Category: The Citizen

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Co-operative Bank Tanzania (Coop Bank) has launched a new fixed deposit product, JUHUDI, aiming to mobilise more than Sh300 billion within three months.

The launch, held at the bank’s headquarters in Dodoma on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, marks the start of an intensive deposit mobilisation campaign designed to strengthen long-term savings and boost financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. Speaking at the event, the bank’s head of business and co-operative banking, Mr Yahya Kiyabo, said the JUHUDI account offers an annual interest rate of up to 13.5 percent.

He added that the product allows customers to select flexible investment tenures tailored to their cash flow and financial objectives. “The account requires a minimum deposit of Sh500,000, making it accessible to individuals, retirees, salaried employees, entrepreneurs, companies, private and public institutions, as well as investors seeking secure and competitive returns,” said Mr Kiyabo.

According to him, JUHUDI has been strategically designed to deepen financial inclusion while strengthening the bank’s liquidity position, a move expected to expand lending capacity across the country. “JUHUDI demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, secure, and rewarding financial solutions to our members and customers.

By mobilising stable deposits through this product, we enhance our capacity to sustainably finance and transform the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector, thereby driving inclusive economic growth,” he said. Mr Kiyabo added that the bank will continue reinforcing its liquidity base to widen access to credit for small and medium entrepreneurs, who remain a vital pillar of the national economy.

The bank’s treasurer, Mr Hakim Sheikh, urged individual and institutional investors, co-operative societies, SACCOS, and the public to seize the opportunity, noting that prudent investment decisions made today lay the foundation for long-term financial stability. “We want our customers to begin earning returns within as little as three months, six months, or longer, depending on their chosen tenure,” he said.

With the introduction of JUHUDI, Coop Bank advances its 2026 growth strategy, placing strong emphasis on mobilising long-term savings and consolidating its position within Tanzania’s financial services sector. .

Dar es Salaam. Business leaders from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are exploring ways to maximise trade opportunities arising from the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), as both sides seek to deepen bilateral economic ties.

Discussions held in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday focused on how the modern railway network will ease cargo transportation between Tanzania’s principal gateway, the Port of Dar es Salaam, and eastern and central parts of the DRC, including Maniema Province. The SGR is designed to link Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean to Mwanza Port on the shores of Lake Victoria, creating a strategic transport corridor to land-linked neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC.

The project is expected to significantly reduce reliance on long and often challenging road routes that currently dominate cross-border trade. Business representatives from both countries noted that unreliable road infrastructure and vast distances have made transporting cargo from Dar es Salaam to parts of the DRC both costly and time-consuming.

Shipments to areas such as Maniema can currently take up to two months for a round trip. The government is implementing the SGR in phases, including the MakutuporaKigoma section.

Stakeholders said that once the railway becomes fully operational, transit times are expected to drop substantially, lowering transport costs and improving efficiency in the movement of goods. The talks brought together members of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) and a delegation from Maniema Province, who are visiting the country to explore opportunities in transport, logistics and cross-border trade.

Maniema Governor Moises Kabwankubi, who led the Congolese delegation, said improved rail connectivity would strengthen bilateral trade, enhance regional integration and position Tanzania as a key logistics hub for Central and East Africa. “Our province is blessed with numerous minerals and agricultural produce,” he said, expressing optimism that better infrastructure would unlock the region’s economic potential.

Mr Kabwankubi highlighted investment opportunities in cement production, citing increased construction activity in the region. He also pointed to strong demand for petroleum products and livestock.

“Tanzania is endowed with abundant raw materials for cement manufacturing, which places Tanzanian investors in a strong position to establish factories or enter joint ventures with partners in the DRC to meet demand in Maniema and neighbouring areas,” he said. Addressing concerns over security, he said that Maniema is located far from conflict-affected areas, encouraging investors to explore opportunities in the province with confidence.

For his part, TPSF Acting Executive Director Deogratius Massawe said stakeholders had identified a range of challenges and opportunities affecting trade between the two countries. He noted that while several provinces in the DRC are land-linked, presenting logistical hurdles, the situation also offers an opportunity for Tanzania — particularly with the ongoing SGR construction expected to enhance regional connectivity.

Mr Massawe further highlighted the potential role of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) in transporting cargo and strengthening trade links between the two nations. “Through our discussions, we agreed that in April a delegation of Tanzanian businesspeople will travel to Maniema Province to meet their Congolese counterparts and explore practical ways of enhancing trade and investment,” he said.

He emphasised that the private sector is expected to implement about 80 per cent of the country’s Development Vision 2050 targets, making such engagements crucial. “The meeting provides a timely opportunity for Tanzania’s private sector to contribute actively to national development while expanding its footprint in regional markets,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bravo Group Acting Group Chief Executive Officer Ngobile Ngwenya outlined the logistical challenges her company faces when transporting agricultural equipment to Maniema and other parts of the DRC. “Today’s meeting was important as it enabled us to identify the challenges we normally face and determine where to report them.

Some issues have already been addressed, and for those that have not, guidance was provided on how to seek solutions,” she said. Ms Ngwenya said security and safety remain major concerns, noting that vehicles and drivers often lack adequate protection.

Documentation procedures and permit requirements also make the transportation process lengthy and complex. She said round trips currently take up to two months, whereas an ideal timeframe would be about three weeks.

Despite the challenges, she pointed out that Maniema and surrounding areas offer vast opportunities in agriculture, with significant tracts of land still underutilised. The ongoing SGR project is therefore seen not only as a transport upgrade but as a catalyst for unlocking trade, investment and agricultural potential between Tanzania and the DRC.

.

Dar es Salaam. After posting morale-boosting victories in their most recent outings, Tanzania’s traditional heavyweights Young Africans (Yanga), Simba and Azam FC return to action today for another set of acidic, high-stakes encounters in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League, with the title race beginning to take clearer shape.

All three sides are buoyed by wins last time out and now face fixtures that could significantly influence the standings, especially at the top where the margins are extremely fine. At the KMC Complex from 4pm, Young Africans SC will take on leaders JKT Tanzania in a blockbuster encounter that could see a change at the summit.

JKT Tanzania currently lead the table with 28 points from 16 matches, but Yanga, who have amassed 25 points from just nine games, know that victory will lift them to the top with 28 points as well, courtesy of a superior goal difference. The Citizens come into the match in confident mood after edging Namungo FC 1-0 in their previous fixture at the Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi.

That narrow but crucial win underlined Yanga’s defensive solidity and ability to grind out results, qualities that will be vital against a disciplined and physical JKT Tanzania side that has impressed with consistency rather than flair. A win for Yanga would be a major statement in the title race, while JKT Tanzania will be keen to protect their position and prove that their long stay at the top is no accident.

In Dodoma, Simba SC face a demanding away test against Dodoma Jiji FC at the Jamhuri Stadium. Simba, who sit fourth with 22 points from nine matches, are also firmly in the championship conversation and know that maximum points are essential to keep pace with Yanga and JKT.

The Msimbazi Reds head into the encounter after a solid 2-0 victory over Tanzania Prisons, also at the Jamhuri Stadium, a result that restored confidence and highlighted their growing balance between attack and defence. Dodoma Jiji, however, are traditionally strong at home and will aim to frustrate Simba with compact defending and quick counterattacks.

Meanwhile in Chamazi, Azam FC will host Mtibwa Sugar at the Azam Complex. The Ice Cream Makers remain unbeaten this season and are eighth with 19 points from nine matches, a position that belies their potential given games in hand.

Azam arrive off the back of an impressive 2-0 win against KMC FC at the KMC Complex, a performance that showcased their attacking sharpness and defensive discipline. Victory over Mtibwa Sugar would see Azam close further on the leading pack and reinforce their ambitions of mounting a serious title challenge.

.

Dar es Salaam. “Salute our pilot! Thank you, iron woman, for delivering us safely! May God bless your work!” These are the familiar cheers from passengers as Joyce Foya completes her daily route.

Such praise is rare in Dar es Salaam’s commuter bus industry, yet for Joyce it has become a badge of honour in a space long regarded as a male preserve. Ms Foya, 33, drives a commuter bus, famously known in Dar es Salaam as daladala, on the Kigogo MarketPugu route in Ilala District to Tandika in Temeke.

In a three-hour interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi, she recounted a journey defined by grit, rejection, and eventual triumph. Though she dreamed of driving from childhood, economic hardship and social expectations forced her to take a longer route to the steering wheel.

She first moved to Dar es Salaam in 2010 from the Kilimanjaro Region to help her sister run a retail shop. After a year, family disagreements pushed her back home, but the city called her again.

In 2012, she returned, staying with a friend and working as a mama lishe (food vendor) in Mwembe Yanga, Temeke. “As I served food, I would tell bus crews about my dream of driving.

Most laughed and told me to start as a conductor, saying driving was not for women,” recalls Ms Foya. Between 2016 and 2017, opportunity finally knocked when a driver urgently needed a substitute conductor.

She seized the chance. “Getting into this industry was a fight.

I promised myself that if I was given an opportunity, I would not waste it. I began on the KariakooTemeke route before the BuzaKigogo line even started,” she says.

She watched male colleagues quickly transition into driving lessons while she remained overlooked. Determined not to be sidelined, she sought mentorship.

“I eventually found a driver on the KigogoTandika route who agreed to train me.” Training was demanding.

Her instructor was strict and sometimes physically reprimanded her for mistakes. Ms Foya endured, determined to challenge the belief that women lack the temperament for navigating Dar es Salaam’s chaotic roads.

After gaining confidence, she enrolled in a driving school and obtained a Class C licence, qualifying her to operate large passenger buses. She has now been a full-time driver for three years.

Trials on the tarmac Despite her competence, Ms Foya faces resistance from some male colleagues. “Some question how a woman can fill her bus faster than they do.

Others deliberately block me at bus stops to prevent overtaking,” she says. Passengers can also test her resolve.

While many are supportive, some still make disparaging remarks. “Some have told me to go back to the kitchen.

But I developed resilience during my years as a conductor. I love my work, and that is what matters,” she adds firmly.

In her early days, some commuters would disembark upon seeing a woman driver. Over time, her consistent record of safety and professionalism has quelled such doubts.

A family’s transformation Her career initially unsettled her family. Her parents feared the moral risks associated with the transport sector.

Even after she became a driver, her brother dismissed her claims. “He thought I was joking.

Even when my son confirmed it, he said I had coached him,” she says with a smile. The stalemate ended when the family dispatched her elder sister from Kilimanjaro to verify the claims.

Once confirmed, scepticism turned to admiration. Balancing motherhood and work Ms Foya is a mother to a Standard Seven pupil.

To ensure stability during his final primary year, she arranged for him to live with her sister in Moshi, visiting during school holidays. Her routine is disciplined: she starts work at 5:00 a.

m. and finishes at 5:00 p.

m., reserving weekends for rest, family, and community commitments.

Building for the future Her efforts have tangible rewards. Through her earnings, she has built a home in Chanika, a milestone she credits to perseverance and financial discipline.

Her long-term goal is to become a bus owner. She is saving specifically to purchase her own vehicle and transition from employee to operator.

“If I met President Samia Suluhu Hassan, I would ask for support to acquire my own passenger bus,” she says. Colleagues describe her as dependable and principled.

Mr Juma Pazzy and Mr Hussein Mkelemi say vehicle owners entrust her with daily collections due to her integrity. Her conductor, Ms Farida Iddi, adds that Ms Foya inspired her to pursue a driving licence.

Ms Foya’s journey reflects determination in the face of structural and social barriers. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, she has carved out space through discipline, courage, and competence.

Her story affirms that ambition knows no bounds. Through persistence and hard work, she has transformed scepticism into respect and adversity into achievement, a powerful example of what Tanzanian women can accomplish when opportunity meets resolve.

.

Morogoro. Tragedy struck along the MorogoroDar es Salaam highway overnight after two heavy-duty lorries collided head-on and burst into flames, killing two drivers and a turnboy.

The accident occurred in the Maseyu area of Morogoro Region. Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Alex Mkama, confirmed the incident.

He said property of significant value was destroyed in addition to the loss of three lives. RPC Mkama said the collision involved a timber-laden lorry travelling from Morogoro towards Dar es Salaam and a fuel tanker heading in the opposite direction.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the timber lorry veered from his lane into the opposite side of the road, resulting in a head-on collision with the fuel tanker,” he said. He added that the impact was so severe that both vehicles caught fire immediately, noting that the inferno claimed the lives of both drivers and a third person believed to be a turnboy.

“Owing to the highly flammable nature of the tanker’s cargo, the fire spread rapidly, complicating rescue efforts and requiring a coordinated response by the Police Force and the Fire and Rescue Force to contain the blaze,” he added. The regional police chief said that after the fire was extinguished, a search of the wreckage uncovered two bodies in the fuel tanker and one in the timber lorry.

“Investigations are underway to establish the registration details and ownership of the vehicles involved. Authorities are also working to identify the deceased before releasing the bodies to relatives for burial arrangements,” he said.

Following the tragedy, the Police Force has urged lorry drivers and other motorists to strictly adhere to road safety regulations, particularly during night-time travel. “We urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, observe speed limits, and remain within their designated lanes to prevent accidents that cost innocent lives,” the RPC emphasised.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (Rita) has disbanded the Board of Trustees of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Tanzania over allegations of property mismanagement and failure to discharge duties prescribed by law.

Rita Chief Executive Officer, Mr Frank Kanyusi, told reporters on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, that the decision followed findings contained in a special report by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), which was submitted to the agency. He said the report established that the board had grossly failed to fulfil its legal obligations and had mismanaged church properties.

According to Mr Kanyusi, the special audit was conducted following complaints lodged by members of the church, who alleged collective gross misconduct by members of the board. “The report confirmed serious failures in the discharge of duties as defined by law, including mismanagement of church properties,” he said.

He explained that the decision to dissolve the board was guided by the law, adding that the CAG’s report would be forwarded to other relevant state agencies for further action. Mr Kanyusi further said the church has been given seven days to submit to Rita the names of 10 members to form an interim committee that will oversee church activities pending the appointment of a new Board of Trustees.

The Registrar of Civil Societies in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Kihampa, said his office had received several complaints from church members, including allegations of embezzlement of church property and failure to submit annual reports as required by law. “The conflicts we see in religious institutions often begin as complaints.

If those complaints are not addressed in time, they turn into formal grievances, and if the grievances are still not resolved promptly, they eventually result in serious conflicts,” Mr Kihampa said. He said that unresolved disputes within religious institutions could lead to divisions, internal rifts and, ultimately, a breach of the peace.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football heavyweights Young Africans, Simba and Azam FC have been handed relatively favourable fixtures following the draw for the round of 16 of the CRDB Federation Cup, conducted yesterday.

The knockout competition, which remains one of the most prestigious domestic trophies, carries added significance this season as the eventual winner will earn the right to represent Tanzania in the CAF Confederation Cup next campaign. Defending champions Young Africans, popularly known as Yanga, were drawn against Polisi Tanzania from the Championship division.

The tie presents an opportunity for the holders to assert their dominance early, although cup history has repeatedly shown that lower division sides can be dangerous opponents in one off encounters. Simba, who are also chasing silverware to complement their continental ambitions, will face B19 FC, another side from the second tier.

On paper, the Reds are clear favourites, but the fixture still demands focus as Championship teams often treat matches against giants as career defining occasions. Azam FC, the third member of the traditional “big three,” were drawn against Mbeya Kwanza, while Singida Black Stars will take on Songea United, both also from the Championship division.

All round of 16 matches are scheduled to be played between April 9 and 11, according to the official draw. Several intriguing fixtures feature elsewhere in the draw.

Geita Gold will meet Nyika, while JKT Tanzania face Hausang. Coastal rivals Coastal Union and Stand United will also battle for a quarterfinal slot.

Other ties include Namungo versus Kagera Sugar, Mbeya City against Bandari Tanzania, and Fountain Gate taking on Gunners. The draw also mapped out the potential quarterfinal clashes.

The winner between Young Africans and Polisi Tanzania will face either Tanzania Prisons or TMA Stars. Simba, should they overcome B19 FC, will meet the winner between Dodoma Jiji and African Sports.

Azam FC’s path could see them face the winner of Fountain Gate versus Gunners, while Singida Black Stars will square off against whoever emerges victorious between Mbeya City and Bandari Tanzania. Elsewhere, the winner between Namungo and Kagera Sugar will play either TRA United or Kijiwe Nongwa.

Additional projected ties show the winner of Coastal Union versus Stand United meeting the victor between Pamba Jiji and Transit Camp. The winner between JKT Tanzania and Hausang will face either Mtibwa Sugar or Mbuni, while the winner of Geita Gold versus Nyika will take on the victor between Mashujaa and KenGold.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Football Federation is positioning itself to tap into the vast commercial potential of the global betting industry, estimated to be worth billions of shillings, as local betting firms scramble to secure formal partnerships linked to domestic football fixtures.

In a bold strategic shift, TFF has announced plans to formalise and monetise betting rights associated with its competitions. The move signals the federation’s intention to treat its fixtures not merely as sporting events, but as valuable intellectual property assets within a rapidly expanding betting ecosystem.

He said the Tanzania Mainland Premier League is now ranked sixth on the African continent, a position that underscores its growing significance in the development and valuation of the competition. The pilot phase of the initiative will centre on the highly anticipated Kariakoo derby between Young Africans and Simba, scheduled for March 1 at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

Betting companies across the country are now locked in fierce competition to secure rights linked to the blockbuster encounter. TFF has invited licensed betting firms to bid for partnership rights for the match.

The primary objective of the pilot project is to gather key data, including the number of bettors participating and the total revenue generated from wagers placed on the game. According to sources, the collected data will provide the federation with a clearer picture of the scale and economic impact of betting activities surrounding domestic fixtures.

The source said the insights will also feed into TFF’s ongoing valuation process of its leagues and other football assets to determine their true commercial worth. “In what could be a first in the country, TFF is expected to conduct a live auction process to award betting partnership rights, marking a significant evolution in how football properties are commercialised locally,” said the source.

A source close to the development said the federation’s decision is aimed at ensuring Tanzanian football benefits directly from wagers placed on its competitions. “The betting industry, driven by digital platforms, mobile money penetration and growing fan engagement, has witnessed exponential growth across Africa.

Tanzania is no exception, with thousands of fans placing bets weekly on local and international matches,” the source said. By asserting greater control over fixture-related rights, TFF aims to create a regulated framework under which betting companies can access official data and branding through structured agreements.

He said such arrangements would open up new revenue streams for the federation, potentially supporting grassroots football development, improvements in refereeing standards, women’s football programs and national team preparations. The development mirrors broader continental and global trends, where football governing bodies are increasingly recognising the commercial value embedded in match data and fixtures.

In South Africa, the Premier Soccer League previously defended its intellectual property in a landmark legal battle over betting rights, reinforcing the principle that leagues and federations hold proprietary interests in their competitions. South Africa’s PSL discovered their fixtures generated 300 million rands (S2 billions) annually.

TFF’s initiative could therefore mark a turning point in the financial sustainability of Tanzanian football. “Globally, modern sports business models now rely heavily on diversified revenue architecture that includes data rights, streaming partnerships and regulated betting collaborations.

If successfully implemented, the strategy could significantly reshape the economic landscape of the game in Tanzania,” he said. By unlocking the commercial value of its fixtures, TFF would not merely be pursuing short-term financial gains, but laying the foundation for a stronger, self-sustaining football ecosystem.

Ultimately, the federation’s ambition is clear: to ensure that a meaningful share of the billions circulating within betting markets flows back into the development and growth of the sport at home. .

Johannesburg. South Africa’s government said on Tuesday that 11 of a group of 17 men who were lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine were set to return home soon, after an initial four landed back in the country last week.

A further two remained in Russia, with one in a hospital in Moscow, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement. Ramaphosa raised the fate of the 17 men, who sent distress calls to the South African government in November after getting trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month.

Reports of African men being lured into Russia with promises of jobs and ending up on Ukraine’s front line have become more frequent in recent months, creating tensions between Moscow and some of the countries involved. A Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers last week estimated that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side in the war in Ukraine.

Kenya’s foreign minister has said he plans to visit Russia to address the issue. South Africa has sought to maintain a non-aligned stance on the conflict in Ukraine, while preserving strong ties with Moscow as a fellow BRICS member alongside Brazil, India and China.

Reports of African men being lured into Russia with promises of jobs and ending up on Ukraine’s front line have become more frequent in recent months, creating tensions between Moscow and some of the countries involved. Under South African law, it is illegal for citizens to provide military assistance to foreign governments or participate in foreign armies unless authorised to do so.

Much of the Donbas is controlled by Russian forces and fighting has been heavy there since Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago. .

Ahmedabad. South Africa bulldozed defending champions India by 76 runs in their Super Eight Group One clash in the Twenty20 World Cup, underlining their title credentials and sending a strong signal to their rivals.

Choosing to bat in a rematch of the 2024 World Cup final, South Africa surged to a commanding 1877 following a remarkable recovery from a precarious 20-3. In reply, tournament co-hosts India’s timid top-order faltered swiftly, and their innings never quite escaped the grip of scoreboard pressure. They were bundled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, slipping to their first defeat of the World Cup.

“We played against them a lot as well,” David Miller, whose breezy 63 earned him player-of-the-match award, said of the Indian bowlers. “So it was just matching the intensity, if not raising the intensity, against their bowlers, and putting them under the pump.

“They are good bowlers, but they do bowl bad balls. So it’s making sure you’re in that position to do that.

” Earlier, India quickly took the sting out of South Africa’s top-order following Aiden Markram’s decision to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Jasprit Bumrah bowled Quinton de Kock, while Arshdeep Singh had Markram snared at mid-off to leave South Africa without any of their openers inside three overs.

Bumrah’s control (315) shone again when he, with a deft change of pace, deceived Ryan Rickelton, who chipped tamely to Shivam Dube at midoff. From there, a blistering 97run partnership between Miller and Dewald Brevis (45) not only halted the slide but also turned the heat back on India.

Brevis missed a welldeserved fifty but Miller powered to his in just 26 balls. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy removed Miller in the 16th over, but Tristan Stubbs provided the last flourish with an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls that included three sixes.

.