Category: The Citizen

As of February 5, 2026, travel advisories for Tanzania remained prominently displayed on the websites of embassies representing Western governments. For many potential visitors, these notices are often the first point of contact with official information about the country’s security situation.

On the homepage of the US Embassy website in Tanzania, a bold red-and-white warning greets visitors immediately upon logging in. It appears at the very top of the page in two horizontal bars.

A blue bar provides emergency information for US citizens, while directly beneath it, a red bar displays current alerts for US citizens, with a link leading to the Level 3 travel advisory. The message is presented in large, striking fonts that convey a heightened sense of security concern.

Similarly, the United Kingdom’s official website carries foreign travel advice that cautions its citizens against travelling to certain parts of Tanzania, particularly areas in the south near the Mozambique border. Canadian authorities have also advised their citizens to exercise a high degree of caution if travel to Tanzania is considered necessary.

In their guidance, the region bordering Mozambique is marked as an area to be avoided altogether. The Australian government, which at one point had Tanzania under its highest Level 4 advisory, urging nationals to avoid travel entirely, has since lowered the warning to Level 3.

This level advises Australians to exercise a high degree of caution. The unrest surrounding Tanzania’s 2025 General Election was cited as a contributing factor to the heightened travel warnings issued by several countries at the time.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed these concerns during the annual Diplomatic Sherry Party she hosted for the members of the diplomatic corps at Chamwino State House in Dodoma on January 15, 2026. During her remarks, the President spoke candidly about the unrest that followed the elections and outlined the government’s path forward. Several months after the polls concluded, the authorities maintain that the country has returned to normalcy.

Despite this, the travel advisories issued by foreign governments continue to feature prominently on official websites, raising questions about their timeliness and broader impact. Speaking to The Citizen, Gabriele Brown, an American investor in Tanzania’s tourism sector and founder of the travel agency Urth Expedition, said these advisories frequently arise during discussions with American clients interested in visiting the country.

According to her, potential safari-goers often raise concerns after encountering the Level 3 warning online, which can create confusion and hesitation among travellers. “The Level 3 advisory does affect tourism conversations, but the reality on the ground is more nuanced,” she said.

Ms Brown explained that such advisories are often linked to specific regions and identified risk factors, rather than the main safari circuits where most tourists spend their time. She noted that the primary tourism zones, where national parks, lodges and established travel routes are concentrated, continue to operate normally.

These areas, she added, maintain strong safety records and well-established security protocols. However, for many travellers, insurance is a central part of trip planning.

This is where the implications of travel advisories can become more complex. Some travel insurance providers may limit or exclude coverage for destinations that are subject to certain government warnings.

Others may still offer coverage, depending on the wording of the policy and the timing of the booking. “It really depends on the insurer and the specific plan,” Ms Brown said.

“So travellers should always verify the details with their provider rather than assume a blanket exclusion.” For seasoned or seasonal travellers, such advisories are often viewed as standard government statements.

These are based on periodic reviews that follow formal protocols and are not updated in real time. As a result, any change in status can take time, moving through several bureaucratic stages and approval processes that may delay updates.

In practice, experienced travellers often supplement official guidance with local insights. They may consult tour operators, residents or business partners in the destination country.

If reassured about safety conditions, many proceed with their travel plans regardless of the advisory language. For first-time travellers, particularly those considering destinations on a different continent such as Africa, the impact can be more pronounced.

Official warnings may prompt them to pause, reconsider their options or choose destinations they perceive as safer, even if those perceptions are not fully grounded in current conditions. “I have also seen inquiries fluctuate when advisories are issued,” Ms Brown said.

“Some travellers pause, while others proceed after reviewing the specifics and understanding the actual locations involved.” When a country is under a travel advisory, the implications can extend beyond personal hesitation.

Some insurance providers may exclude claims related to incidents occurring in that destination. In certain cases, insurers may even decline to issue new policies for travel there altogether.

This does not directly influence the pricing set by tourism operators in Tanzania. However, it can affect a traveller’s confidence in their insurance coverage should an incident occur.

For this reason, tour operators often urge clients to read policy documents carefully and opt for comprehensive coverage that aligns with their travel plans. “That’s why we strongly encourage clients to review policy language carefully and choose comprehensive coverage,” Ms Brown said.

Beyond tourism, travel advisories also have implications for foreign investors. Those with existing or prospective business interests in Tanzania may question stability, operational continuity and traveller confidence.

However, embassy advisories are typically broad in nature and not tailored to specific sectors or business activities. As a result, investors often rely on a combination of sources.

These include embassy guidance, reports from local partners, assessments from operators on the ground and direct observation. This blended approach allows them to form a more detailed picture of actual conditions.

For tour agencies, the most common question from potential clients remains simple: “Is it safe?” Follow-up questions often probe whether unrest is localised or widespread, whether safari destinations are affected or far removed from advisory zones, and whether airports and major transport routes are functioning normally. In many cases, travellers place significant trust in their travel agents once these questions are addressed.

Others still consult multiple sources. These include government advisory websites, embassy notices, insurance providers, international news outlets, social media platforms and, increasingly, artificial intelligence tools.

In practice, most travellers cross-reference several sources before making a final decision. Efforts to rebuild Tanzania’s international image are ongoing.

Observers note that the country is not ignoring the reputational challenges it faces. Instead, authorities appear to be confronting concerns directly, acknowledging past unrest while emphasising current stability.

There is no single solution to restoring confidence. However, transparency, consistent communication, visible security measures and credible reporting from the ground are widely seen as essential components of the process.

Ultimately, the decision to travel rests with individual travellers and their personal tolerance for risk. “We are living in uncertain times globally, and travel, like many things, carries some level of risk,” Ms Brown said.

“Some travellers will proceed, others will pause.” The longer-term impact of travel advisories that continue to appear on official government websites will become clearer in the months and years ahead.

Ms Brown emphasised that her observations are drawn from personal experience and her professional work in the tourism sector. “Others may see or interpret the situation differently, and that is valid,” she said.

“Risk perception and decision-making in travel are highly individual.” In an effort to gain further clarity, The Citizen contacted the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam to seek details on the criteria used to determine travel advisory levels.

The inquiry also asked whether consultations are held with Tanzanian authorities before advisories are issued or revised. By the time of publication, no response had been received.

What remains evident, however, is that the Tanzanian government has continued to assure the international community that the country is safe. Officials consistently state that Tanzania remains open and welcoming to visitors.

As part of its tourism promotion strategy, Tanzania recently hosted Braydon Bent, a British Manchester City supporter who has gained global recognition for creating football-related content, including in Kiswahili, and providing match commentary. With a strong social media following across Europe, Mr Bent has been positioned as part of the country’s broader effort to counter fear and anxiety linked to travel advisories and online speculation about safety.

“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office,” reads part of a notice on the UK government’s website. Despite such warnings, Mr Bent travelled widely across Tanzania without incident and attended the Serengeti Tourism Awards.

Protests and periods of unrest are not unique to Tanzania. They are common features in many democratic societies.

Recent events in the United States offer one example. In late 2025, large demonstrations also took place across cities in the United Kingdom and Australia, as well as in several other countries.

How nations assess and label the stability of other states remains their sovereign prerogative. For travellers, however, due diligence is essential.

Increasingly, those seeking a fuller picture of conditions in Tanzania turn to a mix of social media, local voices and emerging AI tools. Together, these sources can sometimes offer a broader and more current perspective than any single official advisory.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars, face a defining weekend in Zanzibar as they take on DR Congo’s Maniema Union and Algerian giants CR Belouizdad in two crucial group-stage encounters at the New Amaan Complex.

Azam will be first in action on Saturday at 7pm, before Singida return on Sunday at 7pm East Africa time, with both clubs targeting victories that could keep their qualification hopes firmly on track. Azam under pressure in Group B showdown Azam’s clash against Maniema Union comes with huge stakes, driven by the tight race in Group B.

After four matches, Wydad AC and Maniema Union sit joint-top on nine points each. Wydad lead the group on goal difference (+4), with Maniema close behind (+3).

Azam are currently third with six points, meaning this match could define their path to the knockout stage. Victory would see the Dar es Salaam-based side move to nine points, drawing level with the top two and throwing the group wide open heading into the final stretch.

But defeat would be costly. It would leave Azam stuck on six points while Maniema pull clear to 12, a gap that could prove difficult to close, especially with only a few matches remaining.

The pressure is intensified by the fact that Nairobi United, bottom of the group with zero points, have struggled to influence the race, making results in the head-to-head clashes among the top three even more decisive. Maniema bring discipline and efficiency Maniema Union have shown they are a serious force, recording three wins and one loss.

Their numbers underline why they are dangerous: five goals scored and only two conceded. That defensive record reflects a side that is organised, patient and capable of managing difficult moments.

Maniema do not need long spells of dominance to hurt opponents — they can strike quickly, punish errors and protect a lead with maturity. For Azam, the challenge will be finding the balance between attacking with urgency and maintaining defensive discipline.

Any lapse in concentration, especially during transitions, could be punished by the Congolese side. Azam must make home advantage count Azam’s campaign has been inconsistent, with two wins and two defeats, scoring three goals and conceding four.

Their negative goal difference (-1) highlights the need for greater sharpness both in attack and in game management. Playing at the New Amaan Complex should provide an extra boost, but Azam will need more than atmosphere to get the job done.

They must start strongly, avoid cheap turnovers in midfield and show greater efficiency in front of goal. The match could be decided by fine margins — set-pieces, composure in key moments, and the ability to stay organised if they take the lead.

Singida face massive challenge against Group C leaders On Sunday night, Singida Black Stars face what may be their toughest test yet when they take on CR Belouizdad, the current leaders of Group C. The Algerian side top the standings with nine points from four matches, having won three and lost one.

They have also been impressive going forward, scoring eight goals and conceding four, an indication of their ability to control matches while still carrying a consistent attacking threat. Behind them, AS Otoho sit second with six points, while Stellenbosch and Singida are tied on four points, setting up a tense battle for qualification places.

Why CR Belouizdad are a tough opponent CR Belouizdad’s goal difference of +4 reflects a side that can score freely and dictate the tempo. Their experience in continental football gives them an added edge, especially in high-pressure games where decision-making and composure often determine the outcome.

For Singida, the match is not only about performance but also about results. Dropping points could leave them chasing the pack, while a win would dramatically change the group dynamics and place them firmly back in contention.

Singida’s path: discipline, courage and clinical finishing Singida’s record of one win, one draw and two defeats, with three goals scored and five conceded, shows they have competed but must now find consistency at the highest level. To stand a chance against the Algerian heavyweights, Singida will need a disciplined defensive structure, smart pressing, and ruthless finishing when opportunities arise.

Against teams like CR Belouizdad, missed chances often come at a heavy price. With both Tanzanian clubs fighting for survival in their groups, the New Amaan Complex will host a weekend of high stakes — Azam pushing to close the gap in Group B, and Singida aiming to upset the Group C leaders and revive their campaign.

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Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has transferred her Secretary, Ambassador Waziri Rajabu Salum, to a new docket as part of a wide-ranging reshuffle that also saw changes in key ministries and the appointment of new regional commissioners.

In a statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, the President approved structural changes to the Office of the President (Planning and Investment) and the Ministry of Energy, allowing each institution to operate with two Permanent Secretaries. As part of the reshuffle, Ambassador Salum, who has been serving as the President’s Secretary, was transferred and appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, replacing Dr Hashil Twaib Abdallah, who will be redeployed.

The changes were accompanied by a raft of appointments and transfers affecting regional administration, central government ministries and state institutions. At the regional level, Colonel Yahya Ramadhani Kido was appointed Regional Commissioner for Kagera, replacing Ms Fatma Mwassa.

Colonel Donald William Msengi was named Regional Commissioner for Mtwara, taking over from Colonel Patrick Kenan Sawala, who will be assigned other duties. At the Permanent Secretary level, Dr Tausi Mbaga Kida was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President responsible for Planning.

She also becomes the Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, replacing Dr Fred Matola Msemwa who was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President responsible for Investment. In the Ministry of Energy, Dr James Peter Mataragio was appointed Permanent Secretary responsible for petroleum and natural gas, while Mr Felchesmi Jossen Mramba will serve as Permanent Secretary in charge of electricity and renewable energy.

President Hassan also appointed new Regional Administrative Secretaries. Dr Toba Alnason Nguvila was named RAS for Arusha Region following the retirement of Mr Missaile Musa, while Dr Stephen Justice Nindi was appointed RAS for Njombe Region, replacing Ms Judica Omary, who has also retired.

Several deputy permanent secretaries were also appointed. Mr Nsubili Akomeligwe Kajela Joshua was named Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, responsible for Treasury services, while Mr Aristides Robert Mbwasi was appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

In the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof Mohammed Sheikh was appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary in charge of fisheries, while Dr Fabian Magawa Madele will oversee livestock affairs. Dr Edwin Mhede, who previously held the post, will be assigned other duties.

Other appointments include Ms Rose Zacharia Ambrose as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Mr Emmanuel Tayari as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and Prof Peter Lawrence Makenga Msoffe, who was transferred from the Office of the Vice President to the Ministry of Agriculture to oversee crop development and food security. Ambassador Baraka Haran Luvanda was appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, responsible for environmental affairs.

Mr Sosthenes Laurent Kewe was appointed Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission in charge of monitoring and evaluation, replacing Dr Linda Ezekiel. In diplomatic appointments, Major General Marco Elisha Gaguti was appointed Ambassador and will be posted to a duty station to be announced later.

Meanwhile, Dr Hassan Mahmoud Mshinda was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI). The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed leaders will be held on a date to be announced.

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By Godfrey Mramba Recent public debate has been fueled by reports that the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) had sold–or was planning to sell–part of its gold reserves. The discussion has revealed something more fundamental: many of us are still unclear about what foreign reserves actually are, what they are used for, and why a central bank buying or selling gold is not something to panic about.

What are foreign reserves? Foreign reserves are official reserve assets held by a country’s central bank and include gold reserves used for monetary policy operations. They are not money in circulation, and they are certainly not funds meant for day-to-day government spending.

You cannot use reserves to buy bread, pay school fees, or tarmac a road. They are not sitting somewhere waiting to be “used” by the government.

However, governments use them to meet various foreign obligations, after paying the central bank the equivalent amount in local currency at the prevailing market rate, just as you and I would pay a commercial bank for foreign currency. Instead, foreign reserves are used to settle interbank and international payments, to back the national currency and maintain confidence in it, and to support monetary policy and exchange-rate stability.

Foreign reserves, including gold, help keep the currency steady and markets calm, even though they are not cash people use every day. Think of reserves as the country’s financial shock absorbers.

You don’t think about them every day–but when the road gets rough, you are very glad they are there. How strong are Tanzania’s reserves? According to the January 2026 Monetary Policy Committee statement, Tanzania’s foreign exchange reserves stood at over $6.3 billion, sufficient to cover about 4.

9 months of imports. Internationally, central banks generally aim to hold reserves equivalent to at least four months of imports, meaning Tanzania is comfortably above the prudential minimum.

What do foreign reserves consist of? Foreign reserves form a key part of a country’s reserves. They are not just piles of US dollars in a vault.

Typically, they include foreign currencies such as US dollars, British pounds, euros, and others held in proportions that reflect trade and foreign-exchange market needs. They also include deposits and securities held abroad, as well as gold held as bullion.

Gold bullion refers to raw gold of very high purity–usually above 99 percent–held not for jewelry or industrial use, but as a store of value. Where does gold fit in? Gold plays a special role in foreign reserves because it retains value over long periods and provides confidence during times of global uncertainty.

Under a 2025 law, mining companies and licensed dealers operating in Tanzania are required to sell at least 20 percent of their gold production domestically, including to the Bank of Tanzania. The objective is to support domestic value addition while also strengthening the country’s gold reserves.

When the Bank of Tanzania purchases gold, its purity is verified, the gold is accepted into custody, and it is recorded on the Bank’s balance sheet. At that point, the gold ceases to be an ordinary commodity and becomes an official reserve asset of the country.

Like many central banks around the world, the Bank of Tanzania may hold its gold in the country, overseas, or in both locations. This is entirely normal central-bank practice.

There are two main reasons for this. The first is security.

Holding all gold in a single location creates concentration risk. Just as no sensible person keeps all their savings in one wallet, central banks do not keep all their gold in a single vault.

By holding part of the gold overseas, the central bank spreads physical and operational risk and benefits from highly specialized, secure vaulting facilities used by many central banks globally. The second reason is liquidity.

Gold held in major international centers, most notably London, the world’s leading gold trading hub, can be sold, swapped, or leased very quickly if the need arises. Gold held only domestically is safe, but it is less instantly liquid in a fast-moving global market.

Gold reserves can also be pledged as collateral, used in gold swaps, or leased to earn a return, all while remaining part of a country’s reserve assets. Why would a central bank sell gold? Central banks around the world routinely buy and sell reserve assets, including gold, to keep their reserve portfolios balanced, ensure they have enough foreign currency when needed, and smooth out sudden movements in their currencies.

Seen in that light, the Bank of Tanzania’s plan to sell about $1.2 billion of excess gold is simply part of managing its reserves after a rapid build-up of gold holdings in recent years. The proceeds from the sale will be invested in international financial markets.

Selling gold, therefore, does not mean the country is short of foreign reserves. Often, it simply means the central bank is doing what it is meant to do–managing its reserves sensibly to keep the economy and the currency stable.

The bottom line Foreign reserves are not spending money. They are the financial backbone that supports the currency, cushions shocks, and maintains confidence in the economy.

Gold is part of those reserves, and like any well-managed asset, it may be bought or sold as conditions require. When the central bank sells excess gold, it is not selling the family silver or, in Kiswahili, kuuza ng’ombe wa mwisho kwenye zizi — in panic.

It is managing its balance sheet. .

Dar es Salaam. The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) branch at Dar Group Hospital plans to construct a building of more than six floors, at an estimated cost of between Sh8 billion and Sh24 billion.

The project aims to respond to the rising number of patients seeking treatment at the facility. The construction, expected to take two years, is intended to expand capacity and improve patient care, according to the hospital’s Director, Dr Tulizo Shemu.

Speaking to journalists at the hospital, Dr Shemu outlined the facility’s services and progress during 2025. He said that since the hospital began operations, patient numbers have steadily increased–from 200 to 300 daily in 2022, to between 500 and 600 per day by 2025. He attributed the rise to the introduction of new services and the outreach health programmes under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiative. “Services were extended to residents of Mbagala in Temeke District, where 251 people were screened and treated for various conditions, including heart disease, hernia, chronic wounds, musculoskeletal and spinal problems, as well as dental and oral conditions,” Dr Shemu said.

During the outreach, 198 individuals were diagnosed with various conditions and referred to JKCI Dar Group Hospital for further investigations and treatment initiation. Dr Shemu also highlighted new services introduced in 2025. These include 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, 24-hour electrocardiogram monitoring (ECG Holter), and treadmill stress tests to assess coronary blood vessels and the heart’s electrical system during exercise.

In total, JKCI Dar Group Hospital provided screening and treatment services to 138,699 people in 2025. Of these, 124,959 were adults and 13,740 were children. A total of 4,144 patients were admitted, including 3,031 adults and 1,113 children.

By comparison, the hospital served 133,756 patients in 2024–109,931 adults and 23,825 children–reflecting an overall increase of 4,943 patients in 2025. The hospital offers a wide range of services, including cardiac care, dental and oral health, dermatology, treatment of infectious diseases such as malaria, emergency medical services, obstetrics and gynaecology, eye care, and ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics. Surgical services also expanded, with 1,874 patients undergoing procedures across multiple specialities.

These included urological, orthopaedic, obstetric and gynaecological, ENT, women’s health-related, and general surgeries. Dr Shemu emphasised that the planned expansion is crucial to meeting the growing demand for healthcare services and ensuring patients continue to receive timely and comprehensive treatment.

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Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) have received a timely morale boost ahead of their crucial CAF group-stage clash against Morocco’s ASFAR, after it was confirmed that Saturday’s encounter at Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat will be played behind closed doors.

The match will go ahead without supporters due to a CAF sanction imposed on ASFAR, meaning the Moroccan side will host both JS Kabylie (JSK) and Yanga without the backing of their home crowd. In North African football, where intimidating atmospheres often act as a “12th man”, the absence of fans is widely viewed as a major setback for the hosts and a potential advantage for visiting teams.

For Yanga, the news offers more than just relief, it provides a psychological lift at a stage of the competition where the margins are extremely thin and every point carries massive weight. According to the current Group B standings, Al Ahly sit top with eight points from four matches, having recorded two wins and two draws while scoring eight goals and conceding three for a healthy goal difference of +5. Behind them, the battle is extremely tight, with both Young Africans and ASFAR level on five points each after four matches.

Yanga are currently second, edging ASFAR into third place, despite both sides having identical records of one win, two draws and one defeat. The difference comes down to goal difference, where ASFAR have a neutral 0 while Yanga have -1. JS Kabylie remain bottom with two points after four games, having failed to win so far.

The table paints a clear picture: Al Ahly have created a small cushion at the top, but the fight for the remaining qualification spots is wide open. With Yanga and ASFAR locked on five points, Saturday’s match in Rabat becomes a defining moment.

A win for Yanga would not only strengthen their grip in the top two, but could also create breathing space over their direct rivals. On the other hand, defeat would swing momentum back to ASFAR and could drag Yanga into a tense finish.

The closed-door setting may help Yanga settle quickly, communicate better on the pitch and avoid the intense pressure that often comes with away games in Morocco. It could also allow their younger players to express themselves with fewer distractions, while the technical bench will have a clearer voice during key tactical moments.

However, Yanga will be cautious not to treat the sanction as a guarantee of success. ASFAR remain a disciplined and dangerous side, and the hosts will be determined to respond strongly, especially with their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

With the second half of the group stage now shaping into a high-stakes affair, Yanga know that a positive result in Rabat could be the difference between a historic qualification and a painful elimination. In a group decided by fine details, the silence at Prince Moulay might just speak loudly in Yanga’s favour.

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Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to officially reopen the iconic Kariakoo Main Market on February 8, 2026, following years of reconstruction after the market was gutted by a major fire in July 2021. The Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, made the announcement today, Friday, February 6, 2026, while addressing journalists in the city.

The blaze that swept through the market in July 2021 destroyed large sections of the historic trading hub, which serves thousands of traders and customers from across Dar es Salaam and the wider East African region. Reconstruction and renovation works, funded with about Sh28 billion by the government, have since been underway, with modern fire suppression systems and upgraded facilities installed as part of efforts to prevent future disasters.

President Samia’s planned reopening comes as authorities finalise preparations to restore normal business operations at one of Tanzania’s busiest commercial centres. As of January 31, 2025, authorities had published the names of over 1,500 traders cleared to return to the market following verification and rehabilitation processes.

Chalamila urged local residents to attend the reopening and called on traders who have been blocking access roads to the market to clear them ahead of the event. .

If you’re a dedicated reader of this column, we’re certain you’re keen on seeing to it that your young children and even grandchildren grow up to be competent in English, for it pays. How do you achieve this? Take them to a “good school”? Hire private English language teachers for them? Organise for them a long study tour of a country where English is spoken as a national language? I wouldn’t disagree to any these suggestions but, I aver, they wouldn’t be enough.

Reason? They aren’t sustainable. What you need to do is to inculcate in your young the culture of reading books.

The earlier you start doing that, the better. Buy them books and make sure they read them, encourage them to join a book club and push them to make use of the nearest public library.

Furthaermore, encourage them to speak the languageeven if they make mistakes. It’s a waste of money to organise English tuition sessions for them if that isn’t complemented with a lot of reading.

Ignore the quacks who promise they can enable your child speak the Queen’s English in a couple of weeks, “short of which you get your money back.” Ha! Ha! Ha! Having thus lectured (bah!) let’s now share linguistic gems we unearthed in recent editions of Bongo’s English media.

Here we go We’ve in our hands a copy of the Friday, January 23 edition of Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet whose caption for a Page 1 photo reads: “PASSENGERS disregard a standing warning by crossing a Kimara Mwisho section of the Morogoro Road to enter the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station yesterday instead of using the pedestrian overhead bridge” We’ve critiqued this before, but since the goof is persisting, let’s go over it again. So, who’s a passenger? Our wordbook defines this noun as “a traveller on a public or private conveyance other than the driver, pilot or crew.

” It means, if you’re talking about someone heading to a vehicle he’d board, call him a traveller! On Page 5, there’s a story entitled, ‘Zanzibar strengthens child protection systems, training on digital case care.’ Therein, the scribbler purports to quote an official as saying: “The police have a HEAVY responsibility to protect children so they can live in safe, peaceful environments.

” How about dropping the adjective “heavy” and simply settle for: “have a responsibility to protect”? If you ask us, ensuring citizens’ safety is a police duty and defining it as either heavy or light is indulging in superfluity.Then, we look at the Saturday, January 31 edition of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet, Page 4 of which has a story with the headline, ‘ChinaZanzibar partnership boosts NTDs on Pemba.

‘ In the last paragraph, the scribbler writes in regard to what an official said: “He added that the awareness campaign and diagnostic training WOULD not only enhance the skills of frontline health workers, BUT ALSO enhance community understanding” An essential verb “would” to complement “would” that follows “training” is missing in the phrase “but also” Here’s our rewrite, in part: “diagnostic training WOULD not only enhance the skills of frontline health workers, BUT would ALSO enhance community understanding” A similar syntactical lapse appears in a foreign story on Page 17, entitled, ‘Fela Kuti to receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,’ in which the scribbler writes: “Fela Kuti WAS NOT simply a musician, BUT ALSO a cultural theorist, political agitator and undisputed architect of Afrobeat” Here’s our redeeming rewrite: “Fela Kuti WAS NOT simply a musician, BUT was ALSO a cultural theorist, political agitator and undisputed architect of Afrobeat” Or: “Fela Kuti WAS NOT simply a musician, HE was ALSO a cultural theorist, political agitator and undisputed architect of Afrobeat” Ah, this treacherous language called English! .

Dar es Salaam. For Moureen Majaliwa, a career spanning nearly two decades in insurance and banking has taught her a fundamental lesson: true leadership is not about authority, but empathy, trust, and empowering people to perform at their best.

With over 14 years of industry experience, Moureen has navigated complex operational environments, guided teams through periods of change, and consistently delivered results under pressure. These experiences have shaped her leadership style, teaching her to lead with purpose, clarity, and resilience, qualities that continue to influence every decision she makes.

Her rise as a leading figure in the insurance industry has been shaped by a strong combination of academic rigour and hands-on professional experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in Actuarial Science and Insurance, qualifications that have strengthened her professional growth and provided a solid foundation for strategic decision-making.

Early in her career, Moureen encountered a defining challenge when she was tasked with guiding a team through a major operational transformation. The assignment involved setting up new business structures, policies, and processes under tight timelines.

“It was at that moment that I learned leadership is not about authority, but about empathy, trust, and working closely with the team to get things done. The experience instilled lessons of purpose, clarity, and resilience that continue to guide my decisions today,” she said.

Speaking with The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative ahead of International Women’s Day, marked on March 8 under the theme Give and Gain, Moureen, currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pierson Insurance Brokers, said her leadership philosophy is driven by responsiveness, trust, and empowerment. For her, insurance is fundamentally about trust, not just price.

Understanding a client’s business, risks, and plans enables the creation of long-term partnerships that perform when it matters most. While competing on price may win a client in the short term, it rarely builds loyalty or confidence.

By slowing down, asking the right questions, and designing policies that respond to the needs of the end user, Moureen demonstrates how insurance can create lasting value on a business or at a personal level. She also reflected on how the introduction of the Bancassurance Regulations in 2018 reshaped the industry, particularly in areas of distribution, governance, and customer outcomes.

The transition required clarity, decisiveness, and strong communication. By quickly interpreting the regulatory intent and translating it into a clear strategic direction, she ensured stakeholders were not paralysed by uncertainty.

“By keeping clients at the centre of every solution, we turned regulatory changes into opportunities for sustainable growth and stronger customer engagement,” she noted. At the same time, Moureen was leading change in a traditionally male-dominated industry, an experience that demanded personal resilience, adaptability, and courage.

Despite difficult trade-offs and challenging conversations, she remained bold, transparent, and fair. The experience reinforced the importance of calm leadership under pressure and the value of challenging legacy thinking, turning disruption into a catalyst for building a stronger and more responsible business.

Moureen explained why she chose to work in the insurance sector. “Once a lawyer, always a lawyer; however, I can say I was drawn to insurance because of its people-centred impact.

” Insurance allows her to work at the intersection of risk management, financial security, and problem solving, which allows one to create impact, impression, and a second hope to someone. It also works well with her desire to serve and always be there for the community that surrounds her.

Insurance offered a more dynamic environment where she could help individuals and businesses recover from uncertainty and protect their future in tangible ways. In work, there is time for reward.

The most rewarding moment in her insurance career has been seeing the real difference insurance makes in clients’ lives, particularly when claims are settled efficiently, and clients can recover from significant losses. Knowing that her work contributes directly to stability and peace of mind.

However, the most challenging moments have involved navigating complex claims and managing client expectations during difficult circumstances. “These situations require not only technical expertise but also empathy, clear communication, and resilience.

Over time, these challenges have strengthened my problem-solving skills and professional judgment. An example is when one has lost a loved one; you will not be able to bring them back, but as insurance personnel, your role is to provide comfort and future Not only that, Moureen emphasised that access to insurance is not only central to her leadership philosophy but also a national priority, as outlined in the National Financial Inclusion Framework (NFIF 20232028).

Access to insurance enhances family well-being, as the impact of unforeseen events can be devastating not only to individuals but to society at large. “For example, a boda boda rider plays a critical role in the transport sector.

An accident that destroys his motorcycle, the tool of his trade, can push his entire family into poverty, as he is often the sole breadwinner. Without insurance, a lack of access to medical care can affect his entire lineage.

On the role of women leaders in bridging the gap between insurance penetration and public trust, Moureen noted that many families have benefited directly from life insurance payouts, particularly through women-led narratives that humanise insurance outcomes and build credibility. However, she believes more can still be done.

“Industry players must continue to enhance transparency and showcase positive impact out of insurance claim settlements, as we know, seeing is believing. Developing young professionals, particularly women, remains deeply important to Moureen, as she believes talent is rarely the true barrier, but rather access, confidence, and sponsorship are.

“I have seen many capable women stall not because they lack ability, but because no one showed them the path or trusted them with responsibility,” she emphasised. In insurance, classroom learning alone is not enough.

Practical exposure to business placement, technical execution, and product understanding is essential. Through hands-on mentorship, she has seen professionals grow into key industry players because they were allowed to try, make mistakes, learn, and improve.

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Dar es Salaam. Members of Parliament have urged the government to ensure that the country sustains annual economic growth of more than eight percent to realise its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2050, with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita rising to $7,000. Debating the One-Year Development Plan and the 25-Year Development Plan in Parliament, MPs said while the targets are achievable, they will require faster growth, stronger private sector participation, expanded energy production and improved infrastructure.

They identified agriculture, mining, tourism and industry as key productive sectors that must drive the country’s long-term economic transformation. Musoma Rural MP Sospeter Muhongo said Tanzania’s vision is clear that by 2050 the economy should be worth $1 trillion, with average income per person reaching $7,000. “This target is achievable if the right investments are made, particularly in major infrastructure and irrigation projects that directly benefit rural communities,” he said.

However, Prof Muhongo cautioned that the current pace of growth remains insufficient. “While projections assume growth of around eight percent, the economy is currently growing at about 6.

3 percent. For nearly two decades, average growth has hovered around six percent, and historically Tanzania has reached seven percent growth only once,” he said.

He cited China’s experience, noting that its GDP expanded from $150 billion in 1978 to $1.7 trillion 25 years later, supported by annual growth of between 9.1 and 10.1 percent.

He argued that Tanzania’s development plans would fall short unless growth rises above eight percent. Prof Muhongo proposed increasing the contribution of productive sectors to GDP to push growth closer to 10 percent, suggesting agriculture growth of 15 percent, natural gas 25 percent, mining 20 percent, tourism 15 percent, fishing and livestock three percent, and music and culture two percent.

He also called for the establishment of natural resource wealth funds, including a national sovereign wealth fund, to support long-term development. Tarime Urban MP Esther Matiko raised concerns about energy supply, noting that the long-term plan targets electricity generation of 70,000 megawatts by 2025, up from about 4,000 megawatts currently.

“Although the country has potential sources such as solar, geothermal, coal, wind and gas, many of these projects take a long time to implement. Major projects such as Mchuchuma and Liganga remain long-term, while several wind projects are still incomplete,” she said.

Ms Matiko stressed that private sector participation in power generation is critical, describing energy as the backbone of economic growth. She cited China as an example of how reliable power supply underpins industrialisation.

On income targets, she said the ambition to reach $7,000 GDP per capita by 2050 must be matched with realism, noting that the current figure stands at about $1,275. To achieve the target, she said the economy would need to grow at around 10 percent annually, with 70 percent of growth driven by the private sector and 30 percent by the government. She pointed to Singapore, South Africa and Rwanda as examples of economies where private sector activity plays a dominant role.

Ms Matiko also called for regional economic assessments to identify investment opportunities, citing mining, fishing and underutilised tourism resources in Mara Region. Kigamboni MP, Haran Sanga, said low agricultural productivity and the absence of large-scale commercial farming were inconsistent with Tanzania’s economic ambitions.

He emphasised the importance of manufacturing, describing industry as the backbone of a strong economy. “Kigamboni has about 342 factories, with industrial growth supported by road construction and the development of industrial corridors,” he said, adding that new factories would also boost government revenue through taxes.

Nachingwea MP Fadhili Liwaka said government agricultural plans aim to raise production and farmers’ incomes through subsidies and improved inputs, but warned that poor road connectivity between districts and regions remains a major constraint. He said improved transport infrastructure is essential if agriculture is to drive broader economic growth.

Meanwhile, Hanang MP Asia Halamga said Manyara Region should be strategically positioned for industrial development due to its proximity to neighbouring countries, including Kenya. “The region is rich in raw materials such as salt, tanzanite, ruby, green garnet and green tourmaline, among others, which could support expanded economic activity,” she said.

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