Category: The Citizen

Mwanza. Small-scale sardine traders at the Mswahili fish landing site in Mwanza are set to benefit from safer and more efficient working conditions following the installation of modern fish drying racks, an initiative designed to cut post-harvest losses and improve product quality.

For many years, congestion and limited space at the landing site forced traders to dry sardines along roadsides, near the railway corridor and on rocks. These practices exposed traders to serious health and safety risks, compromised hygiene standards and reduced the market value of their produce.

The newly installed drying racks are fitted with rain-protection features, allowing them to be used in both sunny and wet conditions. They are expected to improve drying methods, reduce losses and raise incomes for fishers and traders.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on January 27, 2026, Blue Victoria Project Officer Mr Shabani Mwita said the organisation had donated four modern drying racks valued at more than S million to address the challenge. “The racks are made from modern materials that allow water to drain directly to the ground, enabling faster and cleaner drying of fish,” Mr Mwita said.

“This intervention aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of fish products reaching the market.” Sardine trader Asia Welu said traders often dry fish on rocks to speed up the process using heat, but largely because there are no designated drying areas.

“There are many of us trading sardines here. If the fish do not dry properly, they develop a bad smell and we lose the market,” she said.

Another trader, Rahel Zephania, said the racks would significantly reduce the risks traders previously faced while operating in hazardous areas. “One rack can dry more than three buckets of sardines.

We are requesting more racks so that traders who are drying fish along the road can move to safer areas,” she said. Trader Sad Swed noted that the design of the racks allows for quicker drying compared to traditional methods.

“The wire mesh material allows water to pass through directly, unlike cloth or sacks that absorb moisture and delay drying,” he said. Chairperson of the Mswahili Beach Management Unit (BMU), Mr Lugo Fasheni, said the landing site has more than 100 sardine traders, many of whom had been operating near the railway corridor–an increasingly dangerous situation due to the ongoing construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

“We appreciate this support, but we also call on other stakeholders to invest in similar infrastructure to support women and men working at this landing site,” Mr Fasheni said. Blue Victoria Executive Director Mr Festus Massaho said the Mswahili landing site was selected because of its high sardine production, limited space and dense population.

He added that the project is funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) through its youth empowerment programme and aligns with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries’ priorities of strengthening the fisheries value chain and ensuring food safety. “The Mswahili Beach Management Unit produces large volumes of sardines, yet the landing site is very small.

This has forced traders to dry fish along roads and near the railway, which is risky and contributes to losses,” Mr Massaho said. He noted that the site supplies a significant share of the sardines consumed in Mwanza City, making it a strategic location for efforts aimed at reducing post-harvest losses in the fisheries sector.

The Mswahili landing site remains one of the main sources of sardines for Mwanza City and surrounding regions, making the initiative a decisive step towards improving safety, food quality and livelihoods within the fisheries sector. .

Tanga. Despite clear laws outlining the government’s responsibilities for constructing and managing rural roads and bridges, residents of Kwasunga, Kwamsisi and Miono villages in Handeni District continue to face danger every rainy season, relying on unsafe temporary crossings.

A three-month investigation by The Citizen (October to December 2025) found that the Mligazi River Bridge challenge does not stem from lack of laws, policies, or construction expertise, but from weak implementation, delayed funding and shifting priorities, leaving residents to pay the price with their lives, children’s education and local economic activity. Section 5(1)(b) of the Tanzania Roads Act of 2007 (Cap.

13) requires road authorities to ensure safe access to roads, bridges and communication routes, especially in rural areas. Yet, despite provisions covering maintenance planning, construction approvals and infrastructure budgeting, enforcement in some rural areas remains weak.

Section 9(2) prohibits constructing road or bridge infrastructure without approval from relevant authorities, while Section 12 requires road authorities to prepare maintenance plans and allocate permanent budgets for rural roads and bridges. Despite these laws, temporary crossings are used for extended periods without a plan for permanent, safe bridge construction.

Moreover, the 1982 Local Government Act and the 2017 Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) regulations require council directors to ensure all infrastructure is built and maintained according to safety standards, national regulations and environmental impact assessments. For leaders of Handeni Rural, compliance with these legal requirements remains weak.

Tarura’s 2023 report shows over 1,200 rural bridges nationwide are in hazardous condition due to timber and unapproved materials, contributing to accidents and higher maintenance costs. Additionally, a 2021 JICA study on district road maintenance found over 40 percent of rural areas in Tanzania lose connectivity for 30 to 90 days each rainy season because of unreliable bridges.

In this context, the Mligazi River Bridge challenge does not appear to result from lack of laws or guidelines but from weak implementation, supervision and monitoring of responsible institutions. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 9), member states should invest in safe and resilient infrastructure to connect communities to essential services.

Rural bridges are considered critical for development and citizens’ well-being. World Bank and African Development Bank guidelines emphasise that temporary crossings should serve only as short-term emergency solutions and not substitute for permanent bridges, particularly in areas cut off during the rainy season.

Globally, delays in constructing rural bridges are considered hazardous, with countries encouraged to implement projects using multi-year, secure budgets to prevent adverse impacts on residents. The Citizen’s investigation found rural bridge construction is achievable when projects are prioritised and closely supervised.

Through the Rural Road Improvement Project with community participation and promotion of social and economic opportunities (RISE), some areas in Tanga Region have built and upgraded bridges and culverts that previously caused major disruption during the rainy season. In Handeni District, including Kilindi Ward and Tanga City, RISE projects have improved roads and bridges, easing travel, enhancing access to health and education services and stimulating agriculture and trade.

These successes resulted from strategic prioritisation, dedicated budgets and close supervision by Tarura in collaboration with councils and regional government. “There were bridges like MsambaziKwediboma and MagambaKwedikazu up to Segera that faced major challenges, but now students can attend school and social services are accessible,” said Handeni District Tarura Manager, Ms Judica Makyao.

Infrastructure expert, Mr Milton Nyerere said the biggest challenge for most projects is not lack of planning but unrealistic budgets and delayed funding. “Many approved budgets are not real.

Funds are delayed, sometimes for months, whereas technically they should be available within a month or less,” he said. He noted that Tarura and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) prepare and implement projects, but delays in funding create problems.

“At the end of the day, ordinary citizens suffer. Projects stall, temporary crossings collapse and residents risk their lives.

I have suggested creating dedicated accounts for specific projects; this would prevent disruption. Previously, budgets were directly allocated, so Tarura or Tanroads faced fewer problems,” he said.

Road expert Fredy Nyenga added that rural infrastructure projects should not rely on external aid when resources and capacity exist locally. “We cannot wait for foreign aid when resources are available.

If you have plans, experts, machinery and equipment, nothing should fail,” he said. Mr Nyenga emphasised that roads and bridges are key priorities for community development.

“Roads are a priority; there is no obstacle. Builders are available, machines are here.

In the past, bridges were delayed because we waited for external resources, why should they fail now when everything is local? The only issue is funding,” he said. .

Kigali. Rwanda has filed an arbitration case against Britain over a cancelled asylum deal that Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped in 2024, the government said.

Under the scheme, signed before Starmer took office, Britain agreed to pay Rwanda to take in migrants who had arrived illegally in Britain. It only sent four people voluntarily to Rwanda, as the plan was stalled by legal challenges.

Rwanda has submitted a notice to the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, arguing Britain had breached the financial arrangements of the “migration partnership”, its government said in a statement on X on Tuesday. It added that Britain had asked it in 2024 to forgo two payments of 50 million pounds ($69 million) due in April 2025 and April 2026 in anticipation of the formal termination of the treaty underlying the deal.

Rwanda said it was prepared to agree, provided the treaty was terminated and new financial terms were negotiated and agreed. “Discussions between Rwanda and the United Kingdom did not, however, ultimately take place, and the amounts remain due and payable under the treaty,” the government added.

After Starmer cancelled the deal, his government said it had wasted taxpayer money and no further payments would be made. Ties between Britain and Rwanda soured last year, when London paused some aid over Rwanda’s role in the war in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda has faced global pressure over accusations that it supports the M23 rebel group there. Kigali denies backing M23 and has blamed Congolese and Burundian forces for renewed fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands in the past year.

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Dar es Salaam. Following complaints from prepaid electricity (Luku) users about unusually rapid depletion of power units, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) has carried out technical inspections and found the problem is largely due to faulty domestic electrical wiring.

After receiving the complaints, Tanesco initiated professional inspections in several households to determine the source of the problem. Preliminary findings indicate that in most cases the issue does not lie with electricity meters, but rather with defective wiring systems within homes.

Additionally, limited knowledge of proper electricity use and the ageing of electrical installations in many households have been cited as contributing factors to high electricity consumption, fire incidents, and the loss of property and lives. Speaking on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after inspecting households that had lodged complaints, Tanesco engineer Ally Mbonde said investigations found most meters were working correctly and accurately recording consumption.

However, he said the main problem identified was poor wiring installed in the affected homes. “In the houses we inspected, we found one customer consuming about 2.

5 units over 10 hours, even when they were not at home and had switched off all appliances. We discovered that wires which should not have been carrying electricity were actually live,” he said.

Mr Mbonde said the key challenge was substandard wiring in many houses, particularly inherited or rented properties, where occupants often lack information on when the wiring was last repaired or its current condition. “Many people only check whether there is power, lights are on, the fridge is running, and the TV is working.

They fail to realise that cables, sockets and switches also need regular inspection and maintenance,” he said. Mr Mbonde urged the public to cultivate a habit of monitoring their daily electricity consumption, including understanding how many units they use per day, to determine whether usage reflects their actual needs.

“It is important for customers to know how many units they consume daily. That helps them tell whether consumption is normal, has increased, or if there is a problem,” he said.

He further advised the public to engage registered electrical contractors to conduct routine inspections of wiring systems to ensure the safety of homes and property. Faulty wiring, he warned, can cause live and neutral wires to come into contact, potentially leading to serious fires that may destroy property or claim lives.

“If wiring was done 10 years ago or earlier, it is essential to call a technician to inspect all connections, from the live wire to the neutral and earth wire. These are issues we strongly emphasise,” he said.

On the impact of weather on electricity consumption, Mr Mbonde said usage rises significantly during hot seasons compared to colder periods, due to increased use of appliances such as air conditioners, fans, and refrigeration systems. “During hot seasons, especially in warmer areas such as Dar es Salaam, electricity consumption is much higher.

Air conditioners operate longer, and refrigerators work harder. This differs from colder regions such as Mbeya,” he said.

He explained that electricity consumption varies depending on geographical location, climate conditions, and the type of appliances used, and therefore, customers should not directly compare their usage with that of other regions. He also noted that the use of second-hand electrical appliances contributes to higher electricity consumption, as weather conditions vary from one country to another.

A resident of Tabata Kisiwani, Mr George Vicent, said the problem identified in his case was increased use of electrical appliances that had not been used previously. “We used to spend Sh10,000 worth of electricity in a month, but suddenly it was finished in just six to seven days.

Today, Tanesco came to inspect and showed me how I am actually consuming electricity,” said Mr Vicent. Another resident of Tabata Kimanga, Mr Halman Fred, said the explanations given by the Tanesco technician showed the need for corrective action, despite having earlier called in a technician to investigate the problem.

“I followed the process step by step and asked why this problem occurred within just two months. They told me it is possible because wiring deteriorates over time and can cause such challenges even if the wires appear new,” said Mr Fred.

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Dar es Salaam. For decades, universities trained graduates, employers recruited them, and the skills gap in between was treated as an unfortunate inevitability.

But a quiet shift is taking place in Tanzania’s higher education and business landscape, one that suggests that the era of “wait-and-receive” is coming to an end. The collaboration between the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and AngloGold Ashanti, marked by the handover of 10 specialised computers to the School of Mines and Geosciences in January 2026, offers a clear signal of this transition.

It is not merely about corporate social responsibility or equipment donation. It is about redefining who is responsible for preparing Tanzania’s future workforce, especially in strategic sectors such as mining.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye emphasised that modern higher education can no longer operate in isolation from the economy it serves. “These facilities will significantly enhance teaching, learning and research,” he said, adding that partnerships with industry are now essential for universities seeking to remain relevant.

AngloGold Ashanti’s Vice President for Africa, Mr Simon Shayo, was even more direct. “The days when universities were left alone to prepare workers are over,” he said.

“In specialised and fast-changing sectors like mining, the private sector must be part of the training process.” That statement speaks to a broader employability challenge facing Tanzania.

Each year, thousands of graduates enter the labour market, yet employers, particularly in technical fields, often complain about skills mismatches. According to government labour statistics, graduate unemployment remains disproportionately high, even as sectors such as mining, construction and energy continue to expand.

Mining alone contributes nearly 10 percent of Tanzania’s GDP and remains one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange. The sector’s growth, driven by gold, gemstones and critical minerals, has created demand for geologists, mining engineers, mineral processors and environmental specialists.

Yet companies frequently invest heavily in retraining new recruits to meet operational standards shaped by advanced technology. This is where the UDSMAngloGold Ashanti partnership becomes instructive.

The donated computers are installed with specialised software for mining engineering and mineral processing-tools that mirror what students will encounter in modern mines. According to Professor of Geology and Dean of the School of Mines and Geosciences, Prof Elisante Mshiu, this changes how students learn.

“These are not ordinary computers,” Prof Mshiu said. “They carry programmes used in real mining operations.

This will help our students become experts who meet global standards.” More importantly, the collaboration goes beyond hardware.

AngloGold Ashanti has committed to hosting students and academic staff for industrial exposure, ensuring that teaching is informed by real operational needs. “We have opened our doors to students and lecturers,” Mr Shayo noted.

“Many of those who train with us end up being employed. That is how you close the gap.

” From a business perspective, experts say, such partnerships make economic sense. Companies benefit from a pipeline of work-ready graduates, reduced training costs and stronger local expertise.

“Universities, in turn, improve graduate outcomes and research relevance. For the country, the payoff is a skilled workforce capable of maximising value from natural resources rather than exporting raw potential,” said economist, Ms Juliana Moshi.

UDSM has already positioned itself as a leader in this approach. In recent years, the university has strengthened ties with players in energy, ICT, agriculture and transport, embedding industry input into curricula and research agendas.

Lecturers are increasingly spending time in companies to understand emerging technologies and skills demands, a move Prof Mshiu says has reduced the mismatch between graduates and employers. Experts argue that other universities should follow suit, particularly those offering science, engineering and technology programmes.

With rapid advances in automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence reshaping industries, no academic institution can keep pace alone. “Technology is moving too fast for universities to update curricula without industry involvement,” said a Dar es Salaambased mining policy analyst, Juma Mmari.

“Partnerships ensure that what is taught today is still relevant tomorrow.” The call by UDSM leadership for other mining companies to join the academiaindustry partnership is therefore timely.

Tanzania’s mineral wealth, from gold to graphite and rare earths, demands local expertise not just in extraction, but in processing, environmental management and value addition. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania could attract up to $5 billion (about Sh12.7 trillion) in strategic investments after the Sino-American Global Fund (SinoAm LLC) signalled readiness to support large-scale projects following high-level talks in London.

The indication emerged during a strategic investment dialogue between SinoAm Global Fund and senior officials from the Ministry of Investment of the United Republic of Tanzania, held at the Tanzania High Commission in London. The discussions focused on aligning long-term private capital with Tanzania’s development priorities under Vision 2050, with emphasis on projects capable of delivering sustained economic and social impact.

The meeting was hosted by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki, and led by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo. Officials from the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza) and other key investment institutions also participated.

Talks centred on Tanzania’s ambition to accelerate infrastructure development, industrialisation and broad-based economic transformation through public-private partnerships and structured private capital deployment. SinoAm Global Fund, a global private equity and infrastructure investor, expressed interest in partnering with the government on large-scale projects with long-term development value.

Prof Mkumbo said the engagement underscored Tanzania’s growing appeal to global investors seeking scale, stability and clear development priorities. “This engagement reflects Tanzania’s determination to unlock transformative investment that will accelerate infrastructure expansion and economic diversification,” he said.

“We are ready to work with long-term partners who bring not only capital, but also expertise and strong global networks.” SinoAm chairman Mr Najib Choufani said Tanzania’s strategic vision, reform momentum and pipeline of bankable projects made it an attractive destination for large-scale investment.

“We are prepared to work towards investing up to $5 billion across key sectors that advance Tanzania’s growth agenda,” he said. According to SinoAm, the proposed investment package would prioritise energy and power infrastructure, transport and logistics, industrial and manufacturing development, as well as urban and property projects.

Discussions on energy focused on expanding generation capacity, strengthening transmission networks and accelerating renewable energy projects to support industrial growth and electrification. Transport talks highlighted the need to modernise ports, rail corridors and road networks to strengthen Tanzania’s role as a regional trade and transit hub.

SinoAm managing director Mr Tarek Choufani said the firm was keen to work with the government to structure financing models suitable for large national projects. Ambassador Kairuki said the dialogue sent a positive signal to global markets about Tanzania’s openness to strategic investors.

Both sides agreed on next steps, including feasibility studies, project prioritisation and tailored investment frameworks, with follow-up engagements expected in the coming months. .

Dar es Salaam. There was a mixture of relief, hope and quiet prayers at Julius Nyerere International Airport on Monday, January 26, 2026, as two sets of conjoined twins departed for Saudi Arabia, where they will undergo advanced medical assessment and possible surgical separation.

The four children, Lightness and Loveness Luhende (one year and four months old), and Nancy and Nice Sospeter (one year and five months), have been under close medical care at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for more than a year. Due to the complex nature of their conditions, doctors say the twins require highly specialised technology and expertise that is currently only available in a few centres globally.

Speaking during the send-off ceremony, paediatric surgeon at MNH, Dr Zaituni Bokhari, said the children’s conditions differ, but both cases demand advanced surgical intervention. “Nancy and Nice Sospeter were born on August 30, 2024, in Bunda, Mara Region,” Dr Bokhari explained.

“They are joined at the abdomen up to the pelvic area, have three legs, and share a single anal opening. This makes their case particularly delicate,” she noted.

She added that Lightness and Loveness Luhende, born on July 30, 2024, are joined from the lower spine to the pelvis, have four legs, and each has a separate digestive and urinary system. “Although their organs are more distinct, the separation still requires a very high level of surgical skill and technology,” she said.

Dr Bokhari, who has been closely involved in the twins’ care since their admission to Muhimbili, is accompanying them to Saudi Arabia to support the medical team and the families. For the parents, the journey marks a turning point after months of uncertainty.

“We arrived at Muhimbili on August 13, 2024, and since then, all the medical services have been fully supported by the government,” said the mother of Nancy and Nice, Ms Angelina George (38). “I am deeply grateful to the management of Muhimbili and to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the immense support.

These twins are my seventh childbirth, and this journey gives us hope,” she said. The mother of Lightness and Loveness from Itigi in Singida Region, Ms Mwalu Kilala (27), also expressed her appreciation.

“My children are now one year and four months old. I thank the Muhimbili leadership, the government of Tanzania, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for standing with us during this difficult journey,” she said.

The medical evacuation is part of a long-standing health cooperation between Tanzania and Saudi Arabia. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Said Shaib Mussa, said the partnership reflects more than five decades of strong diplomatic relations.

“Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has supported various separation surgeries for Tanzanian children,” he said. “Through the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute alone, we have implemented about 500 medical interventions worth S.

5 billion, including surgeries and the provision of medical equipment. The collaboration also extends to training Tanzanian specialists,” he added The Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr John Jingu, acknowledged Muhimbili’s capacity to conduct complex surgeries but noted that conjoined twin separation remains one of the most demanding procedures.

“Muhimbili has successfully separated conjoined twins before,” he said. “However, this kind of surgery requires extremely advanced technology and is very costly.

That is why the support from Saudi Arabia is invaluable.” He also called on Saudi partners to explore the possibility of investing in specialised medical services in Tanzania.

“Neighbouring countries also face similar cases. Establishing such capacity locally would be of great regional benefit,” he added.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Yahya bin Ahmed Okeish, praised Dr Bokhari and the entire Muhimbili medical team for their dedication to the children’s care before referral. “The conjoined twins’ separation programme is a major humanitarian initiative for Saudi Arabia and the world at large,” he said.

“It is implemented under the guidance of King Salman and closely overseen by the Crown Prince, with technical leadership from Dr Abdallah. Tanzania is among the countries that have benefited from this programme.

” According to the ambassador, the programme has been running since 1990 and has successfully separated more than 60 pairs of conjoined twins worldwide. “Each operation costs over $100,000 and brings together some of the world’s most experienced specialists,” he noted.

In a message she sent to well-wishers at 4:00am East African time Dr Bokhari said they arrived safely in Saudi Arabia ready for further medical consolations and surgery. As the children embark on this critical journey, families, doctors and the nation await the outcome with cautious optimism–hopeful that advanced medicine and international solidarity will offer these young lives a chance at an independent future.

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Vatican City. Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday met Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, against the backdrop of an ongoing commission of inquiry into violence that erupted during the country’s general elections last October.

According to a report in Vatican News, the meeting took place ahead of the Pope’s general audience at the Vatican. Mr Kombo is on an international tour and conveyed a message to the Pontiff from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was confirmed as Tanzania’s leader following the October 2025 polls.

The elections were marred by clashes and unrest in several parts of the country, with international media reporting that several people were killed during the violence. The incidents marked a sharp departure from Tanzania’s long-standing reputation for political stability and social cohesion.

In response, President Hassan established a commission of inquiry tasked with reconstructing the events surrounding the violence and identifying those responsible. According to Vatican News, the commission has already begun its work.

The unrest drew widespread condemnation from Tanzania’s religious leaders, including Christian and Muslim authorities, who jointly called for an independent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability. Pope Leo XIV has also spoken publicly about the situation.

During the Angelus prayer on November 2, he appealed for calm and dialogue, urging Tanzanians to reject violence. “Let us also pray for Tanzania, where, following the recent elections, violent clashes have broken out, leaving many victims.

I urge everyone to avoid all forms of violence and to follow the path of dialogue,” the Pope said. The Vatican meeting is seen as part of broader diplomatic and pastoral engagement by the Holy See, as Tanzania navigates the aftermath of the elections and seeks to address concerns raised by both domestic and international observers.

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Dar es Salaam. A new Tanzanian agribusiness firm, Xseed Group Ltd.

, has entered the market with an ambition to strengthen agricultural trade between Africa and India. The move positions Tanzania as a more reliable sourcing hub within the wider Africa, Asia trade corridor.

The Tanzania-based company says the commencement of its operations aligns with national efforts to deepen agricultural value chains, improve export competitiveness and attract long-term investment into the sector. Its strategic focus is the TanzaniaIndia corridor, which remains one of the most active routes for African agricultural exports to Asia, particularly in commodities such as cashew nuts, cereals and pulses.

Xseed Group said it is seeking to address persistent structural challenges that have constrained agricultural trade, including fragmented sourcing, inconsistent quality standards and weak traceability. To that end, the company plans to introduce structured procurement systems, transparent supply mechanisms and market-aligned execution frameworks designed to support sustainable cross-border trade.

The firm operates through specialised verticals, including SMA, which focuses on disciplined agricultural sourcing and trade execution within Tanzania. According to the company, the model places strong emphasis on quality assurance, regulatory compliance and institutional transparency, areas increasingly demanded by international buyers, particularly in the Indian market.

Speaking on the start of operations, Xseed Group Managing Director Mr Sumit Kejriwal and Chief Executive Officer Mr Piyush Agarwal said the move reflects confidence in Tanzania’s agricultural potential and its growing role in regional and global food supply chains. They thanked the government of Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister for Agriculture for what they described as consistent leadership in strengthening the country’s agricultural and trade ecosystem.

The executives also cited Tanzania’s stable, secure and investor-friendly business environment as a key factor behind their decision to establish operations locally, noting that such conditions have encouraged responsible private sector participation and long-term international investment in agriculture. Xseed Group further acknowledged the role of sector institutions, including the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT), the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (Copra) and the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), in facilitating a smooth and compliant market entry.

In addition, the company expressed appreciation to the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in India for supporting bilateral trade engagement and helping to deepen commercial ties between the two countries. India remains one of Africa’s largest agricultural trading partners, driven by rising food demand, population growth and expanding agro-processing industries.

Tanzania has been identified as a key source market due to its production base, improving regulatory frameworks and access to regional and international ports. With operations now underway, Xseed Group said it is committed to building reliable and transparent supply chains that support Tanzanian producers, enhance export readiness and meet the evolving standards of international markets, particularly in Asia.

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Dar es Salaam. Prominent rally driver Ahmed Huwel has been crowned the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC) winner after a gritty performance at the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally held in Arusha over the weekend.

Huwel, navigated by Rahim Suleiman, sealed the coveted national title by finishing fifth in the final round of the championship, earning 23 crucial points to end the season with a total of 128 points. Although he did not finish on the podium in Arusha, the result proved sufficient to secure the NRC crown, underlining the consistency that defined his campaign throughout the season.

The championship finale attracted intense competition, with drivers pushing hard in one of the most demanding rallies on the calendar. Huwel’s ability to manage pressure and avoid costly mistakes ultimately played a decisive role in his title triumph, especially as several of his closest rivals struggled with mechanical issues and challenging stages.

Randeep Singh, partnered by navigator Manmeet Singh, finished second in the overall NRC standings. Singh entered the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally with 88 points and added 24 more after placing sixth, bringing his total to 132 points.

Despite ending the season with a higher aggregate, championship regulations and scoring criteria worked in Huwel’s favour, allowing the Tanzanian driver to emerge as the overall champion. Third place in the national standings went to Waleed Nahdi and his navigator Ally Hamoud of the Mkwawa Rally Team.

Nahdi accumulated 94 points over the season and picked up 14 points in Arusha after finishing ninth in a rally that saw only 10 drivers reach the finish line,a testament to the event’s toughness. On the rally results themselves, the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally was won by the Kenyan duo of Samman Vohra Singh and Drew Sturrock, who delivered an impressive performance in their Skoda Fabia Evo.

They were followed closely by compatriots Jasmeet Chana and Jaswinder Chana, driving a Ford Fiesta R5, in what turned out to be a thrilling contest at the front. Tanzanians Gupal Sandhu and David Sihokha completed the podium in third place, piloting their Mitsubishi Evo X with precision and composure.

Their strong finish was aided by misfortune for defending champions Manveer Birdi and Victor Jackson, whose Evo 9 suffered two punctures during the power stage, costing them valuable time and allowing Gupal to snatch the final podium position. The conclusion of the Guru NanakMkwawa Rally not only wrapped up a dramatic event in Arusha but also marked the end of an exciting NRC season–one that will be remembered for its close battles, international flair, and Ahmed Huwel’s well-earned championship glory.

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