Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. A new chapter has officially begun for Tanzanian football after Miguel Gamondi signed a two-year contract to lead Taifa Stars as head coach on a permanent basis, turning belief into bold ambition for the nation’s football faithful.

The Argentine tactician sealed the deal on Monday, February 16, 2026, in a colorful yet brief ceremony held at the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The signing was officiated by the government through the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, with Minister Paul Makonda presiding over the occasion.

Gamondi inked the contract alongside Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia, formally cementing his rise from interim coach to the man trusted with steering the national team’s long-term vision. Moments after signing, Gamondi spoke with visible excitement, describing the appointment as both an honor and a challenge he is eager to embrace.

He vowed to channel his energy into building a fearless, competitive Taifa Stars capable of standing tall against Africa’s best. “This is a huge responsibility, but I am ready for it,” Gamondi said.

“With unity and strong cooperation from all football stakeholders, I am confident we can deliver results that will make Tanzanians proud.” He applauded the government’s continued investment in sports development and praised TFF for its commitment to pushing Tanzanian football forward, insisting that collective effort will be key to sustained international success.

Minister Makonda, meanwhile, made it clear that Gamondi had earned the contract through merit. He pointed to the coach’s impressive showing at the AFCON 2025 finals, where Gamondi, despite being appointed on short notice, masterminded Taifa Stars’ historic run to the Round of 16 for the first time ever.

According to Makonda, that remarkable achievement not only electrified fans but also won the admiration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who authorized a special charter flight to bring players and officials back from Morocco in celebration of their breakthrough performance. With eyes now firmly fixed on the future, the government has entrusted Gamondi with leading preparations for AFCON 2027, which Tanzania will co-host.

The minister confirmed that Gamondi’s salary will be paid by the government, highlighting President Samia’s substantial investment in sports as a driver of national pride and development. .

Dar es Salaam. The Southern Africa region has eight years to secure its shared satellite in orbit, or permanently lose the slot, the SADC forum heard yesterday.

The stark message was delivered in Dar es Salaam as Tanzania’s Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Angellah Kairuki, rallied SADC member states to move from policy talk to operational execution under the SADC Shared Satellite initiative. She was officiating the opening of the four-day forum bringing together satellite experts, ICT and telecommunications engineers, as well as ministers from SADC member states to deliberate on the future of the region’s shared satellite utilisation strategy.

“We are convened at a critical juncture to move from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Satellite Sharing Framework to concrete operational implementation,” Ms Kairuki said, declaring that the region must become “a sovereign master of its own digital destiny.” At the heart of the urgency is a regulatory deadline under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

According to the SADC Secretariat’s Senior Programme Officer for ICT, Dr George Ah-Thew, the bloc has only eight years to bring the satellite into use. “We have eight years’ regulatory limit to bring this satellite into operation.

Otherwise we lose it, and unfortunately we will not be eligible to resubmit as Resolution 170 can only be applied once,” he warned. SADC is currently the only Regional Economic Community to have successfully applied the ITU’s special procedure under Resolution 170, securing orbital resources that must be operational by September 2033. The immediate tasks include satellite frequency coordination, capital mobilisation, and the establishment of a private commercial vehicle to procure, launch and operate the shared satellite network.

For Tanzania, the push is not symbolic, it builds on a strong domestic digital foundation. “Tanzania views space and the use of satellite technologies as the essential ‘final layer’ of a massive terrestrial foundation,” Ms Kairuki said.

That terrestrial backbone is already extensive. Through the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) and five submarine cable landings, Tanzania has strengthened links with neighbours including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.

Through the Universal Communication Services Access Fund, 2,151 cellular towers, about 20 percent of all towers nationwide, have been deployed, the minister said. “As of December 2025, mobile population coverage stood at 98.6 percent for 2G, 93.4 percent for 3G, 94.2 percent for 4G and 30.1 percent for 5G,” she noted.

Yet, as Ms Kairuki stressed, fibre alone cannot bridge every gap. “We must ensure that satellite technology is not siloed within communications,” she said, highlighting applications in agriculture, mining, climate monitoring, disaster management, and regional security.

Tanzania is already implementing its National Space Programme, including the CubeSat KiboCube Project in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, alongside its National Five-Year Space Implementation Framework. The regional case is compelling.

In 2024, SADC had roughly 175 million people who were not internet users, according to Dr Ah-Thew. The shared satellite network is designed to connect the unconnected, enhance broadcasting resilience, and reduce duplication of costly national satellite projects.

A Tanzanian space policy analyst, Dr Faith Mkwizu, said the Dar es Salaam deliberations could redefine the region’s digital future. “This is about orbital sovereignty.

If SADC fails to operationalise the slot, it risks being permanently marginalised in the geostationary arc,” she said. Telecommunications economist, Prof Thabo Ndlovu, from Botswana added that shared infrastructure could significantly reduce bandwidth costs, particularly for landlocked member states.

“But the governance model must be commercially viable and shielded from political delays,” he cautioned. Across Africa, space ambitions are accelerating, with nineteen countries having launched satellites by December 2025. Early movers such as South Africa and Angola have provided valuable lessons in capacity building and regulatory coordination.

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Dar es Salaam witnessed a thrilling and highly competitive start to the Taliss-IST Invitational Swimming Championships, as day one concluded with a tightly contested medal race at the International School of Tanganyika Masaki pool. The opening session delivered fast times, intense rivalries and impressive depth across age categories, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable meet.

Hosts TalissIST emerged narrowly on top of the combined men’s and women’s medal standings, collecting a total of 81 medals comprising 22 gold, 19 silver and 40 bronze. Hot on their heels were Dar Swim Club, who accumulated 77 medals made up of 29 gold, 26 silver and 22 bronze.

Although Dar Swim Club claimed the highest number of gold medals overall, TalissIST’s consistency across multiple events and podium finishes enabled them to edge ahead in the total medal count, highlighting the fine margins that defined the first day. Mwanza Swim Club secured third position with 25 medals, while Riptide Swim Club followed closely with 23, reinforcing the growing competitiveness beyond the two traditional powerhouses.

Lake Victoria Sports Club and North Coast Swimming Club each claimed 12 medals, reflecting solid performances and the increasing depth of talent across participating teams. Additional contributions came from Mis Piranhas, Bluefins Swim Club, Kigali Sporting Club and Wahoo Swim ClubISZ, ensuring a broad and inclusive medal distribution that underlined the event’s regional diversity.

The programme featured a packed schedule spanning all age groups, from young developmental swimmers to senior competitors. Athletes competed across the four main disciplines–freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke–with several races decided by narrow margins.

TalissIST swimmers demonstrated remarkable consistency, particularly in middle-distance and technical events, where their ability to secure podium finishes across various categories proved decisive in building their overall tally. Meanwhile, Dar Swim Club showcased sprint strength, especially in the 1314 and senior divisions, where their swimmers recorded some of the fastest times of the day.

From a broader perspective, the opening day results reflect two significant trends. Firstly, the minimal gap between the top two clubs signals a healthy and intensifying competitive landscape in Tanzanian swimming.

With just four medals separating the leaders, the championship remains wide open heading into the final day. Secondly, the strong showings from Mwanza and Riptide highlight steady progress in talent development outside Dar es Salaam, pointing to encouraging growth at regional level.

Overall, day one delivered high-quality performances, strong youth participation and a compelling medal battle. With finals and key races still ahead, anticipation is building for an even more dramatic conclusion as clubs vie for supremacy and swimmers aim to cap the championships with standout performances.

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Dar es Salaam. The CCM Vice-Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Stephen Wasira, said under the current circumstances the reconciliation framework should involve the government to lead society towards unity.

He elaborated on reconciliation at a time when some political leaders are in the custody of state organs, stressing that it should not be conflated with criminality; if an individual breaks the law, they must be held accountable like any other citizen. Mr Wasira’s remarks come as the Chadema Vice-Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, Mr John Heche, has questioned whether there is any need for reconciliation and, if so, who should reconcile with whom.

He further asked how the party could consider entering reconciliation talks while its chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu, remains in remand over what he described as politically motivated cases. The question of reconciliation resurfaced following demonstrations that turned violent on October 29 and 30 last year, resulting in deaths and the destruction of public and private property.

Since those incidents, divergent views have emerged between proponents of reconciliation and its opponents, who insist the government must first fulfil certain conditions. Mr Wasira made the remarks during an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, at his office at the CCM sub-office on Lumumba Street in Dar es Salaam.

Who should reconcile with whom? Clarifying the matter, Mr Wasira said reconciliation should involve the government leading society, as a large segment of the population was affected. “Society has been greatly affected and comprises many people; there are youths who say they were the ones who went out to demonstrate, adults who were affected, people whose relatives were killed, and those who lost property and had their houses burnt.

“All these are part of society, so when you seek reconciliation, you must bring all these groups together, discuss where we reached and how we move forward; that is where reconciliation takes place,” he said. Asked how reconciliation would proceed while political cases are before the courts, Mr Wasira said there are no political cases in the country; rather, people wrongly assume that holding a position grants immunity from prosecution.

“Reconciliation is not a substitute for the law, it does not override the law, and no one is above it; if you are a political leader, you must respect the law, and if you err, you will be charged like any other citizen,” he said. He cautioned against conflating reconciliation with crime, hinting that one party’s members’ arrests are often publicised without detailing the alleged offences.

From the manner in which that party, which he did not name, announces arrests, he said one might assume the offence was party membership, yet often there are other grounds. He said Tanzania has more than 60 million people, and it is not only members of a particular party who commit offences, stressing that CCM members also serve prison sentences.

“There are no political cases; if you commit an offence and break the law, does that become a political case? A political case does not go to court; look across countries. A political case does not give you the right to defend yourself,” said Mr Wasira.

October 29 incidents a stain He acknowledged that the incidents tarnished Tanzania’s image, though they were not unprecedented, recalling that in 1964 the Tanganyika Rifles mutinied, two years after independence. In Mr Wasira’s view, what occurred on October 29 was not demonstrations but a rebellion, as they were conducted at night and not in accordance with legal procedures.

“They vandalised ATMs, and later I do not know whether money was taken because banks say they had deposited Sh80 million and did not find it; the demonstrations consumed funds,” he said. “From there, they went to Igoma in Mwanza, attempting to enter banks at night, so why call them demonstrations? Even the devil can be given a good name if you love him enough, but this is a crime,” he said.

He said that at one point, police fired warning shots in the air, but people continued advancing, forcing officers to use live ammunition in self-defence, yet they persisted. On the commission investigating October 29 He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commission to investigate the October 29 violence was not established to probe the government, but to examine what happened, its causes, and related issues.

“If you say government, people dying, I am among those who strongly detest seeing loss of life; I myself do not wish to die, you cannot celebrate people dying,” he said. However, he maintained that the government did not go into the streets seeking to kill people; there was a trigger, namely, riots that erupted from unknown quarters, with individuals burning public buildings and private property.

“You cannot say that commission I truly wonder, Commission Chairman, Judge Othman Chande, was once entrusted by the United Nations to investigate the cause of the death of the UN Secretary-General,” said Mr Wasira. In his view, accountability cannot rest solely with the government but also involves organisers, questioning how youths mobilised and carried out destruction.

On claims that people were paid, he said that was not an instruction to the commission but the government’s assessment, as state organs often possess preliminary information when incidents occur. “If the commission concludes there was no money, so be it, but those are not instructions; the terms of reference are the instructions.

Go investigate and submit a report. You cannot be President and remain entirely uninformed until a commission reports,” said Mr Wasira.

His view on justice, peace On the debate over which comes first, justice or peace, Mr Wasira said he agrees with both, stressing that they are like the chicken and the egg. Asked which is the egg and which is the chicken, he replied, “Who comes first, the chicken that lays eggs or the egg that hatches a chicken? It is impossible to speak of justice in isolation.

” He said that where peace prevails, even if justice is deficient, it can be pursued within that peaceful environment, insisting it is difficult to demand justice amid instability. “There is a strong relationship between peace and justice, just like a chicken and an egg,” said Mr Wasira.

House burnt Asked to clarify reports that his house in Bunda, Mara Region, was burnt, Mr Wasira said he preferred not to dwell on personal matters and noted that had anyone been inside, fatalities would have been reported. “Let us focus on national matters; as for my house, I will build another.

Those who burnt it, God is there and will question why they did so and what they gained,” he said. However, he stated that it was not a luxury residence and that he had built it from legitimate earnings, adding that throughout his career, he had never stolen from the United Republic of Tanzania and could present his financial records.

“In my history, the assets I own were acquired from allowances while serving as an MP, and I used the parliamentary allowances of the people of Bunda to build in Bunda. Since it was burnt, and my parliamentary term had ended, what remains is that it is not a major issue,” said Mr Wasira.

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Dar es Salaam. The government’s latest directive aimed at protecting local industry from cheap imports has triggered wide reaction among experts, many of whom describe it as a bold but necessary step towards building a $1 trillion economy.

The directive was issued by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba during the launch of Lodhia’s roofing sheets factory in the Coast Region on February 12, 2026. He said Tanzania must not allow its domestic market to become a dumping ground for imported goods that can be produced locally. “We cannot industrialise if our own market becomes a dumping ground for goods that we are capable of producing locally,” he said.

He instructed the Ministry of Finance to stop granting tax exemptions on imported products that are already available in Tanzania. “Tax incentives will only be considered where local production does not meet demand,” he emphasised.

This comes at a time when, for years, local manufacturers have complained that some imported products enjoyed duty relief, giving them an unfair price advantage. Analysts now say the government’s move helps to correct that imbalance.

A trade economist based in Mwanza, Dr Aikins Nyanswi, said the directive sends a strong signal to both local and foreign investors. “This is a clear policy statement.

When investors see that the government is willing to protect domestic production, it increases confidence. However, the protection must be strategic and time-bound,” he told The Citizen.

According to him, industrial growth requires a “learning period” in which local firms are shielded from unfair competition. “Temporary protection, combined with efficiency reforms, allows industries to mature.

But firms must use this opportunity to improve productivity and quality,” he added. Another directive that has attracted support is the push to tighten border controls and strengthen digital tracking systems to curb smuggling.

“All institutions and security organs must supervise the importation of goods in accordance with procedures. If you fail to do so, you will kill the investment being made locally,” the Prime Minister warned.

Experts argue that smuggling has long distorted Tanzania’s market. Goods that bypass taxes are sold cheaply, making it difficult for compliant businesses to compete.

A local economist and investment expert, Job Mwakibinga, said tackling smuggling is as important as adjusting tax policy. “You cannot talk about industrial protection while illegal goods flow freely.

Formal investors need assurance that the rules apply equally to everyone,” he said. He added that effective enforcement of Electronic Tax Stamps and the Single Customs Territory under the East African Community will help to restore fairness in trade.

Private sector at the centre Economists also note that the directives recognise a key reality: the private sector remains the main engine of employment. With more than two million graduates entering the labour market each year, Tanzania cannot rely on the public sector to provide jobs.

Industrial expansion is therefore viewed as critical for absorbing young workers. Factories such as Lodhia’s create direct employment on production lines and indirect jobs across supply chains, from transporters to service providers.

More importantly, they contribute to GDP growth through value addition rather than the export of raw materials. Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga reassured investors that the government will continue to improve the business environment.

“We guarantee full cooperation. We are working day and night to remove red tape and improve the ease of doing business,” she said.

Experts say this combination of market protection and regulatory reform is essential. “Protection without efficiency reforms would be dangerous,” Mr Mwakibinga noted.

“The two must move together.” Another directive focused on reducing production costs by expanding natural gas infrastructure to industrial zones.

According to government estimates, switching from diesel to natural gas can reduce production costs by up to 40 percent. Dr Nyanswi described this as a “game changer” for competitiveness.

“Lower energy costs mean Tanzanian goods can compete not only locally but also regionally. Cost efficiency is what will determine success in larger markets,” he said.

Lower costs, analysts add, also encourage new investment, particularly in energy-intensive industries such as steel, cement, fertiliser, and ceramics. These sectors are seen as critical for deepening industrialisation and expanding export capacity.

Regional trade opportunity Analysts say the new policy stance could strengthen Tanzania’s position in regional trade blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “If Tanzania builds strong domestic industries now, it will be better positioned to export to regional markets,” Dr Nyanswi said.

“Regional demand is growing. Countries with manufacturing capacity will benefit the most.

” Some policy observers have compared the approach to the early industrial strategy of China, which protected its infant industries before exposing them to global competition. They argue that similar sequencing could allow Tanzanian firms to build capacity, master technology, and achieve economies of scale before facing intense international pressure.

Economists caution, however, that the protection must not become permanent. “The shield is important,” Dr Nyanswi concluded.

“But eventually, Tanzanian industries must stand on their own and compete globally. That should remain the ultimate goal.

” They stress that long-term success will depend on consistent policy, strong institutions, transparent enforcement, and sustained investment in skills and infrastructure. Without these elements, protection alone may not deliver the desired transformation.

For now, the government’s tougher stance on imports is widely seen as a decisive move to reset the balance in favour of domestic production, with the hope that it will unlock industrial growth, create jobs, and accelerate Tanzania’s journey towards middle-income. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is seeking to shield local innovators from a continent-wide funding slowdown after African start-ups recorded one of their weakest January performances in recent years.

Data published by Africa: The Big Deal, an independent newsletter and research platform tracking start-up financing across the continent, show that African ventures raised a combined $174 million in January 2026 from deals worth $100,000 and above. The figure marks a sharp decline from the $276 million raised in January 2025 and falls below the 12-month monthly average of $263 million.

None of the headline transactions involved East African start-ups. Last month’s largest deals were concentrated in North and West Africa.

Egypt’s fintech valU secured $64 million in debt financing from the National Bank of Egypt, while Nigerian mobility financing start-up MAX raised $24 million through a mix of equity and asset-backed debt. Other sizeable equity rounds included NowPay in Egypt ($20 million), Morocco’s proptech firm Yakeey ($15 million), Terra Industries ($12 million) and Ca’te d’Ivoire-based fintech Cauridor (more than $10 million).

In Tanzania, officials say domestic policy measures are expected to cushion the local innovation ecosystem. The Director General of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Dr Amos Nungu, said the government has demonstrated firm commitment to expanding funding opportunities for youth and innovation-driven enterprises.

He cited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge of a Sh200 billion youth development fund during the 2025 General Election campaign, which has since been delivered. On February 5, 2026, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba handed over a Sh200 billion cheque to the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Youth Development, Mr Joel Nanauka, fulfilling the commitment to allocate capital to empower youth and women entrepreneurs.

Dr Nungu added that COSTECH continues to collaborate with local and international partners to help innovators access financing. “Soon about seven young Tanzanian innovators will benefit from nearly Sh1.3 billion in funding provided in partnership with CRDB Bank Plc,” he said.

He noted that several government programmes, implemented through relevant ministries, are aimed at strengthening innovation financing and building the capacity of young entrepreneurs. Global appetite shifts towards AI Industry players, however, warn that global funding trends could reshape local prospects.

Education technology innovator Mr Given Edward said technology adoption in Tanzania is accelerating, driving stronger demand for digital solutions. “Technology adoption is moving very fast.

More people are interested in using tech for their products. With growing internet penetration, expanding mobile money usage, integrated payment systems and increased digital awareness, there is a bigger appetite for digital products,” he said.

He described Tanzania’s funding environment as “more interesting” in 2026 compared to previous years but cautioned that global investor priorities may present new hurdles. “Funding flows from global appetite and trickles down to local markets.

Right now, global appetite is leaning heavily towards artificial intelligence, and Tanzania does not yet have sufficient AI-driven solutions at scale. That may slightly affect start-up funding in 2026,” he said.

Mr Edward stressed that capital will remain available, though founders may need to align more closely with global technology trends to stay competitive. Fewer deals, higher bar The January slowdown suggests investors are becoming more selective, favouring fewer but larger and more strategic transactions.

While Africa’s funding landscape remains more active than pre-2023 levels, the decline in deal count points to heightened scrutiny. For Tanzania, analysts say the task will be to translate policy commitments and domestic funding mechanisms into scalable, investment-ready ventures capable of attracting both local and international capital.

Strengthening investor readiness, diversifying into high-growth segments such as artificial intelligence and climate technology, and improving regulatory efficiency will be critical if Tanzania is to capture a larger share of continental venture capital in 2026. Despite the subdued continental start to the year, local stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic that structured public support and expanding digital demand will help Tanzanian start-ups navigate a tighter funding environment. .

Dar es Salaam. The President of Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed that the organisation’s long-term vision is to transform East Africa Africa into one of the continent’s leading football regions.

Motsepe made the remarks while explaining CAF’s decision to award Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda the hosting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2027 finals, describing the move as both strategic and developmental rather than purely logistical. According to Motsepe, Caf’s objective goes beyond staging a successful tournament.

He said the continental body is determined to use Afcon 2027 as a catalyst to accelerate football growth in East Africa, enabling the region to compete on equal footing with traditional powerhouses from West, North and Southern Africa. “Our main objective is not only to make sure the event happens successfully, but also to help East Africa grow into a strong football region,” said Motsepe.

“We want to see countries from this part of the continent competing consistently at the highest level in Africa.” The CAF president singled out Tanzania for praise, saying he was particularly impressed by the progress shown by the national team, the Taifa Stars, during the 2025 Afcon finals.

Motsepe noted that Tanzania demonstrated clear improvement in performance, organisation and belief, traits he believes will continue to develop ahead of the next tournament. “I was watching Taifa Stars and I was very impressed with the way they played,” he said.

“In my view, Tanzania showed one of the best improvements at the last Afcon. I believe that in the next Afcon they will show even more growth and quality.

” Motsepe also commended Uganda for the commitment and fighting spirit displayed by their players, stressing that such dedication is critical for long-term success on the continental stage. Although Kenya did not feature in the 2025 Afcon finals, he expressed confidence that the Harambee Stars would rise to the occasion as co-hosts in 2027. “I saw strong commitment from Uganda’s players, and I believe Kenya, even though they did not compete in the last Afcon, will show the same level of dedication,” Motsepe said.

“My hope is that in the next Afcon we will see a very high level of commitment from all players across the region.” Beyond on-field performance, Motsepe emphasized that Afcon 2027 presents a rare opportunity to strengthen football structures, administration and youth development systems across East Africa.

He said improved infrastructure, better competition exposure and increased confidence among players will collectively raise the region’s football standards. As preparations gather momentum, Caf views the joint hosting of Afcon 2027 as a statement of trust in East Africa’s potential.

For Motsepe, the tournament represents a defining moment one that could reshape the football landscape of the region and firmly establish Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda as serious contenders on Africa’s biggest stage. .

Dar es Salaam. In what senior officials and seasoned diplomats have dubbed the “Month of Economic Diplomacy,” President Samia Suluhu Hassan has concluded a high-stakes diplomatic marathon, travelling from the tech-driven skyscrapers of Dubai to the historic halls of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa.

Officials say the engagements, all held within February, were not a series of protocol-heavy summits but a targeted mission to secure Tanzania’s place at the global economic table. Following her return, a high-powered delegation of cabinet ministers and senior technical officials convened at State House to outline the tangible outcomes of the missions, unveiling what was described as a policy of “sovereign pragmatism”–aimed at converting international presence into a Sh1.25 trillion industrial injection and a long-term roadmap for continental trade leadership.

Speaking during the briefing on Monday, February 16, 2026, Director of Communications at State House, Mr Bakari Machumu, said the President’s participation in the World Government Summit (WGS), which began on Monday, February 2, in Dubai, was a deliberate assertion of national interest at the highest global level. Since its inception in 2013, the summit has become a key global forum on governance and development.

This year, President Hassan was invited as a lead panellist alongside the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwumi Adesina, positioning Tanzania directly within global economic decision-making conversations. “In diplomacy, if you are not at the table, you are part of the menu,” Mr Machumu said, quoting the stark reality outlined during the discussions.

“The President’s presence ensured Tanzania was not observing global economic shifts from the margins but actively shaping debates and inserting national interests into the international narrative,” he added. He said the President used the platform to market Tanzania as a premier investment destination in energy, minerals, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing, reinforcing the country’s image as stable and ready for business under the guiding philosophy of kazi na utu.

Barely two days later, on Wednesday, February 4, the diplomatic focus shifted to capital mobilisation at the Global Africa Investment Summit, also in Dubai. There, Tanzania secured what officials described as the industrial centrepiece of the Dubai corridor, a $500 million (about Sh1.25 trillion) investment commitment from Masa Group, a global electronics manufacturer.

Director of International Trade and Economic Diplomacy, Mr John Ulanga, said the investment is structured around Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) within new industrial parks. “The investor, Mr Pratik Suri, intends to act as an OEM, producing components for products such as refrigerators and sound systems,” said Mr Ulanga.

“This means a Tanzanian entrepreneur wishing to launch a local brand of speakers or cameras will not need to build a factory. Manufacturing will be done locally, while branding and marketing remain in Tanzanian hands,” he added.

He said the project, expected to be located in Bagamoyo or Kwala, will also include an innovation fund offering grants and subsidies to Tanzanian start-ups and small-scale investors, addressing the capital gap that has long constrained local industrial participation. Matching the President’s international pace, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), Mr Gilead Teri, said the diplomatic gains now place responsibility on local actors.

“The era of rhetoric is over. The Global Africa Investment Summit is a major opportunity to access capital, but both public and private sectors must prepare bankable projects and feasibility studies so they are ready when the investment window opens later this year,” said Mr Teri.

He added that the authority’s priority is ensuring legal and physical infrastructure within economic zones can absorb the $500 million investment secured by the President, converting diplomatic goodwill into operational factories and assembly lines. Later in the month, attention shifted to Addis Ababa for the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, where Tanzania sharpened its continental trade strategy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), now the world’s second-largest free trade area.

Mr Ulanga said 54 out of 55 African countries have signed the agreement, and Tanzania has identified pharmaceuticals as a strategic pillar for continental market dominance by 2030. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, told the briefing that Tanzania is repositioning its health sector from import dependency to export leadership. “Our objective is clear: to move from being a consumer of imported medicines to becoming the pharmacy of Africa,” he said.

Echoing the briefing, Mr Ulanga said systems are being aligned to ensure locally manufactured pharmaceutical products comply with AfCFTA rules of origin, allowing duty-free access across the continent. Addressing the meeting virtually, Minister for Finance, Mr Hamis Mussa Omary, said external trade ambitions must be matched by internal fiscal reforms.

He acknowledged that district-level levies and internal market fragmentation continue to undermine competitiveness. “We cannot speak about an open African market while internal barriers persist.

As we prepare the 2026/27 budget, we are working with TAMISEMI (Ministry of State in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government) to eliminate these micro-barriers so traders can move goods freely,” said the Finance Minister. Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, linked Tanzania’s international security roles to everyday economic outcomes.

He noted that the country’s election to the AU Peace and Security Council and its pursuit of a UN Security Council seat help reduce insurance premiums on imports such as fuel and vehicles. “Security directly affects the cost of living,” he said, adding that Tanzania’s position between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) gives it a strategic advantage in regional trade flows.

On domestic infrastructure, Deputy Minister for Water, Mr Kundo Mathew, said international cooperation is supporting a Sh1.8 trillion national water programme, including the Sh330 billion Kidunda Dam, critical for industrial water security. “The Kidunda Dam alone can supply Dar es Salaam for over eight months even without rainfall,” he said, adding that water reliability is foundational to industrial growth.

In a new development, Mr Kombo also dismissed social media claims that President Hassan was sidelined at the AU Summit, explaining that only newly elected leaders were required to make introductory remarks. As the briefing concluded, Mr Machumu said the responsibility now shifts to domestic actors, “The President has opened the doors.

What follows is implementation.” .

Paris. French police on Monday searched the Arab World Institute in Paris in connection with an investigation into its former head, ex culture minister Jack Lang, and his ties with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into alleged tax fraud against Lang and his daughter Caroline following the release of documents by the U.S.

Department of Justice. France’s National financial prosecutor (PNF) said in a statement that the Arab World Institute was among several locations being raided.

Lang, a former French culture minister under socialist president Francois Mitterrand, resigned earlier this month from the organisation which he had led since 2013. The Arab World Institute is a Paris-based cultural and research institution under the supervision of France’s foreign ministry that promotes understanding of the Arab world. Lang, who corresponded with Epstein from 2012 and 2019, has denied the accusations against him.

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Dar es Salaam. The East African Community (EAC), long celebrated as Africa’s most ambitious regional integration project, is facing a credibility crisis that now strikes at its institutional core.

For three consecutive months, Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and staff claim to have gone unpaid, paralysing operations and reviving painful memories of the Community’s collapse in 1977. An internal memo dated January 27 from EAC Secretary General, Veronica Nduva, to the Clerk of EALA (seen by The Citizen) sought an explanation for the non-payment of salaries since November 2025. The financial strain has even resulted in commercial banks struggling to recover loan instalments from MPs whose incomes have stalled, an issue that was raised by Kenyan EALA MP David Sankok. Mr Sankok, while speaking to a local television, said: “It has been difficult to receive our salaries regularly.

When sittings are adjourned frequently, it becomes very difficult to execute our legislative mandate effectively.” Behind the salary delays lies a deeper structural problem: the failure of several Partner States to remit their statutory contributions to the Community’s budget.

Under the current financing arrangement, each of the eight member states is required to contribute $7 million annually as an equal share. These contributions finance salaries for MPs, judges and staff, as well as the operations of the Secretariat and other organs headquartered in Arusha.

When even one country defaults, the entire institutional machinery feels the shock. In an interview with The Citizen recently, Tanzanian EALA MP, Dr Abdullah Hasnu Makame, stressed that, still, only four countries, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, have consistently honoured their obligations.

South Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia have struggled to remit contributions on time, with some accumulating significant arrears. Dr Makame said that South Sudan’s outstanding arrears once exceeded $45 million.

When the country assumed the EAC chairmanship, the Summit announced that the debt would be forgiven after it paid $15 million. He argued that such a decision lacks legal grounding under the EAC Treaty.

“The Treaty does not provide for cancellation of debt. It must either be paid or a lawful repayment arrangement established,” he said.

“By waiving it, we create a dangerous precedent. Already, Burundi has requested similar treatment.

” Kenyan MP Sankok echoed the frustration, saying the burden has effectively fallen on compliant states. “It is the money from four countries that is sustaining the entire Assembly, including representatives from non-remitting states.

The DRC, for example, has never paid a coin,” he claimed. The legal framework of the Community appears clear.

Articles 143 and 146 provide mechanisms for enforcing compliance. Article 143 allows for sanctions against a Partner State that fails to meet its obligations, while Article 146 provides for suspension in cases of serious and persistent violation of the Treaty.

Yet these provisions remain dormant. Dr Makame describes the situation as a failure of enforcement rather than absence of law.

He notes that sanctions and suspension require action by the Heads of State upon recommendation of sectoral ministers, but such recommendations have not been operationalised. Directives issued at Summit level frequently stall at ministerial implementation stage.

“It is astonishing that Heads of State issue clear instructions, yet implementation does not follow,” he said. “This is a Treaty-based Community.

Deviating from it at regional level is equivalent to violating the Constitution at national level.” Stagnation in the integration agenda The financial crisis also reflects broader stagnation in the integration agenda, according to Dr Makame.

In 2013, the EAC adopted the Monetary Union Protocol, outlining a 10-year roadmap from 2014 to 2024 to establish institutions necessary for a single currency, including surveillance and regulatory bodies that would culminate in an East African Central Bank. In 2022, finance ministers extended the deadline to 2031, acknowledging slow progress.

To date, none of the four key institutions envisaged under the protocol has been established, despite enabling legislation passed by EALA. But beyond the immediate budgetary stress, regional observers argue that the unfolding crisis is a test of leadership at the highest level.

Writing in Rwanda’s The New Times, regional governance expert Mr Mugendi Nyaga described the choice of the next EAC Secretary General as “a make-or-break moment for the Jumuiya,” warning that the bloc risks drifting into institutional paralysis if competence and reform credentials are subordinated to political compromise. “The next Secretary General must be more than a ceremonial coordinator,” Mr Nyaga argued.

“He or she must be a reformist with the courage to enforce compliance and the diplomatic skill to build consensus among Partner States.” He cautioned that the EAC’s expansion from three to eight member states has significantly increased complexity, without a corresponding strengthening of enforcement mechanisms.

“Enlargement without discipline,” he wrote, “creates a wider table but weaker cohesion.” Mr Nyaga further warned that chronic non-remittance of contributions signals not merely fiscal distress but waning political commitment.

“If Partner States cannot finance the institutions they have created, then integration becomes rhetoric rather than reality,” he observed. His argument speaks directly to the current salary impasse.

An institution unable to pay its legislators and staff risks eroding public trust and investor confidence in the wider integration project. The budgetary conundrum Budget constraints and limited political commitment have repeatedly delayed implementation.

Recent EAC budget reports indicate that the Community’s annual budget has hovered between $100 million and $110 million in recent years, with Partner State contributions forming a core component alongside development partner support. Delayed remittances have created recurring cash flow crises, undermining programme execution and institutional stability.

Regional integration analyst Prof Samuel Msofe argued that the equal contribution model may no longer be sustainable in an expanded eight-member bloc with vastly different economic capacities. “A formula reflecting GDP size or fiscal strength,” he suggests, “could enhance fairness and compliance.

” However, according to Dr Makame, the matter has been discussed at ministerial level but remains unresolved. Beyond finances, the credibility of the integration project is under strain.

Despite protocols guaranteeing free movement and good neighbourliness, member states occasionally impose trade restrictions and close borders, sometimes resolving disputes outside formal Community mechanisms. Such actions, experts warn, erode trust and weaken institutional authority.

Dr Makame sees the crisis as fundamentally about accountability. “The Treaty is binding law.

If sanctions exist but are never invoked, commitments risk becoming symbolic rather than enforceable.” In this context, Mr Nyaga’s warning appears particularly prescient.

“Regional integration,” he wrote, “is sustained by predictability, rule-based governance and shared sacrifice. Once these are compromised, the architecture begins to crack from within.

” Dr Makame’s assessment is stark. “The EAC is currently in ICU.

The doctors are the Heads of State. They must sit, identify the cracks and fix them urgently.

” He warns that another collapse would be far more damaging than that of 1977. The revival in 1999 was accompanied by solemn commitments that the Community would never again disintegrate due to mismanagement and mistrust. “If it were to fail now, rebuilding confidence across eight member states would be exponentially harder,” he said.

Proposals to stabilise the bloc include enforcing Treaty provisions on sanctions where necessary, reforming the contribution formula to reflect economic realities, insulating salary payments from political delays and attaching binding timelines to Summit directives. Ultimately, however, the survival of the EAC hinges less on legal text and more on political will.

“Integration cannot survive on speeches alone,” Prof Msofe said. “It requires discipline, enforcement and respect for collective obligations.

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