Category: The Citizen

East African stars Abigail Chams, Bien and Joshua Baraka are set to light up Kigali, Rwanda, with special performances during the 2026 Basketball Africa League playoffs and finals. The BAL announced the artists as part of its halftime entertainment lineup for the games taking place at BK Arena in Kigali between May 17 and May 31. The performances are expected to blend basketball, African music and culture into one of the continent’s biggest sporting entertainment spectacles.

Kenyan hitmaker Bien was confirmed for a live halftime performance during the BAL playoffs, with the league teasing fans about the “unmatched energy” he will bring to Kigali. Tanzanian singer Abigail Chams was also unveiled among the East African acts scheduled to perform during the tournament.

Reports shared by regional entertainment platforms indicated that she will join Bien in representing East Africa on the BAL stage in Rwanda. Ugandan breakout star Joshua Baraka has additionally been confirmed for a halftime show appearance on May 23, adding more excitement to the entertainment roster.

The 2026 BAL season marks the sixth edition of the league, with Kigali once again hosting the playoffs and finals under a long-term partnership between Rwanda and the BAL. The inclusion of Abigail Chams, Bien, and Joshua Baraka highlights the growing influence of East African music on major continental platforms as organisers continue to combine sports and entertainment to attract younger African audiences .

Dar es Salaam. Rukwa Regional Commissioner and veteran politician Charles Makongoro Nyerere is among three CRDB Bank customers who have won tickets to watch the FIFA World Cup final live in Canada through the “Fainali Ndo Mpango” campaign in partnership with TemboCard Visa.

The other winners are Abdullauf Suleiman Muta and Arun Vithaldas Lodhia, both residents of Dar es Salaam Region. The winners join the first draw winners, namely Keneth Bina, Arnold Samugabo, and Erick Mlinga, all residents of Dar es Salaam, as well as Gasper Melkiory Kavishe from Morogoro Region.

Apart from the grand prize, three other customers won a modern 85-inch television set, a decoder, and a subscription package that will enable them to follow all FIFA World Cup final matches to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The winners of these prizes are Amina Awadhi, Ester Kabakama, and Lusekelo Michael. Speaking about the promotion, CRDB Bank Senior Manager for Card Business, Karington Chahe, said the winners were selected after using TemboCard Visa cards (Debit, Prepaid, or Credit) to make various payments, automatically qualifying them for the draw.

He congratulated the winners and encouraged other customers to continue using the cards to increase their chances of winning various prizes. Chahe added that the campaign is still ongoing, with six more opportunities to win World Cup travel packages and seven more large-screen televisions with full subscriptions to watch all the matches.

He said the aim of the campaign is to reward customers and promote the use of digital payments, noting that the world is increasingly moving toward digital systems and Tanzanians should adapt to these changes. “This campaign is part of CRDB Bank’s efforts to encourage the use of digital payments, bring innovation to financial services, and reward our customers for their loyalty,” he said.

He further explained that any customer who makes at least 30 transactions per month using a TemboCard Visa at POS machines or online automatically qualifies for the draw. Meanwhile, two winners from the first draw in the television prize category have already received their prizes.

The winners are Samson Mkumbo and Theresia Mawalla, both residents of Dar es Salaam. Another winner, Eunice Masigati from Dodoma, received her prize in Dodoma.

The prizes were handed over by CRDB Bank PLC Tanzania, DR Congo, and Burundi Manager for Card Transaction Monitoring and Dispute Management, Flora Josephat Mackanja, together with Chahe. .

When unveiling the Cabinet, in November 2025, Her Excellency, the President, made a fundamental change, which many may have not noticed, but which was significant for those with a keen interest in local government, in general, and in urban development, in particular. The office of the Regional Development and Local Government, was shifted from the President’s Office, to the Prime Minister’s Office, PORALG to PMORALG.

The President had her reasons, but my gut feeling is that she wanted to shift this important office, to where action is supposed to be, that is, the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime minister is the prefect for all government activities.

The move was very much welcome by all those who long to see active and functioning local governments. Local governments in Tanzania, include those that are focused on rural governance and development (District Councils) and those that are trained on the governance and management of urban areas, that is city, municipal and town councils.

Way back in 1996, these was a Local Government Reform Agenda, which aimed at putting in place, semi-independent local government authorities, which, while implementing the national agenda and being agents of the central government, were, at the same time, expected to have their own programmes and to be responsive to local needs and aspirations. They were expected to be largely financially independent, and to be able to hire and fire personnel as they deemed it necessary.

The Local Government Reform Agenda was kind of still-born, but the relationship between local governments and the central government was that which is described as D-by-D, that is Decentralization by Devolution. The Prime Minister’s Office therefore needs to enforce this agenda.

The reason why there needs to be a focus on urban areas is because the country is urbanizing. Currently, the urbanisation rate is 35.76 percent of population (2024) and growing at (4 percent pa) faster than the national population growth rate.

Urban areas are supposed to be engines of development, yet urban areas in developing countries do not play this role, because they are unplanned, they lack the necessary infrastructure; they are generally generating costs more than benefits. Among the reasons for this situation, are the fact that some 60 percent of urban land in Tanzania, for example, is in informal or unplanned areas.

The proportion of urban residents living in unplanned areas is much higher, given that more than one households, occupy on piece of land or house. Transport is a huge problem and urban dwellers spend hours and a high part of their budget, on congested roads and in overloaded means of transport.

The litany of what is wrong in urban areas is long. The question is, who should take action? Today we all agree that the majority of urban residents live in informal areas; that urban areas are developing in an unplanned manner; that most people earn their livelihood by undertaking activities in the informal sector.

Who should be tasked with the current situation of unplanned development in urban areas throughout the country? Is it the Ministry of Lands? Or the Ministry responsible for local government? This is an area that needs urgent resolution. The onus of managing urban areas, including ensuring that they grow in an orderly manner, lies with local authorities, not with sector ministries, such as that of lands, or of transport, or of telecommunication.

If urban areas must govern and manage themselves, they need strengthening. The urban directors must be experts who are well-versed in managing urban areas.

If we do not have such cadre of personnel, they must be trained. Urban directors must be appointed on merit and through competition.

They must be tasked to solve the myriads of problems in their urban areas. In London, the problem of transport lies to a large extent, with the London government not with the central government.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has earned himself world and local fame, for ensuring smooth and efficient public transport in that largest City in the UK. The way things are in Tanzania, is that residents of the largest urban area in the country, Dar es Salaam, have no idea who their mayors and directors are.

They have no idea who manages the city. Projects like BRT and DMDP and those implemented by DAWASA, TANROADS, TARURA, or sector Ministries, are identified more with the central government than with local governments One area where the Prime Minister and his Minister of State, need to focus their attention on, is to groom urban authorities so that they, to a large extent, run their affairs.

They are no longer babies. They need to be weaned from, and stop being spoon-fed by, the central government.

In our next article, we will argue why the Vice President’s office also needs to have a serious urban agenda. .

Dar es Salaam. One of Tanzania’s leading swimming clubs, Bluefins, has unveiled a 33-member squad for the FK Blue Marlins Invitational Swim Meet scheduled for this weekend at the FK Secondary School swimming pool in Dar es Salaam.

The team comprises 15 female and 18 male swimmers who are expected to compete against some of the country’s finest young talents in what promises to be a highly competitive championship. The tournament has attracted 15 swimming clubs from across Tanzania, including participants from Zanzibar, setting the stage for intense competition as swimmers battle for medals, personal best times and qualification opportunities for future national events.

Bluefins head coach and founder, Rahim Alidina, said the club remains committed to nurturing young swimmers and giving them a platform to grow their abilities through regular competition. “We continue to develop young swimmers and provide them with the platform whereby they can showcase and challenge their own abilities and continue to grow and develop their skills,” said Alidina.

“Our goal is to train as many young swimmers as we can who can later on become swimmers that the nation will be proud of,” he added. Alidina noted that this year’s squad includes several newcomers who will be competing at a major event for the first time.

Among them is young swimmer Ummeabiha Esmail, who is set to make her debut at this level of competition while representing Bluefins. “Our youngest swimmer in this event is Ummeabiha Esmail, who will be representing Bluefins for the first time at this level of competition,” said the coach.

“We have also selected many seven-year-olds who will be participating in a swim meet for the first time.” According to Alidina, the swimmers have undergone intensive preparations ahead of the gala, with the technical bench optimistic that the team can deliver impressive performances in both individual and relay events.

He expressed confidence that the swimmers would not only challenge for medals but also register new personal best times that could help them secure qualification for the upcoming Tanzania National Junior Championships expected to take place next month. Female swimmers selected for the event are Ummeabiha Esmail, Deborah Nouidui, Inaya Raheel, Kanzi Mussa, Zainab Amijee, Diti Latigra, Irhaa Raheel, Sakina Abdulali, Fatema Lookmanjee, Naqiyah Aziz, Khairaat Lakhani, Maahira Noorani, Insiya Adamji, Amatullah Mustansir and Mariyah Sulemanji.

The male team includes Burhanuddin Fazleabbas, Adam Hassanali, Hasan Alidina, Hayderali Khimji, Saifuddin Jariwalla, Shuneal Bharwani, Lucca-E’jaaz Hasham, Shabbir Murtaza, Dev Maru, Jujhar Singh, Zayyanabbas Dhalla, Yug Maru, Abbas Hemani, Rayyan Kassam, Burhanuddin Yusuf, Abbasali Tariq, Azaan Momin and Mohammadhussein Imran. .

Dar es Salaam. Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar has called for accelerated digital customs reforms and stronger regional cooperation as African economies face increasing pressure to modernize their trade systems, enhance border security, and facilitate cross-border commerce.

The minister stated that rapid changes in global trade, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce expansion, and emerging security risks, are reshaping the role of customs authorities and increasing the need for technology-driven systems. “The world continues to experience major changes in international trade driven by technology, artificial intelligence, online commerce and security challenges,” Mr Omar said.

He said customs administrations are now expected not only to collect revenue but also to support legitimate trade flows, strengthen supply chain security and improve the efficiency of cross-border transactions. Mr Omar made the remarks on Thursday, May 14, 2026 during the official opening of the 32nd Governing Council Meeting of the World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCO ESA) region in Zanzibar.

The meeting has brought together customs commissioners, policymakers and delegates from 24 member states to discuss digital transformation, trade facilitation, border security and regional cooperation. According to the minister, Tanzania has a long-standing history in customs administration within East Africa, dating back to 1896 when some of the earliest customs systems in the region were established.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states through modern digital systems, risk management frameworks and non-intrusive cargo inspection technologies to improve efficiency at border points. The discussions come as governments across Africa intensify efforts to improve customs efficiency under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to increase intra-African trade and reduce trade barriers across the continent.

Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said TRA has continued investing in digital customs infrastructure and integrated cargo management systems to simplify trade procedures and improve operational efficiency. Mr Mwenda said the authority has also expanded customs services through single-window clearance systems designed to reduce delays and improve transparency in cargo processing.

“We have continued implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and trade facilitation through digital customs systems,” he said. Analysts say efficient customs administration has become increasingly important for countries seeking to position themselves as regional logistics and investment hubs, particularly as supply chains become more digitised and trade volumes continue growing.

Industry experts note that inefficient customs procedures remain among the major contributors to high trade costs across Africa, affecting business competitiveness and slowing regional integration efforts. The meeting is also expected to strengthen collaboration among member states in combating smuggling, counterfeit trade and other forms of illicit cross-border activities that continue to undermine government revenues.

For Tanzania, hosting the WCO ESA meeting reinforces the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional trade gateway through investments in ports, railways and logistics infrastructure. Delegates are expected to continue technical discussions on customs modernisation strategies and policy coordination throughout the meeting.

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Same. Preliminary findings by geological experts investigating land subsidence in Marieni Village, Chome Ward, Same District in Kilimanjaro Region, have shown the area is unsuitable for human settlement due to its unstable soil structure, which poses a serious risk to residents.

The findings follow a recent assessment conducted after cracks appeared in several houses as a result of ground movement in the village. So far, 10 households have abandoned their homes, while one church building has been rendered unusable after developing large cracks linked to the shifting ground.

Following the incident, affected residents have moved their families and belongings to temporary shelters provided by relatives and friends as they await the government’s decision on the future of the area. When The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, visited the village on April 1, 2026, it found one church building abandoned after its walls developed deep cracks, while the floor also showed signs of sinking.

Speaking to Mwananchi on May 14, 2026, the Geological Survey of Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ally Samaje, said investigations revealed that the soil layer stretching from the surface to the hard rock beneath is weak and unstable, placing residents’ lives at risk. He said the area is therefore unsuitable for residential settlement and would instead be more appropriate for agricultural activities because there is no major underground pressure affecting farming operations.

“In the investigation we conducted, preliminary findings show the area has a thick layer of soft soil, while hard rocks are located much deeper underground. As a result, houses are built on unstable soil.

When the soil absorbs water, it easily shifts or moves, causing land subsidence and sinking houses,” he said. Mr Samaje added that the hilly terrain in the area further increases the risk of erosion and land movement.

“The area is more suitable for agricultural activities because there is no major danger in that regard. However, it is unsafe and not advisable for people to continue living and constructing houses there because the soil is unstable,” he added.

He further said the institution had already submitted preliminary findings to district authorities to help inform residents and ensure precautionary measures are taken to avert possible disasters. “As we continue preparing the final report, precautionary measures must be taken.

We have already informed district leaders so they can alert residents and help prevent harm and possible disasters,” said Mr Samaje. One resident, Ms Marry Godfrey, said villagers remained uncertain about what would happen next and appealed to the government to identify alternative settlement areas should permanent relocation become necessary.

“Where we are now, we still do not know what will happen regarding this area. We have only secured temporary shelter with relatives.

What we are waiting for is the government’s statement on whether we will return to our homes or not,” she said. Another resident, Ms Cathbert Wilfred, said villagers were awaiting the government’s final decision on whether they would be allowed to continue living in the area or be relocated elsewhere.

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In biblical hermeneutics, there is a principle known as the “Law of First Mention”. It posits that the first time a concept is mentioned in the text, it carries a fundamental weight, establishing a pattern or a root principle that governs everything that follows.

If we apply this theological lens to the cartography of the city of Dar es Salaam, we find ourselves standing at the gates of Buguruni. To understand the chaos of our modern sprawl–the “uholela” that defines our outskirts–we must go to the origins.

Buguruni is not just another ward: it is the first mention of unplanned urbanism in Tanzania. Solve the Buguruni issue, and you can find a blueprint of the nation’s urban crisis.

A tale of three cities The history of Dar was written in the ink of segregation. During the colonial era, the city was a trinity of racial and economic enclaves.

Oysterbay was the sanctuary of the Whites, Upanga and Posta were the domain of the Asians, and Kariakoo was designated for the Swahili–the African pulse of the city. The birth of Kariakoo itself was an act of colonial convenience.

In the 1910s, a sizable market existed in Upanga. However, the colonial masters, sensitive to the “inconvenience” of the Asians, relocated the market to Kariakoo.

This shift sparked a commercial explosion. Kariakoo drew Africans from across the territory, becoming so successful that it eventually lured back the Asian merchants into the Swahili section.

The city planners were meticulous with Kariakoo and Ilala. These wards were surveyed, gridded, and drained.

But as the population surged, the planning stopped at the border. People overflowed into the neighbouring lands, and the government simply looked away.

That silence was the birth of Buguruni–the city’s oldest slum. It was the exact moment where uholela began, later creeping like a slow-moving vine into Vingunguti and beyond.

The geography of the jungle By the 1960s, Buguruni was the extent of the city. Beyond it lay the wild.

To younger residents today, it is hard to imagine that just 60 years ago, Kinyerezi was a lion-infested forest. Even in the 1990s, it was still a village.

If you lived in those areas and wanted an education–you moved to the city. Buguruni developed alongside Uhuru Road, one of the first tarmacked arteries in the country, terminating at Mandela Road.

Because of the lack of planning, the area matured into a dense, informal labyrinth. Today, the original homeowners are elderly or gone, and the ward is now a sea of tenants.

The demographic remains true to its roots: Buguruni is the catchment for the migrant worker, the kibarua arriving from mkoani with a dream and a suitcase. They seek proximity to the centre.

Here, the cost of life is squeezed to its barest essentials. You can still find a room for a monthly rent of Sh30,000 today.

For many, it is simply a place to lay their head at night because the greatest asset of Buguruni is not the roof, but the walking distance to the city centre. The high cost of the outskirts Compare this to the modern middle class.

In search of “amenities” and “status,” they have fled to places such as Mbweni–30 kilometres away. They pay a heavy price for this distance, not just in fuel, but in the loss of productivity.

A professional living in Mbweni loses at least three hours a day on the road. That is 15 hours a week.

We are burning our most valuable human capital in the gridlocks of our roads. Meanwhile, a place like Buguruni stares at us from just 4 kilometres away from Kariakoo, and 7 kilometres from Posta.

From Buguruni, one can walk to Kariakoo with ease. It is the ultimate “low-hanging fruit” for urban renewal.

The 400-hectare opportunity The question, then, is: what do we do with Buguruni? If it represents the origin of our challenge, it must also become the starting point of our response–and that response cannot be incremental. Seen clearly, Buguruni is not just a slum but a 400-hectare inner-city corridor, minutes from the commercial heart of Dar.

From Malapa to Sheli, the area spans roughly 1.5 kilometres and houses about 70,000 people in nearly 10,000 largely dilapidated buildings.

That is not a problem. It is an opportunity.

If we were to re-imagine Buguruni through the lens of modern, high-density planning, it can comfortably accommodate hundreds of thousands in vertical apartments. This will be the city within a city catering to the working class–young professionals in the early days of their careers.

This will eliminate the Sh5,000 daily commute and replace it with a 25-minute walk. This is not just about real estate: it is about reclaiming the soul of the city.

Buguruni has been a victim of poor planning longer than any other part of Tanzania. So, we go back to the “Law of First Mention” and we realise that the fix for our national urban crisis must start where the crisis began.

A regenerated Buguruni would serve as a lighthouse for the rest of the country. We shouldn’t push people to the edges while we can build a city right here where it belongs.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania needs to rethink the role of university education if it is to equip young people with skills required in a rapidly changing global economy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Tanzania, Shigeki Komatsubara, has said.

Speaking during a workshop on competency frameworks and competency-based curriculum development at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology on May 12, Mr Komatsubara said traditional models of university education are no longer sufficient as the world undergoes major technological and economic transformation. He said the emergence of artificial intelligence, digital economies and green technologies is changing the nature of jobs globally, forcing education institutions to move beyond theoretical teaching and focus more on practical skills.

“Look at the world young people are stepping into. Artificial intelligence, digital economies and green technologies are rewriting the rules overnight,” he said.

According to him, many jobs that today’s students will perform in the coming years may not yet exist, making adaptability, innovation and problem-solving skills increasingly important. “This is why we must rethink how university education works to honour the vision of self-reliance in the 21st century,” he said.

Mr Komatsubara noted that universities should not only produce graduates with academic qualifications, but also individuals capable of creating opportunities, leading communities and addressing complex social and economic challenges. “We need an education system that builds innovators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers,” he said.

He linked the discussion to the philosophy of Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Nyerere, saying the concept of Education for Self-Reliance remains relevant in modern times. Quoting Nyerere, he said education should help young people think independently, make decisions and execute them effectively.

However, he stressed that in today’s world, executing those decisions requires modern competencies and practical knowledge aligned with labour market demands. Mr Komatsubara also commended DIT for taking part in the initiative to develop competency-based curricula, describing the institution as a trailblazer whose reforms could influence universities across Tanzania.

“This is not just another policy document. It is a blueprint for how institutions can better prepare students for the future,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, DIT Deputy Rector for Academic, Research and Consultancy, Prof Ezekiel Amri, said universities must continuously review curricula to ensure graduates possess skills required in the labour market. He said producing graduates with relevant competencies is not only important for institutions, but also for the country’s broader economic development.

“We cannot produce a skilled workforce without continuously improving training and competencies,” he said. According to Prof Amri, DIT regularly consults stakeholders and employers during curriculum reviews to ensure programmes reflect labour market realities and industry expectations.

He said competency-based training helps institutions prepare graduates who are capable of meeting workplace demands immediately after graduation. “The issue of having the right skills is not only a challenge for DIT, but for Tanzania as a whole,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has formally acknowledged the significant strides made by Tanzania in achieving macroeconomic stability.

This recognition comes alongside a firm recommendation for the government to accelerate efforts toward supporting small businesses. The Fund has also stressed the urgency of job creation and enhanced social investment to ensure that economic growth remains sustainable over the long term.

These conclusions of the sixth and seventh reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the third and fourth reviews under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). A staff-level agreement was reached between the IMF mission and the Tanzanian government following extensive consultations in Dar es Salaam.

This disbursement would bring total IMF support to about $1.05 billion under the ECF arrangement. It would also bring support to about $563.8 million under the RSF arrangement.

In an interview with The Citizen, IMF mission chief for Tanzania, Mr Nicolas Blancher, described the agreement as a significant milestone. He noted it as evidence of progress made during the four-year reform programme.

“We had a very good mission. We reached that stage of a staff-level agreement,” Mr Blancher said.

The latest IMF endorsement comes as Tanzania pursues ambitious infrastructure and industrialisation projects. The country is navigating a difficult global environment.

Risks include slowing global economic growth and geopolitical tensions. Tighter external financing conditions also present a challenge.

According to the IMF, Tanzania’s economy has become increasingly resilient despite these external shocks. Disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East have affected many developing economies.

Reduced levels of official development assistance from international partners have also played a role. Mr Blancher said Tanzania’s debt position remains comparatively strong relative to many peer economies.

The IMF and World Bank continue to assess the country’s debt distress risk as moderate. This remains the case even under various shock scenarios.

“If you look at the level of debt-to-GDP compared to many other countries, it is relatively low,” he said. The anticipated IMF disbursement will help strengthen international reserves at the Bank of Tanzania.

It will also support government financing at concessional rates. Furthermore, it aims to improve the country’s debt servicing profile.

Beyond the financing itself, the IMF believes the successful reviews send a positive signal. It informs investors, development partners, and businesses about Tanzania’s commitment to economic reforms.

Over the past four years, the IMF says Tanzania has made progress in several areas. These include monetary policy and financial sector supervision.

The Fund also noted improvements in exchange rate flexibility and domestic revenue mobilisation. Tanzania’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list was a significant step.

This reinforces investor confidence in the nation’s financial integrity. According to the IMF, such reforms have improved the country’s ability to absorb external shocks.

They have created a more stable environment for investment and private sector activity. However, the Fund emphasises that the next phase of growth depends on human capital.

Tanzania must expand opportunities for private sector-led job creation. Mr Blancher said Tanzania’s young and rapidly growing population presents significant opportunities.

These must be accompanied by stronger investment in education and healthcare. Entrepreneurship must also be a primary focus.

“My biggest concern is the risk that Tanzania falls behind on social spending and support to private sector activity and job creation,” Mr Blancher said. He noted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain critical for employment creation.

They are also vital for broader economic participation. He urged accelerated reforms to improve the business environment.

Reducing barriers facing entrepreneurs is essential for growth. “It’s really opening the scope for SMEs, small entrepreneurs to develop, to create activity and to hire people.

In all countries, that’s where job creation happens,” he said. The IMF encouraged Tanzania to continue implementing reforms for better transparency.

Predictability and accountability of public policies remain paramount. Simplifying aspects of the tax system will help attract more domestic and foreign private investment.

These remarks align with ongoing government initiatives under Vision 2050. They also support the Blueprint for Regulatory Reforms. These seek to improve Tanzania’s investment climate and accelerate inclusive growth.

The IMF also sees room to strengthen domestic financing for development. This can be achieved through improved tax collection and efficient public expenditure.

“There is scope to focus more on improving the efficiency and the quality of public investment spending,” Mr Blancher said. He acknowledged Tanzania’s major investments in infrastructure like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

However, the IMF stressed the importance of balancing physical infrastructure with investments in people. Mr Blancher said sectors such as healthcare and education require more than just buildings.

They need qualified personnel and modern equipment. Medical supplies and operational resources are also necessary to maximise long-term economic returns.

“It’s not just brick-and-mortar,” Mr Blancher said while referring to investments in hospitals and schools. The IMF further encouraged efforts to strengthen social protection programmes.

The Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf) is particularly important in this context. Declining external aid and rising global uncertainties place additional pressure on vulnerable households.

According to the Fund, sustaining reform momentum is essential. Improving the quality of public services will support inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience.

Despite the challenges ahead, the IMF maintained that Tanzania remains well-positioned to sustain growth. This will be possible if reforms accelerate and investment supports productivity.

Entrepreneurship and skills development must remain at the forefront of the strategy. For Tanzania, the latest IMF assessment offers both reassurance and a roadmap.

Macroeconomic stability has strengthened and economic resilience has improved. However, long-term success will depend on results.

The country must effectively convert those gains into jobs and stronger private sector growth. Wider economic opportunity for all citizens remains the ultimate goal.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Under-17 national team, Serengeti Boys, begin their Africa U-17 Cup of Nations journey today with a tricky Group C opener against Mozambique at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 11, Sale) in Morocco from 7pm East Africa time.

The highly anticipated clash marks the start of Tanzania’s fifth appearance at the continental youth showpiece, with the young Taifa Stars still chasing a historic breakthrough beyond the group stage. The tournament, which officially kicked off yesterday brings together 16 teams and runs until June 2.

Defending champions Morocco are hosting the competition. Tanzania have been drawn in a competitive Group C alongside Mali, Angola and Mozambique, setting up a demanding path right from the opening whistle.

Today’s opponents, Mozambique, enter the fixture with limited pedigree at this level. This is only their third appearance at the tournament, having previously featured in 1995 and 2001, with both campaigns ending in the group stage.

Tanzania, meanwhile, are no strangers to early exits either. Despite appearances in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025 and now 2026, the Serengeti Boys have never progressed beyond the group phase — a record they are desperate to change in Morocco.

However, there is renewed optimism in the camp following their impressive Cecafa U-17 triumph in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they showcased consistency and resilience under coach Elieneza Nicolaus Nsanganzelu. Tanzania topped Group B with nine points, overcoming Uganda, Sudan, Burundi and Djibouti before edging Uganda 32 in a thrilling final to lift the regional title.

That form has boosted confidence ahead of a tougher continental assignment, where ten teams will eventually qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar scheduled for November 19 to December 13, 2026. Eight teams will qualify automatically by finishing in the top two of their groups, while the remaining two slots will go to the best third-placed teams. Coach Nsanganzelu has stressed discipline and tactical focus ahead of the opener, acknowledging the challenge posed by Mozambique.

“Our match against Mozambique will set the tone for our tournament,” he said. “We respect them because they also want a result, but we are prepared for a strong performance.

“define Tanzania’s ambitions in Morocco before tougher tests against Mali and Angola. .