Category: The Citizen

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. .

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan held high-level bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and the Secretary-General of UN Tourism at the opening of the 13th World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During her engagements, President Hassan focused on deepening AfricaCaribbean cooperation, expanding trade, investment, and tourism linkages, enhancing aviation connectivity, strengthening security and technology partnerships, and promoting people-to-people exchanges. She also highlighted Tanzania’s ongoing efforts in national reconciliation, constitutional reforms, and initiatives to transform the country’s tourism sector through sustainability, diversification, innovation, and digitalisation.

A State House statement dated Tuesday, February 3, 2026, signed by the Director of Presidential Communications, Mr Bakari Machumu, said the discussions aimed at “strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing economic diplomacy, and aligning international cooperation with Tanzania’s development priorities.” In her first meeting, the statement said, President Hassan and Prime Minister Gaston Browne explored “a wide-ranging set of issues centred on deepening cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, particularly within the framework of the Commonwealth.

” Both leaders reflected on their shared historical ties and emphasised “the need for deliberate, structured efforts to reconnect the motherland and the homeland through modern economic, political, and people-to-people partnerships.” Prime Minister Browne “commended Tanzania’s leadership and transparency in addressing recent post-election security challenges,” adding that “the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry demonstrates commitment to accountability and constitutional order.

” President Hassan briefed the Prime Minister on ongoing initiatives, including “the Commission of Inquiry, plans for a National Reconciliation Commission, and forthcoming constitutional reforms.” The two sides agreed to advance cooperation across multiple areas, highlighting AfricaCaribbean integration within the Commonwealth framework, trade, investment, and tourism, including structured technical engagement.

Regarding aviation connectivity, the statement noted that both countries prioritised building on existing flight linkages, security cooperation, technology transfer, and education and human capital, including support for the Julius Nyerere Commonwealth Scholarship Programme. Both leaders emphasised the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation as foundations for sustainable partnerships.

“Joint technical teams from both countries will be established to operationalise these areas of cooperation,” the statement added. Prime Minister Browne extended a formal invitation to President Hassan to attend the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and announced plans to visit Tanzania in June or July 2026. “These engagements advance Tanzania’s strategic interest in expanding SouthSouth cooperation beyond traditional partners, positioning Tanzania as a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, leveraging Commonwealth platforms for investment, education, and mobility, and reinforcing international confidence in Tanzania’s governance, stability, and reform trajectory,” the statement said.

President Hassan reaffirmed Tanzania’s readiness “to support Antigua and Barbuda’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth” and emphasised the country’s commitment to implementation and delivery. In her second meeting, President Hassan congratulated Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais on her appointment as the first female Secretary-General of UN Tourism and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment “to a strategic partnership with the organisation.

” Discussions focused on transforming Tanzania’s tourism sector through sustainable and eco-tourism models, digital marketing and data-driven planning, sports, cultural, and gastronomy tourism, flagship projects under review, capacity building, and Tanzania’s readiness to host a UN Tourism Regional Office. The Secretary-General praised Tanzania as “a leading tourism destination” and described President Hassan as “a powerful global brand for the country,” citing the impact of The Royal Tour documentary.

She confirmed UN Tourism’s readiness “to support Tanzania’s ambition to grow arrivals to eight million tourists and increase tourism’s contribution to GDP from 17 percent to 24 percent,” and accepted “an official invitation to visit Tanzania to further advance these initiatives.” According to the statement, the engagements “directly support Tanzania’s priorities to position tourism as a high-impact growth sector, attract quality investment into tourism infrastructure, create jobs, especially for youth and women, strengthen climate-smart and technology-enabled tourism models, and enhance Tanzania’s global brand and competitiveness.

” The bilateral meetings reflect Tanzania’s broader strategy “of economic diplomacy focused on results, not symbolism, diversifying partnerships globally, including Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and multilateral institutions, anchoring international cooperation in national priorities such as Dira 2050, investment attraction, tourism transformation, and social stability, as well as reinforcing Tanzania’s image as a stable, reform-oriented, and reliable partner.” President Hassan reaffirmed that Tanzania remains committed “to peace, transparency, cooperation, and principles that guide the country’s engagement at WGS 2026 and beyond.

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Geita. The Geita District defence and security committee, in collaboration with Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), has destroyed a 3.

5-acre cannabis farm planted within a maize field inside the Rwamgasa tree plantation forest reserve. The destruction exercise took place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after it was established that cannabis had been cultivated inside a maize farm within the 28,160-acre reserve.

Speaking during the operation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Rwamgasa Tree Plantation Chief Conservator, Senior Conservator Aloyce Paschal, said the farm was discovered during routine patrols inside the reserve. Conservator Paschal said the cannabis was difficult to detect because it was interplanted with maize.

“When he planted maize in one row, he planted cannabis in the next, so from a distance one could only see maize, but inside it was cannabis,” said Paschal. He added that one suspect is currently in custody with security authorities pending legal action and will later be taken to court.

Geita District Administrative Secretary, Ms Lucy Beda, who represented District Commissioner, Mr Hashim Komba, urged residents to stop all human activities inside the reserve and warned that offenders would face legal action. “We call on citizens to immediately cease conducting human activities inside our reserve.

We all know the importance of the environment, and that rainfall depends on its protection,” said Ms Beda. Busolwa B Ward Chairperson, Mr Lucas Mkondo, whose area neighbours the farm, said some residents complain of oppression when entering the reserve, while others continue to engage in illegal activities.

“Today, I have seen that parts of this forest are heavily cultivated with cannabis. I have been cutting it, and I am now sweating.

Some people complain they are oppressed in the reserve, yet they are involved in illegal activities,” said Mr Mkondo. Kazimili Malindi, Busolwa B, Executive Officer representing the Nyarugusu Ward Executive Officer, said local leaders would continue educating the community through public meetings to prevent harmful activities inside the reserve.

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Musoma. Police in Mara Region are holding four suspects over the theft of an ambulance belonging to the Musoma Municipal Council, which was allegedly converted into a tourist transport vehicle.

The suspects, residents of Tarime District in Mara Region and Arusha City, are accused of stealing the ambulance while it was providing services at Musoma Municipal Hospital. Mara Regional Police Commander Pius Lutumo said the vehicle was stolen on October 25, 2025, while parked at the Musoma Municipal Director’s office, a short distance from the municipal hospital.

After being modified. “Following the report, we conducted investigations and intelligence operations.

Several people, including government employees, were questioned. However, our investigations established that the suspects responsible are the four currently in custody,” Mr Lutumo said in a statement issued on February 3, 2026. He declined to disclose the suspects’ occupations, citing the need to protect the integrity of the case, though reports indicate that some of them are public servants.

The suspects were identified as Goodluck Chacha (26) of Tarime town, Karume Kimwel (26) of Morombo in Arusha, Said Ramadhani (39) of Engosengyu, Arusha, and Elias Lyimo (53), also of Arusha. Mr Lutumo said the Land Cruiser ambulance, registration number STM 7830, was recovered in Arusha City while in the final stages of being modified for use as a tourist vehicle.

He explained that the vehicle was stolen at night and transported to Arusha, where the suspects began altering it before they were arrested through cooperation between security agencies and members of the public. Investigations have been completed and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court at any time.

There are also reports that the suspects are part of a broader syndicate involved in stealing ambulances from various local government authorities across the country and converting them into tourist vehicles. However, Mr Lutumo declined to comment on the alleged network, saying further details would be provided by authorities in the respective regions.

“I am speaking on behalf of Mara Region. Other regions will provide information once their investigations are complete.

For now, I am addressing this single incident involving the stolen ambulance in Musoma Municipality,” he said. Mara Regional Police Commander, Pius Lutumo, displaying the Musoma Municipal Hospital ambulance after it had been stolen and its appearance altered.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that more than 10 ambulances have been stolen nationwide, with some members of the alleged syndicate believed to be public servants. Meanwhile, some Musoma residents have called for accountability within the municipal security unit, arguing that negligence may have contributed to the theft.

Mr David Obure said the ease with which the vehicle was removed from the municipal compound raised serious concerns. “Beyond arresting the suspects, the municipal security unit must be scrutinised.

It is alarming that someone could enter the compound, pass through the gate and drive away with a vehicle without being detected,” he said. Another resident, Mr Ismail Mbura, said the incident highlighted broader concerns about the safety of public property.

“If a vehicle can leave through the gate unnoticed, what about smaller items that can easily be concealed? This is a serious security risk,” he said. In a separate incident, police also seized a Toyota Hilux, registration number T540 EGD, after intercepting it while transporting khat (mirungi).

Mr Lutumo said the driver, Abdallah Hussein (30), a resident of Kambarage area in Shinyanga Region, was arrested in Bunda District while transporting 67 kilogrammes of the narcotic drug to Shinyanga. Additionally, during a police operation conducted in January this year, 190 suspects were arrested for offences related to 30 kilogrammes of cannabis, 2,464 litres of illicit liquor (gongo) and four machines used in the production of the illegal brew.

Mr Lutumo said case files are at various stages of legal proceedings, with some already before the courts. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face limited access to timely working capital, a local fintech platform, CashMe Tanzania, is emerging as a key disruptor in both financing and investment.

CashMe Tanzania operates a licensed invoice financing and private credit marketplace that connects verified borrowers to individual and institutional lenders seeking short-term, income-generating opportunities. Through the platform, transactions are structured around vetted borrowers and invoices raised against reputable off-takers, including Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE)listed companies, embassies, pension funds, and selected government institutions.

By enabling businesses to convert unpaid invoices into cash — often within 48 hours — the platform addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing SMEs: delayed payments that constrain cash flows and limit growth. “Our mission is to democratize investment, disrupt traditional financing models, and improve access to modern investment assets,” said CashMe Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Gumodoka Mehuna.

“We are building a platform that works equally well for individual investors and institutional lenders.” Growing Appeal Among Institutional Lenders In addition to retail investors, CashMe Tanzania has attracted participation from institutional lenders, including banks, microfinance institutions, and savings and credit cooperative societies (Saccos).

These institutions view the platform as an efficient channel to reach qualified borrowers nationwide without the need to expand physical branch networks or increase operational overheads. According to Mehuna, CashMe Tanzania is designed to serve as a neutral, transparent marketplace that connects verified borrowers with institutional capital.

“Our platform allows institutions to deploy funds in a secure, diversified, and data-driven manner while maintaining full alignment with their risk appetite,” he said. CashMe’s structure allows multiple lenders to participate in a single transaction, meaning institutions are not required to fund an entire loan amount.

For example, a TZS 100 million borrower request can be financed by several lenders, enabling portfolio diversification and reducing single-borrower concentration risk. A New Investment Asset Class For investors, CashMe Tanzania provides access to secured private credit — an asset class historically dominated by banks and large institutions.

Returns on the platform typically range between 3 and 4 percent per month in the predetermined price market, with potentially higher returns in the open market where investors set their own pricing. Investment tenors are short, usually between 30 and 90 days, allowing frequent capital recycling.

The minimum investment per invoice starts from as low as TZS 20,000, making the asset class accessible to retail investors while also appealing to institutional participants. Compared to traditional investment options such as treasury bills, fixed deposits, equities, and collective investment schemes, invoice-based private credit offers contractual returns, income visibility, and lower exposure to market volatility.

Governance, Risk Management, and Protection CashMe Tanzania operates under the oversight of the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA). Unlike collective investment schemes, which rely on portfolio-level management, the platform applies transaction-level underwriting similar to commercial and investment banking.

Each borrower undergoes comprehensive credit assessment and verification before accessing funding. Investor funds are held in segregated escrow accounts managed by designated banks, ensuring that funds are not commingled with CashMe’s operational accounts.

Collateral is professionally managed on behalf of lenders, reducing administrative complexity. The platform also incorporates layered risk-mitigation mechanisms, including diversification across borrowers, collateral-backed transactions, and an Investor Protection Fund covering up to 30 percent of principal in qualifying cases.

Supporting Growth and Financial Inclusion In 2025, CashMe Tanzania was selected as one of the investees under Funguo Catalytic Funding. The funding supported expansion of operations and enhancements to customer experience, technology infrastructure, and risk management capabilities.

Beyond returns, the platform plays a developmental role by channelling capital directly to SMEs — a sector that contributes approximately 27 percent of Tanzania’s GDP and employs more than five million people. Added Value to Lenders and Borrowers on the Platform Looking ahead, CashMe Tanzania is expanding into integrated digital financial services.

Planned features include bill payments, virtual cards for online transactions, and local and international money transfers using the CashMe wallet. Investors can currently register and begin their investment journey via www.

cashmetanzania.com.

The company also plans to launch a mobile application on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, enabling both investors and borrowers to access services more conveniently. As Tanzania’s fintech ecosystem continues to mature, platforms such as CashMe Tanzania are demonstrating how technology can broaden investment participation, modernize lending, and support sustainable economic growth.

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Arusha. The Arusha Region has affirmed its preparedness to host matches and receive thousands of visitors during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), underscoring Tanzania’s growing momentum as East Africa prepares for one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.

Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla made the announcement on February 4, 2026, while addressing district commissioners, council directors and senior government officials, noting that Arusha — selected among Tanzania’s host cities — has entered a decisive phase of readiness driven by infrastructure progress and strengthened institutional planning. Central to the preparations is the Samia Stadium, where construction has surpassed 74 per cent.

The facility is scheduled for completion and commissioning in July, placing the region comfortably ahead of the continental showpiece. Makalla revealed plans to establish seven specialised committees tasked with overseeing key operational areas to ensure a well-coordinated tournament experience for players, officials and supporters alike.

The committees will supervise security, protocol and reception, media and communications, health and sanitation, entertainment and accommodation, infrastructure and transport, as well as tourism and hospitality. He instructed the Regional Administrative Secretary to expedite the formation of the teams with suitably qualified members, adding that each committee will report directly to his office to reinforce alignment with the National Afcon Organising Committee.

Describing Afcon as more than a sporting spectacle, Makalla framed the tournament as a strategic platform to elevate Arusha’s international standing, draw investment, stimulate tourism and increase foreign exchange inflows. He urged local leaders and technical experts to work collaboratively, emphasising that effective execution would leave Tanzania with a lasting and favourable global reputation, particularly across tourism, services and investment.

Longido District Commissioner Salum Kali echoed the call for early and coordinated planning, observing that meticulous preparation is essential for unlocking the full economic and social benefits associated with mega sporting events. Afcon 2027 will be jointly staged by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda — a landmark partnership expected to deepen regional cooperation while accelerating economic activity across East Africa.

However, sports analyst John Kiaze cautioned that the host nations must rise to demanding international standards. Drawing lessons from Morocco’s recent tournaments, he advised the countries to organise test competitions to expose potential gaps and allow time for refinement before formal inspections commence.

Construction of the Arusha International Football Stadium in Olmot Ward is advancing steadily. Designed to accommodate 32,000 spectators, the modern arena is being developed in accordance with Confederation of African Football (Caf) and Fifa requirements.

Meanwhile, Arusha Urban Member of Parliament Paul Makonda described the government-funded project — valued at over Sh300 billion — as a transformative investment poised to generate employment, invigorate service sectors, expand tourism and attract sustained long-term capital into the region. .

Dar es Salaam. Looking back at where The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative began offers a clear view of Mwananchi Communications Limited’s sustained and deliberate commitment to amplifying the achievements and contributions women make to society.

Over the past five years, the initiative’s themes have followed a carefully considered progression–from recognition to action, and ultimately to measurable impact. Each edition has built on the last, responding to national conversations around gender equality while challenging institutions, leaders and communities to move beyond symbolism.

The journey began in 2021 under the theme Women, We Celebrate You, which focused on acknowledging women’s contributions across sectors. At a time when women’s work often went unseen or undervalued, the initiative sought to make their achievements visible, valued and publicly honoured.

From the outset, male engagement was deliberately woven into the initiative. One of the notable voices that year was then Vodacom Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Mr Hisham Hendi, who used the Rising Woman platform to underscore the difference between rhetoric and real empowerment.

“Empowerment, for me, is a nice word. But you really need to enable women,” he said.

“That means identifying their strengths and ambitions. Women must also have the right to make mistakes and learn from them.

They should be allowed to experience different areas of business and be ambitious to the highest levels within organisations, locally and globally.” In 2022, the initiative evolved under the theme She Leads, encouraging women to step decisively into decision-making roles across business, politics and society.

That year also marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the Rising Woman Awards, which recognised organisations that actively promote gender equality and demonstrate meaningful representation of women in management and leadership. Among the organisations recognised was Empress Furniture Ltd, whose Marketing Manager Ms Fatema Tapya said women have long been at the centre of the company’s leadership model.

“Empress Furniture Ltd has always been an advocate for women for the past 20 years. The owner entrusted this business to the women in his family, saying, ‘I am giving you this business–let’s see what you do with it,'” she said.

TotalEnergies Marketing Tanzania was also recognised, with Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs Ms Getrude Mpangile noting the broader societal value of women’s leadership. “The platform helps us raise awareness on the importance of women’s participation in community development by creating opportunities for them to hold leadership positions,” she said.

For Kazi Yetu Ltd, the emphasis on women was embedded from inception. Co-founder and Managing Director Ms Tahira Nizari said supporting women was a deliberate objective.

“From the beginning, one of our goals was to promote local talent and create jobs, especially for women in the country,” she said. The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) was also honoured, with Executive Director Ms Anna Henga stressing the need for organisations to lead by example.

“This year we have a lot of work to ensure women and organisations are uplifted and that gender issues are addressed. As a human rights organisation, we want to lead by example so others can follow,” she said.

In 2023, the theme She Can affirmed women’s capability, resilience and innovation in breaking barriers and driving change. Speaking at the third edition, CRDB Bank Plc Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mr Abdulmajid Nsekela noted that women made up 44 per cent of the bank’s workforce, while acknowledging the need to identify and address remaining gaps.

He highlighted CRDB’s women mentorship programmes, launched in 2021, aimed at nurturing leadership skills and preparing women for senior roles–initiatives that have since recorded positive outcomes. That same year, then MCL Managing Director Mr Bakari Machumu reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment.

“Our mission to empower the nation has always been rooted in the belief that every voice–especially women’s–deserves to be heard. Rising Woman is a vital part of this mission, and we are excited to continue championing women’s achievements,” he said.

The 2024 edition, themed Count Her In, shifted the focus to intentional inclusion, emphasising that women’s participation in leadership, policymaking and economic spaces is not optional but essential for national progress. The event was graced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who urged women to seize available opportunities and actively participate in elections, particularly at local government level.

She said women elected into office would be better positioned to articulate issues affecting women and youth, and called for deeper engagement in civic leadership and governance. President Samia also reflected on her early days in office, revealing that her public declaration during the funeral of former president John Magufuli was meant to reassure both Tanzanians and herself of her ability to lead.

She described the moment as unprecedented–marking the first time a sitting president had died in office and the first time a woman assumed the presidency. In 2025, the theme Accelerate Her Impact aligned with the global Beijing+30 agenda and marked a decisive shift from visibility to velocity–scaling women’s contributions and ensuring their influence is felt across all sectors.

Ten outstanding organisations were recognised for advancing women’s leadership and driving lasting change. In the Woman of the Future category, awardees included Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC Plc), UNDP Tanzania, Private Agricultural Sector Support (PASS) Trust, CRDB Bank Plc and Empress Furniture.

In the Rising Woman category, recognised organisations were ITM Tanzania Limited, Dolson Interiors Limited, Dentons EALC East African Law Chambers, Lukiza Autism Foundation and Empress Furniture. Together, these milestones chart the evolution of The Citizen Rising Woman Initiative–from celebration to leadership, from inclusion to impact–cementing its place as a platform that not only tells women’s stories, but helps shape the future they are building.

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Dar es Salaam. Barrick Tanzania has awarded full international scholarships to five Tanzanian students to pursue undergraduate studies in mining and geology in South Africa, underscoring its commitment to skills development and responsible mining.

The scholarships, offered through Barrick’s Africa and Middle East Bursary Programme under the Young Scholars Empowerment initiative, will enable the students–selected from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)–to study at the University of Johannesburg. Barrick Tanzania operates in partnership with the government of Tanzania through Twiga Minerals.

Speaking during the official announcement and farewell ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Barrick Tanzania country manager Melkiory Ngido said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term investment in building national expertise for the mining sector. “Our responsibility does not end with operating our mines to international standards.

We are also committed to investing in Tanzanians, particularly young people, because they are the future experts who will drive the sector forward,” Dr Ngido said. He said the scholarship programme demonstrates Barrick’s belief that responsible mining extends beyond compliance and revenue generation to include human capital development.

“By supporting these students through education, we are making a long-term investment in skills, innovation and national development,” he said. Dr Ngido said that Barrick will continue to support the students throughout their studies and provide opportunities for further skills development through employment at its mining operations in Tanzania.

Barrick currently operates the Bulyanhulu gold mine in Kahama, Shinyanga Region, and the North Mara mine in Tarime, Mara Region. The Buzwagi mine in Shinyanga is in its closure phase.

UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye praised Barrick for supporting the students, noting that the beneficiaries were selected through a competitive, merit-based process involving candidates from several universities nationwide. “This initiative goes beyond scholarships.

It is about equipping young Tanzanians with globally competitive skills that will contribute meaningfully to national development,” Prof Anangisye said. He said that the programme prioritised academic excellence, leadership potential and alignment with Tanzania’s priority skills, describing it as a strong example of effective collaboration between the private sector and public institutions.

Prof Anangisye also welcomed the inclusion of female students among the beneficiaries, saying it aligns with efforts to promote gender balance in science and engineering fields. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Samson Abeid said the scholarship offered a rare opportunity for Tanzanian students to gain international exposure and contribute to the country’s development upon completion of their studies.

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From cinematic hip-hop to stripped-back pop and soul-stirring tributes, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1 unfolded as a carefully paced showcase of music’s range, blending reflection with high-energy performance across the night. One of the ceremony’s most emotional moments came during the In Memoriam segment, led by Ms.

Lauryn Hill. Hill honoured the late Roberta Flack and D’Angelo, opening with ‘Nothing Even Matters’ and pausing to reflect on the duet she and D’Angelo never had the chance to perform together on stage.

As the tribute progressed, Hill welcomed artistes including Lucky Daye and Jon Batiste, turning the moment into a shared celebration of legacy. She then transitioned into Roberta Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,’ her vocals carried by sweeping strings and piano that filled the arena with quiet intensity.

The segment built toward a powerful close as Chaka Khan and John Legend performed ‘Where Is the Love,’ before Wyclef Jean joined Hill on guitar for ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’. The tribute ended with a rousing Fugees rendition of the classic, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.

From reflection to intimacy, Justin Bieber marked his return to the Grammy stage for the first time in four years. Performing ‘YUKON’ solo with a guitar, Bieber chose vulnerability over spectacle, delivering one of the night’s most personal performances as his wife, Hailey Bieber, watched from the audience.

The energy lifted with a burst of global pop as Rose delivered a high-octane performance of “APT,” joined by Bruno Mars. Their polished choreography and chemistry pushed the night firmly into celebration mode.

Hip-hop followed with authority as Clipse returned to the Grammy stage alongside Pharrell Williams. Backed by a choir and bathed in red lighting, their performance of “So Far Ahead” stood out as one of the evening’s most visually striking moments.

The night’s boldest theatrical display came from Tyler, The Creator, who transformed the stage into a cinematic experience. Marching on with uniformed performers, staging dramatic visuals and blending music with performance art, Tyler closed his set to a roaring standing ovation.

Flowing smoothly between moods and genres, the Grammy Awards delivered an entertainment-rich night that honoured musical legends while spotlighting the ambition and creativity shaping today’s sound. .

US president Donald Trump has threatened to take legal action against South African comedian and television host Trevor Noah following remarks made during the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony. Shortly after the event on Sunday night, Trump criticised both the awards show and its host in a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, describing the broadcast as “virtually unwatchable” and launching a personal attack on Noah.

The president accused the comedian of making what he called false and defamatory claims linking him to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. During the live telecast, Noah joked that Trump might be interested in acquiring Greenland as a new island retreat following Epstein’s death, a comment that appeared to suggest a connection between the president and Epstein.

Trump strongly denied the insinuation, saying he has never visited Epstein’s private island or anywhere near it. In response, Trump said he was prepared to instruct his lawyers to sue the host, calling Noah “talentless” and warning that he would face legal consequences.

“Get ready, Noah. I’m going to have some fun with you,” Trump wrote.

The exchange came during a Grammy ceremony that also featured several political statements from artists. A number of celebrities wore “ICE Out” pins on the red carpet to protest US federal immigration enforcement.

Some winners used their acceptance speeches to address the issue. Singer Billie Eilish said “no one is illegal on stolen land,” while Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny called for compassion and unity, urging people to confront hate with love rather than anger.

The 68th Grammy Awards marked the final year of the show’s long-running broadcast partnership with CBS. .