Category: The Citizen

Bongo drinkers who spend time in bars to watch football are currently a depressed lot, be they adherents of Simba SC or those of Young Africans SC (Yanga). Granted that Yanga had started the season well, for they’ve clinched several trophies at the local front as] Simba struggles even with nondescript NBC Premier League teams.

However, when we come to the international scene, both of these bigtime teams aren’t good. This is the topic that dominates conversations in bars as men partake of their booze at Family, Forest and elsewhere.

Simba has been suffering in the hands of Yanga over the past four season, with no signs that this they’ll ever reawaken and turn tables against the apparently indomitable Jangwani side. Uncle Kich, who claims to have been a Simba supporter since 1974, has been a depressed man since Simba started to suffer defeats unstoppably since 2000 to date.

“Well, we had a bit of solace when we shined more than Yanga in continental competitions; but look now, Yanga have done better than us in the 2025/26 Afcon. It’s embarrassing!” After three encounters, Simba had ended up with zero points while their archrivals Yanga were boasting four points.

Right now, five encounters down the line, Uncle Kich’s team has claimed a mere two points while Yanga has five. Tibu, a Simba SC cheerleader in our side of Dar counsels fellow Simba supporters not to lose hope.

“The Mnyama is down but not out Mnyama will rise againSome years back, there was a match in which we beat Yanga 6-0 but people aren’t talking about it!” There’s this Simba adherent we all call Doctor, who has no illusion about Simba’s chances of winning anything this season. “It’s common for teams to go down, even in European leagues as welllook at Man-U of the yesteryear and that of todaybut as we can all see, it’s going up slowly again,” says Doctor as he refills his glass with beer.

He’s a Simba adherent to the core, but unlike many other Simba supporters, has been hopeful that Yanga would make it to the quarter finals. If Yanga makes to the top in this CAF Champions League, it will boost our position in continental and international rankings.

All hope that Simba would make it to the quarter finals was dashed on February 1 after they allowed Esperance Tunis–against whom they had beaten 2-0 by half time–to recover and equalise, thus earning a miserly one point that would take them nowhere. And that, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Aibu! Their 1-1 score versus Angola’s Petro Atletico on February 7 was also inconsequential. The Msimbazi Reds are practically out of the race–to the curious jubilation of Yanga fans who are consistently jeering: Simba hamna timu! On the same day, Morocco’s AS FAR silenced Yanga with a 1-0 in a goal scored in the dying minutes of the grueling match that started at 4pm.

Doctor wasn’t one of the majority of Simba fans at Family who celebrated Yanga’s loss. “That’s the end of the road for Yanga also–they’re, like us going nowhere with their miserable five points,” said a happy mhudumu, Fatuma, a Simba fan.

Disturbing, but that’s a typical M’bongo for you when it comes to Simba-Yanga rivalry. Doctor can keep his patriotism to himself! .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has formally opened a new chapter in its digital transformation journey, with the ICT Commission (ICTC) announcing the official start of a special registration and labelling framework for innovative ICT startups shaping key sectors of the economy.

At a press conference held in Dar es Salaam on February 12, 2026, the ICTC Director General, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, said the new system, known as ‘ICT Startup Labelling’, marked a strategic shift from simple registration to structured recognition and targeted support of tech-driven enterprises. “The time has come to move from identifying startups to systematically empowering them,” the DG said.

“This labelling framework will accelerate the journey from innovation to commercialisation, and ensure that no promising Tanzanian solution is left behind.” The ICT Commission, established under Government Notice No.

532 of November 2015, is mandated to promote ICT development, attract investment, build skills and coordinate strategic digital infrastructure projects. Over the past five years, Tanzania has witnessed a surge in youth-led innovation across finance, agriculture, health, education, tourism, transport and trade.

According to ICTC data, by December 2025 more than 95 innovation hubs had been established nationwide, with over 76 percent focused on ICT-based solutions. The Commission’s startup database had registered more than 400 ICT startups by the end of 2025. Of these, 161 met criteria to enter various incubation and acceleration programmes.

Yet, as Dr Mwasaga acknowledged, this was only a fraction of startups operating across the country. “The registration was free and helped us understand the needs of startups, from early-stage innovators to those ready for market exit,” he said.

“But we realised we needed a more refined system that aligns with our national development ambitions.” Under the new framework, startups will be classified into three categories–Silver, Gold and Tanzanite–based on their stage of growth.

Silver are startups that have completed product development and are beginning early commercial trials, Gold, startups with active customers and clear commercial traction, while Tanzanite, are those with high-growth startups seeking domestic and international business partnerships and ready for scale. The director explained that each category will come with defined criteria and specific benefits, including improved access to investment incentives, public procurement opportunities, regulatory fee relief and targeted capacity-building.

“The labelling will build trust among investors, regulators and development partners,” he said. “It will also make it easier for startups to test products in the market and enter into commercial agreements.

” The model draws lessons from countries such as Estonia, India, Algeria and Tunisia, nations that have leveraged structured startup recognition to boost innovation ecosystems. Aligning with Dira 2050 The move is firmly anchored in Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050. One of its five key drivers is digital transformation, with youth entrepreneurship and sustainable employment positioned at the heart of economic growth.

Experts believe the move is timely. A digital economy researcher at the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Mussa Mkwizu, said the labelling initiative signals policy maturity.

“For years, Tanzania has invested in infrastructure, fibre backbone expansion, mobile penetration and digital public services,” he said. “What we are seeing now is the institutionalisation of innovation.

That is how you build a sustainable digital economy.” Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone now spans thousands of kilometres, linking all regions and connecting to neighbouring countries.

Mobile penetration exceeds 90 percent, while mobile money transactions continue to rank among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Regulatory sandboxes introduced by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) have further enabled fintech and telecom innovation to be tested in controlled environments without full licensing burdens.

Plans are underway to extend similar frameworks to insurance and capital markets. For innovators, the new system could ease long-standing barriers, especially access to capital and markets.

Co-founder of an agritech startup operating in Morogoro, Ms Judith Rwegasira, said formal recognition is critical when engaging investors. “Investors always ask about credibility and regulatory alignment,” she said.

“If the ICT Commission validates our stage of growth, it reduces due diligence friction and increases confidence.” Financial analysts argue that structured startup databases also improve data visibility, something international investors often cite as a gap in emerging markets.

According to Partech Africa reports, African tech startups have attracted billions of dollars in recent years, but East Africa’s share remains concentrated in a few markets. Analysts believe better policy clarity could help Tanzania capture a larger portion of regional tech capital.

Beyond domestic impact, the ICTC plans to publish updated lists of labelled startups every three months, promoting them in bilateral and multilateral engagements and major trade forums. .

We’ll skip our usual tutorial blah-blah and move straight to this column’s cardinal sharing linguistic gems we picked up over the past week. So, here we go The Friday, February 6 edition of Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet has a story on Page 5 entitled, ‘Authorities destroy 3.

5 acres of cannabis farm hidden within maize field.’ It goes thus: “Geita District Defence and Security Committee, in collaboration with Tanzania Forest Services, has destroyed a 3.

5-acre cannabis farmThe destruction EXERCISE took place on Wednesday Hello; we don’t need to qualify the noun “destruction” with “exercise” because the act of destroying is nothing other than an exercise! It means, saying “destruction exercise” is to indulge in tautology, that is, adding to a word or a phrase a description that doesn’t add value to what you’ve already said. In Para 5, reporting on what a senior conservator said, our scribbling colleague writes: “He added that one suspect is currently in CUSTODY WITH security authorities pending legal action AND WILL LATER BE TAKEN TO COURT.

” In custody with security authorities? Nope! We say, more aptly: “In THE custody OF security authorities” Then, there’s a blatant redundancy case in the writer’s reportage. Why, having said “pending legal action” there’s no need to further say, “and later be taken to court,” because legal action includes that too.

Talk of providing unnecessary information! On Page 8, there’s an opinion article whose heading is, ‘It still pays for experts and lay persons to cross-fertilise ideas and experience.’ Therein the scribbler writes in his intro: “Theorising CAN BE PROVE enjoyable, even draw applause, particularly when it’s done as part of an academic exercise.

” It’s hard to decipher what the opinion scribbler is trying to say, but, we aver, he meant this: “Theorising CAN PROVE enjoyable AND even draw applause, particularly when it’s done as part of an academic exercise.” Towards the end of his enlightening piece, the scribbler writes: “Even worse news, according to ActionAid: Food security would likely deteriorate in Africa to the point that nearly half of the continent’s population would be going without enough food not so many years LATER.

” We’ll avoid any analytical fuss and simply do a partial rewrite: “nearly half of the continent’s population would be going without enough food not so many years FROM NOW.” There’s another piece on the same page entitled, ‘Disconnect of college education, social prestige eating morale of studying.

‘ Comparing the situation of yesteryear’s elite with today’s, our scribbling colleague writes: “The situation is WORLDS DIFFERENT now, 60-plus years later” Duh! We’re familiar of the expression, “this and that are worlds APART,” meaning the difference between the (two) mentioned things is quite huge. We’d like to hazard that the scribbler meant to say, “The situation today is WORLDS APART FROM WHAT IT WAS 60-plus years ago.

” The scribbler says further in the last paragraph: “There is a SORT of merry go round of SORTS as to what is happening among our children and youth” Critique that for yourself, dear reader. Finally, let’s see what’s is on offer courtesy of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet of February 7, whose Page 7 is carrying a story entitled, ‘Ministry backs local innovators to boost farm mechanisation.

‘ In this one, the scribbler reports: “The Deputy Permanent Secretary Engineer AK, said prioritising homegrown innovations is central to simplifying farming ACTIVITIES and increasing productivity.” Now since we dismiss redundant use of the qualifier “exercise,” we wish to counsel here too, that since “farming,” by its very nature entails activities, so we should be contented by just saying “farming,” and not farming activities.

Ah, this treacherous language called English! .

Dar es Salaam. Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), has firmly reiterated that the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 (Afcon) finals will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, dismissing speculation that the tournament could be relocated.

Caf President Patrice Motsepe made the clarification shortly after an ordinary executive committee meeting held at the Hyatt Regency. His remarks followed a recent media report that questioned the readiness of the three co-hosting nations.

Motsepe said the host countries have made “massive preparations” and that Caf is satisfied with the progress achieved so far. He acknowledged that hosting a major continental tournament presents challenges, but stressed that these are being addressed collaboratively and within the remaining preparation window.

“We do not have any plan to take away Afcon 2027 from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda,” Motsepe said. “We are confident they will meet the requirements in line with Caf standards.

” The meeting was also attended by key regional football leaders, including Wallace Karia, Hussein Mohammed, and Justus Mugisha, underlining the unified regional approach to delivering the tournament. Motsepe reiterated Caf’s commitment to ensuring the finals are successfully staged in East Africa, noting that the confederation’s philosophy is solution-oriented rather than punitive.

He emphasized that Caf’s role is to support the hosts in closing gaps and maintaining standards, drawing on experience from previous tournaments where challenges were resolved through cooperation. Beyond infrastructure and logistics, Motsepe described Afcon 2027 as a strategic opportunity to elevate East African football on the continental stage.

He said Caf’s long-term vision is to see the region develop into a football powerhouse comparable to West, North and Southern Africa. “Our main objective is to make the event happen and to help East Africa grow into a strong football region,” he said.

The Caf president also praised the political will demonstrated by regional leaders, singling out Samia Suluhu Hassan, William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni for their commitment to the tournament. He said sustained government backing is a critical pillar for the successful delivery of an event of Afcon’s magnitude.

To maintain close oversight, Motsepe revealed that Caf’s technical and inspection teams will continue regular visits to all three countries to monitor progress on stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transport and other key operational areas. He added that Caf plans to establish a permanent on-ground presence in the host nations about seven months before kickoff.

“We want the 2027 Afcon finals to be memorable and historic,” Motsepe said, noting that early deployment of Caf teams will help streamline final preparations and ensure uniform standards across all venues. In a separate announcement, Motsepe confirmed that the Afcon 2027 finals will be staged in either June or July, aligning the tournament with favorable climatic conditions in the region.

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Arusha. In response to declining foreign aid and shifting trade policies from major global economies, the leadership of the East African Community (EAC) has unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening regional economic self-reliance and promoting sustainable development.

The plan highlights key measures such as trade policy reforms, diversification of commercial activities, promotion of intra-EAC trade, and the pursuit of bilateral agreements with key international partners. These initiatives were outlined by Chairperson of the East African Business Council (EABC), Mr John Lual Akol who presented the Council’s 2026 agenda to boost implementation and sustain economic growth despite dwindling aid flows and changing global trade dynamics.

Our commitment to fostering a conducive business environment in East Africa to support sustainable economic growth will face heightened challenges this year due to reductions in foreign aid and protectionist policies by major economies,” Akol said. “However, EABC remains committed to viewing these challenges as opportunities for member states in 2026.” Reducing aid dependency The Council’s top priority is to reduce the EAC’s reliance on foreign aid while transforming industrial and service sectors.

This includes promoting self-reliant agriculture, formalising informal employment, boosting trade, and developing production aimed at competitive regional industries. Akol said reforming trade policies is the second key priority.

This involves expanding trade varieties, boosting intra-EAC commerce, strengthening trade ties with other African countries, and negotiating bilateral agreements with major international stakeholders. He said that the persistent failure to implement commitments within key EAC integration frameworks, such as the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union, remains a major challenge.

“Although the EAC has grown from three to eight member states, integration has yet to deliver full economic unity due to internal tariffs, the Common External Tariff (CET), and barriers to the free movement of services, capital, people, and labour. Interactions between member states and third-party trading partners continue to challenge regional trade policies and the stability of the Customs Union.

” Private sector as engine of growth The EABC also plans to set policy priorities that ensure the private sector becomes a meaningful driver of EAC integration, particularly in trade and investment. For the EAC private sector to be the true engine of growth, it must become a larger and more active contributor to wealth creation, government revenue, employment, foreign exchange, and poverty reduction across the region.

Achieving this requires member states to create business-friendly environments,” Akol said. He called on member states to honour commitments under the Customs Union, Common Market, and Monetary Union, as well as other regional agreements.

“I urge our members, national business associations, and industry leaders to unite behind this agenda and strengthen public-private dialogues to remove barriers limiting regional competitiveness,” he said. Financial strains amid reduced Aid The Council’s 2026 agenda comes as many donor countries scale back aid to African nations.

This reduction has contributed to delays in financial obligations among some EAC members, causing operational disruptions across the region, including suspensions of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) sessions and proceedings at the EAC Court of Justice (EACJ). The financial strain is largely due to delayed or non-payment of contributions by certain member states.

Each of the eight member states is expected to contribute $7 million annually towards the Community’s operational budget. .

Dar es Salaam. The fifth prosecution witness in the treason case against Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu has denied ever receiving threats or any form of intimidation as a witness in the trial.

The witness, one of several protected under the Witness Protection Regulations 2025, testifies from a special dock visible only to the judges, while the accused and the public cannot see or identify them. Identified as P6 (24), the fifth prosecution witness told the court he was never threatened during cross-examination by Lissu, who is representing himself in the case.

The prosecution had requested witness protection under the 2025 regulations issued by the Chief Justice, citing threats against key witnesses. In a ruling delivered by Justice Hussein Mtembwa on August 4, 2025, the court barred disclosure of the witnesses’ identities and instructed that pseudonymsbe used throughout the trial.

The case is being heard in the High Court, Small Claims Division, Dar es Salaam, before a three-judge panel led by Acting High Court Judge Dunstan Ndunguru, alongside judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde. The trial is currently at the stage of hearing prosecution evidence.

On February 13, 2026, the fifth witness, guided by State Attorney Cuthbert Mbilingi, testified that he is a resident of Songea and works as a motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) operator. He told the court that he became interested in joining Chadema after attending party meetings in 2024. He approached the then District Youth Secretary of Songea, later District Youth Chairman Chiza (Esau), who promised to assist him in obtaining a party membership card and involved him in organising events, including bodaboda processions carrying party flags.

The witness said he accessed Jambo TV on April 4, 2025, and listened to a speech by Chadema Chairman Lissu, in which he allegedly urged actions to disrupt the election process. The witness admitted that Lissu’s words influenced his willingness to participate in pre-election activities coordinated by a group called Siasa Yetu Update.

During cross-examination, Lissu asked the witness about his police statement, his religion, his phone usage, and the timeline of Chiza’s positions in the party. The witness confirmed the statements and timelines but said sections of the police statement were illegible.

Key points from cross-examination included: Whether calling a party meeting as a party leader is criminal: witness said, “I do not know.” Whether threatening to prevent elections is a criminal act: witness said, “I do not know.

” Whether the police told him such acts are illegal: witness remained silent. Whether he had ever been arrested for organising demonstrations without approval: witness said, “I do not know.

” Whether he had submitted additional police statements after April 25, 2025: witness said, “No.” Whether he had ever reported threats to his life: witness said, “No.

” Whether any Chadema member had threatened him or relatives: witness said, “No.” Lissu faces one count of treason under section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code for allegedly inciting the public to interfere with the 2025 general election through statements urging disruption and rebellion.

The trial is set to continue on Monday. .

Dodoma. Cheering, jeering or insulting women with large buttocks in public places such as markets and bus terminals has been described as an indecent assault and a criminal offence, with police urging victims to report perpetrators so that legal action can be taken.

A resident of Dodoma, who identified herself as Mwajuma Ramadhani (not her real name), said she has repeatedly experienced humiliation when passing through crowded areas because of her body shape. “When I entered the market, I heard people shouting, cheering and hurling insults.

At first, I didn’t realise they were referring to me, so I turned around to see what was happening. I was deeply hurt when I discovered the noise was directed at me simply because I have large buttocks,” she said.

Mwajuma told The Citizen that the incidents occur frequently, particularly in busy public spaces, where some people cheer at her or sing songs intended to demean her. “This situation disturbs my peace, but I cannot change who I am.

God created me this way. I have accepted myself, yet being cheered at every time I pass by is distressing.

My body is natural, but some people mockingly call it ‘Chinese’,” she said. She said that she makes an effort to dress modestly, especially when going to the market, but the harassment persists.

“I wish something could be done to stop this behaviour. It is serious humiliation, and surprisingly even some fellow women participate,” she said.

A trader at Majengo Market in Dodoma, Ms Neema Ndoje, said such incidents are common, particularly among women who wear short or tight-fitting clothes. “It is rare to see a woman dressed modestly being jeered at, even if she has large buttocks.

Many wear tight or short outfits that expose much of their bodies, prompting young men to whistle and cheer. In the end, the women feel embarrassed and fail to accomplish what brought them to the market,” she said.

However, the Head of the Gender Desk for Women and Children at the Dodoma Regional Police Force, Mr Christer Kayombo, warned that humiliating a woman on the basis of her physical appearance amounts to an indecent assault and a criminal offence. “It is an indecent assault to cheer at, jeer at, blow kisses at or whistle at a woman as she goes about her daily activities because of her body shape.

What offence has she committed? That is God’s creation,” he said. Mr Kayombo noted that although police are aware such incidents occur in crowded areas, no formal complaints have yet been lodged.

He urged victims to report such acts so that appropriate legal steps can be taken against perpetrators. “There is no justification for disturbing someone’s peace in public spaces.

People were created differently–some tall, some short, some slim, others with large or small buttocks. All are equal,” he said.

At the same time, he called on women to dress modestly in line with cultural norms, arguing that certain types of clothing can contribute to incidents of gender-based humiliation. “To avoid such situations, women should take responsibility for dressing respectfully.

Some wear extremely tight clothes that outline their figures, while others wear garments meant for indoors in public spaces. This can attract unwanted attention,” he said.

Nevertheless, he said the Police Force plans to conduct awareness campaigns in markets and bus terminals to educate the public that such behaviour constitutes gender-based violence and may result in criminal charges if victims decide to pursue legal action. A psychologist at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Erasto Kano, attributed the behaviour to human psychology, noting that people often react strongly to what they perceive as unusual.

“The human mind is accustomed to what it considers normal. When it encounters something perceived as different, people express surprise and may draw others’ attention to it.

In crowded places, this can escalate into cheering, jeering or even inappropriate touching,” he said. Dr Kano added that the reaction is not limited to women with large buttocks, but can also affect those who are extremely slim, very tall or very short.

He cautioned that while some individuals may choose to ignore such reactions, others may experience stress and a loss of confidence as a result. “Those who accept it may continue with their daily activities unaffected.

But those who reject it may suffer psychological distress when passing through large crowds,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. What began as an ordinary morning for a 31-year-old taxi driver from Kimara-Temboni, Mr Shakuu Joshua, turned into a life-changing moment after he won a brand-new Mazda CX-5 through Airtel Tanzania’s mobile money promotion.

Mr Joshua used the Airtel Money App to purchase electricity tokens worth Sh1,000 and upon completing the transaction, he was prompted to spin a digital wheel as part of the ongoing campaign. He did so and resumed his routine, giving the matter little thought.

A few hours later, he received a call from Airtel Tanzania informing him that he had won the top prize. “At first, I did not believe it.

I thought it was a scam,” he said. The campaign dubbed Mwaka Umenyooka offers different prizes including motor bikes, electronic devices, cash and the vehicle.

Mr Joshua, who recently welcomed a baby girl, initially shared the news only with his wife and mother, both of whom remained sceptical. It was not until he was contacted by Airtel’s headquarters and asked to submit his personal details that he began to accept the news as genuine.

The vehicle was officially handed over on Wednesday at his parents’ home in Ubungo-Msewe, drawing relatives and neighbours who gathered to witness the occasion. His mother, Ms Magreth Mtei, said the family had chosen to remain cautious.

“We were not sure it was true. We even kept it from his father at first because we wanted to confirm before celebrating,” she said.

“It is a wow moment to see the car here with us.” Mr Joshua works as an online taxi driver using a vehicle owned by another person, remitting daily earnings to the owner.

While the new Mazda represents a significant financial boost, he said it would primarily serve family needs. “This car is of a higher status.

I will use it for family purposes,” he said, describing the win as a major milestone. His wife, Ms Veronica Jeremiah, said the family was overwhelmed with gratitude.

“No one believed he could win, but now we have seen it with our own eyes,” she said. Airtel Tanzania said the Mwaka Umenyooka campaign seeks to promote the adoption of digital financial services through the Airtel Money App.

Customers who send or receive money, pay bills or purchase airtime are automatically entered into prize draws. The company said it has so far awarded more than seven Bajaj three-wheelers, over 30 television sets, eight motorcycles and one car since the promotion began.

Airtel Money Director Andrew Lugamba said the initiative aims to reward customer loyalty while encouraging secure and convenient digital payments. Two additional Mazda CX-5 vehicles are expected to be awarded before the campaign concludes.

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Dar es Salaam. Despite generating about 70 percent of Tanzania’s tax revenue, Dar es Salaam cannot remain the country’s sole revenue engine, a new study warns.

The research recommends reforms to encourage more businesses to formalise and contribute to tax collection in other regions. The study highlights the untapped potential in other regions, noting that many businesses remain unregistered.

“Relying heavily on one region for revenue is unsustainable,” it states, particularly as Tanzania aims to become a $1 trillion economy by 2050. The findings were presented on Friday, February 13, at a forum on contemporary tax research in Tanzania. The event brought together policymakers, academics, and development stakeholders to discuss domestic revenue mobilisation and reform priorities.

Conducted by Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Limited (TICGL) and jointly disseminated with research organisation Repoa, the study revealed that more than Sh20 trillion in potential taxes may go uncollected in other regions each year. Researchers said the findings raise questions about whether the current tax system reflects where economic activity actually occurs.

Presenting the report, TICGL researcher Amran Bhuzohera said Tanzania’s tax system remains heavily centralised because many companies register and file returns through head offices in Dar es Salaam. The research assessed patterns of money circulation, regional production dynamics, and tax collection trends to determine how closely tax performance aligns with economic realities across the country.

“The report shows that other regions can generate substantial tax revenues if private sector activities are formalised. Many businesses currently operate informally, meaning much of the potential revenue is lost.

Relying on one region is not sustainable, especially as the country moves towards a $1 trillion economy. Reforms are urgently needed,” he said.

Although the study points to regional disparities, it notes that Tanzania’s overall macroeconomic performance remains strong. Nominal GDP expanded from Sh189 trillion to Sh235 trillion in 2025, while real growth reached 6.

0 per cent. Over the same period, the tax-to-GDP ratio improved from 11.5 per cent to 13.3 per cent.

However, researchers caution that headline figures mask structural challenges within tax administration. Revenues from mining in Mwanza and Shinyanga, agriculture in Mbeya, tourism in Arusha, and trade in secondary cities are often reported and taxed in Dares Salaam rather than in the regions where the activity occurs.

The study also highlighted the scale of Tanzania’s informal economy. In 2025, about 45 per cent of GDP–equivalent to Sh105.7 trillion–was generated outside formal structures.

This informality results in an estimated annual tax shortfall of Sh14.1 trillion, nearly 45 per cent of total tax revenue. Despite digital reforms aimed at expanding compliance, only 5 to 7 per cent of informal sector transactions are currently captured in the tax system.

Mobile money transactions reached Sh223.4 trillion in 2025–almost 95 per cent of annual GDP–demonstrating rapid growth in digital financial activity. Yet only a small portion of these flows is effectively integrated into tax administration frameworks.

Speaking at the forum, Repoa Principal Researcher Dr Jamal Msami stressed the need for continued reforms to strengthen tax administration, improve fairness, and enhance compliance. Participants agreed that aligning tax collection more closely with actual economic activity–both geographically and within the expanding digital economy–will be critical to broadening the tax base, reducing regional imbalances, and ensuring sustainable financing for Tanzania’s long-term development goals.

Ahmed Amani, also a Repoa researcher, urged the country to push its tax-to-GDP ratio beyond the current 13 per cent, citing Namibia and Mozambique as examples of African economies that have achieved stronger revenue performance through sustained reforms. .

Dar es Salaam. As the world marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Wednesday, February 11, under the theme From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) by Closing the Gender Gap, two Tanzanian female scientists stood at the forefront of one of the country’s most ambitious international malaria research initiatives, Transmission Zero.

Transmission Zero is a global research programme working to develop innovative genetic tools to help eliminate malaria in Africa. The project focuses on genetically modifying mosquitoes to prevent the malaria parasite from being transmitted to humans.

By targeting transmission at its source, the initiative seeks to complement existing control measures and accelerate progress towards malaria elimination. The two scientists, Felista Tarimo and Justina Mosha, are public health and social science researchers with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement.

Ms Tarimo is a public health researcher and stakeholder engagement officer at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), while Ms Mosha serves as a social scientist and stakeholder engagement officer at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mwanza Centre. Their work lies at the intersection of science and society, ensuring that communities are active and informed partners in scientific research.

Ms Tarimo, whose work focuses strongly on community engagement and malaria vector control, supports Transmission Zero’s cutting-edge research into genetic and biological tools for malaria elimination. She believes that scientific innovation must be accompanied by deep listening and meaningful dialogue.

“Transmission Zero aims to stop malaria transmission at its source. For that to succeed, people must understand that the future of science is not just about innovation.

It is about listening,” she said. She explained that listening begins by understanding community perspectives before introducing scientific concepts.

“Listening first means starting with their questions, not our agenda. Before we explain any science, we ask community members what they know about malaria, the challenges they face, and the concerns they hold.

Communities help shape how and when research happens,” she said. According to Ms Tarimo, health solutions for Africa must be designed by Africans and grounded in local realities.

She said Tanzanian scientists, including women, are now leading research that reflects national values, lived experiences, and aspirations for a malaria-free future. “Health solutions for Africa need to be designed by Africans.

Today, Tanzanian scientists, including women, are leading research that reflects our realities, our values, and our hopes for a future without malaria,” she said. Ms Tarimo holds a Master of Science Degree in Public Health Research from the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Dodoma.

She said it was vital for girls to recognise their place in science, particularly in Africa. “Girls should know that science needs their voices.

Women and girls bring perspectives that shape better questions, better research, and better outcomes for our communities,” she said. Beyond their scientific contributions, both women view their work as part of a broader mission to inspire the next generation.

They want young girls across Tanzania to see science not as something distant or foreign, but as a practical tool to address challenges within their own communities. “We want young girls to see science as something accessible and meaningful.

It is a way to solve everyday problems and improve lives, starting at the community level,” Ms Tarimo said. Her academic and professional work has centred on understanding community perceptions of novel malaria control methods, including the auto-dissemination of pyriproxyfen, and ensuring that community concerns are integrated into scientific interventions.

She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications on malaria control, gender-based violence, and health system challenges in Tanzania. Ms Tarimo said women and girls are particularly affected by stakeholder engagement activities because they are often the primary caregivers within households.

Their understanding of malaria and emerging interventions directly influences health-seeking behaviours at the family level. “Their knowledge shapes decisions on the use of preventive measures, timely visits to health facilities for diagnosis and treatment, and adherence to recommended malaria control practices.

Empowering women and girls with accurate information has far-reaching implications for household and community wellbeing,” she said. She added that women are strong influencers, not only within families but also within wider communities.

“In many communities, women are responsible for daily health-related decisions. They ensure children sleep under bed nets, seek care when someone develops a fever, adhere to treatment, and engage with health services,” she said.

Because women are directly involved in implementing preventive and treatment practices, their understanding of science and health innovations significantly shapes how these interventions are adopted and sustained. Ms Tarimo also emphasised the value of women’s lived experiences in scientific and policy forums.

She said that women often bring practical insights that result in more actionable and tangible outcomes. “In policy dialogues and research discussions, women bring their lived experiences.

These experiences help shape research questions, design practical solutions, and ensure that scientific innovations respond to actual community needs,” she said. Ms Mosha, who works at the NIMR Mwanza Centre, shares a similar commitment to community engagement.

Her work focuses on understanding social dynamics, cultural beliefs, and behavioural factors that influence the success of malaria control strategies. Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory research methods, she works closely with rural communities to ensure their voices are heard and respected.

Together, Ms Tarimo and Ms Mosha have helped establish engagement models that encourage communities to ask questions freely, challenge assumptions, address misconceptions, and provide feedback that directly informs research activities. They host regular meetings in Swahili in village settings, often facilitated through local leaders, to ensure inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.

This approach has proven essential as Transmission Zero advances highly innovative research, including the development of genetically modified mosquitoes tailored to local conditions. For the first time, a mosquito strain created in Tanzania has been shown to block transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for most malaria deaths in Africa.

Ms Tarimo said this scientific milestone underscores the importance of aligning advanced research with community understanding and acceptance. “Such breakthroughs require trust.

Communities must feel respected, informed, and involved. Without that, even the most advanced science will struggle to achieve its potential impact,” she said.

In her current role, Ms Tarimo applies advanced qualitative methods, including ethnographic techniques, to engage communities across rural Tanzania. She has received specialised training in science communication, social innovation, and research ethics.

She is fluent in both English and Swahili, enabling her to bridge scientific and cultural contexts effectively. She is also a member of the Tanzania Entomological Society.

She is passionate about closing the gap between science and society. She believes community-driven approaches are essential for sustainable health solutions in Africa.

Transmission Zero is led by Imperial College London in partnership with the Ifakara Health Institute, the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania, and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. The programme is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is committed to advancing African-led science that is safe, equitable, and developed in close collaboration with communities.

The initiative seeks not only to deliver scientific breakthroughs but also to build local capacity, strengthen research institutions, and promote gender equity in science. By supporting African scientists, particularly women, the programme aims to foster long-term sustainability and ownership of health innovations.

As Tanzania joins the global community in celebrating women and girls in science, the message from Ms Tarimo and Ms Mosha is clear. The future of science in Africa will be shaped not only in laboratories, but also in listening circles under village trees.

It will be shaped through dialogue, trust, and shared purpose. “In that future, more girls will see themselves not just as beneficiaries of science, but as its leaders,” Ms Tarimo said.

She added that empowering women and girls in science is not simply a matter of equity. It is a strategic investment in better health outcomes, stronger communities, and sustainable development.

“When women lead, communities benefit. When girls are inspired, nations progress.

Science becomes a shared journey, not an isolated pursuit,” she said. Through their work, Ms Tarimo and Ms Mosha are redefining what it means to conduct scientific research in Africa.

They are demonstrating that excellence in science must be accompanied by humility, empathy, and respect for community knowledge. Their efforts highlight the transformative power of inclusive research and the vital role women play in shaping Africa’s scientific future.

As Transmission Zero continues its work, these two scientists remain committed to ensuring that every step forward is guided by the voices and aspirations of the communities they serve. In doing so, they are not only advancing malaria elimination efforts but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient scientific landscape across the continent.

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