Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Patience, perseverance, and hard work are the pillars of success in business.

This is the key message from veteran businessman and Chairman of Bakhresa Group of Companies, Said Salim Bakhresa, to young entrepreneurs who often face early setbacks and feel discouraged. Bakhresa, one of Africa’s leading businessmen, said success does not come overnight or by luck, contrary to what many expect.

He reminded young people that the journey of life, especially in business, is long and full of challenges that cannot be avoided. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the program Fahari Yetu aired on UTV on Friday, January 30, 2026, the 78-year-old entrepreneur shared how he started from humble beginnings and rose to the peak of business success.

Bakhresa said his family’s difficult circumstances forced him to leave school at the age of 14 and venture into business to support himself. “I started selling urojo and mishkaki.

It was a small food business, but I believed in it. Even when I left Zanzibar and moved to the mainland, I continued with the idea of opening a restaurant, though things were not easy at all,” he recalled.

From that modest start, Bakhresa has built a business empire comprising more than 17 companies operating in Tanzania and nine other African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa. He said the secret to his success was not luck but a deliberate decision to persist despite the obstacles he faced.

“Nothing worth achieving comes easily, and challenges are part of everyone’s life,” he said. “Life is a long journey.

Problems are inevitable. You cannot start today and expect to succeed tomorrow.

Young people should not expect overnight success. Progress comes step by step.

What matters is effort and the determination to keep moving forward,” Bakhresa emphasized. He recalled that when he entered business, the environment was not friendly to private entrepreneurs because many economic sectors were state-run.

Yet, that did not stop him from pursuing his dream. “I started business during a very tough period.

I tried many ventures, and there was no small business I didn’t attempt. Many of my efforts failed.

The beginning was truly difficult because almost everything I tried seemed to hit a wall,” he said. Despite repeated failures, Bakhresa said he never considered giving up or turning back.

Instead, he chose to learn from his mistakes and double his efforts. “I never lost heart.

I told myself the journey is long and requires extreme patience. I went through very difficult times, which is why I tell young people that reaching this point is not a matter of one or two days,” he said.

For Bakhresa, work was the top priority. He dedicated almost all his time to his business, foregoing comfort and leisure.

“The key is to work hard. I worked around the clock.

I had no form of leisure. I would go from work to home.

At one point, I did this for three consecutive months without stepping away from my work schedule. I gave my all, and God granted me success,” he said.

However, Bakhresa acknowledged that alongside his personal efforts, government support has been important in the growth of his companies. He said a favorable investment environment and business-friendly policies have enabled his companies to expand both domestically and abroad.

He admitted he never imagined his business would grow to its current size, but his hard work and readiness to seize opportunities contributed greatly to his success. To young people starting or continuing their entrepreneurial journey, Bakhresa urged patience, discipline, hard work, and faith as indispensable tools on the path to genuine success.

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Dar es Salaam. As opposition party Chadema distances itself from allegations of misappropriation of contributions raised for its chairman, Mr Tundu Lissu, sources have told The Citizen’s sister publication Mwananchi, how the funds were allegedly distributed among party operatives.

On Friday, January 29, 2026, members of Mr Lissu’s family said senior party leaders should not be implicated in the controversy, insisting that only a few lower-ranking members acted contrary to agreed arrangements. A day earlier, on January 28, 2026, the Arusha Regional Police Commander, Mr Justine Masejo, announced the arrest of Mr Fredrick Mbwambo over allegations of misappropriating funds collected to support Mr Lissu.

Mr Masejo said Mr Mbwambo was detained on January 27, 2026, following complaints lodged by Mr Lissu’s brother, Mr Alute Mughwai, who reported that some of the contributions had been mishandled. When contacted yesterday, January 30, 2026, Mr Masejo said investigations were ongoing.

Although police did not disclose the amount allegedly misappropriated, sources told Mwananchi that of the S1 million raised, Sh22 million was handed to Mr Lissu’s family, while the whereabouts of the remaining Sh19 million remain unclear. Mr Vincent Mughwai, Mr Lissu’s younger brother, said the fundraising drive–organised by Chadema youth members and friends to support Mr Lissu–was coordinated by Mr Mbwambo, who is currently in police custody.

How the funds were distributed A reliable source said the campaign, dubbed Funga Mwaka na Tundu Lissu, was managed by Mr Mbwambo and a small group of party operatives whose identities have been withheld, as they are said to reside in a neighbouring country. The campaign was promoted through social media platforms during the final week of December 2025. On the night of December 31, 2025, organisers announced that Sh26 million had been raised.

However, records later showed that the total amount collected was S1 million. After the campaign, Sh22 million was handed over to Mr Mughwai.

Suspecting discrepancies, he reviewed transaction records and established that the amount collected exceeded what he had received. It is alleged that Sh6 million was transferred to a mobile number registered in a neighbouring country, reported to be Nairobi, Kenya, while Sh2 million was sent through a Tanzanian mobile number.

In a statement, Mr Masejo said: “Preliminary investigations show that funds were collected through two different mobile numbers belonging to separate companies, one in Tanzania and another in a neighbouring country.” Further allegations indicate that Sh700,000 was sent using the same channel through which the initial Sh2 million was received.

Following police intervention, the Sh2 million was returned to Mr Mughwai’s account. Another Sh3 million was reportedly transferred to a separate Tanzanian mobile number.

These transactions form part of the funds currently under investigation. Chadema responds Meanwhile, Chadema said all contributions for Mr Lissu were coordinated through Mr Mughwai’s phone number and were neither received nor handled by the party secretariat or any party official.

“There have been misleading reports circulated by ill-intentioned individuals linking party leaders to alleged mismanagement of recent online fundraising for Mr Lissu. We urge Tanzanians and the international community to disregard these false claims, which are intended to tarnish the party’s image and its leadership,” said Chadema Director of Communications and Publicity, Ms Brenda Rupia, in a statement issued on January 29, 2026. Ms Rupia added that Chadema upholds principles of integrity, transparency and ethics, and does not permit its name or leaders to be used in activities that contravene the law or established procedures.

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Dar es Salaam. Despite an overall improvement in pass rates in the 2025 Form Four examinations, persistent weaknesses in Mathematics and Biology continue to expose deep learning gaps within Tanzania’s secondary education system.

Data released by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta) on January 31, 2026 show that while many students are progressing through the system, performance in these two core subjects remains worrying, raising questions about foundational skills and classroom learning. Basic Mathematics remains the most challenging subject for candidates.

In 2025, only 26.45 percent of candidates passed the subject, despite a slight improvement compared to the previous year. A staggering 73.55 percent failed, underlining a long-standing crisis in numeracy.

This means that nearly three out of every four Form Four candidates left school without the minimum mathematical skills required for further studies, technical training or many modern jobs. Biology, another core subject taken by the majority of candidates, also recorded a decline.

The pass rate dropped to 65.68 percent from 74.15 percent in 2024. Even more concerning was the sharp fall in quality performance: only 24.92 percent of candidates attained grades A to C, down from 40.04 percent the previous year. More than one-third of candidates failed Biology outright.

Education experts warn that weak performance in these subjects threatens progress elsewhere. “This shows that gains in science will be difficult to sustain if learners continue to struggle with mathematics and foundational biological concepts,” noted education analyst Mussa Johnson.

Speaking during the official release of the results, Necta Executive Secretary Prof Said Mohamed acknowledged the mixed picture, noting that while overall performance has improved, subject-level analysis reveals areas that still demand urgent attention. Beyond these weaknesses, the 2025 results also show areas of strong performance, particularly in science and applied subjects where teaching conditions and resources are more favourable.

Chemistry remained one of the strongest subjects nationally, with a pass rate of 96.88 percent, slightly higher than in 2024. Nearly three-quarters of candidates (74.36 percent) achieved grades A to C, pointing to solid conceptual understanding. Physics also showed notable improvement.

The pass rate rose to 84.04 percent, up from 73.98 percent in 2024. Quality performance improved significantly, with the proportion of candidates scoring grades A to C increasing from 32.59 percent to 44.21 percent. Applied science subjects performed even better.

Food and Human Nutrition recorded a 100 percent pass rate, while Information and Computer Studies saw more than 83 percent of candidates attaining grades A to C. “These results indicate that where resources, trained teachers and practical learning are available, students can perform well,” Mr Johnson observed, adding that remaining setbacks are largely systemic.

NECTA also reported firm action against examination misconduct. Prof Mohamed said results for 77 candidates were cancelled after they were found guilty of cheating, including 30 school candidates and 47 private candidates.

Additionally, results for two candidates were cancelled after they wrote abusive language in their answer scripts. “These measures are necessary to safeguard the credibility of national examinations,” Prof Mohamed said.

Meanwhile, results for 435 candidates who missed most papers due to illness were withheld, with arrangements made for them to re-sit the affected subjects in 2026. Overall, the 2025 Form Four results suggest selective progress. Strong performance in Chemistry, Physics and applied sciences shows what is possible under the right conditions.

However, the continued struggles in Mathematics and the decline in Biology highlight unresolved gaps in teaching quality, learning time and foundational skills. “Without decisive improvements in core subjects, many students will continue to leave school with certificates, but without the confidence or competence needed for higher learning and the labour market,” concluded Mr Johnson.

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Arusha. The Government has urged the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) to deepen its engagement with the private sector as part of a strategic drive to expand tourism services and enhance the area’s capacity to host a rapidly growing number of domestic and international visitors, while safeguarding its globally significant ecosystem.

The call was made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, during the official swearing-in of the newly appointed Commissioner for Conservation, Mr Abdul Razaq Badru, and the inauguration of the NCAA Board of Directors in Arusha. Dr Kijaji said the Government has put in place a conducive policy and regulatory environment to attract responsible private investment in accommodation, transport and diversified tourism products within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, underscoring the importance of publicprivate partnerships in sustaining long-term growth.

She noted that planned investments are expected to increase accommodation capacity from 1,555 beds to more than 2,590, significantly strengthening Ngorongoro’s ability to meet rising demand, particularly ahead of major international events such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meetings and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania is set to co-host next year. The minister said Ngorongoro received 1,061,620 visitors in the 2024/2025 financial year, up from 908,627 in the previous year, reflecting sustained growth and renewed global interest in Tanzania’spremier conservation and tourism destination.

She added that the growth aligns with the national objective of attracting eight million tourists annually by 2030. Dr Kijaji further called on the NCAA to work closely with tourism stakeholders, including private investors and affiliated institutions under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, to design, develop and market new tourism products. “Product innovation is essential to maintaining competitiveness,” she said, directing that at least one new attraction be introduced to the market each year.

She stressed that the expansion of tourism services must be carefully balanced with environmental protection, infrastructure development and strengthened partnerships with surrounding communities to ensure conservation efforts translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for local populations. Covering an area of 9,792 square kilometres, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to globally recognised landmarks, including the Ngorongoro Crater and the NgorongoroLengai Geopark.

The NCAA is mandated to conserve natural resources, promote sustainable tourism, manage infrastructure and advance community development within the conservation area. In his remarks, Mr Badru said his appointment carries profound national responsibility, noting that the Authority plays a pivotal role in projecting Tanzania’s conservation and tourism credentials on the global stage.

He said the NCAA has set a revenue target of Sh350 billion from its diverse income streams, including tourism and service provision, building on strong performance in the 2024/2025 financial year, during which the Authority collected Sh269.9 billion,surpassing its target. Mr Badru said that enhanced revenue mobilisation would support government priorities by increasing foreign exchange earnings and reinforcing tourism’s position as a cornerstone of the national economy, while contributing to the broader goal of attracting eight million international and domestic tourists by 2030. Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated Board of Directors pledged to provide strategic oversight and policy guidance to management, committing to reposition Ngorongoro more prominently within the global tourism market and safeguard its status as one of the world’s most iconic conservation landscapes.

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Dar es Salaam. Police have announced a special crackdown on motorists who illegally use Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes, describing the practice as a serious violation of road safety regulations.

Despite ongoing road safety awareness campaigns targeting all road users, authorities say some motorcyclists and handcart operators continue to flout traffic laws, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Regional Police Commander Jumanne Muliro said strict enforcement measures would be implemented, alongside stern warnings to offenders.

Recently, we have observed motorcyclists using BRT lanes, which contravenes the government’s objective of establishing a safe and efficient rapid bus transport system. We are fully prepared to enforce the law,” Mr Muliro said.

He said that police had already conducted education and sensitisation programmes for various groups, including motorcyclists, handcart operators, private motorists and bus drivers, and that the next phase would focus on enforcement. “What remains now is close monitoring, arresting offenders and taking them to court so that the law can take its course,” he said.

Mr Muliro warned that unauthorised use of BRT lanes not only endangers the lives of offenders but also increases the likelihood of accidents involving buses carrying large numbers of passengers. “When a bus driver attempts to avoid a motorcyclist using the BRT lane, it can result in serious accidents, putting many lives at risk because of the actions of one individual or a small group breaking the law,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Two days after Members of Parliament raised concerns over alleged widespread corruption in the country, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has said it is awaiting full details from the lawmakers to enable it to take action.

Political analysts have, however, cautioned that the MPs’ statements should not remain confined to parliamentary debate but be pursued through established legal and institutional channels. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, former Minister for Home Affairs Kangi Lugola said addressing corruption and the misuse of public funds is critical to building a “new Tanzania”.

He stressed the need for state institutions, including the Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to operate independently. Mr Lugola, the Mwibara MP in Mara Region, described individuals responsible for the country’s current challenges as “looters” and urged legislators to speak and act freely, even within party structures, to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to combat corruption.

His remarks followed comments by Gairo MP Ahmed Shabiby, who said in the House on Wednesday that Tanzania still harbours corrupt individuals whose influence is greater than commonly perceived. Mr Shabiby said he was prepared to name them if required, calling on the President’s aides to prioritise the fight against corruption rather than focusing on succession politics ahead of the 2030 General Election.

The MPs made the remarks while contributing to President Hassan’s address marking the opening of the 13th Parliament. Mr Shabiby spoke on January 28, while Mr Lugola reiterated his position on January 29, 2026. PCCB responds Speaking on Friday, January 30, 2026, PCCB Director General Crispin Chalamila said the bureau had taken note of Mr Shabiby’s remarks and was awaiting formal documentation from him.

“Out of civic and patriotic duty, Mr Shabiby will submit an official report, likely in a more formal manner than he has done so far. We will follow up to ensure the information is submitted so that action can be taken.

Should he fail to do so, we will seek the information ourselves and process it institutionally,” Mr Chalamila said. Analysts weigh in Economist Prof Samuel Wangwe said the concerns raised by the MPs are widely known among the public.

“Many ordinary citizens are already aware of these issues, so the MPs are not revealing anything new. Even during recent engagements by the Minister for Youth, Joel Nanauka, with young people, similar concerns were raised.

This indicates that these are genuine issues,” he said. Prof Wangwe noted that corruption and misconduct are explicitly rejected in CCM policies and called for decisive action.

While the MPs claimed to have knowledge of specific individuals involved in corruption, he said it is not the role of lawmakers to name suspects. “We have ethics bodies, Takukuru and national security institutions mandated to safeguard the economy and public welfare.

These institutions must do their work, and any weaknesses within them should be addressed,” he said. Political analyst Prof Ali Makame said allegations of corruption are addressed once formal complaints are submitted to investigative bodies.

“Claims must be channelled through the appropriate institutions to allow investigations and follow-up on questionable practices,” he said. Prof Makame warned that discussions limited to Parliament risk creating public anxiety if they are not followed by legal action.

He stressed that corruption allegations must be investigated thoroughly, withproven cases taken to court. “Raising names in Parliament without follow-up leaves society in uncertainty.

These matters involve public resources meant for the benefit of all citizens,” he said. CCM principles The fight against corruption is a core principle of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), enshrined in its constitution.

The MPs’ remarks are consistent with party values dating back to its formation in 1977 following the merger of TANU and ASP. Among the nine commitments expected of CCM members, the fourth states: “Corruption is an enemy of justice; I will neither accept nor offer it.

” The fifth reads: “Positions are entrusted responsibilities; I willnot use my position or that of another for personal gain.” The party’s constitution further emphasises the use of national wealth for citizens’ development, the eradication of poverty, ignorance and disease, and the promotion of equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or social status.

Efforts to obtain comment from CCM officials, including Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training Kenan Kihongosi and Secretary for Parliamentarians Agnes Hokololo, were unsuccessful. However, former Secretary of CCM’s Special Committee on Ideology and Publicity in Zanzibar, Ms Catherine Nao, said the MPs’ remarks were credibleand should not be dismissed.

“They know what they are talking about. MPs do not raise such issues lightly; there is usually some truth behind them,” she said.

Ms Nao added that since the MPs are members of the ruling party, their observations should be incorporated into party strategies and acted upon accordingly. .

Mbeya. The Government is advancing major road infrastructure projects in Mbeya Region, including the construction of a 29-kilometre dual carriageway from Uyole (Nsalaga) to Ifisi and the expansion of a bypass road at Mlima Nyoka along the TANZAM Highway, aimed at easing traffic and reducing accidents.

The Uyole, Ifisi dual carriageway is being executed by China Henan International Cooperation Group Co. Ltd (CHICO), with Tanzania Engineering Consulting Unit (TECU) as supervising consultant.

The project is valued at over Sh138 billion, excluding VAT. Speaking to The Citizen on January 31, 2026, the Head of Development Projects at the Mbeya office of the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads), Mr Justin Mrope, said the project forms part of the TANZAM Highway upgrading programme.

He confirmed that 117 residents from Iyunga, Iwambi and Nsalala wards in Mbeya City have been compensated a total of Sh3.4 billion to allow project implementation. “The overall cost of the dual carriageway exceeds Sh183 billion, and all affected residents have been compensated to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.

Engineer Mrope added that Taroads has established grievance-handling committees to respond to complaints within 14 days, allowing stakeholders to raise concerns regarding the project. On benefits, he said the completed road will reduce congestion in Mbeya City, enhance pedestrian safety with dedicated walkways, and lower accident risks.

“It will also improve the city’s outlook, with two lanes on each side and street lighting to boost safety and security, particularly at night,” he said. Meanwhile, Tanroads has begun expanding and constructing a bypass at Nyoka Hill, a section of the TANZAM Highway known for accidents and congestion.

The Manager for Trunk and Urban Roads at Tanroads, Mr Nchama Wambura, said the project responds to growing traffic, particularly from heavy trucks that struggle to climb the steep hill, often causing breakdowns and long delays. The bypass will ease traffic flow and introduce rest areas for drivers.

Social and environmental considerations are being prioritised, with consultations held with local communities, including traditional elders and chiefs, to discuss the area’s history and minimise impacts on trees and water sources. Chief Rocate Mwashinga lauded the project, noting that meaningful development depends on reliable transport infrastructure.

Mbeya Regional Tanroads Manager, Mr Suleiman Bishanga, said the Sixth Phase Government continues to strengthen transport infrastructure to expand trade across the SADC region. “The TANZAM Highway is a critical corridor for goods and passenger movement to and from neighbouring countries.

Once completed, challenges such as vehicles stalling on steep sections will reduce significantly,” he said, urging road users to follow instructions during construction to ensure safety and efficiency. .

Dar es Salaam. The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta) has released the results of the 2025 Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE), which began on November 17, 2025. The results were announced on Saturday, January 31, 2026, by the Necta Executive Secretary, Prof Said Mohammed.

A total of 569,883 candidates from 5,864 registered schools sat for the examination, while 25,927 private candidates were registered at 813 centres. In a statement issued on November 16, 2025, Prof Mohammed said the number of candidates in 2025 increased by 7.

67 percent compared to 2024. Of the 569,914 school candidates registered, 266,024 were boys, accounting for 47 percent, while 303,859 were girls, representing 53 percent. Attendance stood at 97.5 percent, equivalent to 555,606 candidates.

Statistics show that the overall pass rate rose by 2.61 percentage points to 94.98 percent, with 526,620 candidates attaining Divisions I, II, III and IV.

The number of candidates who obtained top grades, Divisions I to III, also increased to 255,404, representing 46.1 percent of those who sat for the examination. .

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has embarked on a process to revise its curricula as part of efforts to improve the international employability and global competitiveness of its graduates.

The move comes as the university hosts a two-day capacity-building training for academic staff, aimed at strengthening curriculum design and review in line with global academic and labour market demands. Speaking during the training held at the Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha, Pwani Region, Dr Theresia Dominic of UDSM said the sessions are designed to equip lecturers with practical skills and global perspectives needed to modernise university programmes.

“The training focuses on strengthening academic curricula so that our graduates are not only relevant locally, but can also compete internationally,” Dr Dominic said. She explained that the workshop is being facilitated by Head of the School of Business at Qatar University, Prof Habib Mahama, noting that the institution is one of the region’s leading business schools.

Prof Mahama also serves as a project specialist under the initiative. According to Dr Dominic, Prof Mahama is guiding UDSM lecturers on best practices in curriculum review, alignment with industry needs, and benchmarking with globally competitive universities.

“The expert from Qatar University is guiding us on how to strengthen our curricula. Curriculum reforms should begin at the university level and gradually cascade to lower levels of education,” she said.

She added that aligning UDSM programmes with international standards would help ensure graduates are better prepared for both regional and global labour markets, at a time when employers increasingly demand practical skills, adaptability and global exposure. The Head of the UDSM School of Business, Prof Omar Mbura, said the training draws directly from the experience of the Qatar University School of Business, which is ranked among the top business schools globally.

“This training focuses on best practices adopted by leading universities, particularly in curriculum review and the development of sustainable academic strategies that respond to changing global trends,” Mr Mbura said. He noted that the emphasis is not only on revising course content, but also on rethinking teaching approaches to ensure programmes remain relevant to modern economies.

“These curriculum reforms will help position the University of Dar es Salaam among leading universities worldwide,” he added. Meanwhile, the Project Coordinator, Dr Mesia Ilomo, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Education and Finance at UDSM, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to build capacity within African schools of business.

She said the project focuses on strengthening academic expertise, improving market responsiveness, sharpening strategic direction and enabling universities to produce graduates who can compete effectively in an increasingly globalised job market. “Our aim is to ensure African universities are not left behind in global academic and labour market developments,” Dr Ilomo said.

The training comes at a time when higher learning institutions in Tanzania are under growing pressure to regularly review curricula, as required by regulators, and to ensure graduates leave university with skills that meet the expectations of employers, both locally and internationally. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has given bus operators 14 days to migrate from unauthorised ticketing platforms to approved electronic ticketing systems.

From February 16, only operators using authorised e-ticketing platforms will be allowed to operate, the regulator has said. Latra’s Public Relations and Head of Communications Manager, Mr Salum Pazzy, said today that the directive applies to all transport operators who have yet to join the approved systems.

“As of now, 10 electronic ticketing systems have met the required standards and have been officially approved by the authority,” he said. As at January 30, 2026, the approved companies and systems are AB Courier Express Limited (AB Connect), Busbora Company Limited (Busbora), Hashtech Tanzania Limited (MySafari Tiketi), Iyishe Company Limited (Iyishe), Logix Company Limited (Msafiri) and Mkombozi Infotech Company (Baspoa).

Others are Otapp Agency Company Limited (Otapp), Sepatech Company Limited (Afritech), Voltic Tanzania Limited (Voltic) and Web Corporation Limited (Web E-Ticketing). Mr Pazzy added that from February 15, the issuance and renewal of passenger transport licences will strictly depend on the use of approved online ticketing systems.

He said the directive is anchored in the Electronic Ticketing Regulations of 2024, issued under Government Notice No. 23 of January 12, 2024. The regulations require all electronic ticketing systems to be tested, approved and licensed by Latra before being used for public transport services.

Requirements for approval According to Regulation 5 of the 2024 regulations, an electronic ticketing system must be owned by a government institution, a cooperative society or a company registered in Tanzania, and must be integrated with the national electronic revenue management system. Latra said the requirements are intended to enable operators to receive ticket revenues directly, protect passengers from exploitation, promote transparency and strengthen government oversight of the transport sector.

Mr Pazzy said the authority has been working closely with transport stakeholders and e-ticketing system developers to ensure full compliance with the regulations. Since the implementation of the regulations in October 2024, Latra has held more than seven meetings with service providers to guide them on registration and compliance requirements.

He said providers had initially agreed to meet all requirements by June 30, 2025. However, by December 30, 2025, only five out of 15 providers had fully complied, prompting the authority to extend the deadline to January 14, 2026. “One of the five compliant providers has since stopped offering e-ticketing services. We are encouraging the remaining companies to complete the legal procedures so they can be authorised,” he said.

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