Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. African governments have been urged to invest in digital infrastructure and policy frameworks that will allow artificial intelligence (AI) to meaningfully drive climate action across the continent.

The call was made yesterday during a panel discussion on “Powering AI for Climate Action: The Infrastructure Imperative” at the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee’s AI for Climate Action Forum 2025, taking place in Dar es Salaam. The experts said the continent’s AI potential would remain underutilized without coordinated data systems, inclusive funding mechanisms, and deliberate efforts to localize technology.

World Bank senior digital development specialist Sara Ballan said many African governments are sitting on valuable climate and agricultural data that could spark local innovation if made accessible. “Across ministries, the data sits in silos,” she said.

“In Kenya, it took a year and a half just to curate and organize it in a way innovators could use.” She said the World Bank has supported such initiatives by helping governments build shared digital infrastructure and cross-sector data systems that allow collaboration between ministries, researchers, and startups.

“The digital transformation has become a foundation for development planning. Governments are now realizing that investing in data centers, connectivity, and interoperability is not optional–it’s essential,” she said.

From Malawi, Mechro’ chief executive Mr Alinafe Kaliwo said enabling policies and access to capital remain major hurdles for AI-driven climate solutions in Africa. “Governments must create policies that are enabling enough for innovators to innovate, but also inject opportunities for funding,” he said.

He added that while donor funding remains limited, resources should be directed to areas with direct community impact. “The starting point should be the innovators themselves.

We must look at the challenges our communities face and turn them into opportunities,” he said. Enterprise Neurosystem Chairman Mr Bill Wright said the next frontier for Africa lies in developing its own digital backbone — from cloud systems to sensor networks.

“When we went to Uganda, they made it clear they didn’t want to use Western cloud providers,” he said.He added, “They wanted to build their own infrastructure, and we partnered with startups like AfroCloud to make that happen.

” He said such models not only enhance data sovereignty but also preserve cultural and social values embedded in AI models. “It’s more than just technology– it’s about ensuring that what we build reflects the essence of the societies it serves,” he said.

Wright added that Africa’s innovation ecosystem is gaining global recognition. “You could camp out at universities and be amazed at what’s happening,” he said.

“The intellectual engine is already running; what’s needed is structured collaboration.” Mr Kaliwo said AI innovation should be guided by practical needs,especially in agriculture.

“As technology evolves, we must evolve our solutions,” he said. “We are developing the Munda Platform, which connects IoT, cloud computing, and AI analytics–all powered by green energy for field-based use.

” He stressed that food systems must be at the heart of AI infrastructure. “If it doesn’t touch the farmer, we risk building systems that do not feed people,” he warned.

The panelists agreed that Africa’s climate innovation agenda depends on how well governments, international partners, and local entrepreneurs can align their efforts. The AI for Climate Action Forum 2025, which continues today, has drawn global participants exploring how AI can accelerate climate solutions while addressing Africa’s unique infrastructural and policy gaps.

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Nairobi. The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that a staff visit to Kenya took stock of the latest macroeconomic developments and discussed reforms that could pave the way for a new programme.

The IMF said in a statement that policy priorities included “measures to enhance fiscal policy credibility, ensure sustainability of public finances and debt, and minimize fiscal, financial, and external sector risks”. Discussions with Kenyan authorities would continue during the upcoming IMF Annual Meetings, it added.

The East African nation’s $3.6 billion programme with the IMF expired earlier this year, and some officials have expressed interest in getting a new one that will include a lending component. Some financial analysts have said that Kenya needs a new loan deal from the Washington-based Fund to anchor its external debt repayments.

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Washington. With the Gaza war entering its third year, U.

S. President Donald Trump has achieved something no other world leader has been able to do: strong-arm Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the first step of a broader peace deal while persuading other Middle Eastern countries to pressure Hamas.

But despite its potentially historic nature, Trump’s rushed deal signed in Egypt on Thursday leaves a host of unresolved issues that could still trip up implementation of the initial phase and impede progress toward the next, analysts say. While crediting Trump with the most promising breakthrough yet to end the war, experts say the immediate challenge will be to iron out practical details for what has been agreed to on paper: silencing the guns, exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and a partial Israeli withdrawal inside the devastated enclave.

After that, negotiators must tackle other parts of Trump’s 20-point plan over which the two sides remain bitterly at odds, including the disarmament of Hamas, which the militant group rejects, a formal end to the conflict and Gaza’s post-war governance. None of this was dealt with in three days of indirect negotiations in Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where Trump had sent his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff to help mediate.

But a quick resolution appears unlikely. “There is an enormous number of potential sticking points that are going to really determine whether this ceasefire ends up being the beginning of peace or just another twist in the cycle of violence,” said Jonathan Panikoff, a former deputy U.

S. national intelligence officer on the Middle East.

Preventing the ceasefire deal from unraveling, as others have under Trump and his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, will require a sustained, detailed effort by the president and his national security team, said Panikoff, now at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington. But with Trump’s foreign policy team stripped of some of its policy expertise due to job cuts and now hampered by the federal government shutdown, that won’t be easy.

For now, though, Trump – who has touted the deal as another reason why he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize – has through force of will seemingly gained momentum for Gaza peace beyond what many experts thought was possible. Successful completion of the deal would mark a significant foreign policy achievement for the Republican president, who had campaigned on bringing peace to major world conflicts but has struggled to swiftly deliver, both in Gaza and on Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Trump’s strategy Just weeks ago, peace in Gaza seemed more distant than ever after Israel launched a strike on Hamas’ leadership in Qatar, a U.S.

ally. But Trump’s aides decided to turn his anger at Netanyahu into pressure on the Israeli leader to accept a framework for ending the war, which they presented to Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the U.

N. General Assembly last month, according to people familiar with the matter.

Whereas Netanyahu readily defied Biden over Israel’s assault on Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attack, he found it harder to buck Trump, despite Israeli misgivings over the Gaza plan, including cracking open the door to eventual Palestinian statehood.

Trump had joined Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear sites in June and stood by Netanyahu amid increasing international isolation. Opinion polls have consistently shown Trump more popular with the Israeli public than their prime minister.

“Without the leverage, there was no deal. Bibi cannot say no to Trump,” said Dennis Ross, a former Middle East adviser to Republican and Democratic administrations, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

But the Israeli leader still faces big risks at home, including the chance that some far-right members of his governing coalition could quit his government over the concessions he has agreed. In addition, Trump was able to marshal support from key Middle East states, especially Qatar and Turkey, to pressure Hamas to drop its opposition to certain issues, such as releasing Israeli hostages, dead and alive, at the start of the process rather than using them as bargaining chips further down the line.

Qatar, home to the largest U.S.

military base in the Middle East, has warmed to Trump over upgraded security and business ties since he took office in January. During a White House visit in late September, Trump put Netanyahu on the phone with the Qatari prime minister to apologize for the strike in Doha.

Trump has also deepened his relationship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking advanced U.S.

weaponry, and asked him to help push Hamas to accept the deal. Known for his love of pomp and ceremony, Trump appeared ready to head to Israel this weekend around the time the hostages are due to come home.

Netanyahu has invited him to address Israel’s parliament. Even so, some of the details of the first phase of Trump’s plan remain unsettled, such as the final lists of Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel in exchange for the 20 living hostages and estimated 28 dead.

Also unresolved are longer-term questions about Gaza’s future. Those include whether Hamas would be allowed to have any part in governing Gaza, something Trump and Netanyahu have steadfastly rejected, as well as how to rebuild the territory from its ruins and who will pay for it.

The elusive quest for Middle East peace has been the bane of American presidents from Jimmy Carter to Biden. But some analysts see hope for at least a halt to the latest wave of destruction.

“There seems to be momentum behind it,” said Jonathan Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington. “But it’s a mistake to think that this is all resolved.

We will have some white-knuckle moments in the coming weeks.” .

Growing up, I used to roll my eyes at certain aunties and quietly label them as bitter or grumpy. They always seemed annoyed, short-tempered, or just done with everyone.

But years (and a few hormonal cycles) later, I’ve come to realise it wasn’t attitude. It was biology.

So here’s a little public service announcement for the gentlemen: women are not always moody, dramatic, or unpredictable, sometimes, we’re just biological. Every month, our hormones go through a mini revolution that we didn’t vote for.

Oestrogen rises, progesterone drops, moods shift, and before you know it, we’re crying because we can’t find the TV remote. Meanwhile, the man next to us is quietly panicking, trying to figure out what he did wrong, when in reality, he did absolutely nothing.

Sir, it’s not you. It’s biology.

When PMS hits, patience disappears, energy levels nosedive, and emotions decide to go on a roller coaster ride. One minute we’re laughing, the next we’re ready to throw hands because you chewed too loudly.

It’s not attitude, it’s chemistry. But most men don’t know that.

They just see the transformation and think, “Ah, here we go again.” And then comes menopause, the grand hormonal finale.

Imagine hot flashes, mood swings, and sleepless nights all rolled into one. Now imagine being asked, “Why are you always moody these days?” That’s when biology meets bravery, because it takes a strong woman not to throw the question and the man out the window.

The truth is, many men simply don’t realise how deeply hormones affect women’s behaviour. They take emotional shifts as personal attacks, assuming we’re being cold, rude, or distant.

In reality, it’s just our bodies doing science experiments we never signed up for. That doesn’t mean we get a free pass for bad behaviour, biology explains it, it doesn’t excuse it.

Snapping at your partner because your cramps feel like a boxing match isn’t fair, but it’s understandable. The real problem isn’t the mood, it’s the misunderstanding.

If men were taught how biology affects women, half the arguments in relationships would vanish overnight. Imagine this: She says, “I’m not in the mood, I’m just hormonal.

” He says, “Cool. Chocolate or space?” Peace restored.

Because let’s face it empathy is the best relationship hack ever invented. Understanding that hormones can hijack emotions doesn’t make you weak; it makes you emotionally intelligent.

So, gentlemen, next time your lady seems off, don’t jump to “she’s dramatic” or “she’s giving me attitude.” Think biology.

Sometimes the storm isn’t in her mood, it’s in her hormones. And honestly, ladies, biology may be wild, but we handle it like queens.

Just remember to warn the men in your life When we say “it’s not you”, this time, we really mean it. .

Dar es Salaam. Preparations are heating up for another thrilling international rugby fixture this Saturday at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Rugby Grounds, where Clyde and Co.

‘s Dar Leopards will take on Kenya’s Mombasa Sports Club from 3:30 pm. The action-packed afternoon will kick off with a women’s curtain-raiser match at 3:00 pm, followed by the men’s 15s fixture.

The event promises fans a full day of competitive rugby, vibrant social interaction, and community celebration. This Saturday’s encounter marks yet another milestone in the Dar Leopards’ expanding calendar of regional matches, further strengthening sporting ties between Tanzanian and Kenyan clubs while promoting rugby development across East Africa.

Clyde and Co., an international law firm with seven integrated offices across Africa, continues to partner with Dar Leopards Rugby Club to organize the event, demonstrating its commitment to community engagement and sports development in Tanzania.

The event will be hosted by Peter Kasanda, Clyde and Co. Africa Chair, a former Dar Leopards player and club chair, who will welcome players, guests, and supporters to what promises to be an exciting afternoon.

Spectators attending the UDSM Grounds can expect an electrifying atmosphere, complete with refreshments, competitive matches, and celebrations of rugby culture. The program opens with a showcase match featuring the Dar Cheetahs, the women’s contact rugby team of the Dar Leopards.

Founded in 2024, the Cheetahs have quickly made their mark through teamwork and dedication, and are already preparing for an expanded 2026 season. Their curtain-raiser performance will set the stage for the main event against Mombasa Sports Club.

The Dar Leopards, one of Tanzania’s oldest and most prestigious rugby clubs, continue to nurture local talent while promoting the sport nationwide. With active men’s, women’s, and touch rugby teams, the club plays a central role in the growth of Tanzanian rugby at both grassroots and competitive levels.

Saturday’s fixture also signals the Leopards’ efforts to revive the traditional “Mamba Cup,” a regional tournament historically featuring clubs from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mombasa. .

Dar es Salaam. For decades, Kariakoo has been Tanzania’s heartbeat of trade, a bustling market where traders and buyers haggle over clothes, shoes, and cosmetics.

But today, a smartphone has become more powerful than a shop in Kariakoo. With only an internet connection and good camera, a growing class of young online brokers popularly known as Winga in Swahili, are rewriting the rules of business in the country.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the country had over 54.1 million internet users as of June 2025. And for Winga, this digital audience has become their customer base. Many Winga source their products from Kariakoo, where wholesale traders offer clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories at affordable prices.

According to Thabit Abdul, who runs a thrift fashion page, his business depends less on location and more on how fast he posts online. “I usually go to Kariakoo a few times a week.

I look for clothes and shoes that are unique but affordable. Then I post them on Instagram and WhatsApp.

Most of the time, my items sell the same day,” he explained. On the other hand, handmade jewellery seller, Sofia Gidion, shared a similar experience, saying she turned Instagram and TikTok into her shopfront after graduation.

“At first, I thought I’d just share pictures with friends, but soon I had messages from people asking to buy. Now, a good month brings Sh300,000 to Sh800,000. I don’t pay rent, and my phone is enough to run the business,” she said.

Like many others, Fatma Saidi built her thrift fashion brand by buying from Kariakoo traders and reselling online. “I find unique pieces, buy them cheaply, and then sell them online.

Social media lets me reach buyers quickly without needing a physical shop,” she noted. She added that shipping was no longer a barrier.

“Sometimes I package orders and use local couriers, and other times I use DHL, so I don’t need to be a big company to send products abroad,” she shared Kariakoo phone seller Suleiman Mussa said the business model is now popular with students. “We work with young people, many of them university students, who buy phones or accessories and resell them to their peers.

It helps them generate income, and the demand keeps growing,” he said. Mr Mussa noted that many of his customers follow his WhatsApp status updates to check new arrivals, and most products sell within hours.

Not every Winga journey is smooth. Riziki Hassan, who sells clothing online, said one of her biggest challenges was friends and relatives asking for discounts or taking products on credit.

“Once people see you posting items online, they assume it’s easy to give things for free or on credit. But when they don’t pay back, the business suffers,” she said.

Riziki explained that success depended on understanding customers. “This business has no physical shop.

It’s just you, your phone, and your social media pages. The most important thing is to know your customers, have a good phone with a strong camera, and stay online with internet data all the time,” she shared While many started with thrift goods from Kariakoo, some Winga now directly import items from abroad.

Small shipments from China, Dubai, India, and even the United States are making their way into Tanzania through individual dealers. Their shops remain Instagram reels, TikTok videos, WhatsApp statuses, and Facebook stories, where promotion drives sales.

Judith James, once a Kariakoo-based Winga, now imports her own products. “I no longer rely heavily on local shops.

I started small, studied the game, and today I import directly,” she said. She credited social media for this transformation.

“Social media has made it possible for us to grow beyond just reselling. It allows us to run real businesses, connect directly with customers, and become independent,” she explained.

Technology analyst Dominic Dismas believes Winga are changing the way Tanzanians think about shopping. “Consumers are no longer limited to shop hours or specific locations.

With a smartphone, they can shop at midnight, compare prices instantly, and interact directly with sellers. That’s a revolution,” he said.

The smartphone has become the new storefront, with every post a potential sale. And as more Winga gain confidence, Kariakoo is no longer just a physical market it has become the supply hub of a digital economy driven by creativity, convenience, and connectivity.

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Dar es Salaam. Economic and development experts have emphasised that addressing the skills mismatch is crucial to achieving Vision 2050, which aims to transform Tanzania into a $1 trillion economy with a per capita income of $7,000. Speaking at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Conference 2025 in Iringa yesterday, experts from higher learning institutions noted that recent improvements to the national education curriculum could steer the country towards Vision 2050 (Dira 2050) provided there is greater investment in learning infrastructure and qualified teaching staff.

The conference, jointly organised by Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) and the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), was held under the theme: Vision 2050: Are we building an inclusive economy? PPPC executive director, David Kafulila, said the global economy rests on four pillars: geographical location, natural resources, diplomacy, and human resources. “Quality human capital is key for building Tanzania’s economy, as sustainability depends more on skilled personnel than natural endowments,” he said.

He highlighted the long-standing mismatch between classroom knowledge and market needs. He added that government initiatives, including free education and student loan schemes for mid-level colleges, are being implemented to bridge the gap between skills and employment.

RUCU Vice Chancellor, Sister Prof Chrispine Lekule, said education reforms will guide the country towards its development targets if effectively implemented. “Most schools and colleges lack adequate facilities for practical training.

Teachers must also be prepared for competency-based teaching, which is prioritised in the new curriculum,” she said. Senior RUCU lecturer, Dr Isdore Minani, noted that Tanzania scores 0.

39 on the Human Capital Index, meaning today’s youth will achieve only 39 percent of their productive potential. “Vision 2050 requires skilled human capital, and more investment is urgently needed,” he said.

Daima Associates chairman, Prof Samuel Wangwe, highlighted priority sectors under Dira 2050, including agriculture, industry, mining, sports, creative industries, finance, and tourism. He stressed that inclusive PPP arrangements are essential to support these sectors, reduce government borrowing, and improve infrastructure.

Speakers agreed that public-private partnerships remain vital for national development. They highlighted that PPPs are collaborative arrangements, not privatisation, and allow private-sector co-financing of projects, while enabling closer alignment between education, skills, and market needs.

Experts further called for stronger ethics in education, improved communication on PPPs, and inclusive participation to enhance accountability and impact. Participants also agreed that boosting productivity, modernising agriculture, and expanding access to technology and financing are key to creating an inclusive economy and tackling youth unemployment, paving the way for a competitive and sustainable Tanzania by 2050. Sharing further clarification on addressing skills mismatch, Prof Lekule emphasised that quality education is the engine of change, noting that Tanzania cannot achieve its Vision 2050 goals without it.

She said Tanzania requires critical thinkers, skilled innovators, and leaders of integrity to drive sustainable economic growth. “Universities must lead social transformation through research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration with other sectors,” she said.

“Education and research should deliver solutions to Tanzania’s social and economic challenges. For Vision 2050 to succeed, transformation must start from the grassroots to the tertiary education levels,” she added.

Prof Lekule urged stronger public-private partnerships and curricula that integrate innovation, science, technology, vocational training, and gender equality. She insisted that investment in teachers, infrastructure, research, and skills transfer is vital.

“Educators should be role models, and young people must see education as a tool for national service. Education is central to our future,” she insisted, urging collective action to build a skilled, innovative, and prosperous Tanzania.

Substantiating the significance of Tanzania’s geographical position, resources, and diplomacy to drive growth, Mr Kafulila said Tanzania’s strategic position as a gateway to several landlocked countries presents substantial economic opportunities. He said over the past three decades, the government has invested heavily in infrastructure to capitalise on this advantage.

He stressed that key projects include the expansion of Dar es Salaam Port, generating nearly 40 percent of national revenue, and upgrading roads and bridges. “In the last four years alone, gravel roads have grown from 24,000 to 44,000 kilometres, while tarmac roads rose from 13,200 to 15,300 kilometres.

Despite progress, Tanzania’s vast size, larger than half of East Africa combined, remains a logistical challenge,” he said. Mr Kafulila noted that the country can harness its abundant natural resources to accelerate growth, with results already evident.

He said that since 2021, the contribution of artisanal miners to the economy has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent, enhancing inclusivity. “Tourism earnings surged from $1.3 billion in 2021 to $4 billion last year, creating 1.

5 million jobs and increasing tour operators from 2,800 to 3,700. Irrigated land expanded from 500,000 to 980,000 hectares, boosting agricultural productivity,” said Mr Kafulila. He said a fertiliser plant has been built in Dodoma with a capacity of one million tonnes to meet national demand.

“Meat-processing factories have risen from three to seven, while mineral processing plants increased from three to nine, creating more jobs and enhancing industrial capacity,” he insisted. Explaining why diplomacy was a growth engine, Mr Kafulila said diplomatic stability is crucial for economic growth, with global trade depending on robust engagement.

“Tanzania’s trade surged from $17 billion in 2021 to over $32 billion in 2024, driven by strategic diplomacy. Dar es Salaam Port’s capacity rose from 17 million tonnes in 2021 to 30 million tonnes in 2024, improving efficiency,” he told the conference.

Furthermore, he said securing development loans has been pivotal, noting that despite rising debt, the gains are evident in infrastructure, including roads, major bridges such as the Magufuli Bridges, and the Sh270 billion Kilwa Fishing Port — the largest in East and Central Africa. He said transmission lines expanded from 6,000 km over six decades to 8,000 km in three years, a 30 percent increase.

According to him, power generation rose from 1,700 MW to over 4,000 MW, making Tanzania East Africa’s leader. With a debt-to-GDP ratio of 46 percent, below Kenya’s 70 percent and Rwanda’s 71 percent, and credit ratings of B+ from Moody’s and Fitch, the government aims for a $1 trillion economy by 2050. This translates to about $7,000 per capita for a projected population of 140 million, with the PPPs described as the key leader in the realization of the economic growth.

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Dodoma. When a family is forced to choose between buying schoolbooks and having a meal, it is not just another tale of hardship but a case study of the psychological burden that poverty creates.

Economic deprivation leaves not only visible scars of malnutrition but also invisible ones like emotional trauma and mental distress that last a lifetime. Across low- and middle-income countries, poverty has become a frontline driver of depression and anxiety.

Research from Malawi, Tanzania and global institutions such as the World Bank and WHO links financial shocks, food scarcity, job losses and rising healthcare costs to worsening mental health, a vicious cycle that undermines resilience and productivity. As the world marks World Mental Health Day, experts are calling for poverty reduction to be treated as a central mental health strategy.

The Regional Medical Officer for Dodoma, Dr Rutachunzibwa, recently told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, that health providers and the public should “seek alternative sources of income to free themselves from the chainsaw of poverty”, which he said remains a major driver of mental illness and suicide cases. In recent years, young people have increasingly turned to artificial intelligence (AI) tools for support, motivation and income generation.

A 2024 report by Gusto Insight Entrepreneurship, authored by Senior Economist Nick Tremper, found that Gen Z entrepreneurs are 56 percent more likely than Gen X to use generative AI in business operations. However, this growing dependence on technology has raised concerns about overreliance and exposure to psychological risks.

A tragic illustration of this came in April 2025, when 16-year-old British national died by suicide after months of conversations with an AI platform. His parents have since sued the AI platform, alleging the chatbot “actively enabled and coached” his suicidal behaviour.

The case, which is still ongoing, has sparked global debate on AI accountability and safety in mental health interactions. Mental health discussions have become more open among the youth, though generational differences persist.

Older generations in developing countries often dismiss mental health issues as exaggerations, leaving younger people to struggle in silence. Victor Mutta, 32, shared with The Citizen how depression derailed his academic life: “I dropped out because of severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

It took a couple of years to recover, but by then going back to university meant starting over. I’ve always been intelligent, so starting over felt too shameful.

” During the Covid-19 lockdown, Victor found new purpose through digital learning and AI-powered platforms, a sign of how technology can both hinder and heal. The Head of the Psychology Department at Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital, Dr Japhet Swai, told The Citizen that AI should be viewed as a tool, not a therapist.

“Nothing is inherently good or bad; it depends on how we use it. AI can enhance learning and research, but young people must be careful how they engage with a technology we still don’t fully control.

” Dr Swai cautioned that AI lacks the empathy and perception essential in therapy. “A chatbot can’t read subtle human cues like tone, facial expression and hesitation which only years of clinical experience can interpret,” he said.

He also warned of data privacy risks, noting that tech owners hold significant control over user information, which could be accessed under certain legal pressures. Clinical psychiatrist Dr Veronica Lymo of Mirembe Hospital urged Tanzanians to seek help when struggling with mental health challenges.

“There is no shame in asking for help. Thinking you must face it alone makes you a prisoner of your own mind,” she said.

Mirembe Hospital’s Executive Director, Dr Paul Lawala, revealed that the institution has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Makerere University in Uganda to establish a Mental Health Call Centre. “The new 24-hour call centre will ensure that those experiencing mental distress can access help immediately and be referred to the nearest health centre before reaching Mirembe for specialist care,” Dr Lawala said.

As the world embraces AI-driven solutions, experts say the challenge is finding balance, using technology as a bridge to wellness, not a replacement for human connection. .

Arusha. Government officials from Kenya and Uganda, development partners, investors, and private sector leaders are expected to converge in Kampala, Uganda, later this month to explore financing options for the 193-kilometre KenyaUganda Multinational Expressway Project.

Codenamed the Market Sounding Conference, the two-day meeting scheduled to start on October 20 will seek a viable financing model for the expressway that will link KisumuBusia in Kenya to KakiraMalaba in Uganda. The East African Community (EAC), in collaboration with the governments of Kenya and Uganda and the African Development Bank (AfDB), is organising the event.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 9, 2025, the EAC described the project as a key component of the Northern Transport Corridor, designed to enhance regional trade, improve transport efficiency, and foster cross-border integration. The expressway will also upgrade key border posts at Busia, Malaba, and Lwakhakha into modern One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), easing the movement of goods and people across the region.

“This project is not just about building a road; it is about creating a modern, safe, and efficient transport artery that connects businesses, people, and opportunities across East Africa,” said the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Planning and Productive, Social, and Political sectors, Andrea Ariik Malueth. He said that the Market Sounding Conference represents “a turning point in our efforts to establish a strategy for sustainable infrastructure development through private sector funding–transforming trade, strengthening regional integration, and unlocking opportunities for millions of our citizens.

” The conference will serve as a key platform for governments, financiers, development partners, and the private sector to engage on the expressway project. Participants will review the findings of detailed feasibility studies, including traffic forecasts, engineering designs, and environmental and social impact assessments.

A Bankability Report will also be presented, outlining proposals for viable public-private partnership (PPP) financing models based on project cost estimates. “There will be ample opportunity for rich dialogue on how to mobilise resources effectively and sustainably,” said Mr Malueth.

Beyond the technical discussions, the event will invite investors, bilateral donors, and development finance institutions to contribute ideas on enhancing the project’s bankability and ensuring it delivers lasting value. Discussions will also highlight how the expressway is expected to transform regional connectivity by easing cross-border trade, lowering transport costs, and spurring economic growth across East Africa.

The conference is expected to attract strong interest from investors and financiers, generating constructive feedback on the project’s design, feasibility, and financing models. It is also anticipated to build consensus on sustainable and inclusive approaches to project implementation while addressing potential environmental and social impacts.

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Dodoma. The High Court of Tanzania sitting in Dodoma has postponed the judgment in the case filed by Luhaga Mpina against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rescheduling it for October 15, 2025. The presiding judge, Justice Fredrick Manyanda, who leads a panel of three judges hearing the case, said the adjournment was due to two main reasons: the judges are still deliberating on the matter, and they want to ensure the written judgment is comprehensive and free from ambiguity.

Justice Manyanda said the judgment would be delivered online starting at 9:00 a.m.

on the new date and directed the Registrar of the High Court, Dodoma Registry, to ensure that the court’s internet network is in good condition so that Tanzanians can follow the proceedings. The case came up for judgment on Friday, October 10, 2025, with several ACT-Wazalendo leaders — including Party Leader Dorothy Semu and Acting Secretary-General Mbarala Maharagande — arriving early at the court.

Also present were Luhaga Mpina and Fatma Fereji, who had both sought nomination from the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest parliamentary seats in the Dodoma and Morogoro regions, along with many party supporters, most of them youth. The case, which has drawn significant attention from legal and political observers, revolves around the legality of INEC’s decision to bar ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidates from contesting in the upcoming general election.

The panel of judges — Fredrick Manyanda, Sylvester Kainda, and Abdallah Gonzi — entered the courtroom and took their seats ready to deliver the ruling. After the legal representatives of both sides introduced themselves, Justice Manyanda addressed the court, saying: “Today we were expected to deliver the judgment, but there are two things we must be fully satisfied with.

Although this is a matter of urgency, we need to ensure our decision is solid and clearly written,” he said. The judgment in case number 23617 is expected to be historic, potentially setting a new precedent in the interpretation of Tanzania’s electoral laws and the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Meanwhile, ACT-Wazalendo officials have repeatedly stated that even if they were granted just two days of campaigning, it would be enough for them to win the presidency .