Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. At a time when youth unemployment remains one of Tanzania’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has launched an entrepreneurship club aimed at equipping students with practical skills to create jobs rather than wait for them.

The initiative, launched on February 4, 2026, at the university’s Upanga campus in Dar es Salaam, seeks to bridge the long-standing gap between academic learning and the realities of the labour market. By focusing on hands-on entrepreneurship, AKU is responding to growing concerns that many graduates leave university with strong theoretical knowledge but limited capacity to translate it into income-generating ventures.

Tanzania has made notable progress in expanding access to higher education over the past two decades. However, studies by institutions such as the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation consistently show that graduate unemployment and underemployment remain high, particularly among young people entering the labour market for the first time.

Each year, universities and colleges produce thousands of graduates, yet the formal job market absorbs only a fraction of them. It is within this context that AKU’s entrepreneurship club takes on national significance.

According to the university, the club is designed to expose students to real business opportunities while they are still studying, enabling them to learn entrepreneurship through practice rather than theory alone. AKU specialises in health sciences–medicine, nursing, midwifery–as well as education and entrepreneurship, making it uniquely positioned to link professional training with enterprise development.

Speaking during the launch, AKU lecturer Prof Tumbwene Mwansisya, an expert in health and entrepreneurship, noted that the health sector itself holds vast untapped business potential. “There are many opportunities in the health sector, but people have not fully discovered them,” he said.

“Our desire is for students, when they graduate, to be able to employ themselves and even employ others. To achieve that, they must have the skills to create those jobs.

“He explained that while AKU already offers entrepreneurship courses, the university realised that classroom-based learning alone was not enough. “We reached a point where we asked ourselves: if students study entrepreneurship only in theory, what value does it add? That is why we decided they must learn it practically, here at the university,” Prof Mwansisya said.

The Vice Chancellor of AKU, Prof Eunice Pallangyo, said the entrepreneurship club was initiated by students themselves, with the university providing support and guidance. One of the club’s flagship projects is a shop established on campus, where students design, produce and sell various products to staff and the wider university community.

“What we have done as AKU is to give them space and hold their hand a little so they can fulfil their idea,” she said. “They are producing juices that have health benefits for the body.

“Beyond the shop, students have also established a small garden where they grow crops used in their entrepreneurial activities. Prof Pallangyo said the initiative encourages students to think creatively and apply science to solve everyday problems.

“We want someone who gets an A in chemistry to actually use that knowledge meaningfully,” she said. “Our goal is to produce graduates who are solutions to the challenges facing society.

“The national relevance of such initiatives is hard to ignore. According to government data and labour market assessments, youth unemployment and informal employment continue to affect social stability, income security and national productivity.

While the government has invested heavily in education and skills development, experts agree that universities must also adapt their teaching models to prepare students for a changing economy. Principal of the Aga Khan Medical College, Prof Paschal Ruggajo,said entrepreneurship is deliberately integrated into training to prepare graduates for life after university.

“The government is making efforts to improve employment opportunities, but they have never been enough,” he said. “When our students graduate with various skills, including the ability to innovate and employ themselves, they help ease pressure on the job market.

“Students involved in the club say the experience has already changed how they view their education. Elfraha Masawe, one of the founding members, said the initiative has helped students turn challenges into opportunities.

“We looked at our environment and the challenges around us and turned them into opportunities,” she said. “This shop allows staff to access services within the campus without going outside, while also creating income for us.

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Dar es Salaam. CCM on Thursday, February 5, 2026, marks 49 years since its formation in 1977, an event hailed as historic in Tanzania’s political landscape.

The anniversary coincides with an appraisal of the party’s journey, direction and prospects. For nearly half a century, CCM, born from the merger of the Tanganyika African National Union (Tanu) and Zanzibar’s Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), has led the country based on its policies and ideology.

It is credited with achievements such as maintaining peace, national unity, and expanding social services, including education and healthcare. However, the party has continued to face challenges arising from changing times, including growing political competition under the multiparty system, greater public awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities, and increasing demands for accountability and transparency.

These challenges have forced CCM to undertake frequent internal reforms, including amendments to its constitution, to align with societal needs and expectations. Currently, the most prominent challenge is the evolving mindset of the digital generation, which relies on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), questions policies and leaders’ decisions, and expects prompt, well-reasoned answers.

Social media has become the main platform for political debate among this generation, which is also grappling with unemployment, a reality that has compelled the party to adapt its communication and persuasion strategies. Former Secretary of the Zanzibar Special Committee on Ideology and Publicity, Catherine Nao, believes CCM will remain in power if it adheres to the core principles outlined in the party members’ oath.

“Always speak the truth, avoid intrigue, and reject corruption as the enemy of justice, neither accepting nor giving bribes. If we live by these promises of membership, CCM will endure,” says Ms Nao.

She notes that despite having numerous leaders at various levels, some occasionally fail to honour the membership oath, causing internal turbulence within the party. “We conduct self-assessment, set aside time to criticise one another and say ‘no’ where necessary.

That is what enables us to move forward,” she says. Ms Nao recalls that before the late President John Magufuli assumed office on November 5, 2015, CCM went through a difficult period, with some members reluctant even to wear party uniforms.

“During Magufuli’s tenure, he restored public trust and made the party popular again. Even now, if a problem arises, we sit down and correct it,” she says.

She adds that no one truly hates CCM, but the party is undergoing stages of growth, expressing hope that leaders will reform themselves accordingly. “CCM has no problem, and no one can bring it down.

The key is to live the oath with integrity to remain attractive and loved by citizens,” she says. Recalling fourth-phase President Jakaya Kikwete’s leadership, Ms Nao says he once told the National Executive Council (NEC) that a new generation with different needs would eventually emerge.

“Mr Kikwete said a generation would come demanding major reforms, transparency, and accountability, and that it would reject propaganda. That generation is today’s,” she says.

She stresses that if the party fails to uphold accountability and openness, it will face challenges, but she believes CCM can adapt if it chooses to act. “Today’s society demands transparency.

CCM must be accountable, not through stubbornness or force, but through commitment,” she says. Ms Nao adds that one of CCM’s greatest achievements is preserving the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, noting that challenges have always been resolved through dialogue.

“Tanzania has continued to understand itself and listen to citizens’ needs without discrimination, living with one voice and the language of unity,” she says. She notes that despite internal challenges and personal interests among some members, CCM’s size remains its main strength, and it continues to carry the hopes of many Tanzanians.

Ms Nao stresses that transparency in decisions affecting public interests, especially the passage of government bills, must be given greater emphasis. “Members of Parliament should scrutinise bills carefully and safeguard citizens’ interests, and where changes are needed, they should be ready to advise the government,” she says.

She adds that both the party and government must respond to young people’s needs, commending the creation of a dedicated youth ministry and urging leaders to fully involve youth in decisions that affect them. Analysts’ perspective Political analyst Harry Mwinuka says CCM has a unique history, as it was born from the merger of two parties that led the struggle for national independence.

Since independence, he says, CCM has carried the responsibility of leading the State with the aim of delivering development and social, political and economic wellbeing to citizens. “CCM is a historic party that has governed the country for a long time, seeking to fulfil the expectations of citizens and its members, although not all Tanzanians are members,” says Mr Mwinuka.

He adds that despite global changes, the party remains relied upon by every Tanzanian and therefore has a duty to serve all citizens without discrimination, while adjusting its thinking and approach to match current realities. Mr Mwinuka says many long-ruling political parties in Africa have faced major challenges, with some losing influence or being voted out after failing to adapt to changing ideas and philosophies.

“For CCM to remain strong in this new era, it must change and focus on current citizens’ needs and the kind of people it leads, rather than clinging to outdated mindsets,” he says. He adds that reforms are inevitable, especially in an era of rapid technological advancement, and the party must be ready to embrace and manage them for the nation’s benefit.

Mr Mwinuka stresses the importance of engaging young people, noting that a large share of the population is youth with different needs and priorities. “It is important for the party to understand young people’s interests, what they prioritise and how to engage them politically and socially,” he says.

He adds that the party should empower capable youth to take leadership roles and drive its agenda in line with current demands, while improving social services and reducing living costs for various groups. ‘CCM must do this’ The Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Ole Ngurumwa, argues that CCM has declined and is no longer widely accepted in the current political environment.

He says that to survive and participate peacefully in elections, the party must change its mindset and operational vision. However, CCM Zanzibar Secretary for Ideology and Publicity Khamis Mbeto Khamis dismisses the claims, saying critics lack evidence and have not conducted research to support their arguments.

“CCM is a party capable of fielding candidates nationwide. How can you say it is not accepted? Other parties do not have that capacity.

They make random urban representations,” he says. Mr Mbeto adds that CCM has representation from grassroots to the national level and that claims of declining popularity are emotional and intended to create sensational stories.

He says that when CCM conducts internal elections, the whole world pays attention. Continuing his remarks, Mr Ole Ngurumwa says CCM must recognise that today’s world is different from when it was founded, requiring fair competition, accountability, awareness, educated leadership, and issue-based politics rather than propaganda.

“CCM must understand that we are in a different world. It is a world of competition, accountability, awareness, and issue-based politics,” he says.

He adds that any party wishing to lead the State today must fully consider citizens’ demands and stop imposing decisions instead of listening to the people’s voices. “Citizens must be heard.

Everything requires accountability. If they want good electoral systems, they must do what Tanzanians need, not what they personally want,” he says.

Mr Ole Ngurumwa, a lawyer by profession, says CCM must accept that Tanzania operates under a multiparty system. ‘CCM has made progress’ Mr Mbeto adds that CCM has evolved through various phases under successive chairpersons and secretaries, each of whom has helped build a solid foundation that continues to fortify the party.

“CCM was formed to oversee both governments and bring prosperity to citizens by fighting poverty, poor housing, and ignorance. Throughout this period, it has continued to define itself in that way,” he says.

He adds that over the past 49 years, the CCM government has remained in safe hands and has continued to formulate policies that are acceptable and implementable. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national Under 20 women’s team, the Tanzanite Queens, has stepped up preparations ahead of a decisive Fifa Under 20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against regional rivals Kenya’s Rising Starlets.

The two teams will meet in the third round of qualification in a high stakes East African derby that could shape the future of women’s football in the region. The first leg is scheduled for February 7 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with kickoff set for 3pm East African time.

The return leg will be played on February 14 at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, starting at 4pm East African time. With a place in the final round of qualification on the line, Tanzania have intensified their training programme at the Tanzania Football Federation Technical Centre in Kigamboni, focusing on tactical discipline, fitness levels and match sharpness.

Under head coach Bakari Shime, the camp has entered a critical phase as the team fine tunes its approach for what is expected to be a demanding two leg contest. Coach Shime said he is encouraged by the progress the squad has made in recent sessions, praising the players’ commitment and willingness to learn as they prepare for one of their toughest assignments so far.

“The players are responding very well in training. The commitment is high and the attitude is positive,” Shime said.

“We know the importance of the first leg in Nairobi and we are working to ensure we are ready both physically and mentally.” The coach added that the technical bench is placing strong emphasis on organisation and game management, particularly with the understanding that the return leg at home could be decisive.

For Tanzania, the plan is clear, avoid mistakes away from home, stay compact, and look for opportunities to strike while keeping the tie alive for the final showdown in Dar es Salaam. The Nairobi fixture is expected to test Tanzania’s discipline and mental strength, especially in a hostile environment where Kenya will be eager to impose themselves early.

However, Tanzania’s camp believes that staying composed and sticking to the game plan could give them the edge in what is likely to be a tactical battle. Across the border, Kenya have also begun their preparations, and their head coach Jackline Juma has already sent a warning to her squad not to underestimate Tanzania.

Despite Kenya coming into the tie with confidence after a commanding 5 1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia, Juma insisted that past results will not matter at this stage of qualification. “Tanzania is not an easy side,” Juma warned.

“They are disciplined, tactical and much organised. Any team that underestimates them does so at its own peril.

” Kenya’s squad blends youth and experience, and they will rely heavily on goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo to provide stability at the back. In attack, prolific forward Elizabeth Mideva remains their main threat, with her movement and finishing expected to be central to Kenya’s game plan in Nairobi.

The return of defender Lorine Ilavonga has also boosted confidence within the Rising Starlets camp as they look to strengthen their defensive structure ahead of the first leg. Ilavonga echoed her coach’s message, noting that Kenya must be ruthless at home if they want to avoid pressure in the second leg.

“They know exactly what they want,” Ilavonga said of Tanzania. “We must be clinical, especially at home, and try to take a cushion to Dar es Salaam.

” The stakes could not be higher. The winner over two legs will advance to the final round of qualification for the global showpiece, bringing them one step closer to the Fifa Under 20 Women’s World Cup.

For Tanzania, a strong result in Nairobi would set the stage for a potentially historic night at the Azam Complex, where home support could become a major advantage. Kenya, on the other hand, will be determined to maximise their home ground edge before facing a difficult away assignment in Dar es Salaam.

With both sides well prepared, familiar with each other’s strengths and driven by the same dream of reaching the world stage, the upcoming qualifier promises an intense and fiercely contested contest that could go down as one of the biggest regional clashes in women’s football. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said Tanzania is ready to engage in trusted, long-term and structured investment partnerships that require institutional stability and policy consistency.

Speaking during the launch of the Global Africa Investment Summit (GAIS) on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February, 3, 2026 President Hassan said modern investors are increasingly driven by trust in institutions, policy consistency, and governments that honour their commitments, which Tanzania can offer. “What investors seek today is not only opportunity, but trust, trust in institutions, policy consistency, and governments that honour commitments,” a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications cited President Hassan as saying.

She added that Tanzania was ready to engage GAIS as a credible and reliable investment partner. Leaders who attended the summit described GAIS as a new phase in how Africa engages global capital.

President Hassan told the gathering of African heads of state, senior policymakers, global investors, and business leaders that Tanzania has deliberately invested in backbone infrastructure, including energy, transport, and logistics, to unlock productivity, industrialisation, and regional integration. The President cited flagship projects in hydropower, modern railways, ports, and roads, alongside Special Economic Zones and a One-Stop Investment Facilitation Centre, as key reforms that have reduced investment friction and strengthened confidence in the country’s investment climate.

She noted that platforms such as GAIS enable African countries to move away from fragmented project promotion towards structured collaboration aligned with national development priorities and investor expectations. GAIS has been positioned as market infrastructure rather than a conventional conference, to convert Africa’s sovereign and public assets into bankable, de-risked investment portfolios that meet global standards for governance, risk management, and returns.

For his part, GAIS co-founder and executive chairman and former African Development Bank president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said Africa’s main challenge was not a shortage of assets, but the absence of trusted structures that connect those assets to global capital. “The problem is not a lack of assets, but the absence of trusted structures that connect those assets to global capital,” said Dr Adesina.

He observed that Africa’s strategic assets in energy, minerals, infrastructure, and natural capital remain undervalued due to weak structuring, poor data, fragmented governance, and high due diligence costs. GAIS, he added, seeks to address these bottlenecks by prioritising scale, predictability, and long-term partnerships over one-off transactions.

“Africa must move decisively from aid dependency to investment-led growth,” he said. Angolan President, JoaPound o Lourenao, who is also the African Union chairperson, said GAIS reflected Africa’s growing political maturity and readiness to engage global capital responsibly and competitively.

He stressed the need for predictable rules, transparent contracts, and policy consistency, noting that long-term investors require certainty before committing capital. “Our responsibility as leaders is to create certainty.

Investors cannot plan for the long term where policies change unpredictably, or commitments are not honoured,” he said. He cited Angola’s reforms in privatisation, one-stop investment windows, and energy transition as evidence of commitment to reform and execution.

Ghanaian President, John Mahama, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Africa needs the right investment architecture to unlock the value of its assets. He cited Ghana’s reforms in the gold and minerals sector, including restrictions on raw mineral exports, as examples of how restructuring and value addition can drive revenue, jobs, and industrialisation.

GAIS is expected to provide Tanzania with a strategic opportunity to attract private and institutional capital into priority sectors, reduce pressure on public finances through public-private partnerships, joint ventures, special purpose vehicles, and blended-finance models, while accelerating industrialisation, export diversification, and job creation. Tanzania plans to prioritise ports, logistics, and regional trade by leveraging its coastline and port network as a gateway to East and Central Africa; energy and industrial zones to support manufacturing, value addition, and energy security; and a stronger anchor role within the East African Community, positioning the country as a regional production, logistics, and energy hub.

Leaders and investors at the launch agreed that Africa’s next phase of growth must be driven by structured investment rather than rhetoric, ownership rather than dependency, and execution rather than promises. .

Washington/Dubai. The United States and Iran have agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, officials from both sides said, but sharp disagreements remain over what should be discussed.

Washington wants the negotiations to cover not only Tehran’s nuclear programme but also its ballistic missile arsenal, support for armed proxy groups in the Middle East and domestic human rights concerns. Iran, however, insists the talks should focus strictly on its nuclear activities.

The diplomatic push comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the US building up military forces in the region and neighbouring countries anxious to avoid a confrontation that could spiral into a wider war. Disputes in recent days over the scope and venue of the meeting had raised doubts about whether the talks would proceed.

US President Donald Trump has previously threatened possible military action against Iran if negotiations fail. Asked whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be worried, Trump told NBC News: “I would say he should be very worried.

Yeah, he should be,” adding only that “they’re negotiating with us.” After those remarks, officials confirmed the talks would be moved to Muscat, Oman, from the originally proposed venue of Istanbul.

However, no agreement has been reached on the agenda. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is ready to meet but insisted discussions must address Iran’s missile capabilities and regional influence alongside nuclear issues.

Iranian officials rejected that position, saying their missile programme is “off the table” and warning that expanding the agenda could jeopardise the talks. The meeting is expected to involve Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Change of venue Iran pushed for Oman as the host, citing earlier negotiations there that focused solely on the nuclear dispute. Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, while the US and Israel accuse it of pursuing weapons capability.

Several countries could act as mediators, though Iran prefers direct talks between Washington and Tehran. Rising tensions The talks follow weeks of rising friction.

The US has deployed thousands of additional troops and military assets to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, warships, fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and refuelling tankers. Regional states fear that renewed conflict between the two adversaries could trigger broader instability.

Oil prices have also risen amid the uncertainty. Trump has warned that “bad things” could happen if no deal is reached, while Iran’s leadership fears that a US strike could worsen domestic unrest and threaten its grip on power.

Iran is also seeking relief from Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme, which have severely damaged its economy. Sticking points According to Iranian sources, Washington has demanded zero uranium enrichment, limits on Iran’s ballistic missile programme and an end to support for regional proxies as conditions for talks.

Tehran considers these demands unacceptable, though officials say they may show some flexibility on enrichment. Since US strikes in June, Iran says its uranium enrichment activities have stopped.

Tensions have also spilled into the Gulf. The US military recently said it shot down an Iranian drone that approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, while another incident saw Iran’s Revolutionary Guard allegedly threaten to board a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the agreement to meet, deep mistrust and unresolved differences continue to cast uncertainty over whether the Oman talks can produce a breakthrough. .

Dodoma. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, has clarified that he has not received any summons from any institution, nor granted permission for any Member of Parliament to be questioned by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB).

Mr Zungu made the statement in Parliament on Thursday, February 5, 2026, noting that his remarks followed reports circulating on social media and elsewhere suggesting that some MPs were required to appear for questioning. The Speaker’s comments come days after reports indicated that Mr Ahmed Shabiby (Gairo) and Kangi Lugola (Mwibara) were to be summoned by a government institution over their parliamentary contributions.

During their separate addresses to the President’s speech at the inauguration of the 13th Parliament on November 14, 2025, the two MPs raised concerns about widespread theft among public officials, saying some had hidden behind sweet talk. Mr Zungu emphasised that Parliament is guided by the Constitution and its Standing Orders, which safeguard MPs’ freedom of speech without pressure, fear, questioning, prosecution, or any hindrance that could impede their constitutional duties.

“That freedom of Members of Parliament is stipulated and protected under Article 100 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which grants MPs legal immunity for opinions and contributions made inside Parliament,” he said. He added that if an MP violates House rules during debate or in their contributions, the authority to act rests solely with Parliament through the Speaker’s chair, including the power to expunge relevant remarks.

According to Mr Zungu, the 2025 edition of the Parliamentary Standing Orders, particularly Rule 5, clearly sets out how to address any violations within Parliament without undermining MPs’ freedom or parliamentary immunity. He stressed that Parliament will continue to safeguard MPs’ right to debate national matters openly and courageously, while ensuring discussions adhere to rules, decorum, and constitutional principles.

Prior to the Speaker’s statement, Mwita Waitara (Tarime Rural) and Festo Sanga (Makete) had condemned the reported move to summon the MPs, saying it would undermine parliamentary independence and the dignity of the House. .

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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Dar es Salaam. As the government prepares a framework on how small traders will benefit from the Sh200 billion promised within 100 days of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, the target group and stakeholders have raised concerns and suggested the best approach.

Among the issues cited are difficulties in accessing loans, registration procedures, and bureaucracy, while delays in applying policies, regulations, and laws were also highlighted as hurdles. Ahead of last October’s general election, President Hassan pledged that within 100 days of taking office, her government would disburse Sh200 billion to provide capital for small-scale traders and micro-industries.

These funds are separate from the 10 percent provided by each council to groups of youth, women, and the elderly to help them improve economically. Speaking recently on progress before the start of the loan disbursements, the Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development, Mr Joel Nanauka, said the procedure would be released in the coming days.

“In the next few days, a meeting will be held with journalists and the Ministry of Finance to provide details on how this money will be disbursed,” he said. Mr Nanauka made the remarks just days after the Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, briefed the public on how they could access the opportunity.

In a statement issued on January 30, 2026, Dr Gwajima invited small traders to seize the opportunity for loans provided through the National Microfinance Bank (NMB). “I would like to use this opportunity to invite and encourage all small traders to seize the government loan opportunity on affordable terms with an interest rate of seven percent per annum, provided through NMB, which has an agreement with the government to manage these loans,” she said.

The loans aim to empower small traders with annual sales not exceeding S million, including mothers and fathers selling food, street vendors, motorcycle taxi operators, and other groups recognised and registered by relevant authorities across the country. To benefit, small traders must be identified and registered in the Small Trader Identification and Registration System (WBN-MIS) and by a Community Development Officer from their council.

Applicants must also be Tanzanian citizens aged 18 and above, have a business recognised in their area or an area identified by the relevant authority, and possess a National Identification Card (Nida) or Nida number. “The loan application process is clear and user-friendly.

Applicants with a digital ID or ID number are required to go to NMB to complete the application form and submit the required documents,” the statement said. All applications are verified and assessed according to the bank’s procedures, and eligible applicants receive funds transferred into their accounts based on the type of loan applied for.

Repayment is from three to 24 months, depending on the business type, at a seven percent annual interest rate. The loan is insured against the borrower’s death or permanent disability to protect the trader and their family.

What citizens say Some small traders, including street vendors, food sellers, and motorcycle taxi operators, said that while they recognise the programme’s benefits in empowering them economically, the process of registering in formal systems is a challenge. A small trader in Kariakoo, Mr Rashid Mohamed, said most traders lack knowledge about financial systems and formalisation, making them afraid to register due to taxes, levies, and strict loan conditions.

“The government says there is Sh200 billion in capital, but we wonder how we will get it if we do not even understand the system,” he said, adding that going to the bank is another daunting task, as it could involve a long process. A food vendor in Buguruni, Ms Eva Patrick, said loans have good intentions, but implementation must consider the traders’ working environment.

She said many traders with small capital do not maintain proper sales records, making them appear ineligible. “We can benefit from these loans, but if conditions are strict, we will remain where we are and continue with informal savings and lending,” she said.

Motorcycle taxi driver, Mr Hamad Ngonyani, said enrolling in formal systems could help access capital and insurance, but the challenge is the lack of accurate information. “Many of us do not know where to start, whether from government institutions.

This will not differ from the 10 percent loans most have been providing. I do not know how this process will ensure everyone in need benefits,” he said.

He added that they earn money mainly through online advertising, which is fragile, and penalties for entering the banking system are a challenge. Mr Ngonyani said formalisation of the informal sector is important, but without adequate education, friendly conditions, and systems aligned with their reality, the programme could become a burden rather than a solution.

Warning issued Speaking on the matter, business stakeholder, Prof Haji Semboja, said every administration has introduced strategies to empower youth and small traders, but many have stalled, so it is important to examine what went wrong previously. He said to avoid repeating past mistakes, existing instruments such as policies, laws, regulations, and institutions should be used rather than introducing new ones to achieve positive results.

“Let us not look for foreign solutions, as often these funds have gone to undeserving individuals. We must avoid this to ensure the 10 percent reaches only the target group and the rest is not lost,” said Prof Semboja.

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Washington. The United States and Russia have agreed to reestablish high-level military-to-military dialogue following talks held in Abu Dhabi, the US military said on Thursday, in a move that could signal efforts to normalise some ties between the two countries.

Washington suspended direct military communication with Moscow just before Russia invaded Ukraine. The conflict, which began in 2022, has become the deadliest war in Europe since World War Two and the biggest confrontation between Russia and Western nations since the height of the Cold War.

In a statement, the US military said restoring the communication channel aims to reduce the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation between the two sides. “Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation,” the statement said.

The talks follow a meeting in Abu Dhabi between the commander of US European Command, General Alexus Grynkewich, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials. Despite the suspension of high-level military contacts in recent years, both sides had maintained an emergency deconfliction line to prevent accidental clashes.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have also spoken directly on several occasions. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania lady golfer Neema Olomi has admitted that winning the TPC Open that climaxed last weekend in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, was one of the toughest moments of her golfing career.

Olomi, who finished top of the leaderboard at +2, said the tournament demanded not only skill, but also patience, focus and mental strength, as every shot mattered from the first round to the final day. “It was not easy at all,” Olomi said after sealing the title.

“This tournament tested me in every way. The course was challenging, the pressure was high, and I had to stay calm because one mistake could change everything.

” According to the final standings, Olomi emerged as the overall winner ahead of George Sembi, who finished second at +7, while Julius Mwinzani completed the top three at +9. Olomi said the presence of strong competitors pushed her to remain disciplined throughout the competition, especially when the chasing pack tried to close the gap. “I knew I was leading, but I also knew nothing was guaranteed,” she explained.

“Players like Sembi and Mwinzani were right there, and I had to fight for every stroke. I told myself to stay smart, avoid unnecessary risks and trust my game.

” The champion also credited her preparation and ability to handle difficult moments on the course, saying the key was staying positive even when the game did not go as planned. “There are moments you miss a shot, or you don’t get the result you expected, but you must keep going,” she said.

“Golf is a mental game. If you lose concentration, you lose the tournament.

” Olomi’s victory in Moshi is expected to boost her confidence as she continues to represent Tanzania in major competitions, while also inspiring other female golfers in the country to push harder and compete at a higher level. “I am happy and proud,” she said.

“Winning is special, but what makes it more meaningful is knowing that I worked for it. I hope more girls will believe they can also play and win.

” The tournament attracted golfers from different parts of Tanzania, with the leaderboard showing a tight contest behind the winner. Emmanuel Lucas also finished at +9, while several players ended the tournament at +11 and +13, underlining the competitiveness of the event.

As celebrations continue, Olomi insisted the win is not the end of the journey. “This is motivation, not a destination,” she said.

“I will go back, train harder and aim for more titles.” .