Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. As the holy month of Ramadan begins today, coinciding with the Christian season of Lent for the first time in recent memory, businesses that depend on leisure spending are bracing for a difficult stretch.

For bar owners along the streets of Mwenge and Ubungo, guest house operators in Sinza and Kinondoni and food vendors in Buguruni and Magomeni, the mood has shifted almost overnight. Where music and laughter typically spill onto the pavements, a calmer atmosphere is expected to define the coming weeks.

A few days before the fast began, The Citizen observed unusually high activity in popular drinking spots in Mikocheni and Sinza. Some patrons openly joked that they were “finishing their sins” before turning to prayer and self-restraint.

Guest houses reported full bookings, while bars operated late into the night. But that surge was short-lived.

“From today, we expect sales to drop by more than half,” said a bar owner in Sinza, Mr Juma Ally. “When only Muslims were fasting, Christian customers still came.

When it was Lent alone, some Muslims still came. Now both groups are stepping back at the same time.

” Tanzania has a good population of Christians and Muslims. In urban centres such as Dar es Salaam, where nightlife and informal entertainment form a significant part of the local economy that overlap matters.

Mr Ally employs eight workers who include bartenders, security guards and cleaners. “If sales fall drastically, I will have to reduce shifts.

It affects not just me but families depending on these wages,” he said. Guest houses, especially those offering short-stay services, are likely to feel an even sharper pinch.

In areas such as Manzese, Tandale, Mwenge, Temeke, Tandika, Buza, Tabata and parts of Sinza, some lodge operators admit that their peak business often comes from daily, short-term clients. “One month can determine whether we cover rent and utilities comfortably,” said a lodge manager in Sinza, who requested anonymity.

“During Ramadan alone we see a slowdown. With Lent at the same time, it is going to be tough.

” Sex workers, many of whom operate discreetly around city hotspots such as Ubungo, Posta, Kariakoo and Oysterbay, are also expected to suffer income losses. A community organiser working with vulnerable women in Ilala said demand typically drops sharply during Ramadhan.

“Some clients disappear completely. Others say they are repenting or focusing on church activities,” she said.

“For women who depend on daily earnings, even a two-week slowdown can mean failing to pay rent.” Street food vendors, popularly known as mama lishe, are adjusting their strategies.

While lunchtime traffic may shrink as fasting customers abstain, evenings could present new opportunities. “In Ramadhan we prepare iftar meals–pilau, dates and fresh juice,” said Ms Asha Mgeni, who runs a food stall at Ubungo Riverside.

“Office workers who cannot reach home before sunset buy from us. So for us it is not all loss; it is about timing.

” However, vendors whose sales depend on alcohol pairings–nyama choma joints and grilled meat stands near bars–anticipate leaner days. A butcher in Shekilango said orders from bar operators had already reduced.

“They used to buy in bulk for weekends. This week they have cut orders by almost 40 percent,” he said.

Beyond direct sellers, the ripple effects extend to suppliers. Beverage distributors, music DJs, bouncers, taxi drivers who rely on late-night trips, and even mobile money agents near nightlife zones could see transactions fall.

A regular patron at a popular bar in Mikocheni, Mr Patrick Mhando, said he has chosen to stop drinking during both seasons. “I am Catholic.

Lent is a time for reflection. This year, because Ramadan is also starting, I feel it is a good moment to reset completely,” he said.

“I will save that money and focus on my family.” Such personal decisions, multiplied across thousands of customers, create a noticeable economic shift.

According to industry estimates from beverage traders, alcohol sales in predominantly Muslim neighbourhoods can fall by up to 60 percent during Ramadan alone. With Lent overlapping, traders predict a broader citywide dip.

However, religious leaders say the economic slowdown should be viewed in context. A cleric at a mosque in Ilala noted: “Ramadan is about discipline, charity and empathy for the less fortunate.

Businesses may slow, but communities often increase charitable giving.” Similarly, a priest in Ubungo, Mr Johnson Mkuti, said Lent encourages Christians to reduce excess spending and support those in need.

“The money saved from luxuries can be redirected to helping others,” he said. Indeed, some sectors may benefit.

Supermarkets selling dates, juices and cooking oil often report higher evening sales, while transport services see increased movement at sunset as families rush home for iftar. .

Arusha. Shock gripped the Court of Appeal as Yusuph Nguku faced judges after his appeal against a death sentence for murdering his six-year-old daughter was dismissed.

In a warning statement admitted as evidence, Mr Nguku confessed that he and his accomplice (not appellant) took his daughter, Rose Yusuph, to Lusesa village in Mwasanga Forest. Upon reaching the forest, Mr Nguku strangled her from behind while the accomplice held her.

He then severed her left hand and left foot, placing them in a black nylon bag. Mr Nguku said the accomplice had persuaded him to remove parts of Rose’s body to aid in running a business, promising Sh5 million in return.

Both Mr Nguku and the accomplice were charged at Mbeya High Court with murder under Sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code, relating to an incident on May 3, 2019, in Lusesa village, Mbarali District, Mbeya Region. On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal, including Rehema Kerefu, Lucia Kairo, and Dr Deo Nangela, dismissed criminal appeal 920/2023, upholding the death penalty by hanging.

The judges held that circumstantial evidence, together with Mr Nguku’s warning statement, proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. How it happened Mr Nguku was originally sentenced on December 5, 2023, by the Mbeya High Court.

Third prosecution witness, Schola Chafumbwe, testified before the court that she and Mr Nguku married in 2007 and had four children by 2019. Due to marital conflict, she had left with the lastborn, leaving the other three children, including the deceased. She said on May 3, 2019, Mr Nguku reported Rose missing through her brother.

First witness, Mr Hebron Mwangomale, recalled seeing Mr Nguku selling items by the roadside with a young girl that day. Mr Nguku identified himself as from Igurusi Village and later Mbalizi, where he stayed with Rose in a guesthouse before renting a room in Mr Sanga’s house, but on May 4, he reported the girl missing.

The fourth witness said that on May 9, Mr Nguku brought a photo of Rose (the deceased) to the police station, and on May 10, claimed to have found her buried near Rombo Bar. He remained silent when asked how he identified the site, but asked a second witness to accompany him.

Local leaders and relatives were informed, and the group recovered a plastic bag containing body parts. The first witness said Mr Nguku reportedly told him, “Blood is heavier than water,” before police arrested him.

Mr Nguku admitted during questioning that he committed the crime with his accomplice, who persuaded him to remove parts of the child’s body. Though initially released for insufficient evidence, police later rearrested him.

The eighth witness conducted a post-mortem, confirming that the left hand and foot had been severed and that the body was partially decomposed. Mr Nguku admitted his marriage and separation from Ms Chafumbwe and claimed that on May 2, 2019, he took Rose (the deceased) to Mbalizi to buy beans; but upon returning, she was missing.

He denied leading police to the crime scene, saying officers directed the recovery, and denied prior knowledge of the second accused. The second accused claimed he was arrested on May 10, 2019, and denied any involvement with Mr Nguku or the deceased.

Court verdict The High Court found Mr Nguku guilty, relying heavily on his warning statement. Appeal and decision Mr Nguku’s appeal raised six grounds, including alleged misuse of his statement.

The Court of Appeal rejected all, noting the reliability of circumstantial evidence. Judge Kerefu observed that no one directly witnessed the murder, but the court relied on Nguku’s warning statement, oral admissions, and the fact that he was last seen with Rose.

Citing prior case law, the judgment concluded that Mr Nguku’s guilt was proven beyond a doubt. “Considering all circumstances, the court is confident that the case against Mr Nguku was proven beyond any doubt,” the judgment posted on the Judiciary Portal stated.

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Dar es Salaam. Bongo Flava veteran Joseph Haule, popularly known as Professor Jay, has confirmed his return to the stage, declaring he is ready to reclaim his place in Tanzania’s music industry.

The rapper is set to headline the fourth season launch of Bongo Flava Honours on May 1. Organised by Deiwaka World, the event will mark his first major performance after an extended absence from the spotlight.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the official announcement of the new season, Professor Jay said he is back after stepping away due to various challenges, including health concerns. He revealed that he is preparing one of the biggest performances of his career, designed to officially mark his return and reconnect with supporters who have stood by him throughout his journey.

“Professor Jay wa ‘Mitulinga’ is now fit. I am taking fans from where I started in Bongo Flava to where I stopped.

Many artistes I have worked with will be present to show love. That day will be more than just a show,” said the former Mikumi MP on the opposition Chadema.

Widely regarded as a pioneer of Bongo Flava, Professor Jay played a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s hip-hop movement, using his music to address social issues while building a loyal, cross-generational fan base. His appearance at Bongo Flava Honours has already generated excitement, with fans eager to witness the return of one of the genre’s most influential voices.

With his comeback confirmed, Professor Jay signals the start of a new chapter, one that could redefine his legacy and reassert his presence in Tanzania’s evolving music scene. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has identified several key areas in which traders commonly evade taxes, notably in the issuance of receipts, payroll reporting, and the taxation of imported goods.

The observations were made yesterday during the launch of a new TRA tax centre in Masaki, part of ongoing efforts to bring services closer to taxpayers and improve compliance across the country. Speaking at the event, the Acting Commissioner for Operations, Mr Charles Mabula, said some traders continue to avoid paying taxes by failing to issue electronic fiscal receipts, as required by law.

“This situation has caused the authority to lose revenue that should otherwise be collected from goods sold,” he said. Mr Mabula noted that the introduction of the IDRAS tax system would support taxpayers who do not possess electronic fiscal devices by allowing them to issue receipts free of charge.

He added that the system would improve transparency and enhance the accuracy of tax records. He further said that in recent years, TRA investigations had uncovered a growing number of sophisticated tax evasion schemes, particularly in the construction, transportation, and import sectors.

Investigations, he explained, show that some operators use shell companies, falsified documents, and concealed transactions to underreport revenues and reduce their tax liabilities. “In the construction sector, several traders register a company, operate it briefly, then shut it down and open another under a different name.

Meanwhile, a third company is used to process fictitious transactions to mask real earnings,” he said. He added that this pattern has become increasingly common, making enforcement more complex and requiring closer scrutiny of company records and business relationships.

“We have identified cases where companies generate fake receipts and prepare documentation for sales and purchases that never took place. For instance, a company may report sales of one billion shillings with purchases of 900 million shillings.

Yet these transactions exist only on paper. The aim is to minimise declared profits and reduce tax payable,” he explained.

Mr Mabula said such practices deprive the government of substantial revenue each year and create unfair competition, as compliant businesses struggle to compete with those that evade taxes. He stressed that fair competition depends on equal compliance and that traders who honour their obligations are placed at a disadvantage when others manipulate the system.

In the transport sector, he said, tax evasion has taken a different form. Some traders falsely claim to export goods to neighbouring countries, such as Burundi, while the goods remain in Tanzania and are sold locally without paying customs duties.

“Some operators use fake identities, alter cargo information in transit, or even remove export stickers from trucks. In the system, the cargo appears to have crossed the border.

In reality, it remains in the country,” he said. He added that such practices undermine legitimate traders who comply with regulations and distort the integrity of cross-border trade.

Investigations have also revealed the use of foreign-registered shell companies created under false names and presented as consignees for allegedly exported goods, while the cargo never leaves the country. “These are paper companies.

They are registered abroad under fictitious names and used to legitimise shipments that are claimed to be exports, yet the goods never depart. The intention is to evade customs duties and related taxes,” he explained.

In import operations, Mr Mabula said, some traders establish fake companies to bring goods into the country. Once the goods arrive, they are collected and distributed outside the official tax system, often being sold without issuing receipts.

Construction materials and livestock, particularly imported goats intended for resale, were cited as sectors frequently associated with this practice. “Goods enter the country legally but are diverted from full tax assessment.

They are later sold without proper documentation. As a result, the government loses both income tax and value-added tax,” he said.

He added that tax evasion is also evident in the employment of expatriates. In some cases, companies pay foreign employees two salaries: a smaller amount locally for official records and a larger sum directly from abroad.

“What is declared locally is modest, while the bulk of the compensation comes from overseas. This reduces Pay As You Earn deductions and deprives the government of rightful revenue,” he said.

Mr Mabula emphasised that such schemes significantly reduce public revenue and hinder the implementation of development projects in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. “Tax is the foundation of national development.

Every shilling lost to evasion is a shilling denied to essential services. We will continue strengthening our monitoring systems and take firm legal measures against anyone found evading tax,” he said.

He added that the authority is investing in advanced digital tools and data analysis systems to detect irregularities and close loopholes that enable fraudulent practices. TRA Commissioner Mr Yusuph Mwenda said proper tax collection requires fairness between small and large businesses, with small enterprises paying taxes commensurate with their lower earnings and larger businesses contributing according to higher income levels.

“The opening of this new branch is part of our broader efforts to expand the tax base. Revenue growth will not come from increasing tax rates.

It will come from increasing the number of taxpayers and ensuring compliance,” he said. Mr Mwenda added that TRA currently operates 53 customs offices, 33 regional offices, and 101 district offices nationwide.

This, he said, demonstrates the authority’s commitment to making services accessible to traders and the general public. “Our goal is to enable traders to spend more time growing their businesses rather than travelling long distances for tax services.

Additional centres are planned, including six more in Dar es Salaam this year,” he said. He noted that TRA staff are committed to delivering professional, efficient, and equitable services, guided by principles of transparency and accountability.

The authority is also intensifying efforts to educate taxpayers about their rights and obligations. This, Mr Mwenda said, is essential for promoting voluntary compliance and fair competition by eliminating tax evasion.

The newly opened branch aims to enhance equitable compliance and improve service delivery. Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IDRAS system, which enables them to complete most tax-related activities within 24 hours without visiting TRA offices.

Through the system, taxpayers can apply for refunds, request tax relief, submit official correspondence, and issue electronic receipts. The platform also allows for real-time tracking of applications and transactions, reducing delays and uncertainty.

Mr Mwenda assured users who experience challenges that TRA staff across the country are ready to provide assistance and technical support. “Taxes cannot be hidden.

Even if a matter goes to court, evaders will ultimately be required to pay. Our systems are becoming more robust, and our resolve is firm,” he said.

Ms Victoria Soka, Chairperson of the Tanzania Association of Tax Consultants (TATC), welcomed the opening of the new office, saying it would reduce the need for taxpayers to travel to Kinondoni and improve access to education and advisory services. She also praised the IDRAS system, noting that although users are still addressing operational challenges, the platform has significantly reduced the need for physical visits to TRA offices.

“The system has transformed how taxpayers interact with the authority. It has saved time, reduced costs, and improved efficiency.

With continued refinement, it will further strengthen compliance and service delivery,” she said. Ms Soka added that collaboration between TRA and tax consultants remains vital in promoting awareness, improving compliance, and supporting business growth.

She urged traders to embrace digital systems and adhere strictly to tax laws, noting that compliance not only supports national development but also fosters a level playing field for all businesses. The launch of the Masaki tax centre marks another step in TRA’s broader reform agenda, which seeks to modernise tax administration, improve service quality, and strengthen revenue collection.

As the authority intensifies its fight against tax evasion, officials say sustained public cooperation will be critical in securing the resources needed to support Tanzania’s development ambitions. .

Dar es Salaam. Two decades after stepping into the spotlight as television’s most famous secret pop star, Miley Cyrus is returning to celebrate the legacy of Hannah Montana.

Disney Production Company, through its Disney+ channel, has announced that the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” is set to premiere on March 24. Filmed before a live studio audience, the special will feature an exclusive interview with Cyrus hosted by podcast star Alex Cooper. The discussion will revisit the creation of the iconic character, the show’s meteoric rise, and its lasting cultural impact on audiences worldwide.

The event will also include previously unseen archival footage and recreated versions of some of the series’ most memorable sets, including the Stewart family living room and Hannah’s famed closet. Musical throwbacks and nostalgic moments are expected to transport fans to the era when the blonde-wigged alter ego dominated screens and music charts alike.

When Hannah Montana premiered on Disney Channel in 2006, it quickly became a global phenomenon. The Emmy-nominated series ran for four seasons and helped redefine youth entertainment by blending television storytelling with pop music, launching Cyrus into international stardom.

The franchise later produced platinum-selling albums, sold-out tours, and a feature film, cementing its place as one of Disney’s most influential properties. Reflecting on the milestone, Cyrus described the anniversary, dubbed the “Hannahversary”, as both personal and collective.

“The show has shaped my life. I am grateful to the fans who have stayed connected to the character and its message over the past 20 years,” she said.

The special is produced by HopeTown Entertainment and Unwell Productions, with Miley Cyrus, Alex Cooper, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, and Matt Kaplan serving as executive producers, and Ashley Edens as showrunner. Ahead of the premiere, Disney+ will allow subscribers to revisit the original series and related films, underscoring the franchise’s enduring popularity.

Twenty years on, Hannah Montana remains more than a television show; it is a defining chapter in pop culture history, and the role that introduced Miley Cyrus to the world. .

Dar es Salaam. The ninth prosecution witness in the treason trial of Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu has told the High Court how police received information that youths were mobilising each other to prevent the 2025 General Election and support the opposition leader.

The witness, PS 18544 ASP Geofrey Aggrey, 47, of the Regional Crime Officer’s office in Arusha, Anti-Robbery Unit, testified on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, under examination-in-chief led by Senior State Attorney Renatus Mkude. Mr Lissu faces one count of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

The charge arises from words he allegedly uttered regarding an intention to prevent the 2025 General Election from taking place. The prosecution alleges that on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Mr Lissu, being a citizen of Tanzania, with the intent to incite the public, persuaded people to prevent the holding of the 2025 General Election.

He is said to have uttered and written words pressuring the Head of State, including: “If they say this stance signals rebellion, it is true Because we say we will prevent the election, we will mobilise rebellion, which is how to obtain change So we are going to cause chaos, especially this election, we will truly disrupt it We are going to cause very serious chaos” The case is being heard at the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, before a panel of three judges led by the Judge in Charge of the High Court, Iringa, Dunstan Ndunguru, assisted by Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde. In his testimony, the witness told the court that on April 3, 2025, while on patrol in various parts of Arusha, he received a radio call from the Acting Regional Crime Officer (RCO) for Arusha, Superintendent of Police Boni Mgogo.

The officer informed him that youths at a bajaji stand in the Morombo area were mobilising each other to prevent the 2025 General Election. The witness said he and other officers proceeded to the scene, where they found a group of youths allegedly mobilising against the election.

Upon seeing the police, the youths fled, but two suspects, identified in court as P4 and P7, were arrested. He directed that they be taken to Murieti Police Station.

Police also impounded four bajajis at the scene, two of which belonged to the arrested suspects. While at the station, the witness said he received further instructions from the Acting RCO directing him to take the two suspects to the RCO’s office for questioning.

There, he questioned them about allegedly conspiring to prevent the General Election. According to the witness, the suspects stated that they were supporting, Mr Lissu’s call to prevent the election and cause chaos.

He told the court that he was subsequently instructed to open an investigation file and interrogate the suspects further in collaboration with other officers. He then recorded his statement.

After completing his examination-in-chief, the witness was cross-examined by the accused, who put a series of questions to him regarding the arrests and the conduct of investigations. .

Dar es Salaam. The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Youth Development, Joel Nanauka, has announced his commitment to discovering and developing sports talent, while calling on young people to fully engage in sports as one of the key pathways to employment and a better future.

Minister Nanauka, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mtwara Urban Constituency, made the remarks during the official opening of the Nanauka Cup tournament, currently underway at Chikongola Primary School grounds in Mtwara Municipality. He said the tournament is aimed at identifying and nurturing young talents, particularly in football, by providing them with opportunities for both academic and professional development.

He explained that through the tournament, which is sponsored by CRDB Bank, young players who demonstrate outstanding ability will be selected and placed in various sports institutions for further development. He noted that this step will enable them to reach higher levels of competition at both national and international stages.

According to Minister Nanauka, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure that talents are identified early and provided with appropriate support and empowerment. He further said that through special arrangements, some exceptionally talented youths will be given opportunities to travel abroad for advanced football training.

This exposure, he added, will enhance their skills and experience while opening doors to employment in major sports clubs and institutions. “Sports present a huge employment opportunity for young people.

As your Member of Parliament, I have recognized this importance and decided to launch this tournament to provide youths with a platform to showcase their talents. I sincerely commend our sponsors, CRDB Bank, for the great support they have provided in making this tournament a success,” said Minister Nanauka.

He added that the launch of the Nanauka Cup marks only the beginning of fulfilling his pledge to promote sports development within the constituency and beyond, and called upon sports stakeholders, the private sector, and the community at large to support these efforts for the broader benefit of young people and national development. On his part, Senior Manager Youth Banking at CRDB Bank, Mshindo Magimba, said the bank consistently prioritizes young people who carry the nation’s future vision by putting in place strategies that help them achieve their dreams.

“At CRDB Bank, we recognize the importance of sports. That is why whenever an opportunity arises to participate, we do not hesitate to offer our support.

We believe the Nanauka Cup will be a platform to uplift many young people in Mtwara. I assure the youths of Mtwara that we stand with them at all times,” said Magimba.

In addition to sponsoring various leagues and tournaments across the country–including the FA Cup and the National Basketball League CRDB Bank also organizes internal staff competitions under the Super Cup, as well as the CRDB Bank Marathon charity races, which attract runners from within and outside the country. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s economy ended 2025 on firmer footing, buoyed by rising exports, record gold earnings, and stronger-than-expected tax collections.

But business leaders say sustaining that momentum will require widening the tax base, accelerating mineral project,s and easing bottlenecks in logistics and digital payments. Data from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) show exports rose to $3.1 billion in the quarter ending December 2025, up from $2.91 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. Gold exports alone climbed to Sh3.15 trillion from Sh2.7 trillion a year earlier, helping push mining and quarrying’s share of GDP to 12.7 percent by September 2025, from 10.6 percent previously.

At a pre-budget forum hosted by PwC Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, tax and industry executives said the numbers point to opportunity — but also structural risks. Country manager at Sotta Mining Corporation’s Nyanzaga Gold Project Mr Isaac Lupokela, said the current mining performance reflects higher prices more than higher output.

“With the very few mines that we have, production itself has not increased significantly compared to last year, but we are taking advantage because of the price of gold,” he said. To make growth durable, he argued, Tanzania must bring pipeline projects into operation across gold and other minerals such as graphite, nickel, and uranium.

“If these mines become operational, we will not only benefit from prices but also from increased production volumes,” he said, adding that the country’s mineral endowment remains underutilised. Stronger mining receipts have fed into public finances.

Domestic revenue collection reached 112.5 percent of the quarterly target, with tax revenue attaining 118 percent of projections, according to BoT data. PwC Tanzania’s partner and tax leader Mr Rishit Shah, cautioned that rising collections must keep pace with demographic pressures.

“We need a significant increase in tax collections to cater for population growth and other matters,” he said. Mr Shah also cautioned that much of the revenue growth is coming from the same large taxpayers.

He added, “If you look at where the growth has come from, it’s largely large taxpayers. The trend we need to see is domestic tax growth.

We need to widen the tax base.” With real GDP growth accelerating to 6.

4 percent in the third quarter of 2025, from 6.1 percent a year earlier, and population growth adding fiscal pressure, expanding compliance among smaller and informal businesses will be critical to sustaining revenue without overburdening established corporates.

Transport and storage activities rose to 8.1 percent of GDP from 7.

1 percent over the same period, reflecting higher cargo throughput and regional transit trade. But Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA) Chairman Elias Lukumay warned that logistics gains risk being eroded by congestion and infrastructure constraints.

Registered trucks have surged from about 28,000 two years ago to 50,000 today, he said, increasing pressure on roads and port access routes. For Tanzania to consolidate its position as a regional trade hub, panelists suggested prioritising road upgrades, port decongestion, and smoother cargo clearance systems.

Foreign exchange reserves stood at $6.32 billion in December 2025, equivalent to 4.9 months of import cove,r providing a buffer against external shocks.

Tanzania Association of Oil Marketing Companies (Taomac) executive director Mr Raphael Mgaya had stated that in the energy sector, global disruptions, including the war in Ukraine and dollar shortages, strained the sector. However, Bank of Tanzania’s measures to curb dollarisation have supported stability.

He expects relatively stable fuel prices in 2026, provided global conditions remain manageable. Even as the economy digitises, industry players cautioned against excessive transaction layering.

Selcom Chief Operating Officer Sarah Mohamed said multiple taxes applied along the digital transaction value chain ultimately fall on the consumer, discouraging adoption. “At each layer, there is a tax, and the end consumer bears that cost,” she said, warning that high transaction costs could slow financial inclusion and formalisation, both essential to widening the tax base.

As policymakers prepare the next budget, the message from industry appears consistent: momentum is building, but sustaining it will require broader tax participation, infrastructure upgrades, and careful calibration of fiscal measures to avoid undermining growth. .

Dar es Salaam. The CCM Vice-Chairperson for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Stephen Wasira, said the fight against corruption will only succeed if citizens are nurtured to detest the vice from the grassroots.

He said neither CCM nor the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) can defeat corruption alone because it is a clandestine act involving both the giver and the receiver. Mr Wasira made the remarks as the Afrobarometer 2024 report shows that 75 percent of respondents believe they risk retaliation if they report corruption.

According to the report, 35 percent of citizens who dealt with the police said they paid bribes to avoid trouble, 30 percent paid to obtain police assistance, 16 percent paid for health services, and 14 percent paid to secure official documents. Corruption has also been reported in party elections.

A 2024 PCCB report indicates that 65 percent of bribery incidents were recorded during electoral processes. Mr Wasira spoke recently in an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi at CCM’s sub-headquarters at Lumumba in Dar es Salaam.

CCM, PCCB cannot end corruption alone In his view, corruption is not solely CCM’s problem, rather, the party should lead society in opposing and rejecting it. He said even the PCCB cannot eradicate corruption because, like the courts, it largely acts upon receiving complaints.

“We must start building a culture of teaching young people national values, although society has changed,” he said. Mr Wasira stressed that corruption remains a national challenge, admitting it exists not only in internal party elections but across the country.

He said CCM’s objective is to eliminate injustice, intimidation, corruption, and oppression, but implementation has faced obstacles. “That is why society must be involved in rejecting corruption.

It is a major disaster because the giver gives and the receiver takes, and both remain silent,” he said. Silence sustains corruption He said both parties often agree to keep quiet, with neither admitting to giving nor receiving a bribe.

“If one speaks out, it opens the door to questions about where you met. The problem is people give and receive bribes, but no one speaks,” he said.

To address the vice, Mr Wasira said society must be fully engaged and reach a point of outright rejection, noting that many people pay bribes out of desperation rather than willingness. “For example, you go to the hospital for medicine and are told you cannot get it without paying.

A person pays not because they want to, but because they want to recover,” he said. In some cases, people face a dilemma: refuse to pay and risk their lives, or pay to access services.

He cited another example of detainees being asked to pay to secure bail. “It becomes difficult because you want your freedom.

You pay, you leave, and remain silent. That means you legitimise it.

You should report it so the officer fears being questioned about that money,” he said. He said the culture of silence emboldens some officials to demand bribes and urged the public to reject both giving and receiving corruption in any form.

“Corruption is a serious problem and a huge loss. There is petty corruption in hospitals and police stations, and grand corruption, such as when a contractor is awarded a road construction tender.

They demand 10 percent, and the awarding officer also wants 10 percent,” he said. This raises costs by 20 percent, forcing contractors to cut corners and deliver substandard work.

“As a result, a road meant to last 15 years survives only about three years before deteriorating,” said Mr Wasira. He insisted that corruption cannot be eliminated by a single institution or overnight, but requires collective rejection by society.

Recalling his first parliamentary race at the age of 25, he said he won without bribing voters. “I only had Sh1,500. That was all I had when I contested, and it was a loan from the Tanganyika African National Union (Tanu).

I was then an executive secretary. After informing my chairman, he lent me the money, and I signed for it,” he said.

He combined it with his salary, travelled to Bunda in Mara Region, and won his first parliamentary seat. “Now imagine if voters had demanded money, and I only had Sh1,500. Things have changed significantly,” he said.

On ‘strategic’ parties Responding to claims that CCM benefits from support by some opposition parties during elections, Mr Wasira dismissed the allegations as perceptions unsupported by evidence. He said the Registrar’s office lists 19 registered political parties, all seeking power like CCM.

“How can they support CCM while they also want to govern? CCM is fighting to remain in power, so that claim is contradictory,” he said. He said CCM has neither enemies nor “friendly” parties, adding that inter-party dialogue takes place through the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD).

“We meet and take photos together. Leaders from CUF, NCCR-Mageuzi, CCM, and ACT-Wazalendo have all participated.

CCM has no hostility with any party. We are competing for the same objective,” he said.

He added that each party prepares its manifesto to win voters, and there are no “friendly” parties to CCM. “If a party praises good performance, it does not become friendly; it is simply acknowledging results,” he said.

He said opposition parties do not campaign for CCM during elections, noting that outside politics, however, leaders maintain cordial relations. He cited regular communication with former ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe and Freeman Mbowe.

“If you have a problem, you call each other. If there is a funeral, you attend.

But on public platforms, we debate issues,” he said. He added that he also speaks with other leaders, including Joseph Selasini, without communication difficulties.

CCM strengthening itself Mr Wasira said CCM continues to undertake reforms to renew and strengthen itself in line with the needs of each generation. “We understand that we are a party that moves with the times, and more than 60 percent of our voters are young people.

We design policies that reflect their aspirations,” he said. He added that despite its long history, CCM has avoided outdated approaches and continues adapting, which he believes explains its continued dominance.

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Dar es Salaam. With formal employment opportunities remaining limited, a growing number of unemployed graduates are turning to their own knowledge as a source of income, using WhatsApp to teach skills and earn in ways that were unthinkable just a few years ago.

Across the country, graduates and self-taught professionals are using WhatsApp groups to run paid masterclasses in digital marketing, graphic design, mobile photography, bookkeeping, personal finance and exam preparation. According to the International Labour Organisation report, Employment and Social Trends 2026, youth unemployment remains a major concern, with 67.3 million young people unemployed worldwide and a further 257 million classified as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).

The report further notes that in low and middle-income countries, higher education does not always guarantee better employment outcomes, citing widespread skills mismatches and limited formal job opportunities factors that are pushing many graduates to seek alternative income paths. Against this backdrop, low cost, digital-led models such as WhatsApp masterclasses are emerging as practical responses to the employment gap, allowing graduates to bypass traditional barriers and convert their skills directly into income.

The appeal lies in its simplicity. Setting up a WhatsApp masterclass requires minimal capital, often just a smartphone, internet access and a skill that others are willing to learn.

Lessons are delivered through voice notes, short videos, PDFs and live discussions, making the model flexible for both learners and facilitators. “I finished university three years ago and kept applying for jobs, but nothing was coming,” said 26-year-old Neema Joseph, a university graduate who spent years searching unsuccessfully for employment.

“When I joined a paid WhatsApp masterclass on digital marketing, I wasn’t even sure it would work. I paid Sh50,000 for a two-week course on social media management, but what I gained was confidence and practical skills.

” She further added that the training immediately opened doors. “Right now, I manage social media pages for two small businesses.

It may not be a big salary, but it is income I created for myself using what I learned. It changed how I see online learning and self-employment,” she said.

On the other side are facilitators, many of them graduates who, after failing to secure formal jobs, decided to monetise their skills. According to a freelance designer, Abdul Mussa based in Morogoro, said his WhatsApp masterclasses grew out of repeated requests for help.

“People kept asking me how to design posters using Canva, I realised that instead of explaining to one person at a time, I could teach many at once,” he said. He explained how the idea evolved into a steady income stream.

“At first, I was experimenting. Now I run at least two classes a month, and the income helps me pay bills while I continue freelancing,” he explained.

On the other hand, personal finance facilitator Rosemary Ibrahim said WhatsApp allows her to reach unemployed graduates and small traders who are often locked out of formal training programmes. “Most of my students are graduates trying to survive or small traders who want to manage money better.

I’m sharing knowledge I already have, and it’s helping me earn while helping others,” she shared For some, WhatsApp teaching provides supplementary income rather than full-time employment. According to Hassan Mohamed, who runs a weekly masterclass on mobile photography, flexibility is what makes the model attractive.

“WhatsApp makes it possible to earn extra income without quitting my job. For unemployed people, it can easily become a starting point before something bigger comes,” he shared.

Tech enthusiast Dominick Dismas said WhatsApp has effectively become an informal learning platform. “WhatsApp has evolved into a learning management system without people even realizing it,” he said.

However, he cautioned that quality and trust remain critical. “If learners don’t see value, the model collapses.

Content structure, consistency and ethical pricing are what separate serious educators from opportunists,” he said. Mr Dismas added that WhatsApp-based learning is filling a gap left by slow-moving formal institutions.

“Many graduates are academically qualified but lack practical, market-ready skills. These masterclasses respond quickly to market demand, but there is a need for guidance or standards to protect learners,” he said.

Techpreneur Joseph Tumaini said the model holds promise if used responsibly. “Unemployed graduates can package what they know and earn legally, what’s missing is broader awareness around digital safety, fair pricing and credibility,” he said.

He further warned of risks such as exaggerated claims and unqualified instructors. “There is a danger of people selling knowledge they do not fully have.

Learners should be encouraged to ask for samples, references or proof of competence before paying,” Mr Tumaini said. .