Category: The Citizen

Simba SC have moved to dismiss reports linking attacking midfielder Anicet Oura with a move away from the club, insisting the Ivorian remains part of their plans ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

Simba team information officer Ahmed Ally told The Citizen that the club has not received any official offer from foreign clubs seeking the services of the talented midfielder.

Italian carrier Neos has officially launched direct flights to Tanzania, after its maiden flight landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) on Wednesday.

The aircraft arrived on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, carrying more than 210 tourists, marking a strong start to the peak tourism season that began in July.

This is set to boost arrivals from the lucrative European market to northern Tanzania’s key tourist attractions.

Speaking shortly after the plane landed, KIA marketing and research manager Zefrin Lubuva termed Neos’s entry a milestone in promoting tourism and the economy of the northern safari circuit during this peak high travel season.

“We have received the Neos aircraft from Italy, which will now operate direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is a major event that raises the profile of international airlines from Europe flying directly to KIA,” said Mr Lubuva.

He added that the new service has significant commercial benefits due to the aircraft’s high passenger capacity.

“The maiden flight has brought over 210 visitors who are heading directly to various attractions. This presents a massive opportunity for the tourism sector and businesses in the northern zone, as well as the nation at large,” said Mr Lubuva.

He noted that KIA continues to align with government directives to promote trade and tourism, highlighting that the northern circuit hosts world-class attractions that draw massive global interest.

“We are continuing with efforts to market Tanzania, building on initiatives like the Royal Tour film. As this is the peak season, we believe citizens will benefit from business opportunities and jobs created by this influx of visitors,” he added.

KIA director, Ms Rehema Myeya said the direct flights would simplify travel for international tourists and stimulate economic growth.

“This service makes it easier for visitors to reach our attractions directly through KIA. It will also open up business opportunities for both local micro-enterprises and large-scale traders,” said Ms Myeya.

She added that the airport authority would work closely with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure world-class service delivery to travellers.

Neos representative Antonella Balestra expressed excitement over the new route, noting that the airline has already been flying to Zanzibar since 2022.

“We are delighted to land in Kilimanjaro today. We have been operating in Zanzibar since 2022, and we plan to increase flight frequencies based on demand, especially during this peak season,” said Ms Balestra.

One of the tourists on the flight, Ms Eliza Saminar, said she was looking forward to her holiday.

“We are here to explore different areas. Tanzania is a beautiful country with breathtaking scenery, and we are thrilled to be here,” she said.

The belief that national budgets are gender-neutral came under scrutiny last week as experts warned that public spending continues to reinforce inequalities unless gender considerations are deliberately integrated into planning and implementation.

They said women, particularly those engaged in agriculture and other productive sectors, remain disadvantaged by budget priorities, funding delays, and unequal access to resources.

The concerns were raised during a high-level dialogue organised by Policy Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Equanomics initiative, which seeks to promote gender-responsive fiscal policies across Africa.

Participants argued that the challenge is not only about budget allocations but also whether approved funds are released and used effectively to address citizens’ needs.

Presenting an analysis by the Agricultural Non-State Actors Forum (Ansaf), programme officer, Ms Werner Hillary, compared planned allocations with actual disbursements, saying the gap between the two determines the real impact of public spending.

She noted that although agriculture contributes 24.6 percent of Tanzania’s gross domestic product (GDP), the sector receives only three percent of the national budget, below the 10 percent target under the Malabo Declaration.

‘The consequences are real. In the 2024/25 financial year, the Ministry of Agriculture received only Sh500 billion out of the planned Sh1.19 trillion,’ she said.

Ms Hillary said delayed release of funds remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges, with money often reaching ministries towards the end of the financial year.

‘When funds are released in May or June, they often return to the Treasury unused,’ she said.

She linked the delays to poor agricultural performance, noting that Tanzania produced only 9,000 tonnes of seed in 2025 against a national target of 80,000 tonnes.

Beyond financing challenges, women involved in agricultural value addition continue to face regulatory obstacles that increase production costs.

Tanzania Milk Processors Association (Tampa) representative, Ms Rose Lyimo, said dairy processors must obtain 28 different permits from institutions, including the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (Osha), the National Environment Management Council (Nemc), and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura).

‘These regulatory hurdles make Tanzanian milk uncompetitive,’ she said, adding that imports from Kenya and South Africa often enter the market at lower prices due to more favourable tax arrangements.

She said processors pay Sh150,000 for permits to transport milk between districts, while supplies to Zanzibar attract an additional Sh50 per litre levy.

Ms Lyimo also highlighted gender disparities in livestock ownership, saying women own only 7.4 percent of ranches, leaving them vulnerable when male relatives decide to sell family livestock.

UNDP SDG Finance and Investment Specialist Mr Simon Moshy said the organisation is working with civil society organisations to strengthen public participation in gender-responsive budgeting.

He identified agriculture as a key area because women play a major role in food production, but continue to face limited access to land, finance, farm inputs, irrigation, and markets.

‘Civil society has an essential role in bringing the realities of women farmers into budget discussions and holding institutions accountable for whether public commitments translate into actual spending and measurable outcomes,’ he said.

A senior programme officer at the Kenya-based Budget Hub, Ms Faith Kinyanjui, said fiscal policy discussions should focus on three questions: who pays, who benefits, and who decides.

‘Budgets are never gender-neutral,’ she said.

While acknowledging that governments face limited fiscal space and rising debt, she said expenditure priorities, including agricultural subsidies, must be examined for hidden inequalities. She warned that allocating resources without addressing implementation challenges does little to improve the lives of intended beneficiaries.

The Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) head of programme activism and movement building, Ms Florah Ndaba, said women make up about 71 percent of the agricultural workforce but receive only 11.6 percent of sector wages.

She said land insecurity remains a major barrier, noting that 82 percent of land acquired under the government’s Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) project lacked title deeds, limiting women’s ability to use land as collateral.

Citing the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Ms Ndaba said only 282 of the 812 BBT participants in 2023 were young women, while the programme reached 514 youths against a target of 12,000.

She recalled how women in Kiluleni carried bottles of contaminated water to Parliament to protest poor services, an action that later prompted infrastructure improvements.

Policy analyst, Mr James Mlali, questioned the government’s practice of increasing budget projections despite repeated revenue shortfalls.

‘If we failed to reach last year’s target, why plan for an even larger one?’ he asked.

He called for more realistic budgeting to reduce corruption risks and urged greater representation of women in local decision-making bodies.

Farmer, Mr Fred George, suggested that Tanzania adopt Botswana’s approach of allowing women to access credit using national identity cards rather than land titles.

Concluding, Ms Kinyanjui cited a Kenyan example where a community rejected partial delivery of water tanks until all demands were met, saying collective action can strengthen accountability and ensure public resources respond to citizens’ priorities.

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Tanzanians through skills development programmes, saying investment in education and practical training is essential to building a competitive workforce capable of driving the country’s long-term economic growth.

As Tanzania joins the rest of the world in marking World Youth Skills Day, the brewer highlighted its ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with industry-relevant skills in agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

With Tanzania boasting one of Africa’s youngest populations, millions of young people enter the labour market each year. However, many continue to face challenges in securing employment due to limited access to practical training and workplace experience.

SBL said its youth empowerment strategy focuses on creating opportunities that prepare young people for the demands of the modern labour market while contributing to sustainable national development.

Through the Kilimo Viwanda Scholarship Programme, the company has supported more than 300 young Tanzanians from farming communities to pursue agricultural studies, enabling them to acquire modern farming techniques, technical expertise and agribusiness knowledge before returning to improve productivity in their communities.

The company has also partnered with the National College of Tourism (NCT) to implement the Learning for Life Programme, which equips aspiring hospitality professionals with practical skills required by employers.

The programme’s first intake trained 100 young people, many of whom have since secured employment, while a second cohort of 200 students recently completed their hospitality training.

A beneficiary of the Learning for Life Programme, Mr Hansen Morris, said the initiative had transformed his confidence and career prospects.

“Before joining Learning for Life, I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality but lacked the confidence to compete in the job market. The programme provided practical experience, strengthened my communication skills and helped me understand employers’ expectations. Today, I am building a long-term career in the hospitality industry,” he said.

A Learning for Life Programme Supervisor at the National College of Tourism, Ms Mariam Mambosasa, said partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector were helping students become more employable.

“Learning for Life complements classroom learning by exposing students to real industry expectations. Beyond technical hospitality skills, participants develop confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities that employers consistently value. Partnerships with organisations such as Serengeti Breweries Limited are helping bridge the gap between education and employment,” she said.

Meanwhile, a beneficiary of the Kilimo Viwanda Scholarship Programme, Mr Octavian Burchard, said the scholarship had changed his perception of agriculture and opened new opportunities.

“The scholarship enabled me to study agriculture without financial constraints. It also helped me realise that agriculture is one of Tanzania’s greatest economic opportunities. I now have the knowledge to improve farming productivity while creating opportunities for myself and my community. I encourage young people to view agriculture as a profession with enormous potential,” he said.

According to SBL, the scholarship programme continues to nurture a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with expertise in modern farming, sustainable production and agribusiness, with many graduates returning to rural communities to promote innovation and inspire other young people.

The brewer said the success of both initiatives demonstrates that meaningful investment in youth requires more than financial support. It also depends on sustained partnerships, practical learning opportunities and a shared commitment to helping young people transition successfully from education into employment.

SBL noted that this year’s World Youth Skills Day coincides with the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which places strong emphasis on building an educated, highly skilled and globally competitive workforce capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.

The company said achieving the vision would require stronger collaboration between government, academic institutions and the private sector to ensure young Tanzanians are equipped not only to secure jobs but also to create businesses, solve national challenges and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

The race for the Academy Tournament crown has entered its final phase, with four teams battling for two places in the championship match of the youth football competition being held at Akeri Grounds in Arumeru District.

Organised by Pareto Youth Center, the tournament kicked off on June 26, 2026, bringing together eight community-based teams in a competition aimed at nurturing young football talent while promoting environmental conservation and youth engagement.

The participating teams are Akeri Football Club, Tengeru Soccer Club, Pareto Soccer Club, Poli Football Club, Kuza Football Club, Sura Football Club, Leganga Sports Club and Lesser Flamingos Football Club.

After the group stage, Kuza FC, Tengeru Training Center, Pareto FC and Lesser Flamingos FC advanced to the semi-finals, setting up a thrilling battle for a place in the final.

Kuza FC strengthened their hopes of reaching the final after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Tengeru Training Center in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

Meanwhile, Pareto FC and Lesser Flamingos FC played out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining encounter, leaving their tie evenly poised ahead of the return leg.

The four teams will return to Akeri Grounds on Thursday for the decisive semi-final matches, with Kuza FC facing Tengeru Training Center and Pareto FC taking on Lesser Flamingos FC in a winner-takes-all battle for a place in the final.

Beyond competition, organisers say the tournament is designed to provide young players with a platform to showcase their talent while using football to promote community development, environmental awareness and youth empowerment.

Tournament coordinator and Pareto FC head coach Jordan Mosses said the competition was born out of a desire to revive grassroots football in Arumeru after the district went for more than a decade without a structured local league.

‘The Pareto League is named after pyrethrum, a local crop that symbolises authenticity and our indigenous roots,’ Mosses said.

He explained that the initiative started with Pareto Sports Club (PSC), which relocated from Mlandizi in Tanzania’s Coast Region to Arumeru with the aim of revitalising football activities in the district.

‘We are now fully established in Arumeru to strengthen sporting activities across the district, and the league has already brought new energy to the community,’ he said.

Mosses added that the tournament extends beyond football by giving young people opportunities to interact, develop leadership skills and participate in initiatives that promote environmental conservation.

For Lesser Flamingos FC captain Peter Lucas, the team’s identity reflects its commitment to protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

‘We chose the Pink Flamingo identity to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and wildlife protection, particularly birds,’ Lucas said.

He added that the club is using football as a platform to create awareness among young people and communities on the need to protect nature.

Lesser Flamingos FC is supported by Nature Tanzania, a conservation organisation involved in bird protection efforts, as part of broader initiatives to safeguard bird species across East Africa.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has given bar and nightclub owners in Kinondoni District one week to comply with government regulations on noise control, safety, licensing and environmental standards or face closure.

The directive follows growing complaints over excessive noise, violence involving bouncers, the presence of minors in entertainment venues and alleged prostitution in some establishments.

Speaking during a meeting with bar and nightclub owners and operators, Mr Chalamila directed Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule to work with relevant authorities to enforce the law without discrimination.

He warned that businesses failing to comply within the deadline would be closed and their operating licences revoked.

“The government will not allow businesses that violate the law and endanger public safety to continue operating,” Mr Chalamila said.

He instructed owners to address issues that had previously attracted warnings, including reducing noise pollution, preventing children from entering bars and nightclubs, obtaining the required licences and complying with environmental regulations.

The Regional Commissioner also directed the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to allow businesses that had complied with environmental requirements to resume operations.

Earlier, Mr Mtambule said authorities had received numerous complaints about the conduct of bouncers, describing it as a growing public concern.

He cited a recent incident in which a young man died after allegedly being assaulted by bouncers at a bar he had visited.

Mr Mtambule also raised concerns over allegations that some entertainment venues were facilitating prostitution and allowing underage children to enter bars and consume alcohol, contrary to the law.

Bar owners and operators acknowledged the concerns raised by the authorities and pledged to address the identified shortcomings.

They also appealed to the Regional Commissioner to maintain dialogue with the sector, saying many businesses had already begun implementing the government’s directives and remained committed to improving compliance.

For 17 years, Mr Ombeni Sefue worked at the centre of the presidency, first as a presidential aide and later as Chief Secretary.

While many associate state house with prestige and influence, he says the reality was defined by immense responsibility, relentless pressure and little room for errors.

Tanzania and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations for about 65 years, building a partnership that has steadily expanded from diplomacy to trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Growing business links and increasing travel have strengthened economic cooperation, while the Tanzanian diaspora in the United States has become an important bridge between the two countries. On July 2, 2026, the two governments further reinforced their partnership by signing a five-year health memorandum of understanding worth Sh8 trillion.

Against this backdrop, the Tanzanian Embassy in Washington, DC, is intensifying efforts to promote two-way trade and investment through commercial diplomacy.

One of its flagship initiatives was a Business Luncheon held on May 6, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre. The event combined Tanzania’s National Day celebrations with an investment promotion campaign aimed at showcasing the country’s economic progress and attracting American investors.

Rather than focusing solely on diplomatic protocol, the luncheon highlighted the experiences of American companies already operating in Tanzania while positioning the country as a competitive investment destination and a regional trade and logistics hub.

Speaking at the event, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr Elsie Kanza, described the gathering as both a celebration of the longstanding partnership between the two countries and a reaffirmation of Tanzania’s commitment to trade, investment and strategic partnerships.

She said the Government remained committed to maintaining a competitive and investor-friendly business environment, assuring investors that Tanzania remains open for business.

The event also featured a panel discussion during which executives from companies operating in Tanzania shared their experiences and encouraged other American firms to explore opportunities in the country.

The Embassy said the timing of the luncheon reflected the growing importance both governments attach to commercial diplomacy.

The event also provided an opportunity to counter negative perceptions about Tanzania by allowing policymakers and business leaders in Washington to hear directly from investors with first-hand experience of operating in the country.

The luncheon attracted senior officials from the US Government, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of development finance institutions, business associations, think tanks, non-governmental organisations and the Tanzanian diaspora.

Among those attending were Ambassador Eric Kneedler, Acting Director of the US Department of State’s Office of East African Affairs, ambassadors from several African and other countries, as well as representatives of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the International Cotton Advisory Committee and the US Chamber of Commerce.

During the event, District of Columbia Secretary Kimberly Bassett presented a proclamation declaring April 26, 2026, as Tanzania Day in Washington.

Dr Kanza outlined Tanzania’s investment proposition around four key pillars.

The first was credibility. She noted that Tanzania is East Africa’s highest-rated sovereign, with a B+ credit rating from Fitch and a B1 rating from Moody’s, reflecting improving macroeconomic stability and stronger economic fundamentals.

The second pillar was infrastructure development. Electricity generation has more than doubled over the past five years, largely due to the commissioning of the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, improving energy security and supporting industrial growth.

The third pillar was Tanzania’s strategic location. She said the country’s role in the Central Corridor, reinforced by a memorandum of understanding signed with the Northern Corridor in January 2026, strengthens its ambition to become the leading logistics and trade gateway for East and Central Africa.

She also highlighted Tanzania’s vast critical minerals resources and major liquefied natural gas projects, saying they have the potential to transform the country’s economy in the coming years.

These priorities, she said, are aligned with Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which aims to achieve high-income status through private sector-led growth. The Government expects the private sector to contribute about 70 percent of the projected $1 trillion economy.

Dr Kanza assured investors that Tanzania protects both domestic and foreign investments under national legislation and international agreements and remains committed to resolving challenges through dialogue with investors.

The panel discussion, moderated by Kendra L. Gaither, President of the US-Africa Business Centre and Senior Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce, featured executives from The Friedkin Group, Global Export Marketing Company (GEMCO), Kostiv Investment Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Their testimonials provided practical insights into Tanzania’s investment climate and reinforced confidence among prospective investors.

Representatives from global companies, including Abbott and Citigroup, also attended.

One of the event’s major announcements came from The Friedkin Group, which revealed plans to establish Auberge Safari, a collection of nine luxury properties across Tanzania under its internationally recognised Auberge Resorts Collection brand. The investment further strengthens Tanzania’s position as a premium tourism destination.

Dr Kanza also highlighted the growing commercial relationship between the two countries, noting that bilateral trade exceeded $1.4 billion in 2024, the highest level recorded to date.

She identified mining and critical minerals, healthcare, banking and financial services, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing as priority sectors for future investment. These sectors support the Government’s ambition of positioning Tanzania as a regional hub for food production, healthcare, trade, logistics and investment.

The Embassy aims to increase bilateral trade to $3 billion by 2030.

According to the Embassy, trade between the two countries has more than tripled since 2021, when it stood at $380.2 million, reflecting growing investor confidence and stronger economic ties.

It is also working to sustain US investment in strategic sectors. Recent developments include the signing of a $300 million agreement with US-backed Panda Hill Tanzania Limited and continued negotiations on major projects in Mahenge graphite, Kabanga nickel and liquefied natural gas.

The Business Luncheon demonstrated how commercial diplomacy can strengthen bilateral relations while creating opportunities for trade and investment.

Beyond attracting influential policymakers and business leaders, the event generated fresh investment commitments, reinforced confidence among existing investors and showcased Tanzania’s economic progress.

It also highlighted the important role played by the Tanzanian diaspora in strengthening business and people-to-people ties.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Pius Mutalemwa, President of the Tanzania Community in the Washington Metropolitan Area, underlining the diaspora’s growing contribution to expanding economic cooperation between Tanzania and the United States.

Young Africans (Yanga) are facing a crucial challenge ahead of the new season as the club’s leadership works to ensure three foreign players remain with their respective loan clubs in order to free up foreign player slots for new signings.

The Mainland Tanzania champions are keen to strengthen their squad before the start of the 2026/2027 campaign, but their plans depend largely on the future of three players currently on loan.

The players are Ivorian defender Mohammed Doumbia, who recently joined South African Premier Soccer League side Marumo Gallants, Chadian winger Celestin Ecua, who has signed for Algerian club JS Kabylie on loan, and Guinean midfielder Moussa Balla Conté, who has completed a loan move to Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic. A member of Yanga’s executive committee told The Citizen that the club’s immediate priority is to convince the three clubs to retain the players beyond their initial loan arrangements.

According to the official, keeping the trio away from Jangwani Street giants would allow Yanga to utilise the available foreign player slots to recruit new talent identified by the technical bench.

“Our biggest task now is to convince the clubs to continue using the players,” said the official, who requested anonymity because he is not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.

“If they agree to keep them, it will create room for us to register new foreign players.

That is our priority because we want to strengthen the team without creating unnecessary congestion in the squad.” The source admitted that Yanga already has a contingency plan should any of the clubs decide not to keep the players after their loan spells.

“If the clubs decide against retaining them, we will have to look for other teams willing to sign the players.

The objective remains the same, which is to create room for new foreign signings before the registration window closes,” the official said.

Yanga have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market as they prepare to defend the Mainland Tanzania Premier League title and compete in the CAF Champions League.

The club recently appointed South African coach Manqoba Mngqithi to lead the technical bench and is expected to make further additions to strengthen several departments.

Club officials believe maintaining a balanced squad while complying with player registration regulations is essential if Yanga are to remain competitive both domestically and on the continental stage.

Negotiations with the three clubs are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with Yanga hopeful that mutually beneficial agreements can be reached.

A successful outcome would allow the club to proceed with its recruitment plans while giving the three players an opportunity to continue gaining regular playing time abroad.

. A new Sh1 billion youth empowerment programme is set to equip nearly 600,000 young Tanzanians with the knowledge and skills to influence public policy, as stakeholders push to close the gap between young people and the country’s decision-making processes.

The KEYJana Impact Project, launched yesterday, July 14 by DFC Tanzania Fellows in partnership with ActionAid Tanzania and the Royal Danish Embassy, aims to strengthen civic participation by enabling young people to understand government policies, engage with public institutions and contribute to national development.

Over the next 18 months, the project will be rolled out in Ruvuma, Mara, Kigoma and Pemba, where participants will receive training on governance, civic engagement, climate justice and policy processesSpeaking to The Citizen, KEYJana Impact Project representative Hellen Sisya said many young people remain disconnected from policy discussions despite being directly affected by government decisions.

‘Our goal is to ensure young people understand existing policies, participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the formulation of future policies,’ she said.

She further added that the project would also create a platform for regular dialogue between young people and policymakers, helping to build trust and improve accountability.

‘When young people are given the opportunity to participate, they become partners in development. That is how we build stronger institutions and more responsive governance,’ she said.

ActionAid Tanzania country director Bavon Christopher said the initiative recognises young people as drivers of change rather than passive beneficiaries of development programmes.

He said the project would provide practical skills that enable young people to engage in public affairs, understand policy frameworks and advocate for reforms that respond to the needs of their communities.

‘Sustainable development depends on the meaningful participation of young people, women and persons with disabilities in decision-making. Through this project, young people will gain practical knowledge that will enable them to engage confidently in governance processes,’ he said.

Beyond civic participation, the project also seeks to prepare young people for an increasingly digital public sphere, where access to information is often accompanied by challenges such as misinformation, disinformation and online harassment.

The Danish Ambassador to Tanzania, Jesper Kammersgaard, said digital platforms have become powerful tools for civic engagement, but warned that without the skills to navigate them responsibly, they can undermine informed public debate.

‘That creates enormous opportunities, but also real challenges. Misinformation and disinformation can distort public debate. Online intimidation can silence voices that deserve to be heard. Without the skills to navigate digital spaces safely and critically, participation becomes harder, not easier,’ he said.

Mr Kammersgaard said the project therefore combines civic participation with digital literacy, arguing that responsible engagement requires both confidence and the ability to assess online information critically.

He also welcomed the Government’s decision to establish a ministry responsible for youth affairs, saying it reflects growing recognition of young people as partners in shaping Tanzania’s future.

‘It sends an important signal that young people are recognised not simply as beneficiaries of development, but as partners in shaping the country’s future. We look forward to working alongside government institutions as this project moves forward,’ he said.