Category: The Citizen

Rabat. Morocco urged residents of floodprone areas in the country’s northwestern plains to leave immediately on Wednesday, amid rising threats of inundation from heavy rain, swollen rivers and the release of more water from full dams.

The number evacuated by authorities reached 108,432, the Interior Ministry said. Helicopters were deployed in rescue operations as rising waters inundated fields and villages across the northwest.

The army has been deployed since Friday to help with evacuations amid a red alert for more heavy rainfall this week. Northwestern Morocco, known as the Gharb region, is a key wheat-producing region made of lowlying plains that drain poorly after weeks of heavy rain and due to lack of slope.

Rainfall in Morocco is up 215% from last year and 54% above the historical average, official data showed. Evacuations were ordered in parts of the Larache province, including the city of Ksar El Kebir, Souaken, Ouled Ouchih, the Larache industrial zone and areas near the banks of the Loukous river, as a precaution against further flooding, the Interior Ministry said.

A man carries a woman as local authorities in the Ksar El Kebir province continue emergency operations, after heavy rainfall raised water levels in the region, disrupting traffic on multiple roads, in Ksar El Kebir, Morocco January 30, 2026. Most evacuations took place in Ksar El Kebir, where authorities said 85% of the population had already left. State TV showed those moved being given shelter and food in camps.

Ksar El Kebir has been largely deserted, with many neighbourhoods submerged after the Loukous river burst its banks last week. Officials are particularly concerned about the Oued Makhazine dam near Ksar El Kebir, which is operating at 146% capacity after weeks of heavy rain, raising pressure to release more water downstream, according to a statement by the water ministry.

Residents said electricity had been cut in parts of Ksar El Kebir. Rights groups have called on the government to declare the affected areas “disasterstricken,” which would allow residents to access insurance coverage for flood damage.

The exceptional rainfall has ended a sevenyear drought that had pushed Morocco to accelerate investments in desalination. The national damfilling rate has risen to nearly 62% from 27% a year earlier, with several large dams being partially emptied to absorb new inflows.

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By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The government has ordered Burundian investor TACECO Ltd to immediately commence implementation of the long-delayed Kasulu Cement Factory project, amid rising concern in Parliament over inactivity three years after land was allocated for the investment.

The directive was issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Denis Londo, while responding to a question from Kasulu-Rural MP, Mr Edibily Kinyoma, who sought clarification on when construction of the cement plant in Kagera Nkanda Ward, Kasulu District, would begin. Mr Londo confirmed that the government had allocated land to TACECO Ltd for the establishment of the cement manufacturing plant, but conceded that progress had been unacceptably slow.

“The investor is still conducting a feasibility study on the availability of raw materials such as clinker, gypsum, and pozzolana. However, the government is not satisfied with the pace of implementation and has directed the investor to start the project as soon as possible,” Mr Londo told Parliament.

In a supplementary question, Mr Kinyoma criticised the prolonged feasibility study, questioning why it had taken more than three years without tangible results. He said residents of Kasulu were losing confidence in the project, which was expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.

The MP further alleged that instead of preparing for construction, the investor had converted part of the project site into farmland, planting maize and beans. Responding, Mr Londo said the government was not aware of any farming activities on the allocated land, but promised to conduct follow-up investigations.

“If it is confirmed that the land is being used for purposes other than the approved industrial project, appropriate measures will be taken,” said Mr Londo. Meanwhile, Bunda Urban MP, Ester Bulaya, questioned the government over delays in utilising 3,173 hectares of land earmarked for an economic zone in her constituency.

Mr Londo said the government was taking steps to ensure the land was put to productive use as part of the implementation of the national development blueprint, Dira 2050, which prioritises industrialisation and the establishment of economic zones. .

Dar es Salaam. As temperatures climb and weather patterns become more erratic, workers across multiple sectors are increasingly exposed to conditions that threaten their health and safety.

From construction sites and factories to farms and office environments, many continue to operate with limited safeguards against extreme heat and related hazards. Risks once regarded as occasional are now a consistent feature of the modern workplace, compelling organisations and regulators to reassess established safety frameworks.

Against this backdrop, the Tanzania Occupational Health and Safety Association (Tohasa) is set to bring together professionals from across the region to exchange knowledge and identify practical measures for safeguarding employees in a changing climate. The third OHS Practitioners Annual Conference 2026, held alongside the Association’s Annual General Meeting (Agm), is scheduled for February 1314. The two-day forum will concentrate on advancing safe, healthy and dignified working environments while reinforcing professional standards and ethical conduct within the occupational health and safety (Ohs) sector.

In addition to fostering dialogue, the conference aims to strengthen capacity building, research, advocacy and policy engagement, while deepening cooperation among practitioners, employers, regulators, academic institutions and development partners. Tohasa President Caroline Baraza described the gathering as an established national platform for advancing Ohs practice in alignment with domestic legislation, international standards and recognised global practice.

“This conference marks the third edition of our annual professional assembly. Since its launch two years ago, participation has increased steadily, alongside the breadth of discussions and the event’s overall influence,” she said.

Ms Baraza observed that earlier conferences have already driven measurable progress, including greater professional involvement, heightened awareness of workplace hazards and stronger coordination among key stakeholders. “There is now a clearer emphasis on preventive, sustainable and climate-responsive Ohs approaches, which are indispensable in the current environment,” she added.

More than 500 practitioners from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya are expected to attend, underscoring the cross-border nature of workplace safety challenges. Participants will examine lessons drawn from recent experience, share proven practices and analyse emerging climate-related risks affecting employees.

Discussions will also address practical strategies, control measures and innovations designed to reduce injuries, illness and long-term health consequences associated with climate pressures. Universities and training institutions–including the University of Dar es Salaam (Udsm), Ardhi University, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Sokoine University of Agriculture (Sua) and the University of Dodoma (Udom)–have been invited to participate.

Their involvement is intended to connect students and academics with real-world practice, mentorship and professional networks, thereby preparing the next generation of safety leaders. The conference will also feature the Tohasa Awards, recognising organisations and individual professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to occupational health and safety.

Sponsors and exhibitors will have an opportunity to present technologies, services and innovations that support safer workplaces. “Sponsors and exhibitors are encouraged to support this initiative and contribute to the shared objective of securing safer and healthier workplaces across Tanzania and the wider region,” Ms Baraza said.

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Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam Swimming Club (DSC) has confirmed its participation in the Dubai Open Swimming Championships scheduled to take place from February 6 to 8, 2026, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The club will compete at the world-class Hamdan Sports Complex, a venue widely regarded as one of the finest aquatic facilities in the region and a fitting stage for one of the Middle East’s leading international swimming events. DSC will be represented by 10 swimmers under the technical guidance and care of coach Kanisi Mabena, with nine athletes entered in the Junior Championships and one swimmer competing in the Senior Championships.

The club said the competition offers a valuable opportunity to test performance levels, build confidence and gain exposure against strong international opponents in a highly competitive environment. The swimmers travelling for the championships are Camilla Kyenekiki, Iris Mattaka, Jamila Masoud, Moza Masoud, Ola Kimaro, Tamera Matuja, Anika James, Vihana Divecha, Hayaan Divecha and Remi Chande.

DSC congratulated the swimmers for earning selection to the squad and urged the wider swimming community to rally behind them as they fly Tanzania’s flag in Dubai. Speaking as the head of delegation, Inviolata Itatiro expressed pride in the team and appreciation to parents who entrusted the club with their children for the trip.

She also acknowledged the families who travelled alongside the squad to offer encouragement, describing their presence as a major boost to the swimmers. “As DSC, we are proud to be part of the Dubai Open Swimming Championships and we are grateful to the parents who entrusted us with their children,” said Invilolata.

“Their support means a lot, and having some of them travel with us gives the swimmers extra confidence and motivation. We will continue sharing updates throughout the competition.

” The Junior Championships, which run from February 6 to 8, will feature age categories for girls aged 9, 10, and 11, and boys aged 9, 10, 11, and 12. The junior program includes 50m races in all strokes, 100m races in all strokes, the 200m Individual Medley, and the 200m Freestyle. Entry for the junior races is based on qualifying times, ensuring that only the fastest swimmers make the cut in each event.

The 50m events accept the fastest 50 female and fastest 50 male entries, the 100m events accept the fastest 40 female and fastest 40 male entries, while the 200m Individual Medley and 200m Freestyle will take the fastest 30 female and fastest 30 male entries. All junior races will be contested under a heat-declared winner format, meaning winners are determined by time across heats rather than head-to-head finals.

DSC’s participation in the junior category is expected to provide an important platform for young swimmers to measure their progress against international peers. For many, it will be a chance to sharpen racing skills, strengthen discipline, and gain experience competing away from home, while also learning how to manage pressure in a large championship setting.

In the Senior Championships, swimmers will compete in age categories including girls aged 12 to 13, 14 to 15, and 16 and over, while boys will be grouped into 13 to 14, 15 to 16, and 17 and over. The senior program includes 50m, 100m, and 200m races across all strokes, along with the 200m and 400m Individual Medley.

The event also features longer-distance races such as the 400m Freestyle, the 800m Freestyle, and the 1500m Freestyle, with selected long-distance races also run under the heat-declared winner system. Created and hosted by Hamilton Aquatics, the Dubai Open Swimming Championships has grown steadily since its inception in 2011 to become one of the most prominent swimming competitions in the region.

Its international appeal continues to expand, with the 2025 edition hosting around 1,300 swimmers representing more than 30 nations. Over the past decade, the event has welcomed clubs from countries including England, Australia, the United States, Sweden, Lebanon, Scotland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman and Switzerland, reflecting its global reach.

The championship has also strengthened its reputation by attracting elite Olympic swimmers and world champions, whose presence raises the standard of competition and inspires younger swimmers. .

Dar es Salaam. The newly built Arusha football stadium, one of Tanzania’s flagship infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, is expected to be ready for testing in July, the government has announced.

The stadium, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), is designed to strengthen Tanzania’s capacity to host major continental football events and boost sports development in the northern zone. Speaking with The Citizen, Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Gerson Msigwa, said the project is progressing well and has already reached 74 percent completion.

He noted that the contractor has assured the government that the remaining work will be completed in time for a July handover, after which the testing phase will begin. “The construction company has done a great job so far.

We do not have pressure regarding the 32,500-seater stadium in Arusha. We are on track,” said Msigwa.

According to him, the testing period will be critical in determining the stadium’s readiness and identifying any areas that may require additional finishing touches before it is officially commissioned. “Once the construction work is completed, we will begin testing the stadium.

The aim is to identify any unfinished features and ensure everything meets the required standards,” he added. The Arusha stadium is among key venues expected to play a central role in Tanzania’s preparations for Afcon 2027, which the country will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda under the East African “Pamoja” bid.

The tournament is set to attract Africa’s top football nations and thousands of visiting supporters, making modern, high-capacity facilities a major requirement. Government officials have repeatedly emphasised that the success of hosting Afcon will depend not only on match venues, but also on supporting infrastructure such as training grounds, transport systems, accommodation facilities, security arrangements and fan experience services.

The Arusha project is expected to contribute significantly to that broader plan, while also leaving a lasting legacy for Tanzanian sport beyond the tournament. Msigwa said the government remains committed to ensuring the stadium meets international standards, noting that the testing phase will involve technical assessments and operational checks aimed at confirming that all major components are fully functional.

These checks are expected to include evaluation of the playing surface, lighting systems, dressing rooms, spectator seating areas, access routes, emergency response mechanisms, media facilities and other essential features required for high-profile fixtures. The government spokesperson said the pace of construction has provided confidence that Tanzania will meet its deadlines as Afcon 2027 draws closer.

He also confirmed that the stadium will be built at a cost of Sh338 billion, inclusive of taxes. The investment reflects the scale of the project and its importance to Tanzania’s ambition of positioning itself as a competitive destination for international sporting events.

Once completed, the Arusha stadium is expected to benefit local football clubs, regional tournaments and national team engagements, while also supporting other sports and large public events that require a modern arena. Stakeholders in the sports sector believe the facility could stimulate economic activity in Arusha by attracting visitors for matches, conferences and entertainment events, creating opportunities for hotels, transport operators, vendors and small businesses.

For Arusha residents and football fans across the country, the stadium is also expected to enhance the match-day experience, providing a safer and more comfortable environment compared to older venues, while giving the region a major sports landmark. With the July testing timeline now set, attention will turn to the final phase of construction as the contractor works to meet the promised deadline.

Government officials say they will continue monitoring progress closely to ensure the project stays on schedule and delivers a stadium capable of meeting both Afcon requirements and long-term national needs. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Tanzania’s motorists and other consumers have received a boost after the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) announced new fuel price caps for February 2026, marked by a significant drop in diesel prices across the country’s key ports.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 04, 2026, EWURA Director General James Mwainyekule said the revised prices take effect immediately from today, reflecting movements in global oil markets, changes in port premiums, and exchange rate fluctuations. The most notable change is a sharp reduction in diesel prices for fuel received at major ports.

Diesel prices fell by Sh90 per litre in Dar es Salaam, Sh25 in Tanga, and Sh24 in Mtwara compared to January 2026. Kerosene prices also eased, while petrol prices showed marginal adjustments. Under the new caps, retail fuel prices per litre for February 2026 stand as follows: Dar es Salaam: Petrol Sh2,788, Diesel Sh2,701, Kerosene Sh2,746. Tanga (Petrol Sh2,849, Diesel Sh2,762, Kerosene Sh2,807), Mtwara (Petrol Sh2,881, Diesel Sh2,794, Kerosene Sh2,838).

EWURA noted that fuel prices vary across regions, with higher prices in inland and remote areas due to transportation and distribution costs. In some upcountry regions such as Kagera, petrol prices exceed Sh3,060 per litre.

At the wholesale level, prices were also revised. In Dar es Salaam, wholesale petrol is capped at Sh2,648.68 per litre, diesel at Sh2,561.54, and kerosene at Sh2,606.56. According to the regulator, February’s price adjustments were largely driven by a decline in Free on Board (FOB) reference prices in the Arab Gulf market.

Compared to January, FOB prices dropped by 6.41 percent for petrol, 0.

50 percent for diesel, and 1.70 percent for kerosene.

However, port-related premiums showed mixed trends. Premiums for products received through Dar es Salaam Port rose by an average of 1.

88 percent for petrol and 1.65 percent for kerosene, while diesel premiums declined by 5.

10 percent. At Tanga Port, premiums fell for both petrol and diesel, while Mtwara recorded a notable 9.

24 percent reduction in petrol premiums. Meanwhile, the exchange rate used in price calculations increased by 1.

86 percent, partially offsetting gains from lower international oil prices. “EWURA hereby directs all fuel wholesalers and retailers to strictly adhere to the announced cap prices.

The authority also remind fuel stations to clearly display pump prices and issue receipts showing the station name, date, fuel type, and price per litre, failure to comply constitutes an offence punishable under the law,” read a statement in part. EWURA reiterated that while petroleum prices are influenced by market forces under the Petroleum legislation, the authority will continue to publish monthly cap prices to promote transparency, fair competition, and consumer protection.

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Dar es Salaam. Smartphone prices are expected to rise sharply in 2026, as the global market braces for higher production costs driven by component shortages and the growing demand for more powerful, AI-ready devices.

Industry analysts warn that the coming price surge could be one of the most noticeable in recent years, largely driven by expensive artificial intelligence chips, higher memory requirements and ongoing global trade pressures that continue to affect supply chains. At the centre of the expected price increase is the rapid integration of on-device AI chips.

These processors are designed to run complex artificial intelligence tasks directly on smartphones without relying on internet connectivity. As a result, devices are now capable of real-time language translation, image generation, advanced photo editing, voice assistance and predictive actions all performed offline.

While these capabilities represent a major technological leap, experts note that they come at a significant cost. According to several industry reports by ‘Counterpoint Research’, including ‘Smartphone Shipment Forecasts Revised Down as Memory Shortage Drives BoM Costs Up’, ‘Memory Solutions for Gen AI’, and ‘Smartphone Processor (SoC) Market’, global smartphone shipments have been revised downward because it now costs far more to build a smartphone than previously anticipated.

Counterpoint further notes that while fewer smartphone processors are projected to be shipped in 2026, revenues from these chips are rising. This is because manufacturers are increasingly adopting more powerful and expensive processors, particularly those designed to support artificial intelligence functions.

According to the reports, memory prices could rise by as much as 40 percent through the second quarter of 2026, pushing bill-of-materials costs between 8 percent and over 15 percent above already elevated levels. As a result, global smartphone shipments are forecast to decline by about 2.

1 percent in 2026, as higher prices begin to weigh on consumer demand. At the same time, the rapid rollout of Generative AI features is pushing average selling prices higher, even as overall unit sales soften.

This shift is also expected to fuel growth in the refurbished smartphone market, as more consumers choose to hold on to older devices or purchase used phones rather than upgrading to newly released models. Speaking to The Citizen, technology analyst Dominic Dismas said modern smartphones now offer far more than basic communication tools.

“Advanced cameras, high-quality displays, fast charging, strong security features and AI-powered functions have become the new standard,” he said. Mr Dismas added that memory capacity and speed are increasingly critical, as they determine system smoothness and the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously.

“Generative AI is becoming one of the main reasons smartphones are getting much more expensive in 2026,” he said, explaining that unlike earlier innovations, Gen AI cannot simply be added through software updates. “Cloud-based AI is cheaper because processing happens on servers, but offline Gen AI forces the phone itself to handle everything and that requires costly internal upgrades,” he explained.

On the retail side, smartphone sellers say the impact is already being felt. According to online smartphone seller Bruno Almas said price increases are beginning to appear even in recently released models.

“This issue has started showing up early, even for phones that are already in the market,” he said, pointing to rising prices for devices such as the Samsung S25 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro Max, OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. He attributed the trend to currency changes and rising wholesale prices.

“Some of these changes are linked to the strengthening of the Dirham and higher prices in wholesale phone markets,” he said. Mr Almas added that reports circulating within the industry suggest rising RAM costs are a major driver behind the price increases.

“We are hearing that the increase in RAM costs is one of the main challenges, even causing prices of existing models to rise,” he said. Another smartphone dealer in Makumbusho, Jumanne Rashid said the trend could significantly shift consumer behavior.

“There is a high chance that more people will move toward refurbished phones,” he said. “If prices continue to rise, demand for brand-new devices will drop while interest in used phones increases.

” He advised consumers not to rush into upgrading unless necessary. “Sometimes it’s not important to change your phone.

If your current device still does what you need, it’s better to keep it,” he said. For wholesalers, the situation is equally concerning.

Fatima Abdullatif, who runs a smartphone wholesale business, said the expected price increases are creating challenges for both retailers and customers. “As sellers, we are already seeing the cost of importing devices rise, especially models with large memory and AI capabilities,” she said.

Ms Abdullatif added that many wholesalers are now being forced to rethink their business strategies. “We may need to shift more toward refurbished devices compared to brand-new phones, because that’s where demand is likely to grow,” she said.

The expected price surge is not limited to premium smartphones alone. Even midrange and budget devices are likely to become more expensive in 2026, as manufacturers struggle with rising component costs.

Technology Company Nothing has already signalled that its smartphones will cost more next year due to the sharp increase in memory prices affecting the entire industry. In a post shared on LinkedIn, Carl Pei, the company’s chief executive, said the pressure from rising memory costs is becoming difficult for manufacturers to absorb.

As smartphone makers continue to push advanced AI features into devices, analysts warn that higher prices may become the new normal reshaping how consumers buy, sell and use smartphones in the years ahead. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) has recorded significant growth in recent years, listing local and international companies with a combined market value of about Sh29 trillion and attracting over 740,000 investors, signalling rising confidence in Tanzania’s capital markets.

The milestone was revealed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by DSE Chief Executive Officer Peter Nalitolela during a meeting with Minister for Trade and Industry Judith Kapinga, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the ministry and the exchange. Mr Nalitolela said the bourse has made major strides in positioning itself as a key development partner, serving as a bridge for domestic companies to access capital, expand operations, and contribute to national economic growth.

“The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange has made substantial progress by listing local and foreign companies valued at approximately Sh29 trillion. We now have over 740,000 investors, reflecting strong trust and steady growth in the financial and investment sector,” he said.

He added that DSE has set ambitious targets to increase the number of investors to one million by the end of this year and reach 10 million by 2032, as part of broader efforts to support Tanzania’s journey towards a one-trillion-dollar economy. The strategy includes encouraging large Tanzanian businesses to list on the exchange and intensifying public education on investment opportunities.

Ms Kapinga said closer collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and DSE will enable more businesses to access capital markets, grow sustainably, and strengthen the country’s industrial base. She noted that the ministry is the backbone of industrial and commercial activity, making DSE a critical partner in mobilising long-term financing for enterprises.

“Through this cooperation, many businesses will be able to reach capital markets and expand, strengthening the industrial sector and enhancing productivity in the implementation of National Development Vision 2050, which aims to transform Tanzania into a one-trillion-dollar economy,” she said. She directed ministry officials to develop concrete plans to ensure industries fully benefit from capital market opportunities, adding that a strong industrial sector is essential for job creation, exports, and economic resilience.

The meeting underscored the growing role of capital markets in Tanzania’s development agenda, with DSE increasingly positioned as a central platform for financing industrialisation and private sector growth. .

Dar es Salaam. Accountability is a crucial element that drives expected results, and where it is absent, outcomes often fall short, with success visible only in areas requiring intervention.

Within the government operational system, accountability is essential as it seeks to deliver positive outcomes for citizens who expect proper services from leaders and government officials. There are various government accountability mechanisms, and in this digital age, operations are increasingly shifting online, not only to simplify communication but also to deliver faster results.

When launching the CCM election campaigns on October 28, 2025, the party’s presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, pledged multiple initiatives to be implemented within the first 100 days, including establishing a digital accountability system. In that context, President Hassan said that if citizens granted her the mandate, the government would introduce citizen-friendly accountability mechanisms where ministers, regional commissioners, and other officials would provide information and respond to citizens’ queries digitally and via free SMS.

The ruling party’s candidate stressed that this would serve as a benchmark for evaluating ministers, based on the number of citizens’ issues submitted, the number addressed, and the actions taken. In that election, Ms Hassan was declared the winner and sworn in on November 3, 2025, forming a government, and she is set to mark the first 100 days of her second term in office shortly.

The Citizen has examined the implementation of President Hassan’s pledge and found that the government has begun executing it by launching systems allowing citizens to submit complaints directly. The Health ministry On January 26, 2026, the Minister of Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, officially launched the “Talk to the Minister” system in Arusha, a strategic step aimed at bringing the health sector closer to citizens, listening to their concerns, and responding through practical actions.

During the event, Mr Mchengerwa said the initiative sends a clear message to Tanzanians that the citizen’s voice is not marginal but the compass for improving health services. “In the health sector, these are major transformations.

When we talk about health, we refer not only to systems and buildings but to human dignity, the protection of life, and every Tanzanian’s right to timely, and quality services,” said the Minister. The launch also emphasised the use of technology as a tool to improve service delivery, not merely as a showpiece.

The ministry of Water responds The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Ms Mwajuma Waziri, said the ministry continues to fully implement President Hassan’s pledge to improve service delivery through technology and modern communication systems. She explained that the ministry uses various platforms, including e-Feedback, call centres, and social media networks such as YouTube and WhatsApp, to facilitate access to information and receive feedback from citizens.

“This step aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in water service provision, ensuring citizens receive prompt responses to their challenges,” said Ms Mwajuma. She added that the ministry has provided contact numbers of leaders and officials to allow citizens to submit complaints, suggestions, advice, and information regarding water projects and services.

“All information received through these platforms is processed with relevant stakeholders to ensure citizens receive accurate information and timely solutions,” she said. She noted that the Ministry of Water plans to upgrade call centres to integrate them with the National Communication Centre.

“Currently, the ministry intends to improve call centres so they connect with the National Centre, enabling monitoring of information implementation,” she said. Shinyanga joins The Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, Ms Mboni Mhita, said in implementing the President’s directive to communicate directly with citizens, she has visited all six councils, held public meetings, and shared phone numbers of all government officials, including his own.

Ms Mhita said the initiative aims to strengthen digital communication in receiving and addressing citizens’ complaints promptly. “We meet citizens and provide these numbers to give them the chance to communicate with us directly, especially those facing challenges, so they can easily express their grievances,” said Ms Mhita.

He added that his numbers, along with those of other officials, are available across the region, as part of the President’s promise to reach citizens directly. “Citizens have been calling or sending messages to explain their challenges, and this is what we are implementing practically,” he said.

Implementation in Songwe The Songwe Regional Commissioner, Mr Jabir Makame, said the region plans to launch a digital system enabling citizens to submit complaints and development issues directly to regional leaders by the end of this week. “Apart from launching this digital system, we will provide information on other promises fulfilled during President Samia’s first 100 days.

Coordination procedures are ongoing to enable citizen participation,” he said. He added that the first 100 days end on February 13, and preparations to complete the system are still under way.

“After the launch, we will provide detailed explanations. This system is expected to be officially launched on Saturday.

We will present it to the public and explain the packages prepared for citizens, along with the purpose of direct communication,” he said. Lindi sets up a system The Lindi Regional Commissioner, Ms Zainab Telack, said the region has long maintained communication systems with citizens, with ongoing efforts to enhance them further.

Ms Telack said the region launched the “Talk to the Regional Commissioner” system, allowing citizens to submit complaints directly via phone calls. “We launched the ‘Talk to the Regional Commissioner’ system, where every citizen can call and explain their complaint.

Every citizen can reach me by phone. This is not new, but we continue to improve it,” she said.

Citizens’ views A resident of Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Mr Shukrani Sabinus, praised the system, saying it improves communication between citizens and leaders, though he expressed concerns about its effectiveness. “It is a good system for communicating with citizens, but citizens are many, each with their own challenges.

It is difficult to implement effectively if one person is expected to solve all problems,” he said. He advised the government to strengthen decentralisation so every leader is directly accountable to citizens locally, reducing reliance on the President or regional commissioner alone.

A social affairs analyst, Prof Samuel Wangwe, said the system is important for obtaining feedback for leaders and assessing how their actions affect citizens. He added that to enhance accountability, a feedback system must involve leaders at all levels, from regional commissioners, districts, councils, and wards to villages.

“To promote accountability, feedback must reach the Regional Commissioner, district, council, ward, and village. If feedback is sent to a village, a copy must also reach higher levels,” said Prof Wangwe.

He said the system will yield results by motivating leaders to hold each other accountable and perform duties on time. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Mining Suppliers and Service Providers Association (Tamisa) has urged young people and Tanzanians in general to seize investment opportunities in the mining sector by utilising government loans worth Sh5 trillion, set aside to enable citizens to supply goods and provide services to mining operations.

The call was made on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in Dar es Salaam by Tamisa chairperson Mr Peter Kumalilwa while briefing journalists on the wide range of opportunities available in the sector and the need for Tanzanians to take full advantage of them for personal advancement and national development. Mr Kumalilwa said that, as part of government efforts to create employment and stimulate economic growth through mining, a total of Sh5 trillion has been allocated to empower Tanzanians involved in supplying goods and offering services to mines across the country.

“For a long time, uptake of these loan facilities was low, but since TAMISA began providing education and awareness to suppliers and service providers in the mining sector, the response has increased significantly,” he said. He called on all stakeholders in the mining sector to join TAMISA in order to access reliable information, business opportunities and training aimed at enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and productivity.

Mr Kumalilwa added that the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to prioritise the mining sector, particularly through the implementation of local content policies that give Tanzanians priority in supplying goods and services to mining companies. He said the mining sector currently contributes more than 10 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that the government has announced 20 special business opportunities reserved for local investors to enable them to move from basic supply roles into manufacturing and production.

Identified opportunities include the manufacture of construction materials such as cement, steel bars and cables, production of industrial lubricants, manufacture of explosives for rock blasting, provision of legal services, and freight and cargo logistics. “Tanzanians, especially the youth, will be given priority in providing these services to mining operations.

We therefore urge them to come forward in large numbers and seize these opportunities,” Mr Kumalilwa said. Meanwhile, Tamisa chief executive officer Mr Japhet Mussa said the government recognises the strong desire among Tanzanians to participate actively in the mining business and is ready to support such efforts in order to increase local participation along the sector’s value chain.

“We encourage Tanzanians to invest in the mining sector, as the government has allocated 125 acres of land in the Buzwagi area of Shinyanga Region to TAMISA for local investors to establish factories that will produce various goods for the mining market,” Mr Mussa said. He said that Tamisa, in collaboration with the government, is prepared to safeguard the market for locally produced goods, noting that investment laws provide adequate protection.

He urged Tanzanians with capital to take advantage of the opportunity, citing the assured market within the mining sector. .