Category: The Citizen

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

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

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

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

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

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Same. Nine days after The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi, reported rising anxiety, fear and uncertainty following incidents of ground tremors and cracking in Marieni Village, Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, the government has stepped in, offering hope to affected residents.

Authorities have deployed experts from the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) to conduct a comprehensive investigation aimed at establishing the root cause of the unusual geological activity and recommending appropriate interventions. At least 10 households have already vacated their homes, while a church building has been rendered unusable after developing significant structural cracks linked to the phenomenon.

Several residents whose properties have been affected have since relocated with their families and belongings to temporary shelters as they await further government action. During a visit to the area on April 1, 2026, this paper observed one church abandoned, its walls visibly split by large fissures, while the floor showed signs of subsidence.

Speaking to Mwananchi on April 10, 2026, GST geologist Gabriel Mbogoni confirmed that a team of experts had been dispatched to the village to undertake detailed scientific assessments. “The government has already taken steps by sending experts from GST to the scene to investigate the incident,” he said.

Mr Mbogoni noted, however, that it is too early to draw conclusions, emphasising that findings will only be released after thorough investigations are completed. Residents who spoke separately welcomed the government’s swift response, describing it as a source of renewed hope.

Mr Msafiri Mkodo, one of the affected residents, said the intervention has brought reassurance to the community. “This gives us great hope.

The government’s quick response has been very helpful, as we have been unable to sleep at night despite having vacated our homes,” he said. Another resident, Mr Cathbert Wilfred, commended the government’s action and appealed for urgent assistance to those affected.

“We appreciate the swift response and urge the government to consider immediate support for those displaced, as some have left their homes fearing for their safety,” he said. Ms Marry Godfrey also expressed gratitude to Mwananchi for highlighting the issue, which she said prompted the government’s response.

“We thank the journalists for bringing attention to this matter. We are now seeing the government take action due to the seriousness of the situation,” she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arusha. The government has disbursed more than Sh600 million to content creators under a special digital empowerment programme aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s creative and online economy through a revolving fund supporting youth innovation and entrepreneurship.

The funds form part of a wider Sh2 billion government initiative designed to improve the quality of digital content production while empowering creators in sectors such as tourism, sports, media, music, film and community development to build sustainable income-generating ventures. The first application window for the programme was opened between January 30 and February 15, 2026. Speaking during a digital content creators’ training session in Arusha, the Fund Director, Nyakaho Mahemba, said the initial phase attracted loan applications worth more than S billion, with over Sh600 million already disbursed to successful applicants.

She noted that the vetting process is still ongoing, guided by eligibility criteria and business viability assessments, as authorities work to conclude the first phase before opening the second application window. “The Culture and Arts Fund provides loans without bias, with the aim of empowering creatives.

Therefore, for sustainability and accountability, beneficiaries are urged to use the funds for their intended purposes and ensure timely repayment so that others may also benefit,” she said. Ms Mahemba further clarified that the fund is not a grant, but a revolving loan scheme intended to promote discipline, accountability and reinvestment within the creative industry.

Assistant Director for Artists’ Rights, Dr Asha Mshana, urged content creators to use the opportunity to improve the quality of their online content while promoting Tanzanian culture, traditions and values. “Now is the time for patriotism.

Let us showcase the beauty of our country through our content while also focusing on maximizing economic benefits,” she said. The training session, which brought together more than 400 content creators from northern Tanzania, was organised by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports in collaboration with the Culture and Arts Fund.

The programme aimed to strengthen creators’ capacity to produce economically viable content, understand available opportunities, and access government financing schemes. Acting Director of Information Services, Kelvin Kanje, who closed the training, urged participants to apply the skills acquired to improve the quality of their work in order to meet requirements for monetising content on digital platforms.

He said digital creativity must go beyond entertainment and information, and instead become a reliable source of income. “With this support, you should begin to view content creation as a formal business with clear production plans, budgets and repayment strategies, as well as consider formal registration of creative enterprises to increase access to loans and ensure long-term sustainability,” he said.

Mr Kanje said that the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen Tanzania’s digital economy by nurturing a new generation of professional content creators capable of competing in regional and international markets. One of the participants, content creator Samson Kinje, popularly known as “Kinje Boy,” welcomed the initiative but noted that grassroots creators still face challenges, particularly formal registration requirements and office address conditions, which he said may limit access to the loans.

“These loans are likely to benefit established creators more due to the eligibility criteria. It would be better if the programme had different categories so that emerging creators are also included in this empowerment initiative,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Same. Nine days after The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi, reported rising anxiety, fear and uncertainty following incidents of ground tremors and cracking in Marieni Village, Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, the government has stepped in, offering hope to affected residents.

Authorities have deployed experts from the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) to conduct a comprehensive investigation aimed at establishing the root cause of the unusual geological activity and recommending appropriate interventions. At least 10 households have already vacated their homes, while a church building has been rendered unusable after developing significant structural cracks linked to the phenomenon.

Several residents whose properties have been affected have since relocated with their families and belongings to temporary shelters as they await further government action. During a visit to the area on April 1, 2026, this paper observed one church abandoned, its walls visibly split by large fissures, while the floor showed signs of subsidence.

Speaking to Mwananchi on April 10, 2026, GST geologist Gabriel Mbogoni confirmed that a team of experts had been dispatched to the village to undertake detailed scientific assessments. “The government has already taken steps by sending experts from GST to the scene to investigate the incident,” he said.

Mr Mbogoni noted, however, that it is too early to draw conclusions, emphasising that findings will only be released after thorough investigations are completed. Residents who spoke separately welcomed the government’s swift response, describing it as a source of renewed hope.

Mr Msafiri Mkodo, one of the affected residents, said the intervention has brought reassurance to the community. “This gives us great hope.

The government’s quick response has been very helpful, as we have been unable to sleep at night despite having vacated our homes,” he said. Another resident, Mr Cathbert Wilfred, commended the government’s action and appealed for urgent assistance to those affected.

“We appreciate the swift response and urge the government to consider immediate support for those displaced, as some have left their homes fearing for their safety,” he said. Ms Marry Godfrey also expressed gratitude to Mwananchi for highlighting the issue, which she said prompted the government’s response.

“We thank the journalists for bringing attention to this matter. We are now seeing the government take action due to the seriousness of the situation,” she said.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is set to assemble its first heavy-duty lorry powered by compressed natural gas by the end of 2026, following a Sh7.8 trillion ($3 billion) investment in a new industrial complex in Bagamoyo.

The landmark project, spearheaded by HWTZ Special Economic Zone, will also involve the production of motorcycles, fishing boats and modern spare parts. The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports and promote the use of cleaner energy in industrial processes.

The agreement was signed yesterday by Tanzania Investment Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza) director general, Mr Gilead Teri and HWTZ SEZ under Hangwang Holding Group chief executive officer, Mr David Zhou. The signing marks a major milestone in advancing Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda.

Mr Teri said the Bagamoyo facility will bring the total number of vehicle assembly plants in Tanzania to five since 2021, signalling the country’s emergence as an automotive hub in East Africa. “The use of natural gas in assembling heavy lorries reflects Tanzania’s commitment to utilising domestic energy resources while promoting cleaner and cost-effective production, reducing reliance on imported fuel,” he said.

The project will begin with three core industries–motorcycles, fishing boats and spare parts–with the first products, including the heavy lorry, expected on the market by the end of this year. Tiseza has directed that at least 10 percent of spare parts be sourced locally within three months of operations, supporting local suppliers and strengthening domestic capacity.

HWTZ SEZ is a subsidiary of Hangwang Holding Group, ranked 228 among China’s top 500 manufacturing enterprises in 2025. The construction of the industrial park, as part of the Bagamoyo Eco Maritime City project, is expected to contribute significantly to Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP IV). The investment is expected to create more than 5,000 direct jobs for Tanzanian youth, alongside additional employment in supporting sectors.

A dedicated training institution will equip young Tanzanians with practical industrial skills, while the facility will also support exports and enhance foreign exchange earnings. Mr Zhou said about 450 heavy lorries will be produced by the end of 2026, with annual production expected to rise to more than 5,000 units.

“The factory will use natural gas as a clean energy source. Land has been allocated for gas infrastructure, and work on roads, electricity and water is already underway.

By the end of this year, the first truck will roll out of our factory,” he said. Mr Teri added that the development will strengthen Bagamoyo’s position as a strategic industrial hub and enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in manufacturing across the region, supporting the country’s long-term economic growth and industrial ambitions.

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This week, I cheated on my usual routines and committed fully to ride-hailing apps. By the end of it, I’m not sure whether I was booking rides or signing up for emotional experiences.

Because, tell me why, ordering a car now feels like entering a situationship? You’re not sure it’s coming. You’re not sure it’s staying.

And you’re definitely not in control. One afternoon, I opened the app confident, hopeful, and ready to move like a soft-life citizen.

Every category said busy. I refreshed.

Busy. Closed the app.

Opened it again. Busy.

Switched to another app. Busy there too.

At some point, the only available option was a boda boda, and it was raining like the sky had personal issues. I stared at my phone.

The phone stared back. We both knew that was not going to happen.

So I waited. Ten minutes.

Thirty minutes. One hour.

At some point I stopped checking time and started checking my life choices. And somewhere between refreshing apps and watching random cars pass me, cars that clearly had no intention of being mine it hit me Ride-hailing is no longer predictable.

It is vibes. Pure vibes.

Because even when you finally get a ride that’s just the beginning of the drama. A driver accepts.

Immediately, your phone rings: “Unaenlekea wapi?” You answer politely. You even add a landmark for good measure.

Silence. Then, cancelled.

No explanation. No apology.

Just rejection. Like you asked for too much in life.

You request again. Another driver accepts.

You hold your breath this time, like you’re waiting for exam results. And just when you start believing, boom.

Cancelled again. At this point, it’s not transport.

It’s character development. And let’s say, by some miracle, the ride actually holds.

You now enter Phase Two: Locate Your Driver. Because why is the car not moving? Why is the map frozen? Why is he somehow both “2 minutes away” and spiritually in another district? Then the call comes, “Uko wapi hasa?” Sir.

The pin is right there. Glowing.

Existing. Doing its job.

But no now I must explain my location like I’m guiding someone through a treasure hunt. “Unajua ile duka ya kona? Sasa pita kidogo hapana, sio hapo” Congratulations, you are now the GPS.

Technology said, “I rest.” Then comes the waiting game inside the waiting game.

The driver has accepted but is not moving. You stare at the map.

The map stares back. You want to cancel, but you remember there might be a cancellation fee.

So now you are stuck in a relationship you didn’t even ask for. Time is passing.

Your mood is changing. Your patience is evaporating.

Convenience is watching. And let’s talk about money, because ah, yes, the plot twist.

The price you saw? That was just a suggestion. Rain falls price goes up.

Traffic builds price goes up. You blink The price goes up.

And sometimes the driver calls with that familiar line, “Dada, ongeza kidogo tu.” At this point, are we negotiating transport or buying tomatoes at the market? You agree because you’re tired.

Or you refuse and start the whole process again. Either way, you lose something time, money, or peace of mind.

Now the car finally arrives. You check the number plate.

It’s almost correct. The car model? Close enough.

The condition? Let’s just say the car has lived. You get in.

AC? Optional. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict, and rapid change, leadership cannot rely on strategy alone. It must be anchored in something deeper.

True leadership begins within. Across Africa — from the entrepreneurial streets of Dar es Salaam to boardrooms navigating economic and social complexity — leaders are being called to rise differently.

Not just to drive results, but to ignite something within their people. This is the essence of the Corporate Sufi way: to lead from the inner Spark — where purpose, compassion, and contribution meet.

When you are clear about who you serve, why your work matters, and the difference you are here to make, leadership shifts. You move from managing activity to inspiring transformation.

People, purpose, and impact are not separate priorities. They are a living circle.

Here is a practical rhythm to help you lead with clarity, heart, and meaningful impact: 1. Begin within: Set the intention Before the noise of the day begins, pause.

In many African traditions, wisdom starts with stillness — a moment to listen before acting. Leadership is no different.

Ask yourself: What truly matters today? Who needs me at my best? At the end of the day, reflect: Where did I act from purpose — and where did I drift? This daily discipline reconnects you to your Spark — the inner compass that no external chaos can shake. 2.

Align decisions to what truly matters In environments shaped by pressure — economic, political, or social — it is easy to become reactive. Instead, lead with alignment.

Before committing, ask: Purpose: Does this serve a meaningful goal? People: Does this uplift or diminish those involved? Impact: Will this matter beyond the immediate moment? Across Tanzania and the broader continent, the most respected leaders are not those who do the most — but those who do what matters most. Clarity creates trust.

And trust sustains impact. 3.

Focus your Energy where it counts Many leaders are busy. Few are truly focused.

Choose one meaningful aspiration for the next quarter — something that creates real value for your people, your customers, or your community. Then identify three priorities that move it forward.

Equally important: decide what you will not do. In a resource-constrained environment, focus is not a luxury — it is a discipline.

It is how vision becomes reality. 4.

Build people, not just teams Africa’s greatest asset is its people. Yet too often, organisations hire for competence and overlook character.

Hire and promote those who: Act with integrity Lift others Care about contribution, not just position Skills can be developed Character shapes culture When you build people, not just teams, you create organisations that endure beyond any single leader. 5.

Create a culture of listening and learning In a rapidly changing world, no leader has all the answers. Create spaces where people feel safe to speak, question, and contribute.

Listen deeply — especially to voices that are often unheard. Close the loop: “You said.

We acted.” Across diverse African cultures, community dialogue has always been a source of strength.

Bring that spirit into your leadership. When people feel heard, they become owners of the mission — not just participants.

6. Protect wholeness in a demanding world The pressures leaders face today are real — financial strain, social expectations, and global instability.

But burnout serves no one. Model balance: Rest with intention Create space for reflection Encourage healthy rhythms within your team In the Corporate Sufi tradition, leadership is not about constant output.

It is about sustained presence. A grounded leader creates a grounded organisation.

7. Let gratitude multiply impact In times of uncertainty, appreciation becomes even more powerful.

Recognise not just effort, but meaning: How did this work help someone? What difference did it make? Gratitude reinforces purpose. And in cultures where community and connection matter deeply, it becomes a powerful force for unity and resilience.

The essence Leading with people, purpose, and impact is not about choosing between compassion and performance. It is about understanding that they are one and the same.

When you ignite your spark — and help others ignite theirs — leadership becomes more than a role. It becomes a responsibility to uplift, to serve, and to create impact that endures.

In a world that often feels divided, this way of leading is not just effective. It is necessary.

Your legacy will not be measured by what you built alone, but by the lives you elevated — and the difference that continues long after you are gone. .