Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar’s exports of goods and services rose sharply in the year ending February 2026, underpinned by robust service receipts and a bumper clove harvest, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has reported.

According to the latest figures, total exports increased by 25.5 percent to $1.63 billion, up from the level recorded in the corresponding period in 2025. Service receipts continued to dominate the export basket, accounting for 94.9 percent of total exports, highlighting the sustained contribution of sectors such as tourism and transport to foreign exchange earnings. Meanwhile, exports of goods more than doubled to $82.2 million, driven largely by traditional crops.

Cloves, in particular, registered strong performance following a bumper harvest during the review period. On a month-on-month basis, exports also posted growth, rising to $151.3 million in February 2026 from $138.7 million in February 2025. On the import side, Zanzibar recorded a notable increase, with the value of goods and services imports rising by 22.8 percent to $743.9 million in the year ending February 2026. The BoT attributed the rise primarily to increased inflows of capital and consumer goods.

Imports of capital goods were driven by higher demand for industrial transport equipment, signalling continued investment in productive sectors of the economy. At the same time, the increase in consumer goods imports was linked to higher demand for non-industrial transport equipment and other consumer items, including footwear and related products.

Month-on-month data also showed a significant jump in imports, which rose to $64.6 million in February 2026 from $40.4 million recorded in the same month last year. The latest trade figures point to sustained economic activity, with both external demand and domestic consumption contributing to the upward trajectory in trade volumes.

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Dar es Salaam. A groundbreaking study has identified 102 medicinal plant species used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) to manage sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Lake Zone, marking a significant step towards integrating indigenous knowledge with modern medicine.

The research, titled Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants traditionally used to manage sickle cell disease in Mwanza and Mara Regions, Tanzania, was authored by Godfrey Sambayi, Rogers Mwakalukwa, Olipa D. Ngassapa, Luc Pieters, and Emmy Tuenter.

Sickle cell disease remains a major public health challenge in Tanzania, which ranks third in Africa for the number of patients living with the inherited blood disorder. On average, about 11,000 infants are born with the condition annually in the country, placing a heavy burden on families and the broader healthcare system.

While specialised clinics exist at Muhimbili National Hospital and Bugando Medical Centre, these facilities are largely concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural populations with limited access to affordable care. Consequently, many patients in low-income settings rely on herbal medicines as a primary alternative for managing the disease and its complications, including severe pain episodes and chronic anaemia.

Traditional medicine remains widely trusted in rural communities due to its accessibility and deep cultural acceptance. The survey focused on the Mwanza and Mara regions, areas known for a high prevalence of SCD, as researchers targeted five district councils: Magu and Misungwi in Mwanza, and Bunda, Butiama, and Musoma in Mara.

“The research team conducted in-depth interviews with 37 THPs selected for their documented experience in treating the condition,” reads part of the report. The methodology involved semi-structured interviews combined with field visits to collect plant specimens.

The collected samples were later authenticated and classified by professional botanists at the University of Dar es Salaam to ensure scientific accuracy and proper identification. “The study documented 102 plant species belonging to 39 taxonomic families.

The Fabaceae family was the most frequently cited, accounting for 24 percent of the plants used, followed by the Anacardiaceae family at six percent. Notable species identified include Kigelia africana (sausage tree), Mangifera indica (mango), and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass),” another part of the report reads.

The most commonly used plant parts were roots, representing 40 percent of the remedies, followed by leaves at 33 percent. Researchers also found that decoction was the preferred preparation method, accounting for 55 percent of treatments, while 90 percent of remedies were administered orally.

“A literature review confirmed that 15 of the identified plants are already recognised in other regions for their anti-sickling, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties,” the report reveals. which help alleviate symptoms such as bone pain and jaundice,” reveals the report.

The researchers expressed concern over the heavy reliance on roots, noting that such harvesting practices are environmentally unsustainable and may threaten the survival of certain species. “Most THPs collect plants from the wild rather than cultivating them.

Seasonal shortages of leaves often push practitioners to harvest roots, which are available year-round but carry greater ecological risks,” cautions the report. The survey represents the first formal scientific documentation of medicinal plants used specifically for SCD in Tanzania.

The findings provide preliminary support for traditional treatments and offer a foundation for future research into new bioactive compounds. “The study recommends systematic documentation of traditional medical knowledge and calls for controlled clinical trials to isolate active compounds,” reads the document.

It also suggests establishing botanical gardens and community seed banks to conserve endangered species. Finally it recommends that practitioners should be educated on responsible harvesting techniques to ensure the continued availability of medicinal resources.

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Tanzania’s pageant calendar is set for a major highlight this month, with two high-profile events scheduled in Dar es Salaam this month. These include the Miss World Tanzania 2026 Final on April 19, followed by the Miss Grand Tanzania 2026 auditions on April 25. The season reflects Tanzania’s continued efforts to strengthen its presence in international beauty pageants.

Miss World Tanzania is expected to be a glamorous evening featuring finalists from mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar, and various institutions. Organisers indicate that the show will run in the evening, with a live audience and a panel of judges responsible for selecting the winner.

In an official invitation, organisers described the event as a celebration of purpose and elegance. Share, “Experience an unforgettable evening of beauty, elegance, and purpose at the Miss World Tanzania Final taking place on April 19, at Super Dome, Masaki.

Join us as we celebrate intelligence, talent, and confidence while crowning the next queen who will represent the United Republic of Tanzania on the global stage.” This year’s edition is being positioned as one of the most structured national Miss World franchise finals in Tanzania, with strong emphasis on the international Beauty With a Purpose platform, which highlights advocacy and community impact alongside stage performance.

The winner will go on to represent Tanzania at the Miss World 2026 global competition, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious pageants in the world. Just days after the Miss World final, attention will return to The Super Dome on April 25, 2026, for the Miss Grand Tanzania auditions.

These auditions serve as the official entry point for contestants aiming to compete for the Miss Grand Tanzania title and represent the country at Miss Grand International. The auditions will include registration and screening, catwalk assessments, and short interviews focused on confidence, personality, and advocacy.

Successful participants will advance to the next stage, which includes national bootcamp selection or finalist placement. Tanzanian artiste Abigail Chams will headline the auditions as the official performer, adding a musical highlight to the pageant experience.

Miss Grand Tanzania operates under the global Miss Grand International system, which emphasises stage presence and advocacy campaigns promoting peace while opposing conflict and violence. While Tanzania’s participation continues to grow, the platform is still developing its competitive presence on the international stage.

The scheduling of both events at the same venue within the same month highlights the growing momentum in Tanzania’s entertainment and fashion industries, where pageantry is increasingly blending performance, culture, and youth development. April 2026 is shaping up to be a defining month for Tanzania’s representation on global beauty and creative platforms.

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For more than a decade, Alikiba and Diamond Platnumz have stood at the centre of Tanzania’s music industry, shaping the trajectory of Bongo Flava and pushing it onto regional and global stages. Their long-running rivalry, often dramatised as a “beef”, has become one of the most defining narratives in East African entertainment.

But beyond headlines and fan wars, this competition has functioned as something more structural than personal conflict, a driver of growth, innovation and sustained public attention. The question is no longer whether the rivalry exists but whether the industry would be better off without it.

The dynamic between the two artistes is rooted in timing and dominance. Alikiba, who rose to prominence earlier, built his reputation on vocal strength, songwriting and a measured release strategy that prioritised quality.

His influence helped shape the early identity of Bongo Flava. Diamond Platnumz, who surged in the early 2010s, introduced a more aggressive and expansive model, high-output releases, strategic collaborations and a strong business ecosystem built around his brand.

His rise coincided with the digital boom, allowing him to scale faster across Africa and beyond. With two different approaches producing similar dominance, comparisons became inevitable.

Fans and media positioned them as rivals, and over time, the narrative hardened into what is often described as a “beef”. Among fans, the rivalry is intensely debated.

For some, Alikiba represents musical purity and timeless artistry. “He doesn’t rush music.

When he releases, it lasts,” says one Dar es Salaam-based fan, echoing a widely held view that his catalogue prioritises emotional depth and longevity over trend chasing. On the other side, Diamond Platnumz’s supporters point to scale and consistency.

“He works harder and thinks bigger. He has brought Tanzanian music to the world,” another fan argues, citing international collaborations, streaming numbers, and visibility.

One fan, Manfredy, goes further, questioning whether the comparison itself still holds. “What Alikiba is doing now, Diamond has already done before and moved past.

The difference is vision. Diamond shifted his focus beyond Tanzania.

He’s not just making music for Bongo or even East Africa, he’s thinking globally.” He further adds that today, the ‘Shu’ hitmarker has more international awards, a bigger global following, higher numbers across digital platforms, more collaborations and more shows worldwide.

“You can’t talk about African music success today without mentioning him. So why are they still being compared at the same level?” Another perspective challenges the rivalry altogether, arguing that the two artistes come from different eras and structures.

Alikiba’s early career was shaped by traditional label systems, where management handled production, promotion and distribution, often with artists receiving a smaller share of the returns. His trajectory included pauses, including a period of inactivity following contractual disagreements after an international project with R.

Kelly. Diamond Platnumz, by contrast, emerged in a more entrepreneurial era, building his own structures, investing in branding and leveraging digital platforms to expand his reach.

From this view, the rivalry is less about direct competition and more about contrasting career models. Music executive Bob Manecky offers a more balanced reading, arguing that the rivalry persists because of difference rather than similarity.

“When you look at the bigger picture, each of them outperforms the other in different areas. Both have succeeded on their own terms.

But more importantly, their competition is what has kept them at the top. Without competition, there is no growth.

” He describes Diamond Platnumz as a fully packaged entertainer: vocalist, performer and dancer, with a strong ability to produce catchy, trend-driven music and maintain a powerful presence on digital platforms. His investments in high-quality videos and high-energy performances have strengthened his connection with audiences.

Alikiba, on the other hand, is defined by longevity and musical depth. “He has sustained relevance for a long time.

He is a strong vocalist and songwriter, and his music often leans toward emotion and timelessness, songs that last beyond trends.” The importance of competition is not unique to music.

One fan draws a parallel with Tanzania’s film industry, referencing Steven Kanumba and Ray Kigosi. “When both were active, there was real competition.

Each pushed the other, and the industry benefited. When that rivalry disappeared, the momentum dropped.

” The comparison underscores a broader point, rivalry creates tension, and tension drives performance. From a commercial standpoint, the Alikiba and Diamond dynamic is highly valuable.

Rivalries generate narratives, and narratives sustain attention. That attention translates into streams, ticket sales, endorsements and media coverage.

“When both artists are active at the same time, the whole industry moves,” says a regional promoter. “Fans engage more, and everything becomes bigger.

” This heightened activity benefits not just the two stars but also emerging artists operating within a more energised ecosystem. Why the rivalry should stay Removing the rivalry entirely would likely reduce one of the key forces driving Tanzanian music forward.

It raises standards, each release becomes a statement. It sustains engagement, fans remain invested in the comparison.

It strengthens global positioning, a competitive scene signals vitality. Without that pressure, the industry risks becoming less dynamic.

For Alikiba and Diamond Platnumz, evolution means shifting from personality-driven narratives to performance-driven competition. The focus should move to output: stronger albums, more ambitious visuals and world-class live shows, turning their rivalry into a benchmark for excellence rather than a cycle of fan-led comparisons.

At the same time, the next phase of competition lies beyond Tanzania, with both artists pushing into new international markets, expanding touring circuits and securing global collaborations that elevate Bongo Flava’s reach. There is also space for strategic alignment without diluting the rivalry.

A collaboration between the two would not end the competition; it would reset it, creating a major cultural moment before both return to competing at a higher level. Beyond music, the rivalry can mature into legacy building, with each artist investing in talent development, platforms and industry infrastructure.

In that sense, the real competition is no longer just about hits or numbers but about influence, longevity and who contributes more to shaping the future of the industry. The story of Alikiba and Diamond Platnumz is, in many ways, the story of modern Bongo Flava: its growth, its tensions and its ambitions.

Their rivalry is not a weakness in the industry. It is part of its infrastructure.

And like any enduring force in entertainment, it should not disappear, but it should evolve. .

Tanzania’s pageant calendar is set for a major highlight this month, with two high-profile events scheduled in Dar es Salaam this month. These include the Miss World Tanzania 2026 Final on April 19, followed by the Miss Grand Tanzania 2026 auditions on April 25. The season reflects Tanzania’s continued efforts to strengthen its presence in international beauty pageants.

Miss World Tanzania is expected to be a glamorous evening featuring finalists from mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar, and various institutions. Organisers indicate that the show will run in the evening, with a live audience and a panel of judges responsible for selecting the winner.

In an official invitation, organisers described the event as a celebration of purpose and elegance. Share, “Experience an unforgettable evening of beauty, elegance, and purpose at the Miss World Tanzania Final taking place on April 19, at Super Dome, Masaki.

Join us as we celebrate intelligence, talent, and confidence while crowning the next queen who will represent the United Republic of Tanzania on the global stage.” This year’s edition is being positioned as one of the most structured national Miss World franchise finals in Tanzania, with strong emphasis on the international Beauty With a Purpose platform, which highlights advocacy and community impact alongside stage performance.

The winner will go on to represent Tanzania at the Miss World 2026 global competition, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious pageants in the world. Just days after the Miss World final, attention will return to The Super Dome on April 25, 2026, for the Miss Grand Tanzania auditions.

These auditions serve as the official entry point for contestants aiming to compete for the Miss Grand Tanzania title and represent the country at Miss Grand International. The auditions will include registration and screening, catwalk assessments, and short interviews focused on confidence, personality, and advocacy.

Successful participants will advance to the next stage, which includes national bootcamp selection or finalist placement. Tanzanian artiste Abigail Chams will headline the auditions as the official performer, adding a musical highlight to the pageant experience.

Miss Grand Tanzania operates under the global Miss Grand International system, which emphasises stage presence and advocacy campaigns promoting peace while opposing conflict and violence. While Tanzania’s participation continues to grow, the platform is still developing its competitive presence on the international stage.

The scheduling of both events at the same venue within the same month highlights the growing momentum in Tanzania’s entertainment and fashion industries, where pageantry is increasingly blending performance, culture, and youth development. April 2026 is shaping up to be a defining month for Tanzania’s representation on global beauty and creative platforms.

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On April 1, 2026, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba stood before Parliament in Dodoma and formally launched Tanzania’s Vision 2050 — a 25-year blueprint targeting a $1 trillion economy and a per capita income of $7,000. The budget instrument for its first operational year is Sh61.9 trillion, the largest in the country’s history. Having participated as an expert in the drafting of Vision 2050, I understand the ambition it encodes.

The political will is visible. The question that should sit on every serious investor’s desk is: can the institutions deliver it? Two days earlier, on March 30, Controller and Auditor General (CAG) Charles Kichere presented the 2024/25 annual audit report to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House.

The headline was encouraging: 99 percent of audited entities received clean opinions, up from 96.9 percent the previous year. President Samia called it a thorough job.

The media led with the progress. However, sophisticated readers know that the headline opinion and the body of the report are different documents, and that the body that matters most for investors.

The most consequential finding received almost no attention. Out of 38,181 audit recommendations issued across previous years, only 36.7 percent have been fully implemented, 43 percent remain in progress, and the rest are unaddressed.

Tanzania’s oversight architecture is generating findings at scale: 1,553 audits this year alone, spanning financial statements, performance reviews, ICT systems, and special investigations. What it is not generating, at anything like the same scale, is corrective action.

A clean audit opinion tells you that the books were properly kept. A 36.7 percent implementation rate tells you what happens after the auditors leave — very little.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau’s (PCCB) report deepens the picture. The PCCB reviewed 1,864 projects in 2024/25 and identified irregularities in 913, nearly half, of which only 66 were subjected to formal investigation: a conversion rate of 7.

2 percent. For every ten projects flagged, nine face no formal inquiry.

The monitored projects carry a combined value of Sh14.3 trillion, up from Sh11.4 trillion the year before. As the scope of oversight grows, the gap between identification and investigation is not narrowing, but widening.

The state-owned enterprise picture warrants the same read, and it carries direct implications for Vision 2050’s delivery model. The Vision is explicit: public-private partnerships are its primary financing mechanism.

Yet the institutions expected to anchor those PPPs — TANESCO in energy, the Tanzania Ports Authority in logistics, the Tanzania Airports Authority in connectivity — operate within a parastatal sector where total losses declined to Sh307.1 billion from S12.3 billion the prior year, an improvement the CAG himself qualified. It was driven largely by government subsidies of Sh105.2 billion, not operational efficiency gains.

“Losses have effectively been shifted to the government,” Kichere said. Twenty-two public entities continued to post losses over periods of one to five years.

A private investor entering a PPP with a counterparty that requires annual subsidy support to show improved numbers is not entering a partnership on equal terms. There is a further data point that received no headline coverage and is directly material to foreign investors.

Government debt rose 13.04 percent to Sh110.05 trillion by June 2025, but the driver is nuanced: currency depreciation alone added approximately Sh2 trillion to the debt stock. Tanzania’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 40.7 percent remains well within the 55 percent threshold, and domestic revenue collection hit 99.4 percent of target.

The fundamentals are sound, but Sh2 trillion in exchange rate losses without additional borrowing is a currency risk disclosure that any investor with shilling-denominated exposure — in infrastructure, real estate or long-term concessions — must factor into their structuring. None of this is an argument against investing in Tanzania.

It is an argument for investing with precision. The country’s macroeconomic trajectory remains among the strongest in East Africa — 6 percent GDP growth, inflation at 3.

3 percent, record FDI of $1.72 billion in 2024. The reform architecture built through instruments like MKUMBI II is genuine. What the CAG report provides is the institutional stress test that every serious capital allocator needs to run alongside the growth story.

Parliament now has 87 days of budget sitting ahead of it. Speaker Zungu’s first major test is whether this CAG report is treated as a governance instrument or a ceremonial one.

The distinction matters well beyond domestic accountability. DFIs, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors evaluating Tanzania’s S77 trillion Vision 2050 investment pipeline will be watching how the legislature responds to a 36.7 percent implementation rate and a 7.

2 percent investigation conversion. The oversight architecture exists.

The question is whether those deploying capital into it and those governing it are prepared to make it count. Amne Suedi is an international investment lawyer, Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Tanzania, and Chair of the Switzerland Tanzania Chamber of Commerce.

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You’ve finished your first beer and are waiting for a second and maybe a third. You had a rough day doing several things a hustler must do, besides torturing your fingers on the computer keyboard to produce crap like this one you’re reading.

A few beers go a long way to soothe not just a man’s dry throat but his whole system as well. We call that decongesting.

At least ten minutes have elapsed since you polished off the 330ml bottle you’ve been imbibing slowly, kupiga tarumbeta style. Those who’ve followed you in this space over the years know why you prefer kupiga tarumbeta, loathed as it is by some of your more sophisticated buddies.

Your ndugu, Esaya, is one. But Uncle Kich and you ignore him.

First, it’s safe and clean. One doesn’t have to worry about the often poorly cleaned glasses.

Second, it’s easy to control your speed, a significant thing for economy drinkers like you. Third, the style further puts in check the menacing wahudumu who’ve the bad habit of unilaterally picking up a drinker’s bottle, giving it a shake before pouring every remaining drop into his glass and asking, ‘Unaongeza?’ There’s nothing as embarrassing as having on a man’s table a glass that’s not partnered with a bottle.

The mhudumu knows that, so after refilling a customer’s glass by force, she hangs around, asking him further, ‘Huongezi?’ You hate that! But all the same, even as you drink freely in Tarumbeta styleyou expect a waiter to check on you now and then and respectfully ask you if you want some more. Ten minutes have elapsed and nobody has bothered to check on you.

The newspaper in your hands has somewhat kept you too occupied to remind yourself that you’re here, not to read, but to (mainly) drink. The mhudumu who saved you earlier is presently at the counter, and her colleague, the key akaunta, is seated four tables away from yours, having a drink and chatting with a customer who’s probably her boyfriend.

Now as you try to signal the stand-in accountant (call her Neema) at the beer-dispensing cabin to bring you another drink, it’s hard for her to notice you, for she’s blocked by patrons she’s serving or chatting with. When she ultimately notices you desperately hailing her, she shouts at this young girl who’s at the table next to yours, busy watching pictures on the phone she’s sharing with a young boy.

“You, Jane! Why aren’t you attending mzee You’re just there wasting time with this cowboy I’ve numerous times warned you about?” Kumbe, all this time you’ve been seated close to an attendant who didn’t look like one at all! Jane and the cowboy displayed a lot of excitement as they marvelled at whatever they were watching on the boy’sor the girl’s smartphone. You never for once saw her stand up and move around to check out if anyone needed another drink.

After Neema’s rebuke, she dashes to the counter and comes back with your order and says, ‘Sorry, mzee,’ as she opens the bottle for you. She’s just 18, while the cowboy, a nephew of a neighbourhood watchman, is hardly 16. .

Dar es Salaam. ACT Wazalendo has called for an inclusive national reconciliation process in Tanzania, telling the Commonwealth that the 2025 General Election was neither free nor fair and has resulted in what it describes as a legitimacy crisis.

In a statement issued on April 10, the opposition party said restoring democratic governance should begin with the release of political prisoners and a structured dialogue among stakeholders. “Immediate release of all political prisoners and initiation of an inclusive national reconciliation process,” the party said.

The party further called for independent investigations into killings and alleged human rights violations linked to the election period. “Independent national and international investigations into the killings of 29 October 2025 and subsequent human rights violations, to identify and hold perpetrators accountable,” the statement reads.

It also demanded accountability for all individuals implicated in alleged abuses, alongside constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions. “Constitutional reforms to ensure an independent electoral commission and genuine political pluralism,” it added.

ACT Wazalendo argued that the 2025 General Election did not reflect the will of the electorate. “The 2025 General Election was not a free process through which citizens could determine their future, but rather a manipulated exercise driven by force, deception and state apparatus,” the party said in its submission to the Commonwealth.

The party further stated that Tanzania is facing a serious political crisis marked by what it termed the erosion of multiparty democracy and the rise of security-driven governance. Among its concerns, ACT Wazalendo cited the disqualification of its presidential candidate, Luhaga Joelson Mpina, saying it exposed irregularities within the electoral system.

It also claimed that 67 parliamentary and 447 councillorship candidates were barred during nomination processes. The party questioned the official voter turnout of 86.7 percent, arguing that it did not reflect conditions on the ground.

“Voter turnout figures were manipulated despite clear evidence of low participation,” the statement says. It further cited disruptions in areas including Segerea, Kibamba, Ubungo, Kinondoni and Arusha Urban, where voting was allegedly interrupted but results were still declared.

The party also alleged that presiding officers altered vote totals. “Presiding officers altered results by inflating voter numbers or votes without reflecting actual ballots cast,” it said.

ACT Wazalendo further alleged that security agencies influenced the electoral process. “Election results were orchestrated by security agencies and announced without proper aggregation,” the statement added.

Beyond electoral issues, the party raised concerns over alleged human rights violations, including arrests, assaults and killings. It said more than 200 members were detained during the election period, while others were injured during protests.

It also cited the death of its councillor candidate for Sirari Ward, Ms Dafroza Jacob, who it claimed died following alleged torture in police custody. The statement comes as the Commonwealth intensifies diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue following the disputed polls.

Former Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is in Tanzania as a special envoy under Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. Dr Chakwera arrived in Dar es Salaam on April 8 and is expected to meet government officials, political parties, civil society organisations and religious leaders.

The mission is part of the Commonwealth’s Good Offices framework, aimed at facilitating dialogue and easing political tensions. ACT Wazalendo said the election outcome has undermined public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Electoral irregularities, use of force against citizens, and interference by state institutions have severely eroded public trust,” the statement reads. The party maintained that inclusive dialogue and reforms are essential to restore democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Tanzania.

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Dar es Salaam. The government has identified eight priority areas in the financial sector that, if effectively harnessed with private sector collaboration, could accelerate economic growth and support national development goals.

Finance Minister, Khamis Mussa, made the remarks on Wednesday at the Second Financial Sector Forum 2026, held under the theme Innovation and a Responsible Financial Sector for Sustainable and Inclusive Socio-Economic Development. The event also marked the launch of the National Inclusive Insurance Strategy (NIIS) and the Research, Innovation and Development Strategy.

Mr Mussa highlighted climate finance, Islamic financial services, regulation of digital financial assets, access to capital for start-ups and small businesses, financial literacy, consumer protection, and risk reduction in lending as critical areas for priority focus. “Climate finance and green financing offer significant opportunities.

We must position ourselves to benefit from them,” he said, stressing the growing importance of non-interest financial services, including Islamic banking, takaful insurance and Sharia-compliant capital market instruments. He noted the rapid growth of digital financial systems, including cryptocurrencies and online platforms, which underscores the need for strengthened regulatory frameworks.

He said the government is preparing legislation to govern virtual assets. Access to finance, particularly for youth and women entrepreneurs, remains a key concern.

Mr Mussa called for the expansion of venture capital, private equity and other financing mechanisms to support start-ups and small businesses. He also emphasised the need to improve financial literacy and inclusion, pointing out persistent gaps in public understanding of financial matters.

“Enhancing financial education, promoting entrepreneurship and developing products for low-income groups are vital to reduce reliance on informal and often exploitative lending practices,” he said. Mr Mussa commended regulators, including the central bank, insurance and capital market authorities, for efforts in strengthening the sector.

He said Tanzania’s financial system, comprising banking, insurance, capital markets, microfinance, fintech firms and mobile operators, plays a central role in economic development. The minister pointed to notable achievements, including increased bank deposits, expanded private sector credit and growth in digital financial transactions.

Tanzania’s economy is estimated to have grown by 5.9 percent in 2025, up from 5.

5 percent in 2024, with the financial and insurance sub-sector recording 14.8 percent growth, second only to electricity generation. Meanwhile, Bahayo Saquare said TIRA has completed two strategic plans to strengthen insurance coverage, promote economic and social development, and expand data-driven decision-making.

He added that the strategies aim to increase insurance uptake, particularly in business, infrastructure and motor vehicles, and raise the sector’s contribution to GDP from 22 percent to 30 percent. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is witnessing an intensifying push–both domestically and internationally–to establish what exactly transpired during the October 29, 2025 General Election, as investigators widen their scope and political actors signal readiness for dialogue in a process many see as critical to national healing.

From the ongoing work of a presidential commission of inquiry to the arrival of high-level international envoys, the country appears to be entering a decisive phase in addressing post-election tensions, amid growing public expectation for transparency, accountability and closure. At the centre of the domestic process is the commission chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the election-related unrest.

Initially given 90 days, the commission’s mandate has now been extended following an overwhelming response from citizens and stakeholders. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Justice Chande said the extension reflects the scale and complexity of the task, noting that the commission continues to receive testimonies, documents and digital evidence from across the country.

“Our work is guided by evidence. We cannot ignore submissions once they are presented,” he said, underscoring the commission’s commitment to credibility and inclusiveness.

The inquiry has since expanded its geographical coverage from six to 11 regions, reaching 22 districts in an effort to capture both affected and relatively calm areas. Analysts say this broadened scope is a reflection of the country’s determination to produce a report that is not only factual but also representative of diverse experiences.

A political scientist at the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie, said the growing volume of evidence and participation indicates strong public interest in uncovering the truth. “The demand for answers shows that citizens are not indifferent.

They want clarity on what happened and reassurance that such events will not recur,” he said. Parallel to the domestic inquiry, international engagement has gathered pace, with Tanzania opening its doors to external actors seeking to support reconciliation and democratic consolidation.

On Wednesday, former Malawian president Lazarus Chakwera arrived in the country as Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretariat, a role he was appointed to by Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in November 2025. Dr Chakwera’s mission, conducted under the Commonwealth’s ‘Good Offices’ framework, is aimed at facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders, including government leaders, opposition parties, civil society and religious figures. He was received at Julius Nyerere International Airport by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Ngwaru Maghembe, marking the beginning of what officials describe as a critical diplomatic effort to ease tensions and promote national reconciliation.

According to the Commonwealth, the envoy’s consultations are intended to lay the groundwork for an inclusive dialogue process focusing on governance reforms, political stability and long-term peace. Analysts say the envoy’s presence reflects growing international interest in Tanzania’s post-election environment, but also signals confidence in the country’s willingness to engage.

A political analyst, Prof Makame Ali Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar said the government’s decision to allow such engagements is significant. “In many cases, governments tend to resist external involvement, but here we are seeing openness.

That creates confidence both domestically and internationally,” he said. In addition to the Commonwealth initiative, the United Nations has also stepped in, with Parfait Onanga-Anyanga holding consultations with political leaders and state officials in recent weeks.

The envoy, representing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has engaged leaders from both the ruling party and opposition, as well as key state institutions, in discussions centred on governance, democracy and national cohesion. A State House statement following his meeting with President Samia Suluhu Hassan indicated that the UN had commended steps already taken by the government, including the establishment of the investigation commission and commitment to dialogue.

Political analyst Salbinus David of the University of Dar es Salaam said the convergence of domestic and international processes underscores the seriousness of the moment. “When you see both internal mechanisms and international actors working simultaneously, it shows that the issue is being treated with the weight it deserves,” he said.

He added that such a multi-layered approach increases the likelihood of credible outcomes. “It is not just about finding facts, but ensuring those findings are accepted across different audiences,” he noted.

The political atmosphere has also been shaped by recent engagements initiated by President Hassan, including a meeting with presidential candidates from 16 political parties who contested in the election. The meeting, held at State House in Dar es Salaam, has been widely interpreted as part of broader efforts to rebuild trust and reopen channels of communication after a highly contested electoral period.

According to analysts, such gestures complement ongoing investigations by reinforcing dialogue as a central pillar of reconciliation. .