successful delivery will depend on technical expertise, project management discipline, and long-term commitment. “At GSM, we believe this project requires more than financial participation.

It requires execution capability. It requires project management discipline.

It requires long-term commitment,” she added. The CEO stressed that GSM’s experience in managing large-scale operations and infrastructure projects in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, real estate, and industrial development gives the company confidence in delivering the stadium successfully.

She said the company will bring together world-class contractors, experienced engineers, technical specialists, and professional project management teams to ensure the stadium is built to the highest standards. She said that project will become one of the most ambitious privately-driven sports infrastructure investments in Tanzania, especially at a time when many football clubs across Africa are seeking financial sustainability through modern facilities.

One of the major highlights of the agreement is the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly owned by GSM and Yanga to oversee the stadium’s development. According to Aisha, the structure is designed to ensure alignment, accountability, and long-term sustainability between both parties.

“This will not simply be a contractor-client arrangement. The stadium will be developed through an SPV jointly owned by GSM and Yanga,” she explained.

She added that the arrangement demonstrates GSM’s confidence in the future success of the project and its commitment to working closely with Yanga leadership throughout the development process. Beyond infrastructure, Aisha acknowledged the emotional significance of the stadium to millions of Yanga supporters, popularly known as Wananchi.

“For millions of Yanga supporters, this is a dream that has existed for generations,” she said. “A dream of having a true home that reflects the stature, history, and success of this great club.

” She noted that GSM understands the responsibility attached to the project and pledged to maintain high standards in governance, quality, and execution. “Our commitment is clear, to deliver a stadium built to the highest standards and work closely with the leadership of Yanga to ensure this becomes a landmark development that the whole nation is proud of,” she said.

Aisha also praised Yanga’s leadership for showing courage and vision in pursuing a project of such magnitude. “Transformational projects require institutions willing to think long term, make difficult decisions, and build for future generations,” she noted.

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Arusha. The government has hailed the continued growth and resilience of Tanzania’s financial sector, while calling on banks and financial institutions to expand access to formal banking services for millions of Tanzanians still excluded from the system.

Speaking during the Shareholders Investment Day organised by CRDB Bank Plc at the Arusha International Conference Centre on May 15, Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar said the country’s financial sector has continued to record impressive growth driven by reforms, innovation and increasing investor confidence. He said the government remains committed to building a strong, inclusive and competitive financial sector capable of accelerating economic and social transformation through the National Development Vision 2050, the Financial Sector Development Master Plan and the National Financial Inclusion Framework.

Mr Omar said the value of investments in Tanzania’s capital markets rose by 33.7 percent from S7.2 trillion in 2024 to Sh63.1 trillion in 2025 while share and bond trading increased by 91 percent. “This is a clear indication of growing investor confidence and the increasing ability of the capital markets to mobilise resources for economic development,” Mr Omar said.

He noted that the banking subsector, which accounts for more than 71 percent of all financial sector assets, has continued to expand significantly over the past four years. Banking sector assets increased from Sh39.3 trillion in 2021 to Sh77 trillion in 2025, while deposits rose from Sh28.5 trillion to Sh53.5 trillion and loans increased from Sh20.8 trillion to S6.7 trillion over the same period.

Mr Omar said the ratio of non-performing loans tototal gross loans dropped from 5.8 percent in 2021 to 2.

8 percent in 2025, reflecting improved asset quality and growing sector stability. Despite the progress, he cautioned that access to banking services remains low among Tanzanians.

Citing the 2023 FinScope survey, Mr Omar said only 22 percent of Tanzanians currently use banking services, urging financial institutions to innovate and introduce deliberate measures to reach the remaining 78 percent. “My call to our banks is to continue innovating and taking deliberate steps to ensure more Tanzanians access formal banking services,” he said.

Mr Omar also underscored the importance of involving young people in capital markets through shares, bonds and collective investment schemes, saying youth remain central to productivity, innovation and technological advancement. He commended CRDB Bank Plc for its growing contribution to the national economy, noting that the bank currently accounts for nearly 29 percent of all private sector lending in Tanzania.

The minister said CRDB recorded a net profit after tax of Sh725 billion in 2025 and expressed confidence that the bank could soon reach the Sh1 trillion mark in annual profits. He also praised the bank’s role in promoting innovative financial products, including the Samia Infrastructure Bond, green bonds and Sharia-compliant financial instruments such as Sukuk.

Mr Omar further hailed CRDB’s regional expansion into Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as plans to enter the Kenyan and Zambian markets, describing the move as an important milestone in positioning Tanzania within the international financial landscape. He also urged banks to protect minority shareholders and address public concerns over lending rates and transaction charges.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed that our services should leave Tanzanians smiling,” he said. Earlier, the chairperson of the board of CRDB Bank Plc, Prof Neema Mori, said the number of investors in the bank had increased from 30,000 in 2021 to 89,000 currently, with the majority being young people.

She said the bank would continue strengthening corporate governance, investing in technology, expanding financial inclusion initiatives and creating more value for shareholders. Meanwhile, Denmark’s ambassador to Tanzania, Jesper Kammersgaard, said cooperation between Denmark, through Danida, and CRDB dates back to the mid-1990s and has played a key role in strengthening the institution’s capacity.

He said Denmark would continue supporting CRDB to ensure the bank remains resilient and sustainable as millions of Tanzanians increasingly depend on banking systems in their daily lives. Mr Kammersgaard also commended CRDB for successfully migrating to a new core banking system, describing the move as a sign of institutional maturity and long-term commitment to customer service improvement.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition to provide clean and safe water to its growing population will depend on a radical shift towards public-private partnerships (PPPs), stakeholders have said.

Speaking at a recent water forum organised by the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), they warned that Vision 2050 targets could remain unattainable without stronger private sector participation. Addressing the event, former Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and executive director of the Wajibu Institute of Public Accountability, Mr Ludovick Utouh, described the country’s water situation as a “crisis” rooted in a lingering socialist mindset that continues to view private investment with suspicion.

Presenting a paper titled Tanzania PPP Crisis, Mr Utouh argued that although the country has enacted laws, including the PPP Act, Chapter 103, implementation remains weak because of poor enforcement and institutional resistance. “There is still a mindset where people think the private sector is undesirable and unwanted.

With that situation, it becomes difficult to see how PPPs will contribute 70 percent to the successful implementation of Vision 2050,” he said. Mr Utouh said Tanzania faces a significant execution gap, noting that some local government authorities avoid PPP arrangements and instead label them “joint ventures” to bypass oversight from the PPPC.

“Some officials avoid the PPP framework because oversight limits opportunities for corruption and informal commissions,” he said. He also pointed to structural weaknesses within the sector, revealing that Tanzania has only 14 certified PPP professionals against a target of 40. To address the challenges, Mr Utouh called for a “100 percent turn” in national culture to embrace private investment and transparent procurement systems.

He urged the government to publish the long-awaited PPP procurement guide and a consolidated implementation manual adapted from regional models such as Kenya and Senegal. Mr Utouh further recommended automatic access to international arbitration mechanisms and the closure of loopholes that allow local authorities to evade oversight.

PPPC executive director, Mr David Kafulila, echoed the need for reforms, describing water as a cross-cutting issue linked to poverty reduction and public health. Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, Mr Kafulila said every dollar invested in water infrastructure saves four dollars in healthcare costs associated with waterborne diseases.

He added that Tanzania loses about 42 percent of its water through leakages, illegal connections and governance inefficiencies, costing the country an estimated Sh248 billion annually. “But do you think someone would illegally connect water if private investors had put their money there? It would be impossible.

That is why we want such interventions,” he said. Mr Kafulila said the PPPC is working to become a One Stop Centre to speed up investment procedures before legal vetting and reduce bureaucratic delays.

He said recent legal amendments allowing international arbitration through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) were a positive step, adding that the arrangement would be expanded to other bodies. A lecturer from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Abiud Bongole, said Tanzania possesses about 106 billion cubic metres of water resources but currently utilises only 54 percent because of inadequate storage and harvesting infrastructure.

“This is where PPPs can help us develop infrastructure that increases efficiency in water use, reduces losses, improves monitoring and lowers non-revenue water,” he said. Dr Bongole said irrigation remained another major challenge, noting that although 29.4 million hectares are suitable for irrigation, only 2.

5 percent had been utilised by 2022. He said achieving the country’s 2028 irrigation targets would require the development of at least 157,453 hectares annually, a task unlikely to be achieved through public financing alone. Representing the private sector, Tanzania United Contractors and Allied Services Association (TUCASA) secretary general, Mr Baraka Materu, said the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan seeks to mobilise Sh16 trillion from private investors.

“Sh16 trillion represents more than 68 percent of the projected investment requirement. The government must therefore strengthen investor confidence while ensuring greater participation of local investors,” he said.

The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Water and Environment, Mr Jackson Kiswaga, also backed greater private sector participation, saying the government’s more than 1,000 ongoing projects worth S trillion were struggling to match population growth and climate change pressures. “In the past, rivers in many villages flowed throughout the year, but today many have dried up because of climate change and environmental degradation,” he said.

Mr Kiswaga cited the success of Tanga’s Sh54 billion green bond as evidence that Tanzanians are willing to invest in infrastructure projects capable of generating returns. Deputy Minister for Water, Mr Kundo Mathew, said the government had prepared a private sector investment strategy for the 2026/27 financial year to support implementation of the national water grid project.

He said rural water access had reached 85.2 percent, but warned that achieving universal access by 2030 would require financing beyond the central government budget. “If we depend solely on government funding, the national water grid will remain a dream,” he said.

Mr Mathew invited domestic and foreign investors to participate in developing mini-grids that will form part of the national water network. Participants at the forum agreed that although Tanzania has established an adequate legal framework for PPPs, unlocking the country’s water potential will depend on transparent implementation, institutional reforms and a national shift in attitudes towards private sector participation.

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Dar es Salaam. Uganda has stepped up efforts to attract Tanzanian investors into its inaugural sovereign Sukuk issuance worth Pound 405 million (about Sh1.2 trillion).

The bond is part of efforts to seek alternative financing for its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project while deepening regional capital market integration. The Shari’ah-compliant bond, which includes a Pound 45 million greenshoe option, will partly finance the construction of the 272-kilometre SGR line linking Malaba on the Kenyan border to Kampala.

Uganda’s Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Patrick Ocailap, pitched the investment opportunity to Tanzanian investors and secondary market dealers during a Non-Deal Roadshow meeting held at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE). According to a statement shared by local Sukuk consultants, Yusra Sukuk Company Limited, Uganda opted for Sukuk financing as part of efforts to diversify funding sources for strategic infrastructure projects.

“The Sukuk is intended to finance 15 percent of the Pound 2.702 billion required for the construction of the Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway,” Mr Ocailap said.

The issuance, which is being arranged by Yusra Sukuk Company Limited, is expected to be launched globally in either the third or final week of June 2026. Ugandan officials said investor interest had already been strong following a series of regional and international roadshows, raising prospects of an oversubscribed offer. Yusra Sukuk Company Limited executive chairman, Sheikh Issa Mohamed, said the arranger had already engaged nearly 25 prospective investors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through virtual roadshows, alongside more than two dozen regional investors.

“Currently, we are conducting physical roadshows across East Africa, and we expect to travel to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia later this month, followed by South Africa, for further investor engagements,” he said. Ugandan authorities said additional subscriptions could be accommodated should demand exceed both the original issuance and the greenshoe option.

“We will not deny investors who want to participate in Uganda’s development,” Mr Ocailap said. He noted that the portion expected to be financed through the Sukuk would cover only about 42 kilometres of Uganda’s planned 1,724-kilometre SGR network.

Under the financing structure, development finance institutions are expected to fund 25 percent of the Malaba-Kampala railway project, while export credit agencies will provide 60 percent. The Sukuk issuance will finance the remaining 15 percent.

The Sukuk has been structured as a hybrid Forward Ijarah and Istisna instrument. Under the arrangement, the Ijarah component will provide semi-annual returns to investors, while the Istisna structure will finance construction works.

Uganda plans to issue the Sukuk in two tranches. The domestic and regional tranche will amount to Pound 205 million, alongside a Pound 30 million greenshoe option, while the international tranche will account for Pound 200 million with an additional Pound 15 million greenshoe option.

The regional tranche will be denominated in Ugandan shillings and US dollars, while the international tranche will be issued solely in US dollars. DSE chief business development officer, Emanuel Nyalali, welcomed the planned issuance, saying it would strengthen East Africa’s financial market integration and expand investment products available within the region.

“This Sukuk issuance is not only about East African market integration, but also financial and product integration, which will deepen regional capital markets,” he said. Mr Nyalali added that the DSE would cooperate with Ugandan authorities to facilitate cross-listing and investor participation in Tanzania.

The Sukuk will be issued through a special purpose vehicle, Uganda Treasury Sukuk1 Limited, which is wholly owned by the government of Uganda. The bond is expected to be cross-listed on several regional and international exchanges, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Dubai, the London Stock Exchange and Bursa Malaysia Ugandan authorities also said preparatory work for the SGR project was already underway, including land acquisition, feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and contractor mobilisation.

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Dodoma. The government has tabled a proposed Sh334 billion budget for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for the 2026/27 financial year, outlining ambitious plans to boost tourism, strengthen conservation, modernise digital systems and expand tourism infrastructure across the country.

Presenting the budget in Parliament on Friday, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said the sector remains a major pillar of the economy and employing millions of people directly and indirectly. “The sector contributes 30.9 percent of foreign exchange earnings, of which tourism accounts for 25 percent,” she said.

The minister said the government would continue investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, conservation and digital transformation as part of broader efforts to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP from 17 percent in 2025 to 20 percent by 2030. Among the key priorities in the new budget are the rehabilitation and construction of roads, airstrips, gates and accommodation facilities in protected areas, especially in strategic tourism circuits. The government has already completed the construction of three airstrips in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, while construction of the Mikumi airstrip is expected to be completed by October 2026. In addition, a total of 3,757 kilometres of roads and more than 523 kilometres of walking trails have been built or rehabilitated in protected areas to improve access to tourist attractions.

Dr Kijaji said the government would also continue upgrading tourism service infrastructure, including rest areas, entry gates and tourism information centres in forests and national parks. She said the investments were already producing results, especially in the southern tourism circuit, where visitor numbers rose from 197,402 to 205,520 between July 2025 and April 2026, while revenues increased from Sh24.6 billion to Sh27.7 billion.

The budget also prioritises digital reforms aimed at improving efficiency in the tourism and conservation sectors. Dr Kijaji said the ministry had upgraded its portal to improve licensing, tourist bookings, hunting permits and revenue collection systems.

“The improvements are intended to enhance user experience and integrate tourism systems for more efficient service delivery,” she said. The government has also introduced the Tanzania Travel Companion digital platform, which allows tourists to plan trips, book accommodation and access information about attractions before arriving in the country.

According to the minister, the platform includes AI-powered multilingual support in more than 56 international languages and is expected to play a major role during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). On wildlife conservation, the ministry highlighted the successful completion of the national wildlife census, conducted fully using domestic funds for the first time.

“The census results show positive growth and improved wildlife populations across different ecosystems,” Dr Kijaji said, adding that the data would support sustainable hunting, conservation planning and tourism investment decisions. The government also plans to continue strengthening the beekeeping subsector after honey exports rose by 67.85 percent from 951.6 tonnes in 2024 to 1,596.8 tonnes in 2025. Export earnings increased from Sh11.4 billion to Sh19.2 billion during the same period.

Dr Kijaji said Tanzania had also continued to gain international recognition after winning several global tourism awards, including being named the World’s Leading Safari Destination for the third consecutive year in 2025. She told Parliament that Tanzania received 5.9 million tourists in 2025, representing a 10.7 percent increase compared to 2024. Tourism earnings rose from $3.9 billion to $4.4 billion during the same period, she said.

The ministry oversees about 307,800 square kilometres of protected land, equivalent to 32.5 percent of Tanzania’s total land area. The areas include 21 national parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 29 game reserves and 465 forest reserves.

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Former England captain David Beckham has become Britain’s first billionaire sportsperson, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. Beckham and his wife, fashion entrepreneur and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, now have a combined fortune estimated at Pound 1.185 billion.

The sharp rise in the couple’s wealth has largely been driven by Beckham’s investment in Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club he co-owns in the United States. The club’s value increased significantly following the arrival of Argentine star Lionel Messi, while the Miami Freedom Park real estate project also boosted Beckham’s fortune.

Victoria Beckham’s fashion business, which reportedly generated more than Pound 100 million in revenue this year, also contributed to the milestone. The Sunday Times described Beckham’s achievement as historic, placing him among Britain’s wealthiest public figures and highlighting the growing commercial power of global sports brands beyond athletes’ playing careers.

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Arusha. Nigeria and Ghana are set to participate in the 2026 Karibu-Kilifair international tourism exhibition for the first time, as organisers intensify efforts to position Tanzania as a key tourism and business hub in Africa.

The two West African nations are among 13 countries expected to take part in this year’s exhibition, which will also bring together more than 546 exhibitors and at least 1,000 international buyers from over 40 countries. Speaking on Thursday, May 14, the director of Kilifair Promotion, Dominic Shoo, said preparations for the exhibition had been completed, with this year’s edition expected to be the largest since its establishment.

The event is scheduled to take place from June 4 to 6, 2026, at the Magereza Grounds in Arusha. Mr Shoo said the participation of Nigeria and Ghana for the first time signals the growing international recognition of the exhibition and Tanzania’s tourism sector.

“This year we have more than 546 exhibitors from 13 countries and at least 1,000 international buyers from over 40 countries. The networking opportunities and business engagements during the exhibition will be enormous,” he said.

Other participating countries include Tanzania, Germany, Zanzibar, Uganda, South Africa, Turkey, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Zambia. According to Mr Shoo, the exhibition seeks to bring together tourism stakeholders from within and outside Tanzania under one platform to strengthen business partnerships and market Tanzania’s tourism attractions globally.

Participants will have an opportunity to hold business meetings, exchange experiences and promote tourism products from Tanzania and other participating countries. The exhibition will officially be opened on June 5, 2026, by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji.

Mr Shoo said one of the highlights of this year’s exhibition will be a unique Mount Kilimanjaro climbing experience set up within the exhibition grounds. Participants will also compete in a special Mount Kilimanjaro challenge, where the winner will receive either a climbing trip to the mountain or a cash prize of Sh1 million.

He said the initiative aims to further market Tanzania through the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro while creating fresh excitement among both local and international participants. Apart from promoting tourism, the exhibition is also expected to boost the economy of Arusha through increased visitor arrivals and business activities during the event.

In another development, organisers have officially introduced a sports tourism segment in partnership with renowned Tanzanian long-distance runner Alphonce Simbu. Mr Shoo said Simbu will serve as an ambassador for sports tourism promotion as part of efforts to diversify tourism products showcased during the exhibition.

Meanwhile, tourism stakeholder Timothy Mdinka said the exhibition offers local tourism players a rare opportunity to connect directly with international buyers without incurring the high costs of travelling abroad. He said the introduction of sports and cultural tourism components would further strengthen the exhibition and help Tanzania attract more international tourists.

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Arusha. The government has invited Russian investors to partner with Tanzania private sector in tapping into opportunities arising from preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), as the two countries strengthen ties.

Authorities also highlighted wider investment prospects across mining, energy, technology, manufacturing, modern agriculture, pharmaceuticals and vocational education. The appeal was made on May 15, 2026 in Arusha during the opening of the TanzaniaRussia Business and Investment Forum by the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Dr Pius Chaya.

Dr Chaya said the co-hosting of Afcon 2027 by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda presents significant opportunities in sports infrastructure, hospitality, transport, ICT, aviation, entertainment and tourism-related services. “We invite Russian investors to partner with Tanzania’s private sector in projects linked to Afcon 2027 and the country’s wider economic transformation agenda,” he said.

He noted that Tanzania has continued to implement broad economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening infrastructure and enhancing competitiveness in global markets. Dr Chaya further pointed to the country’s strategic location within East and Southern Africa, saying its access to a regional market of more than 300 million people through the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) places it at the centre of continental trade and investment flows.

He added that government facilitation mechanisms, including the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza) and its One Stop Facilitation Centre, have been strengthened to streamline investment procedures for both local and foreign investors. According to him, the strong participation of Russian companies in the forum reflects growing confidence in Tanzania’s economic outlook and long-term growth trajectory.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said Tanzania and Russia have maintained long-standing diplomatic relations, but stressed the need to translate those ties into tangible economic gains. “What we need now is to transform our excellent political and diplomatic relations into real economic outcomes for our people,” he said.

Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania remains among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with growth projected at 6.1 percent this year and between 6.

3 and 6.5 percent next year.

He identified energy, mining, agriculture and industrial development as priority areas for expanded bilateral cooperation, noting Tanzania’s vast resource base. Citing World Bank assessments, he said Tanzania is among countries with significant mineral wealth, including gold and critical minerals.

On agriculture, Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania has more than 44 million hectares of arable land, with only about a third currently under cultivation, leaving substantial room for investment in food production and agro-processing. “The world needs more food than ever before, and Tanzania has the potential to feed Africa and beyond through cooperation with experienced Russian companies,” he said.

He also pointed to opportunities in industrial manufacturing through Special Economic Zones, as well as tourism, science, technology and education. Prof Mkumbo encouraged Tanzanian firms to explore opportunities in Russia, while urging greater access for Tanzanian agricultural, fisheries and mineral products in the Russian market.

“Tanzanian products should find space in Russian supermarkets so consumers there can access goods from Tanzania and Africa,” he said. Tiseza Board Chairman, Dr Aziz Mlima, said the forum formed part of the third session of the Joint Intergovernmental TanzaniaRussia Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.

He said the event brought together more than 120 Russian companies and over 200 Tanzanian firms, providing a platform for investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders to explore partnerships and trade opportunities. The forum, he added, is expected to deepen economic relations between the two countries while unlocking new avenues for trade, technology transfer and long-term investment cooperation.

Russia’s Minister for Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, said Moscow was committed to strengthening economic cooperation with Tanzania to ensure mutual benefits through expanded trade and investment. “Russia has continued opening its market to Tanzanian products and investment opportunities, and we are committed to expanding this cooperation further,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Uganda has stepped up efforts to attract Tanzanian investors into its inaugural sovereign Sukuk issuance worth Pound 405 million (about Sh1.2 trillion).

The bond is part of efforts to seek alternative financing for its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project while deepening regional capital market integration. The Shari’ah-compliant bond, which includes a Pound 45 million greenshoe option, will partly finance the construction of the 272-kilometre SGR line linking Malaba on the Kenyan border to Kampala.

Uganda’s Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Patrick Ocailap, pitched the investment opportunity to Tanzanian investors and secondary market dealers during a Non-Deal Roadshow meeting held at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE). According to a statement shared by local Sukuk consultants, Yusra Sukuk Company Limited, Uganda opted for Sukuk financing as part of efforts to diversify funding sources for strategic infrastructure projects.

“The Sukuk is intended to finance 15 percent of the Pound 2.702 billion required for the construction of the Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway,” Mr Ocailap said.

The issuance, which is being arranged by Yusra Sukuk Company Limited, is expected to be launched globally in either the third or final week of June 2026. Ugandan officials said investor interest had already been strong following a series of regional and international roadshows, raising prospects of an oversubscribed offer. Yusra Sukuk Company Limited executive chairman, Sheikh Issa Mohamed, said the arranger had already engaged nearly 25 prospective investors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through virtual roadshows, alongside more than two dozen regional investors.

“Currently, we are conducting physical roadshows across East Africa, and we expect to travel to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia later this month, followed by South Africa, for further investor engagements,” he said. Ugandan authorities said additional subscriptions could be accommodated should demand exceed both the original issuance and the greenshoe option.

“We will not deny investors who want to participate in Uganda’s development,” Mr Ocailap said. He noted that the portion expected to be financed through the Sukuk would cover only about 42 kilometres of Uganda’s planned 1,724-kilometre SGR network.

Under the financing structure, development finance institutions are expected to fund 25 percent of the Malaba-Kampala railway project, while export credit agencies will provide 60 percent. The Sukuk issuance will finance the remaining 15 percent.

The Sukuk has been structured as a hybrid Forward Ijarah and Istisna instrument. Under the arrangement, the Ijarah component will provide semi-annual returns to investors, while the Istisna structure will finance construction works.

Uganda plans to issue the Sukuk in two tranches. The domestic and regional tranche will amount to Pound 205 million, alongside a Pound 30 million greenshoe option, while the international tranche will account for Pound 200 million with an additional Pound 15 million greenshoe option.

The regional tranche will be denominated in Ugandan shillings and US dollars, while the international tranche will be issued solely in US dollars. DSE chief business development officer, Emanuel Nyalali, welcomed the planned issuance, saying it would strengthen East Africa’s financial market integration and expand investment products available within the region.

“This Sukuk issuance is not only about East African market integration, but also financial and product integration, which will deepen regional capital markets,” he said. Mr Nyalali added that the DSE would cooperate with Ugandan authorities to facilitate cross-listing and investor participation in Tanzania.

The Sukuk will be issued through a special purpose vehicle, Uganda Treasury Sukuk1 Limited, which is wholly owned by the government of Uganda. The bond is expected to be cross-listed on several regional and international exchanges, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Dubai, the London Stock Exchange and Bursa Malaysia Ugandan authorities also said preparatory work for the SGR project was already underway, including land acquisition, feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and contractor mobilisation.

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