Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has handed over a K9 Unit Management Facility to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to bolster the country’s efforts in combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

The facility, valued at over Sh87 million, will serve as the operational base for two sniffer dogs donated by AWF to TAWA in 2015, worth about $10,000 (over Sh25 million). Speaking during the handover ceremony, AWF country coordinator Pastor Kagingi said the new infrastructure would enhance Tanzania’s ability to curb the illegal wildlife trade.

The facility, which includes a conference hall, offices, staff quarters, storage rooms, and kennels, was built at a cost of more than Sh84 million. The event also saw the signing of a three-year cooperation agreement between TAWA and AWF to support wildlife protection and anti-poaching operations.

Kagingi said AWF decided to fund the project after identifying operational challenges faced by the Northern Zone Canine Unit. “Illegal wildlife trade remains one of the most lucrative transnational crimes globally, generating up to $20 billion annually.

According to CITES, East Africa–particularly Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda–has long been identified as a major source and transit hub for the trade in ivory, pangolin scales, and other high-value wildlife products,” he said. He noted that in 2015, AWF, in collaboration with TAWA, launched the Canines for Conservation Programme to strengthen law enforcement capacity through specially trained dogs capable of detecting concealed wildlife products such as ivory, pangolin scales, and rhino horns.

Kagingi added that since its establishment, the canine teams have successfully carried out 117 wildlife contraband detections, leading to several arrests and prosecutions. TAWA conservation commissioner Yussuf Kabange said the sniffer dogs are currently deployed at key checkpoints, including Namanga, Holili, Tarakea, and Horohoro border posts, as well as Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport, and the Port of Tanga.

“Before this facility was built, the Northern Zone Office had no dedicated space for the canine team, which made operations difficult,” he said. “Through our partnership with AWF, we now have offices, staff accommodation, and kennels, enabling handlers and dogs to train and operate more efficiently.

” Masuhi Mgendi, head of TAWA’s Canine Unit, said the unit was established in 2015 as a specialised force to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking. Since then, its patrols have led to 99 arrests and the seizure of 258 pieces of ivory weighing 754 kilogrammes, along with pangolin scales, bushmeat, and lion teeth.

Launching the facility, TAWA board chairperson, Retired Major General Hamis Semfuko, commended AWF for its commitment, describing the building as a milestone in improving efficiency in wildlife protection. “Criminals are constantly changing tactics.

Using sniffer dogs remains a modern and vital tool in combating the illegal trafficking of wildlife products,” he said .

Dodoma. The High Court of Tanzania, Dodoma Registry, has upheld the life imprisonment sentence handed to four security officers convicted of gang rape but set aside their conviction for group sodomy, ruling that such an offence does not exist under Tanzanian law.

The appellants, Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) officer Private Clinton Damas, popularly known as Nyundo; Amin Lema (Kindamba); Nickson Jackson (Machuche); and Prison Officer Praygod Mushi, had appealed against their conviction and life sentence imposed by the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court. Delivering the judgment on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Judge Amir Mruma said that while individual acts of sodomy are punishable under Tanzanian law, there is no provision recognising “group sodomy” as a criminal offence.

However, he affirmed that the law clearly provides that gang rape carries a mandatory life sentence, which has no alternative penalty. The four will therefore continue serving their sentences for the gang rape conviction.

Judge Mruma criticised the legal framework for lacking an alternative punishment for gang rape, saying it conflicts with the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which grants the judiciary final authority in dispensing justice. “The law has tied the hands of the court because there is no alternative punishment to life imprisonment,” he said.

“This places the statute above the Constitution, which states that the courts have the final say in the administration of justice. This provision ought to be reviewed.

” He observed that punishment should ideally promote reform and rehabilitation, but life imprisonment and the death penalty deprive offenders of that opportunity, especially when the convicts are young. The judge noted that the four men, aged between 23 and 27, were relatively young at the time of the offence and may not have fully grasped the gravity of their actions.

According to court records, the victim had initially consented to sexual intercourse with one man, but the others forced their way into the room and raped her. Judge Mruma called for a comprehensive review of the country’s penal laws to align them with present-day realities, particularly those relating to group sodomy and gang rape, which currently do not grant courts discretion to impose alternative sentences.

He said the conviction was supported by video evidence and the victim’s testimony, which clearly identified each of the accused committing the offences. None of the appellants disputed appearing in the footage.

“If they had denied being the ones in the video, further forensic analysis could have been conducted, perhaps even to determine whether it was artificial intelligence, but since no one disputed it, there was no need for further examination,” he said. The appellants were represented by advocates Godfrey Wasonga, Robert Owino, and Meshack Ngamando, while the state was represented by Principal State Attorney Lucy Uisso, and prosecutors Ahmed Mtenga and Aziza Mhina.

Judge Mruma upheld only one ground of appeal, the unlawfulness of the group sodomy charge, saying no such offence exists under Tanzanian law. Outside the courtroom, Principal State Attorney Uisso said the judgment exposed gaps in current sexual offence laws, particularly those concerning gang rape and sodomy, and called for urgent legislative review.

“When the sodomy law was enacted, lawmakers did not anticipate the possibility of group involvement, which is why no specific punishment was prescribed,” she said. Defence lawyer Wasonga said his team intends to appeal further to ensure their clients receive full justice.

The four were convicted on September 30, 2024, by the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court for gang rape and unnatural offences against a young woman from Yombo Dovya in Dar es Salaam. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay the victim Sh1 million each in compensation .

Paris. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began a five-year sentence on Tuesday for conspiring to raise campaign funds from Libya, arriving at La Sante prison in Paris in a stunning downfall for a man who led the country between 2007 and 2012. The former conservative president, 70, left his home for the car journey to the prison, walking hand in hand with his wife Carla Bruni and cheered by a crowd of supporters chanting “Nicolas, Nicolas” and singing La Marseillaise national anthem.

Sarkozy, who was convicted and sentenced last month, is the first former French leader to be jailed since Nazi collaborator Marshal Philippe Petain after World War Two. Sarkozy says he is innocent Shortly after he headed for La Sante, Sarkozy published a long message on X in which he claimed to be a victim of revenge and hatred.

“I want to tell (French people), with the unshakable strength that is mine, that it is not a former president of the Republic who is being imprisoned this morning — it is an innocent man,” he said. Sarkozy’s conviction capped years of legal battles over allegations that his 2007 campaign took millions in cash from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was later overthrown and killed during the Arab Spring uprisings.

While Sarkozy was found guilty of conspiring with close aides to orchestrate the scheme, he was acquitted of personally receiving or using the funds. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and has called the case politically motivated.

His lawyers said they had filed a request for early release, pending his appeals trial, and that they expected this request to be reviewed in about a month. They said they hoped they could get Sarkozy freed on early release by Christmas.

Sarkozy to be held in isolation unit Sarkozy will likely be held in La Sante’s isolation unit, where inmates are housed in single cells and kept apart during outdoor activities for security reasons. Conditions are similar to the rest of the prison: cells measure 9 to 12 square meters (100 to 130 square feet) and, following renovations, now include private showers.

Sarkozy will have access to a television – for a monthly fee of 14 euros ($16) – and a landline telephone. Sarkozy told Le Figaro he would take three books for his first week behind bars, including Alexandre Dumas’ “The Count of Monte Cristo” – the story of a man who is unjustly imprisoned and who plots his revenge against those who betrayed him.

The decision to jail a former president has sparked outrage among Sarkozy’s political allies and the far right. “Nicolas Sarkozy is not a criminal,” said Sarkozy supporter Jacqueline Fraboulet, who was among the crowd cheering him on Tuesday.

“We actually feel like the justice system is taking the power, and that’s not good for France.” Sarkozy’s children and brothers also attended the gathering.

Sarkozy, looking sombre, waved at his supporters before heading into his car for the journey to La Sante. France gets tougher on white-collar crime The sentencing reflected a shift in France’s approach to white-collar crime.

In the 1990s and 2000s, many convicted politicians avoided prison altogether. Despite his legal troubles, Sarkozy’s political influence has proved resilient as French society has shifted to the right.

President Emmanuel Macron, who had warm relations with Sarkozy and Bruni, said on Monday he had met Sarkozy ahead of his incarceration. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said he would visit him in prison.

That angered left-wing politicians who said Macron and Darmanin were breaching judicial independence. The son of a Hungarian immigrant, Sarkozy became president in 2007, pledging to shake things up with pro-business reforms that would reinvigorate France’s stagnant economy and elevate the country to the top table of global players.

Those efforts were quickly upended by the 2008-2009 economic crisis, and voters gave him little credit for raising the retirement age to 62 from 60 and loosening rules requiring a maximum 35-hour work week. Reporting by Manuel Ausloos Clotaire Achi, Sudip Kar-Gupta, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Jean-Stephane Brosse; Writing by Ingrid Melander and Michel Rose; Editing by Alison Williams, Benoit Van Overstraeten and Frances Kerry .

Dar es Salaam. The long-running dispute over ownership of a prime plot in the city took a new turn yesterday after authorities handed back the title deed to widow Alice Haule following a government investigation.

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development submitted its report on Plot No. 189, Msasani Beach, to the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Albert Chalamila, who directed that the property be returned to the widow.

The dispute involved Mrs Haule and businessman Mohamed Yusufali, and led to her eviction from the house on September 23, 2025, by unidentified individuals. Mrs Haule maintained that she and her late husband, Justice Rugaibula, had owned the house since 2008 and not Mr Yusufali.

However, Mr Yusufali’s lawyer, Mpwaga Bernard, said the matter was still before the court. “The case is scheduled for hearing on October 28, 2025. Both parties were directed to file their defences,” he said.

Mrs Haule’s lawyer, however, said they plan to withdraw the case, having achieved the desired outcome through the administrative process. Speaking on behalf of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the Assistant Land Commissioner for Dar es Salaam, Shukurani Kyando, said the investigation followed directives issued by the RC two weeks earlier.

He said the team reviewed documents, interviewed witnesses and analysed the entire ownership process of the property. “The team followed up on ministry records, court files, and statements from more than eight witnesses involved since 2011,” Kyando said.

According to the report, the ownership trail began in 1999, when Bariki Elisante Keenja owned the plot. It was later sold to Quality Real Estate Ltd in 2007 and transferred to Justice Rugaibula in 2008. Records show that in 2011, Justice Rugaibula transferred ownership to Yusufali in a Sh262.5 million sale agreement.

However, tribunal records revealed that Mrs Haule had filed a caveat in October 2012, objecting to the sale on grounds that her husband had attempted to sell their matrimonial home without her consent. “The committee found that despite the caveat, the title had already been transferred to Yusufali in 2011,” Kyando said.

The probe also established that two agreements existed, a Sh150 million loan contract and a Sh262.5 million sale agreement, both involving the same property. The committee found that none of the loan-related transactions had been reported to the ministry.

A lawyer who drafted the documents told investigators he never saw Mrs Haule sign them. “He said he only handed the papers to her husband, who later returned them signed in her name,” Kyando said.

The investigation further revealed inconsistencies in the spousal consent document, which bore both a handwritten signature and a thumbprint, contradicting the lawyer’s stamped version. On the eviction, the report noted that no court or official order authorised the action.

It urged the government to act against individuals and firms that violate property laws and warned citizens to avoid informal property transactions. Based on its findings, the committee recommended that ownership of the house be restored to Mrs Haule as the legal administrator of her late husband’s estate.

Expressing gratitude, Mrs Haule said: “I thank the committee and the Regional Commissioner for following this matter step by step until justice was served for me and my four children.” Mr Chalamila ordered Yusufali to appear before his office within five days, saying he had ignored several summonses.

“On the day bouncers evicted this woman, he was present. Now that things have become difficult, he is no longer in the country,” the RC said.

He urged citizens to handle inheritance matters legally to prevent family conflicts, noting that emotional decisions often hurt future generations. .

In what authorities have described as one of the most daring art thefts in recent history, a group of highly organised thieves carried out a meticulously planned heist at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris during the early hours of Tuesday morning. According to French police, the suspects infiltrated the museum shortly after midnight, bypassing several layers of advanced security systems.

Investigators believe the culprits possessed intimate knowledge of the Louvre’s internal layout and alarm protocols. By the time guards discovered the breach, the thieves had vanished–taking with them several invaluable masterpieces estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of euros.

Among the stolen works is believed to be a rare 16th-century painting by Leonardo da Vinci’s pupil, though officials have not yet released the full inventory of missing items. The French Ministry of Culture has confirmed that the museum will remain closed to the public until further notice as forensic teams comb the site for clues.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin called the operation “an assault on France’s cultural soul,” vowing to bring those responsible to justice. “These criminals knew exactly what they were doing.

We will not rest until every piece of art is recovered and those behind this act are apprehended,” he told reporters outside the museum. Interpol has joined the investigation, coordinating with art crime units across Europe amid fears that the stolen pieces could already be on their way to the black market.

Experts warn that such works are nearly impossible to sell openly, suggesting the theft may have been commissioned by a private collector. Meanwhile, Parisians have expressed both outrage and disbelief that the Louvre–home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo–could fall victim to such a sophisticated crime.

As one visitor standing outside the cordoned-off museum remarked, “It feels as though part of our heritage has been taken from us.” Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or attempts to sell rare artworks.

For now, the world’s eyes remain fixed on Paris, awaiting answers to how one of the most secure museums on Earth could be breached–and whether its stolen treasures will ever return home .

Dar es Salaam. A total of 1,582,140 Standard Four pupils from 20,517 schools across Tanzania are set to sit for the Standard Four National Assessment (SFNA) on October 22 and 23, 2025, according to the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA).

Of the registered candidates, 764,290 (48.31 percent) are boys, while 817,850 (51.69 percent) are girls. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, NECTA Executive Secretary Prof Said Mohamed provided key updates on the upcoming assessment.

“Out of all registered pupils, 1,475,637 (93.27 percent) will take the exam in Kiswahili, while 106,503 (6.73 percent) will sit for the exam in English, the language of instruction in their respective schools,” said Prof Mohamed. He said NECTA has made special arrangements for 5,750 pupils with disabilities, including 1,164 with low vision, 111 who are blind, 1,161 with hearing impairment, 1,641 with intellectual disabilities, and 1,673 with physical disabilities.

“Pupils with special needs will be granted an extra 20 minutes per hour for the Mathematics paper and 10 additional minutes per hour for other subjects,” he added. This year’s assessment, he noted, marks the first implementation of the revised curriculum, which is aligned with the 2023 edition of the 2014 Education and Training Policy.

Pupils will be examined in six core subjects–science, mathematics, geography and environment, arts and sports, Kiswahili, English language, and history and civics. Additionally, they will have the option to choose one of three elective subjects: French, Arabic, or Chinese.

Prof Mohamed said all logistical preparations have been finalised, including the distribution of exam papers and materials to councils and municipalities across the country. He added that invigilators have undergone comprehensive training, and security measures have been reinforced to safeguard the integrity of the assessment.

“We urge invigilators to conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with the set regulations. School owners are also cautioned against interfering with the process.

NECTA will not hesitate to disqualify any examination centre that compromises the security or credibility of the assessment,” he warned. Prof Mohamed further advised pupils to follow exam rules strictly and avoid any form of malpractice during the two-day exercise.

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Dodoma. The push for accelerating the integration of nature-based solutions (NbS) into Tanzania’s development and investment frameworks received fresh impetus after leading organisations convened a key meeting to discuss the agenda.

The CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (AGCOT), convened a high-level workshop in Dodoma to discuss ways to address climate change solutions in agriculture. The NbS Mainstreaming Workshop brought together leaders from agribusiness, finance, and policy institutions to explore how nature-driven approaches can help businesses respond to climate risks while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The event was officiated by Deputy Director of Environment at the Vice President’s Office, Mr Thomas Chali, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up nature-based solutions as a key tool in achieving Tanzania’s climate goals. “As the country advances towards its emission reduction targets, nature-based solutions present a practical, scalable way to link environmental protection with socio-economic growth,” said Mr Chali.

Participants examined how ecosystem-based approaches such as agroforestry, soil and water restoration, and circular bio-economy models can strengthen supply chains, reduce operational risks, and align with global sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. The CEOrt is positioning the private sector as a key driver of climate adaptation and green transformation.

Its work under the NBS-RESOLVE Project–funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and implemented in partnership with IUCN–seeks to equip businesses with the tools to integrate NbS into corporate sustainability strategies, financial planning, and reporting processes. The session was facilitated by Country Co-director and Associate Partner at Auxim, and the organisation’s lead on nature-based solutions, Mr Syakaa William.

CEOrt Project Manager, Ms Hawa Urungu, said that by 2050, Tanzania aspires to rank among Africa’s top three investment destinations, anchored on green, inclusive, and competitive growth. “To get there, we must see sustainability not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic opportunity–and NbS sits right at the intersection of the climate, ESG, and investment agenda,” she said.

Adding a voice from the agricultural sector, Cluster and Partnerships Manager at AGCOT, Mr John Nakei, highlighted the sector’s readiness to scale up action. “Agriculture sits at the centre of both climate vulnerability and opportunity.

By adopting nature-based solutions, agribusinesses can restore soil health, improve water efficiency, and unlock green investment,” he said. “This approach is not just good for the environment; it’s smart economics that ensures long-term competitiveness for Tanzanian farmers and agribusinesses,” he added.

The workshop emphasised that integrating NbS can address several of Tanzania’s most pressing challenges–from soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss to the need for climate-smart investments that deliver both financial and environmental returns. .

Dar es Salaam. With just eight days to go before Tanzania’s general election on October 29, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observation Mission (SEOM) has begun preparations to assess the country’s democratic foundations, including human rights.

SEOM, which arrived in Tanzania on October 12, has deployed observers to 27 regions, though logistical challenges have prevented coverage in four regions: Mtwara, Tabora, Shinyanga, and Tanga. Speaking at the launch of the observation activities on October 21, SEOM head in Tanzania and former Speaker of Malawi’s National Assembly, Richard Msowoya, said the mission would examine citizen participation in democratic processes.

He said that the observers would assess whether Tanzanians enjoy human rights and freedoms such as freedom of assembly, expression, and association, as well as the legal frameworks governing elections. The mission will also evaluate measures to prevent corruption, bribery, bias, political violence, intimidation, and suppression of opinions.

Observers will review whether all political parties have equal access to government media and information channels. “To fulfil its mandate, SEOM will assess, among other things, whether the constitutional and legal frameworks guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and human rights,” Msowoya said.

He said that the mission would also examine the electoral system, the Electoral Management Body (EMB), election laws and regulations, and the scope of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Msowoya noted that SEOM will ensure electoral boundaries are drawn transparently and legally and that any changes follow legitimate, lawful reasons.

The head of the mission said SEOM has met various electoral stakeholders and will continue consultations throughout the pre-election, election, and post-election periods. Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Said Saib Mussa, said Tanzania’s elections are conducted according to democratic principles, and SADC observers have been invited to ensure a free and fair process.

“This is a way to assess ourselves internally and within SADC, of which we are members. Their main role is to observe the elections, not direct them.

They are not allowed to intervene,” Mussa said. He said that SEOM will monitor election campaigns, voter turnout and the announcement of results, before issuing a preliminary report.

Senior Officer for Politics and Diplomacy in SADC’s Secretariat, Terry Rose, said that following an official invitation from the Tanzanian government, Malawi President Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika — who also chairs SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security — established SEOM to observe Tanzania’s elections. “SEOM will engage key electoral stakeholders to gather perspectives and understand opinions on the electoral process.

The SADC Secretariat will facilitate consultations, while our observers work directly with stakeholders across the country,” Rose said .

MsoTitleFrom over 12,000 brands across the continent, SportPesa Tanzaniahas emerged as a continental champion — recognized as Africa’s Best Sports Betting Brand at the Best Brand Africa Awards.This recognition isn’t just a title; it’s proof that the brand’s commitment to trust, technology, and customer experience is setting new benchmarks for sports betting in Africa.

A journey built on vision and trust SportPesa Tanzania’s journey began with one clear mission — to redefine how fans experience sports betting in Tanzania through innovation and integrity. Out of thousands of competing brands, SportPesa’s customer-first approach distinguished it as the ultimate leader.

The Best Brands Africa Awards evaluation — combining market data and consumer sentiment — validated SportPesa’s influence beyond borders, reshaping how Africa engages with sport, betting, and entertainment. Customer trust at the core In an industry where credibility is king, SportPesa Tanzania has made unprecedented investments in secure betting systems, fast payment options, and data protection protocols to safeguard every user.

Players can bet confidently, knowing their funds and personal data are protected by top-tier encryption and compliant standards. “This win is proof that with a clear vision, consistency, and dedication, we truly make it count,” said Jason Ndambala, head of PR at SportPesa Tanzania.

That trust has transformed SportPesa into a household name — synonymous with reliability, integrity, and fair play. Innovation that keeps fans ahead SportPesa’s success lies in its relentless drive to innovate.

From live betting and mobile-first platforms to a growing portfolio of casino games in Tanzania, the brand is redefining what a modern, interactive betting experience feels like. Continuous updates, smarter tools, and improved personalization keep SportPesa ahead of trends — giving users a truly world-class experience designed for both excitement and safety.

A win that reflects passion and consistency This award is a celebration of SportPesa’s commitment to responsible gaming, customer satisfaction, and technological leadership. But beyond the accolades, it honors the millions of fans and players who make SportPesa their home for entertainment, community, and winning moments.

“Being named Africa’s Best Sports Betting Brand is not just a milestone — it’s a celebration of belief, innovation, and doing things right,” added the company. Setting the standard for Africa This continental recognition cements SportPesa Tanzania as a true leader in the digital gaming industry.

For fans, it’s a mark of quality. For competitors, it’s a challenge.

For Africa, it’s proof that homegrown excellence can rival global standards. Choosing SportPesa means choosing reliability, innovation, and trust — values that continue to power the brand’s rise beyond Tanzania’s borders.

SportPesa Tanzania’s victory at the Best Brand Africa Awards signals more than industry leadership — it’s a defining moment for African innovation. As the brand continues to inspire with its commitment to transparency and customer-first thinking, it’s clear that SportPesa is not just betting on sports — it’s betting on Africa’s potential.

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Unguja. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has said that, for the first time, the share of domestic revenue has risen significantly, enabling the Isles to finance much of its operations using its own resources–thanks to robust digital systems and tighter revenue controls.

He said that through the Zanzibar Sukuk initiative, the government has successfully financed several strategic projects, strengthened investor confidence, and opened new avenues for private sector participation in national development. He said every strong economy depends on efficient revenue institutions, adding that his administration had implemented major reforms in tax collection and strengthened the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) along with its internal systems.

“We have introduced digital tax collection systems that have significantly reduced revenue leakages, improved efficiency, and made compliance easier for taxpayers,” said Dr Mwinyi during a ceremony held at State House grounds in Zanzibar to celebrate the Isles’ economic and financial reforms, distribute dividends to investors in the Zanzibar Sukuk, and launch a new Islamic-compliant social security scheme. He noted that Zanzibar is now reaping the results of these efforts, with the economy growing by more than 7.

2 percent annually. He added that sound policies, modern systems, and prudent management of public finances continue to support Zanzibar’s economic expansion.

Dr Mwinyi further cited increased domestic and foreign investment, stable single-digit inflation, and a 278 percent rise in domestic revenue over the past five years, alongside strong performance in the services, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. He said the reforms are grounded in accountability, transparency, and effective use of modern technologies.

Speaking about the Sukuk, Dr Mwinyi said that after launching it in 2024, the government is now witnessing the first payout to investors–a milestone that demonstrates its effectiveness in managing sovereign instruments. “Through Sukuk, the government has financed strategic projects, strengthened investor confidence, and opened new doors for private sector participation in national development,” he said.

“This marks a new financial chapter that places Zanzibar on the global map of Islamic investment. We have every reason to celebrate these achievements and thank everyone who made them possible.

” Dr Mwinyi added that inclusive economic growth cannot be achieved without a solid insurance framework. To that end, the government, through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), has launched an Islamic insurance (Takaful) scheme designed to provide Sharia-compliant coverage.

He said the scheme is already improving access to health services, ensuring that hospitals and clinics receive timely funding, and giving citizens greater confidence in accessing quality healthcare. Speaking on the newly launched Sharia-based social security scheme, Dr Mwinyi said the initiative will allow the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) to invest in Sharia-compliant ventures–including facilitating Hajj (pilgrimage) arrangements for members.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Finance and Planning), Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, commended Dr Mwinyi for steering significant financial and economic reforms over his five-year leadership term. “Leadership demands creativity and forward thinking, and the President has demonstrated both.

When he assumed office, the financial management systems were not in good shape, but he has turned that around,” she said. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Mr Aboud Hassan Mwinyi, said that over the past five years, the Eighth Phase Government has implemented major reforms across the economic and financial sectors–forming the backbone of national development.

He said that during this period, actual revenue rose from Sh671 billion to Sh2.9 trillion, the central government budget increased from Sh1.5 trillion to Sh6.9 trillion, and the development budget share grew from 24 to 65 percent. Similarly, the national GDP expanded from S trillion to Sh6.5 trillion.

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