Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, has called on financial institutions to extend banking services to groups that remain excluded from the formal financial system, stressing that access to credit and financial literacy is vital for economic empowerment.

Dr Malasusa made the remarks during the launch of a new branch of Maendeleo Bank in Arusha on Tuesday February 24, 2026. The branch is the sixth nationwide and the first to be opened outside Dar es Salaam since the bank was established in 2013. He said a key indicator of a bank’s success is its ability to create an enabling environment that supports marginalised communities by equipping them with appropriate financial education and access to affordable loans. “Maendeleo Bank has extensive experience in working with groups that have long been neglected by formal financial institutions, including boda boda riders and food vendors.

We must continue integrating such groups into the financial system. That is our policy and direction,” he said.

Dr Malasusa noted that limited financial literacy remains a major obstacle to inclusive growth. “What is lacking is financial education.

Many people have money but do not know how to use it productively. Others have time but do not know how to invest it.

They are engaged in business and other activities without adequate financial knowledge. I urge the bank to continue reaching those who have yet to access formal financial services,” he said.

Although Maendeleo Bank is owned by the ELCT, he emphasised that it serves all Tanzanians regardless of their religious beliefs, underscoring that the church’s mission includes both spiritual and social support. He also urged employees of the bank and other church institutions to uphold integrity and professionalism in their work, noting that while the institution operates in a competitive financial environment, honesty and ethical conduct must remain paramount.

The bank’s Managing Director, Mr Lomnyaki Saitabau, said the bank listed on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), began operations with capital of S billion and has since grown to a capital base of Sh26.6 billion and assets valued at Sh202.5 billion by 2025. Mr Saitabau said the lender’s 20252030 strategic plan targets to reach assets worth Sh500 billion while ensuring sustainable growth for customers, shareholders and employees. The Bishop of the North Central Diocese, Dr Godson Mollel, said the opening of the Arusha branch reflects the bank’s expanding footprint across the country and acknowledged the region’s historical significance as the birthplace of the church’s early Synod.

“Arusha Region has received this branch with great honour. I call upon all heads of parishes and institutions under the ELCT to open accounts with this bank, which operates with integrity and is growing rapidly,” he said.

Maendeleo Bank Vice Chairperson Anna Mzinga said the new branch demonstrates the implementation of the bank’s 20252030 strategic plan, which aims to strengthen service delivery, broaden financial inclusion and bring banking services closer to customers. .

Dar es Salaam . A worsening financial crisis is threatening the operations of the East African Community (EAC), with internal documents revealing that the regional bloc is struggling to pay salaries and implement planned activities.

A leaked internal memo from the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala), dated February 24, 2026, shows that the Community is facing “dire liquidity challenges” that have made it difficult to pay February salaries and settle outstanding arrears. The memo, signed by the Assembly Clerk, Mr Alex Obatre, warns that the financial situation has deteriorated to the point where even routine activities are at risk.

“As you are aware, the Community is facing dire liquidity challenges to the extent that we are facing challenges in convening activities or paying the February 2026 salaries and the settlement of previous salary obligations,” the memo states. The crisis has left many Eala Members of Parliament struggling financially, as allowances and other payments have reportedly been delayed for months.

Tanzanian Eala MP, Dr Abdullah Makame, confirmed that the situation is worsening and affecting the functioning of the Assembly. “The financial difficulties are real.

Members are struggling and some activities cannot proceed as planned. Without stable funding, the Assembly cannot operate effectively or survive,” he said.

Growing arrears Financial tables prepared for the EAC Council of Ministers indicate that the Community’s budget deficit is widening due to unpaid contributions by partner states. As of January 28, 2026, total arrears to the EAC main budget stood at $54.78 million, while partner states were expected to contribute $56 million for the 2025/26 financial year.

However, only $21.4 million–equivalent to 38 percent–had been remitted. The outstanding balance reached $89.37 million, underlining the scale of the crisis.

Some partner states have not made any contributions during the current financial year, while others have only paid partially. Tanzania and Kenya are among the few countries that have settled their full annual contributions, while Uganda has paid about 81 percent of its obligation.

Rwanda has paid only a quarter of its expected contribution, despite remitting $875,000 in February. Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have not made any payments this financial year, leaving the regional bloc heavily exposed.

The crisis has also affected specialised institutions. At the Inter-University Council for East Africa, partner states had paid only 39 per cent of expected contributions, leaving an outstanding balance of more than $18 million.

At the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization, only 68 per cent of expected contributions had been received. The worsening situation has prompted Kenyan President William Ruto, the current EAC chairperson, to convene an emergency summit scheduled for March.

The summit is expected to focus on restoring financial stability and addressing long-standing structural weaknesses in the bloc’s funding model. Analysts say the financial crisis reflects deeper structural challenges within the Community, particularly the overreliance on partner states’ contributions and the absence of sustainable, alternative revenue streams.

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Dar es Salaam. Swimmers from across the globe will be eligible to compete in the upcoming Tanzania National Club Championships, following confirmation that the meet has been approved as a qualifying event for the World Aquatics Short Course Championships scheduled to take place in China this December.

The development was revealed yesterday by the secretary general of the Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA), Inviolata Itatiro, who said the approval by World Aquatics marks a major milestone for the growth of competitive swimming in the country. According to Itatiro, the global governing body has officially recognised the Tanzania National Club Championships as one of the sanctioned competitions where swimmers can post qualifying times for the World Aquatics Short Course Championships.

As a result, the meet is now open to both local and international swimmers seeking qualification for the prestigious global event. “This approval means that all swimmers in the world are entitled to take part in our national championships, provided they meet the required criteria,” said Itatiro.

“It is a significant vote of confidence in Tanzania’s ability to host competitions that meet World Aquatics standards.” However, she emphasised that foreign swimmers wishing to compete must strictly adhere to the regulations governing the Tanzania event.

These include obtaining a clearance letter from their respective national swimming federations, confirming that they are in good standing and authorised to compete abroad. In addition, swimmers must be properly registered for the 2025/2026 season and must have achieved the official meet qualifying time standards within the approved window, which runs from August 1, 2025, to March 2026. Proper travel documentation and timely submission of all required paperwork will also be mandatory.

“The swimmer or swimmers are required to meet our criteria and submit their clearance letters within the set deadlines,” Itatiro explained. “Compliance with these procedures is essential to ensure fairness and adherence to international regulations.

” She added that the World Aquatics decision is expected to significantly raise the profile of the championships and attract a strong field of competitors from outside Tanzania. According to Itatiro, the presence of international swimmers will not only increase competition levels but also provide valuable exposure and experience for local athletes.

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Dar es Salaam. The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam has won the Service Excellence Award in the healthcare sector for the second consecutive year, cementing its reputation for quality healthcare delivery and customer care.

The award was presented last week at a ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Customer Management (CICM), which recognises organisations that demonstrate high standards of service excellence, innovation and leadership in customer experience. In the healthcare category, six institutions were shortlisted, with Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam emerging as the overall winner.

The repeat victory reflects the hospital’s continued investment in strengthening quality assurance systems, expanding the use of digital technologies and enhancing clinical service standards. In 2025, the hospital integrated the MEDITECH Electronic Health Record (EHR) system into its national healthcare network, a move that improved coordination of treatment and operational efficiency.

During the same year, the hospital received–for the fourth time–the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission International (JCI), maintaining its position as the only hospital in Tanzania with the internationally recognised accreditation. Additionally, its laboratory services were ranked among the top 10 in Africa for performance in Immunoassay testing under the Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme (RIQAS).

The hospital was also honoured with the AMR Champion Award during the Seventh Scientific Conference of the Africa Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, in recognition of its efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of the hospital, Human Resources Manager Mr John Msangi said the recognition was the result of collective efforts by staff and management.

“This award affirms our commitment to placing patients at the centre of our services and continuously improving patient experience in line with international standards,” he said. With the latest accolade, Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam has reinforced its position as a leader in service excellence within Tanzania’s healthcare sector, setting new benchmarks in quality care delivery.

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Dodoma. Tanzania has issued a public health alert following a rise in severe influenza and Covid-19 cases, while urging continued vigilance against dengue fever and cholera.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Grace Magembe, said the Ministry of Health had observed an increase in patients presenting with severe influenza and Covid-19. Both illnesses are transmitted via respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. Common symptoms include high fever, persistent cough, headaches, body aches, nasal congestion, sore throat and fatigue.

The Ministry noted that between November and April each year, Tanzania and other countries typically experience a seasonal surge in influenza and Covid-19 cases. Members of the public have been advised to follow preventive measures, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands with soap and running water, using hand sanitiser, and wearing face masks when experiencing symptoms or in crowded places.

Citizens are also cautioned against self-medication, particularly the use of antibiotics without professional advice, and urged to seek prompt treatment at recognised health facilities. The Ministry further warned of an increased risk of dengue fever due to ongoing heavy rains, which create breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which typically bites in the morning, afternoon and early evening. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, and extreme fatigue.

The disease can present with symptoms similar to malaria. The public is encouraged to eliminate stagnant water around homes, properly dispose of containers and tyres, wear protective clothing, use mosquito repellents, and install window screens.

Anyone showing symptoms should seek immediate medical care. Regarding cholera, Dr Magembe said Tanzania had experienced an outbreak affecting all regions except Kilimanjaro and Njombe, although no new cases have been recorded in the past month.

She commended the role of government sectors, religious institutions, community leaders, the media, private sector partners and health professionals under the supervision of the World Health Organization in containing the outbreak. Despite progress, the Ministry warned that the rainy season could trigger a resurgence.

The public is urged to boil or chemically treat drinking water, wash hands thoroughly, wash fruits with clean water, maintain proper sanitation, and prevent contamination of water sources. The Government said it will continue monitoring all epidemic-prone diseases and provide regular updates if the situation changes or further measures become necessary.

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Songea. A total of 127,632 registered voters are set to take part in by-elections tomorrow, 26 February, to elect a Member of Parliament for Peramiho Constituency in Songea District, Ruvuma Region, and a Ward Councillor for Shiwinga Ward in Mbozi District, Songwe Region.

The Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Justice of Appeal Jacobs Mwambegele (pictured), announced the details on Wednesday, 25 February, in Songea. He said a total of 373 polling stations will be operational: 354 in Peramiho and 19 in Shiwinga.

“Of the total registered voters, 120,780 are in Peramiho and 6,852 in Shiwinga. All polling stations will be ready to serve voters,” Justice Mwambegele said.

He said that 15 political parties have fielded candidates for the Peramiho parliamentary by-election, while eight parties have nominated candidates for the Shiwinga Ward council by-election. “I take this opportunity to remind all participating parties of their duty to appoint agents at each polling station to observe, tally and collate votes.

Election officials have finalised arrangements to ensure party agents can monitor the entire process,” he said. Justice Mwambegele said that party agents must uphold the law, electoral regulations, and NEC instructions while protecting the interests of their parties and candidates.

Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m.

and close at 5:00 p.m.

Voters still in the queue at closing time will be allowed to cast their ballots. Voters who have lost their voter cards or have damaged cards may vote using a National Identification Card (NIDA), driving licence, or passport.

Ms Mhagama died on Thursday, December 11, 2025 in Dodoma. Mhagama, born on June 23, 1967, was a former school teacher and a prominent figure in Tanzania’s political landscape for more than two decades.

She served in several senior government roles, including Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Labour, Youth and the Disabled) and later as Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Public Service Management and Good Governance. Her last cabinet position was as the Minister for Health.

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Kigoma. The Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) to exchange expertise in water resource management, agriculture, and maritime transport.

The partnership, inked on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, aims to harmonise economic activities and improve the livelihoods of communities surrounding the two great lakes. Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony in Kigoma, LVBC Executive Secretary, Dr Masinde Bwire, said the pact is crucial given the lakes’ roles as major conduits for cargo and regional trade.

“This agreement is a milestone. We must remember that Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second-deepest lake and contains the second-largest volume of fresh water globally.

It holds about 17 percent of the world’s available fresh water,” said Dr Bwire. He added that the lake’s volume, estimated at 18,900 cubic kilometres, is seven times larger than that of Lake Victoria, which contains roughly 2,800 cubic kilometres of fresh water.

Dr Bwire said the collaboration will focus on maritime safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management to secure long-term benefits for the riparian states. He urged residents to stop polluting the water bodies through waste and harmful human activities.

He also warned that Lake Tanganyika’s ecological recovery is slow, taking nearly 7,000 years, or 70 centuries, for the lake to naturally flush and cleanse itself. “Both lakes face similar challenges.

By joining forces, we can strategically address these hurdles and improve the economic landscape of East and Southern Africa,” added Dr Bwire. LTA Executive Director, Mr Tusanga Sylvain, said environmental degradation, particularly from plastic waste, remains a pressing threat to Lake Tanganyika.

He stressed that only a unified approach can effectively curb these pollutants while supporting the local economy. Meanwhile, residents have urged the two bodies to prioritise community education, arguing that involving citizens in conservation is key to achieving lasting results.

“Many people still farm near water sources or engage in illegal fishing and pollution. Without proper education on the importance of these resources for future generations, institutional efforts will be futile,” said Kigoma resident Mr Bahati Samweli.

He insisted that empowering communities to act as the first line of defence would yield the most positive outcomes for the region. The partnership marks a major step towards harmonising the management of Africa’s Great Lakes, ensuring their vast resources are protected from growing threats of climate change and industrial pressure.

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Dar es Salaam. The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, has commended the more than Sh700 billion investment by Kilombero Sugar Company Limited, describing it as a major driver of employment creation and industrial development in Tanzania.

Speaking during a working visit to Kilombero District, Prof Mkumbo toured the company’s sugar factory and said the investment has created numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly in engineering and technical professions. “The industrial sector plays a strategic role in accelerating national economic growth and strengthening job creation, especially for skilled and professionally trained youth,” he said.

He noted that large-scale projects such as Kilombero Sugar not only increase the production of essential commodities like sugar but also stimulate growth in related sectors, including sugarcane farming, transportation and distribution services. The minister urged other investors to emulate Kilombero Sugar Company by prioritising local employment, stressing that Tanzanians should directly benefit from projects implemented within the country.

“Such efforts will help reduce unemployment, increase household incomes and improve overall social welfare,” he said. Prof Mkumbo also highlighted Tanzania’s progress towards sugar self-sufficiency.

He said that through improvements in infrastructure, technology and production capacity, sugar output has increased significantly — from between 130,000 and 260,000 tonnes — helping to meet domestic demand, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen food and industrial raw material security. During his visit to the newly expanded factory — described as the largest sugar plant in East, Central and Southern Africa — the minister praised the project as a tangible achievement in advancing Tanzania’s industrial agenda.

He said the expansion will nearly double annual production from 130,000 tonnes to 270,000 tonnes. The factory is expected to generate employment opportunities for about 900,000 people across its value chain, many of them young Tanzanians and university graduates.

Prof Mkumbo linked the project to the government’s Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050), which aims to ensure that at least 50 per cent of Tanzania’s projected population of 118 million has access to decent jobs by 2050. Kilombero District Commissioner Dunstan Kyobya said the commencement of production at Kilombero Four (K4) in June is expected to end the country’s long-standing sugar shortages. Prof Mkumbo also visited Mkulazi Sugar Factory and Agro Tech Company, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to attracting both local and foreign direct investment in the sugar sector.

He noted that Tanzania’s annual sugar demand of approximately 700,000 tonnes presents significant opportunities for new investors, in line with Dira 2050’s objective of positioning Tanzania among the top ten African nations in food production. “The private sector is expected to contribute 70 per cent of our projected $1 trillion GDP, driven largely by investments such as these,” he said, underscoring the critical role of industrial projects in job creation and national economic growth.

Kilombero Sugar Company currently operates three sugar-producing factories — K1, K2 and K4 — while K3 is dedicated to ethanol production. The company is 75 per cent owned by private investors and 25 per cent by the government.

The minister’s visit underscores the government’s proactive role in monitoring strategic projects to ensure investments deliver tangible benefits to citizens while maintaining a conducive environment for further productive investment. The expansion of sugar production capacity is also seen as key to stabilising domestic supply, supporting agro-industrial development and reducing import bills, in line with Tanzania’s broader industrialisation strategy.

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Dubai. Iran says it is prepared to take any necessary steps to reach an agreement with the United States as the two sides prepare for a fresh round of negotiations this week.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said Tehran would enter the talks in good faith and was keen to secure a deal as soon as possible. The negotiations are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, where US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet an Iranian delegation.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as the United States strengthens its military presence in the Middle East. Iran has warned it would strike US bases in the region if attacked.

“We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We will do whatever it takes to make this happen.

We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with complete honesty and good faith,” Takht-Ravanchi said in remarks carried by state media. At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump preferred diplomacy but was prepared to use force if necessary.

A senior Iranian official said Tehran could consider sending half of its most highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the remainder and joining a regional enrichment consortium. In return, Iran is seeking recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and the lifting of economic sanctions.

Takht-Ravanchi warned that any attack would trigger retaliation under Iran’s defence plans, calling a US strike “a real gamble”. Previous indirect talks last year ended without agreement, largely over Washington’s demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment on its own soil, which the US views as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons.

Iran has consistently denied pursuing such weapons. The US previously joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites last June, disrupting enrichment activities, though Iran is still believed to retain previously enriched stockpiles that Washington wants relinquished.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s prominent lady golfer Vicky Elias has confirmed her participation in the upcoming Entebbe Ladies Open, scheduled to take place from February 26 to 28, 2026, at the prestigious Entebbe Club in Uganda.

The tournament, which carries World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status, is expected to attract top female golfers from across the region and beyond, offering a competitive platform for ranking points and international exposure. Elias’ entry adds further prestige to the field, given her status as one of Tanzania’s most consistent and accomplished women golfers.

Vicky has built a strong reputation on the regional circuit through disciplined play, technical consistency and mental resilience, qualities that have seen her excel in several international and local competitions. Her appearance at the Entebbe Ladies Open signals her continued ambition to test herself against high-calibre opposition while improving her WAGR standing.

Speaking ahead of the event, sources close to the golfer said Elias is looking forward to the challenge and views the tournament as an important step in her competitive calendar for 2026. With the Entebbe Club course known for its scenic beauty, strategic layout and demanding greens, the event is expected to provide a stern test of precision, course management and endurance. The three-day tournament will bring together elite amateur and emerging professional golfers, making it one of the most anticipated women’s golf events in the East African region.

Beyond individual glory, the competition also plays a key role in strengthening regional golf ties and promoting women’s participation in the sport. For Tanzania, Vicky’ participation carries national significance.

She will be flying the country’s flag on a regional stage, inspiring upcoming female golfers back home and reinforcing Tanzania’s growing presence in competitive golf. Her involvement also reflects the steady progress of women’s golf in the country, driven by increased exposure to international tournaments.

As preparations intensify, Vicky is expected to fine-tune her game in the weeks leading up to the event, focusing on fitness, short-game sharpness and course adaptability. .