Category: The Citizen

Telecommunications company Halotel says it has invested more than $1 billion (about Sh2.7 trillion) in Tanzania since launching operations in the country more than a decade ago.

Speaking during the opening of the company’s pavilion at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, the company’s acting chief executive officer, Ms Tran Thi Thuy Dung, said much of the investment had gone into building telecommunications towers and expanding network coverage to reach more Tanzanians.

“We continue to invest not only for business growth but also in infrastructure development. Every year we invest more than $100 million in the Tanzanian market through the construction of additional towers and expansion of our services to reach more people,” she said.

The 2026 DITF officially opened on June 28 and will run until July 13.

Beyond network expansion, Halotel announced major upgrades to its HaloPesa mobile money platform as part of celebrations marking the service’s 10th anniversary in Tanzania.

Ms Dung said the company had launched a redesigned HaloPesa application featuring an improved user interface and additional services, including digital loans and mobile payment options for electricity and water bills.

She said the enhancements were intended to support the government’s efforts to increase the use of digital payments and reduce reliance on cash transactions.

The announcement comes as the government prepares to introduce mandatory digital payments for selected public services from July 1.

Presenting the 2026/27 national budget, Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar said the reforms are intended to advance Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda, improve transaction efficiency, curb financial crime, enhance transparency and reduce the costs associated with handling cash.

According to the government, mandatory digital payments will gradually be introduced across various sectors, including public transport services such as rapid transit buses, ferries, railways, air travel and app-based transport services.

Commenting on Halotel’s participation at the trade fair, Ms Dung said the exhibition offered the company an opportunity to engage directly with customers and gather feedback to improve its services.

“Sabasaba gives us the opportunity to interact directly with our customers, understand their needs and receive valuable feedback that will help us improve our services and continue delivering innovative solutions that meet their expectations,” she said.

She added that, beyond telecommunications services, Halotel remained committed to improving the lives of Tanzanians through continued investment in technology, digital financial services and communications infrastructure.

Halotel Commercial Director Abdallah Salum said this year’s exhibition provides an important platform to strengthen customer engagement.

“This year, HaloPesa marks 10 years of service and has been enhanced with additional digital financial solutions aimed at promoting wider adoption of cashless payments,” he said.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening labour justice and promoting social justice in Tanzania during a farewell and welcome ceremony held at Kazi House in Dar es Salaam.

The event honoured Justice Mlyambina for his service in the Labour Division of the High Court of Tanzania and welcomed Hon Justice Kerekamajenga as the incoming judge responsible for the division.

It brought together representatives from the Judiciary, Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations, the legal fraternity, development partners and the ILO, who commended the outgoing judge’s contribution and underscored the importance of continued cooperation in advancing labour justice.

Speaking during the ceremony, ILO Director for Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, Caroline Mugalla, highlighted the collaboration between the ILO and the Judiciary in promoting decent work and social justice.

‘An effective labour justice system is fundamental to advancing decent work and social justice. The ILO greatly values its long-standing partnership with the Judiciary of Tanzania, which has strengthened access to justice, promoted respect for labour rights, and contributed to more inclusive and resilient labour market institutions,’ she said.

Ms Mugalla said the organisation looked forward to building on the partnership to support workers, employers and government efforts to shape a fairer future of work.

She also commended Hon Justice Mlyambina for his leadership in strengthening labour jurisprudence, noting his role in initiatives implemented in collaboration with the ILO, including the publication of Labour Court Division case law and judicial capacity-building programmes aimed at improving consistency in labour dispute resolution.

The ILO welcomed Hon Justice Kerekamajenga, reaffirming its commitment to continued cooperation with the Judiciary in enhancing access to labour justice, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting the implementation of international labour standards.

The organisation noted that the leadership transition comes at a time when labour markets are rapidly evolving due to technological change, climate change, demographic shifts and new forms of employment, stressing the need for responsive and accessible labour justice systems.

Participants at the event said sustained dialogue among the Judiciary, Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations, and development partners remains key to building strong labour market institutions that promote fairness, trust and sustainable economic growth.

The ILO reiterated its support for Tanzania’s Decent Work Agenda, saying it remains committed to strengthening labour justice institutions that uphold the rule of law, protect rights at work and promote inclusive and equitable labour markets.

Education experts have urged parents to verify the accreditation of foreign universities before sending their children abroad, as hundreds of Tanzanian students prepare to begin higher education studies overseas for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The advice was issued during a pre-departure orientation organised by Global Education Link in Dar es Salaam, bringing together students, parents and guardians for final checks on documents and travel arrangements.

The session focused on ensuring that students have the correct paperwork and adequate preparation before departure, including visa documents, admission letters, accommodation confirmations, and guidance on adapting to life abroad.

Global Education Link Managing Director, Abdulmalik Mollel, said the exercise was aimed at finalising key documents, responding to parents’ concerns and addressing any issues that could delay students’ travel.

He stressed that beyond securing admission, parents must independently verify that universities are legally recognised by relevant authorities.

‘Even if the college was recommended by Global Education Link, as a parent, you must satisfy yourself regarding its recognition. The proper approach is to obtain official confirmation from the government authority that oversees universities,’ he said.

Mr Mollel added that confirmation from the Tanzania Commission for Universities helps ensure that qualifications obtained abroad are recognised locally.

He cautioned parents against relying on social media or unofficial sources when making decisions about higher education institutions.

He further noted that studying abroad requires broader preparation, including understanding visa requirements, accommodation, transport, safety, and cultural adaptation.

According to him, Global Education Link has established a structured process to support students from university selection and applications through to visa processing, accommodation arrangements and final departure preparations.

Tanzania is set to host one of its biggest entertainment and charity weekends yet as the inaugural IMBEJU Sauti Moja Concert joins the seventh edition of the CRDB Bank International Marathon 2026, bringing together global music stars, thousands of fans and a shared mission of transforming lives.

The concert, headlined by American R and B sensation Trey Songz, will feature a lineup of celebrated African and Tanzanian artists. Scheduled for August 14, 2026, at the TTCL Grounds in Kijitonyama, the event will officially kick off a weekend that culminates with the CRDB Bank International Marathon on August 16.

Speaking during the launch of the marathon in Dar es Salaam, CRDB Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela, described the introduction of IMBEJU Sauti Moja as a strategic step in transforming the marathon into a broader lifestyle and social-impact platform.

‘The concert gives the marathon a new identity beyond charity running. It creates an entire weekend where entertainment and giving back come together, attracting wider participation while strengthening our investment in communities, especially young people,’ said Dr Nsekela.

He noted that the initiative aligns with CRDB Group’s EVOLVE 2023-2027 Strategy, which prioritizes youth empowerment, financial inclusion and sustainable community development.

According to Dr Nsekela, Tanzania’s youthful population possesses enormous creativity and entrepreneurial potential, and platforms such as IMBEJU Sauti Moja are designed to connect talent with opportunities, knowledge, markets and networks that can accelerate economic participation.

‘This is more than a concert. It is a long-term investment in the next generation that will shape Tanzania’s future economy,’ he said.

Meanwhile, CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director, Tully Esther Mwambapa, said the concert represents a bold new chapter in the Foundation’s efforts to improve lives through innovative and inclusive platforms.

‘For six seasons, the CRDB Bank Marathon has united people through sport to spread smiles and hope. This year, we are expanding that mission by harnessing the unifying power of music. IMBEJU Sauti Moja is not a separate event; it is an extension of the same purpose of bringing people together to create opportunities and improve lives,’ she said.

Mwambapa explained that IMBEJU reflects the Foundation’s flagship empowerment programme, which plants seeds of opportunity for young people, women, innovators and entrepreneurs, while Sauti Moja symbolizes a collective voice united for a common cause.

‘Every concert ticket purchased will be more than admission to an unforgettable night of entertainment. It will be an investment in hope, empowerment and a better future for Tanzanians,’ she added.

The introduction of IMBEJU Sauti Moja marks another milestone in the marathon’s ambition to become one of Africa’s leading sporting and lifestyle events, combining athletics, tourism, entertainment and community development under a single internationally recognized platform.

The CRDB Bank Marathon has steadily expanded its footprint beyond Tanzania into Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting its growing regional influence.

Organizers expect thousands of participants from across Tanzania and beyond to attend the concert before joining runners, families, fitness enthusiasts and corporate teams at the marathon two days later.

Registration for the marathon and tickets for the IMBEJU Sauti Moja Concert are now available through the official CRDB Bank Foundation platform.

The public is encouraged to register early and become part of a movement where every ticket purchased and every kilometre run contributes directly to supporting children in need of life-saving heart treatment, mothers facing high-risk pregnancies and youth empowerment initiatives through the IMBEJU programme.

As anticipation builds towards August, IMBEJU Sauti Moja promises to deliver a memorable celebration where world-class entertainment meets a meaningful cause-demonstrating how music, sport and generosity can come together to inspire lasting change.

When the World Bank officially reclassified Tanzania from a low-income country to a lower-middle-income economy on July 1, 2020, few may have reflected on how far the country had travelled since 2000, when GDP per capita stood at just $306.

It was during that period that Tanzania Development Vision 2025 was conceived, with the aim of transforming the country into a middle-income nation with a semi-industrialised economy by 2025.

Dar es Salaam’s industrial landscape entered a new chapter on June 26, 2026, as Hanlink Mobility Tanzania officially launched its operations, bringing one of East Africa’s fastest-growing mobility and heavy equipment companies into the country’s commercial capital.

The launch marked far more than the opening of a new showroom. It signaled Hanlink Mobility’s long-term commitment to Tanzania’s industrial growth, positioning the country as a strategic hub in the company’s expanding regional footprint.

Speaking during the inauguration, Hanlink Mobility Group Managing Director Mr. Lin Yu described Tanzania as a natural next step in Hanlink’s East African growth strategy.

‘Our expansion reflects our confidence in East Africa and our commitment to supporting its development,’ he said. The journey began in Uganda under Double Q Company Limited before expanding successfully into Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With the launch of its Tanzanian operations, Hanlink is now strengthening its regional network while laying the groundwork for future investments, including the possibility of establishing local vehicle assembly facilities.

Such an investment, Mr. Yu noted, would not only strengthen Tanzania’s industrial capacity but also create employment opportunities and facilitate the transfer of technical skills to young Tanzanians.

‘Our vision extends beyond sellingpart of Tanzania’s industrial development journey.’ That broader vision was echoed by Assistant General Manager Ms Zainab Ngoda, who emphasized that Hanlink Mobility is much more than a commercial truck dealership.

She described the company as a comprehensive mobility and equipment solutions provider, offering an extensive portfolio that serves the transport, construction, mining and infrastructure sectors.

Alongside its partnership with Sinotruk, Hanlink also represents internationally recognised brands including XCMG Road and Mining Machinery, captured attention, the spotlight soon shifted to the machinery itself. Heli Forklifts and Kinglong Buses, enabling customers to source a wide range of industrial equipment from a single provider.

‘Our goal is to provide complete mobility solutions that support economic growth across multiple industries,’ she explained. In one of the ceremony’s most memorable moments, Ms. Zainab Ngoda invited the entire Hanlink Tanzania team to stand before the audience, reminding guests that behind every globally recognised brand is a dedicated local workforce committed to serving customers across the country.

While the company’s regional vision Sales Director Mr. Peter Li unveiled a range of heavy-duty vehicles specifically selected to meet the demands of Tanzania’s rapidly expanding construction, logistics and mining industries.

The lineup includes the rugged HOWO H3 and TX Tippers, the flagship HOWO NX and MAX Tractor Heads, and a versatile range of light-duty trucks with carrying capacities ranging from three to ten tonnes.

According to Mr Li, the vehicles have been engineered to deliver maximum productivity under demanding operating conditions while maintaining reliability and efficiency. However, he stressed that Hanlink’s commitment does not end with vehicle delivery.

Customers will benefit from manufacturer-backed warranties, genuine spare parts, professionally trained technicians and comprehensive aftersales support designed to maximise fleet uptime and reduce operating costs. ‘Our relationship with customers begins after the sale,’ he said. ‘Reliable service is just as important as reliable equipment.’

Completing the company’s message was Group Head of Marketing Mr. Musani Richard, who introduced Hanlink Tanzania’s guiding promise: ‘From Dar to Every Mile.’

More than a marketing slogan, he described the phrase as a commitment to supporting customers wherever they operate-whether managing transport fleets in Dar es Salaam, delivering goods across the country or operating heavy equipment at remote mining and construction sites.

‘This occasion is more than the opening of a showroom,’ he said. ‘It represents another important milestone in Hanlink Mobility’s regional growth journey.’

To strengthen customer engagement, Mr. Richard announced the launch of Hanlink Tanzania’s new digital platforms, including its official website and social media channels, providing customers with easier access to product information, service support and company updates.

Recognising that access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers to business expansion, he also unveiled strategic financing partnerships with CRDB Bank, NBC Bank, NMB Bank and NCBA Bank.

The partnerships are designed to provide flexible financing solutions that will enable transport operators, contractors, logistics companies and entrepreneurs to acquire heavy equipment without the burden of significant upfront capital investment.

By combining world-class equipment with accessible financing, Hanlink aims to accelerate business growth while supporting Tanzania’s broader industrialisation agenda. As the ceremony concluded, one message stood out clearly: Hanlink Mobility Tanzania is not positioning itself simply as another equipment distributor.

Instead, the company is building an integrated ecosystem that combines internationally recognised brands, reliable after-sales service, digital customer engagement and strategic financial partnerships under one roof.

With a regional presence spanning six East African countries and ambitions to invest further in local manufacturing, Hanlink arrives in Tanzania at a time when demand for transport, logistics and industrial equipment is rising rapidly.

Its launch sends a clear signal that Tanzania has become an increasingly attractive destination for industrial investment. And as the company embarks on its next phase of regional expansion, Hanlink Mobility Tanzania intends to be more than a supplier of trucks and machinery-it aims to become a long-term partner in powering the country’s economic transformation, from the first mile in Dar es Salaam to every mile that drives Tanzania’s future.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have been crowned the 2025/26 Mainland Tanzania Premier League champions after defeating JKT Tanzania 3-0 in their final league match at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium today, June 30, 2026, sealing a record-equaling fifth consecutive league title.

Goals from Prince Dube, Maxi Nzengeli and Clement “Depu” Mzize secured a comfortable victory that saw the Jangwani Street giants finish the season with 75 points from 30 matches.

Their closest rivals, Simba SC, ended the campaign in second place with 73 points, while Azam FC finished third with 64 points. Singida Black Stars completed the top four with 50 points.

The victory also saw Yanga midfielder Maxi Nzengeli named the Man of the Match after an influential display in midfield, capping another impressive season for the Congolese star.

The triumph marks Yanga’s 32nd Mainland Premier League title and their fifth consecutive championship, having also won the league in the 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.

In doing so, Yanga have written another memorable chapter in Tanzanian football history by becoming only the second club to win five successive league titles in the Premier League era.

Since the league’s establishment in 1965, only Yanga and Simba have achieved such a feat.

Yanga were the first club to dominate the competition with five straight championships between 1968 and 1972. Simba later matched the achievement by winning five consecutive titles from 1976 to 1980.

The latest triumph sees Yanga equal that historic milestone once again while reaffirming their dominance of domestic football.

As league champions, Yanga will represent Tanzania in next season’s Caf Champions League alongside runners-up Simba.

Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have secured the country’s two Caf Confederation Cup slots after finishing third and fourth respectively.

The race for the Golden Boot was won by Singida Black Stars striker Mossi Nduwumwe who finished the campaign with 17 goals.

He edged Azam FC playmaker Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum, who scored 15 goals, while Yanga midfielder Allan Okello finished third on the scoring charts with 14 goals.

Yanga goalkeeper Djigui Diarra claimed the Golden Glove award after keeping a league-best 18 clean sheets during the season.

The Mali international was once again instrumental in Yanga’s title-winning campaign, producing several crucial saves while anchoring one of the strongest defensive units in the competition.

At the other end of the table, Mtibwa Sugar’s stay in the top flight lasted just one season as they suffered immediate relegation alongside KMC, with both clubs dropping directly to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Prisons and Mbeya City, who finished 13th and 14th respectively, will battle in the relegation play-off.

The winner of that encounter will retain their Premier League status, while the loser will face the winner of the Championship play-off between Polisi Tanzania and Mbeya Kwanza for the final place in next season’s Mainland Premier League.

With another league title secured and a place in continental competition confirmed, Yanga will now shift their focus to building on their domestic dominance as they seek greater success on the African stage next season.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the Ministry of Works to instruct contractors who abandoned road projects due to funding constraints to return to site immediately, paving the way for stalled works to resume without further delay.

He issued the directive in Serengeti on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, during a public rally on the first day of his five-day working visit to the Mara Region.

Dr Nchemba said the government’s earlier decision to redirect funds from some road projects was deliberate, aimed at financing strategic national investments, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project and the Magufuli Bridge.

‘It is not that we did not see the importance of these roads. The decision was necessary because those major projects, including the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydropower Project, were highly needed but faced significant external challenges,’ he said.

He said the expansion of power transmission infrastructure had enabled electricity to reach all villages nationwide, but demand still outpaced generation, leading to instability and rationing that affected production and economic activity.

‘It was because of that situation that we prioritised the dam project. The government tightened its budget to complete it, which was then about 70 percent complete. This project would not have been completed without the determination of the late President John Magufuli and his then deputy,’ he said.

Dr Nchemba added that the project was consuming more than Sh300 billion per month, making it difficult to sustain funding for other infrastructure, including roads in Mara Region.

He said the government had now introduced measures to revive stalled projects, including redirecting funds previously channelled through the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to the Road Fund.

He named the affected roads as Tarime-Mugumu and Sanzate-Mugumu, among others, saying implementation would resume in the 2026/27 financial year.

He added that Mara Region was not alone, as similar delays were being experienced nationwide.

During the same rally, the Prime Minister ordered an end to the confiscation of traders’ working tools, particularly for small-scale operators, saying offenders should instead be fined in accordance with the law.

‘The practice of confiscating tools such as motorcycles, bicycles, carts and food vendors’ equipment must stop. There is no need to destroy someone’s capital. That is their workplace. We must act with responsibility,’ he said.

On public servants accused of negligence and ethical breaches, Dr Nchemba warned that the government would take strict action, saying offenders would no longer be transferred but dealt with at their duty stations, including dismissal.

‘I have instructed public service authorities that any civil servant who acts contrary to regulations will not be transferred elsewhere. They will be dealt with at their respective stations, including dismissal,’ he said.

Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr Kaspar Mmuya said measures had been taken to address land disputes, including plans to survey all 78 villages in Serengeti District.

He said the exercise would be completed within five years and would provide a lasting solution to boundary disputes between villages, wards and institutions.

Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, said completion of road projects in Serengeti would improve internal connectivity and link the district with other parts of the Mara Region and beyond.

Dr Nyansaho urged residents to uphold peace, saying it transcends religion, ethnicity and political affiliation and remains a shared responsibility.

Before the rally, Dr Nchemba inspected the Serengeti District Council administration building, noting that the government had constructed 150 administrative buildings in councils over the past five years.

According to Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) Mara Regional Manager Jeje Jeje, the project expected to cost more than Sh4.5 billion, is 42 percent complete, and is scheduled for completion in April 2028.

The National Executive Council of the Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma) has sacked its secretary-general, Mr Salum Mwalimu, and appointed Mr Benson Kigaila as acting secretary-general.

The decision followed a unanimous vote of no confidence by 31 members of the council, who accused Mr Mwalimu of several offences, including abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.

Chaumma’s Director of Organisation, Planning and Elections, Mr Ismail Kangeta, told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, that the council reached the decision during a meeting that concluded on Tuesday night.

“We have revoked Mr Mwalimu’s appointment and appointed Mr Kigaila to serve in an acting capacity,” said Mr Kangeta.

Earlier on Tuesday, before his removal, Mr Mwalimu wrote to the party chairman Hashim Rungwe, requesting the formation of an independent committee to investigate the allegations against him, saying he was prepared to step aside to allow the inquiry to proceed without interference.

Council members said the decision to withdraw confidence in Mr Mwalimu stemmed from allegations of abuse of office, congratulating CCM on its victory in the October 29 General Election, and misappropriation of party funds.

Tanzania is seeking to strengthen its position in the mining supplies industry through investment in local manufacturing aimed at reducing reliance on imported products and expanding value addition within the sector.

The move follows discussions between minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde and the owner and managing director of China’s Oriental Casting and Forging Ltd, Hou Songcun, on plans to establish a steel grinding balls factory in Tanzania.

Steel grinding balls are used in mineral processing plants to crush and grind ore before extraction and are among the key consumables used in mining operations.

Local production is expected to improve access to supplies for both large and small-scale miners while supporting industries linked to the sector.

Mr Mavunde invited the company to establish the plant at the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, an area being developed for industries supporting mining, mineral processing and value addition.

He said Tanzania’s mining growth strategy should extend beyond extraction and mineral exports to include manufacturing equipment and industrial inputs required by mining companies.

‘Our objective is to ensure that large and small-scale miners in Tanzania can access more of the products they need locally, without depending heavily on imports,’ he said.

According to Mr Mavunde, growth in mining activities has increased demand for reliable and competitively priced inputs. He said local production could reduce supply delays, lower operating costs and create employment opportunities.

He added that investment in industries linked to mining would allow more value generated by the sector to remain within the domestic economy.

Mr Hou said Oriental Casting and Forging Ltd was ready to invest in Tanzania, citing the country’s investment environment and continued expansion of the mining sector.

The proposed factory is expected to support efforts to strengthen local supply chains and increase Tanzania’s role in supplying mining products within the region.