Category: The Citizen

As Zanzibar prepares to host the International Technology and Artificial Intelligence Expo, the government has announced plans to transform the islands into a hub for innovation and digital transformation in Africa.

The expo, organised by South Africa-based Africa Business Inc in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation and the Unique Touch Company, aims to bring together policymakers and technology stakeholders to discuss and promote the growth of the digital economy.

Speaking at a press briefing on the expo on Friday, July 24, 2026, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Innovation Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said the initiative is part of efforts to position Zanzibar as an attractive destination for investment by leading global technology companies.

“We want to see major global technology companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta and others establish their headquarters or branches here, and for Zanzibar to become a centre of innovation. To achieve that, we need platforms such as this,” said Mr Soraga.

He said the government is continuing to establish policies and create a favourable investment environment while developing laws that align with technological advancement to strengthen the sector.

The Unique Touch managing director, Mr Edwin George, said the expo aims to bring together experts from different countries and fields to share knowledge and explore opportunities in technology.

He said artificial intelligence (AI) has already begun transforming business operations, education systems and government administration, making it necessary for societies to embrace technological change.

“It is important for Zanzibar to be part of these changes and ensure that our young people, entrepreneurs, innovators and institutions have an opportunity to fully participate in this new digital economy,” he said.

The Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation, Mr Samola Chacha, said Zanzibar would benefit from the expo through increased knowledge and awareness in information and communication technology (ICT).

Speaking virtually, Africa Business Inc chief marketing officer Lebohang Norwana said the expo represents an important opportunity for Zanzibar.

She said Zanzibar’s strategic geographical location, combined with its rich cultural and historical heritage, makes it an ideal destination for hosting major international technology events.

“For a long time, Zanzibar has been known for its attractive beaches and tourism sector, but it is now seeking to expand its economy by taking advantage of opportunities created by the digital technology revolution,” she said.

Hosting an international technology event of this scale places Zanzibar in a strong position to attract technology-driven investments, particularly in artificial intelligence, financial technology (FinTech), agricultural technology (AgriTech) and smart tourism.

The expo is scheduled to take place from September 24 to 26 in Unguja, Zanzibar, and is expected to bring together more than 1,500 participants from different African countries.

Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has sworn in two of the three High Court judges he recently appointed, who have pledged to oversee, expedite and deliver justice within the law-interpreting body.

The judge-designate absent from the swearing-in ceremony was Raya Issa Msellem, though no official statement was issued regarding her absence.

Besides the judges, Dr Mwinyi also swore in the Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission Chairman, Dr Mahadh Juma Maalim, and Planning Commission executive secretary, Dr Josephine Kimaro.

Speaking to journalists after being sworn in on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Zanzibar State House, the judges said they will ensure justice is administered in accordance with the law and workplace guidelines.

Zanzibar High Court Judge Valentine Andrew Katema stated he will ensure he is guided by wisdom and the law in dispensing justice.

“I shall not go against existing procedure, so in following procedure, we shall manage to protect all fundamental rights,” said Judge Katema.

He said members of the public should know that the court is open, and anyone facing issues accessing justice, whether aggrieved or otherwise, should follow legal procedures and attend court on trial days.

He used the opportunity to urge citizens not to fear going to court to give evidence that could add value to judicial decisions.

“When cases reach court, society should be ready to help the court with evidence, coming to court to give testimony so that ultimately the court renders correct and fair decisions,” he said.

According to Judge Katema, previously a court registrar, if a citizen fails to attend court to give evidence, they have not helped the court deliver justice known to that individual.

Because the court was unassisted, it would deliver justice based solely on the evidence presented before it.

Judge Khamis Ali Simai said citizens prefer that their rights are not delayed, so the judiciary will strive to proceed swiftly so cases do not linger without departing from the principles of justice.

“We will strive, as the High Court does, to deliver justice within timely frameworks, without cases lingering, so that they conclude in good time,’ said Judge Simai.

“I am going to enforce oath number three, stating I will administer justice without favour, fear, or malice. Thus, we will maintain the court’s momentum,” he said.

He added that they will ensure rights are delivered without favouritism while executing the duties society has entrusted to them.

Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission Chairman, Dr Maalim, said his initial step will be meeting major commission stakeholders to listen and learn.

He added that during his early days in office, he will review documents and various writings to better understand the commission’s work alongside similar global organisations.

“Therefore, during my early days, my main task is learning, so that later I can develop a better execution plan for my duties,” he said.

Cases of abuse against domestic workers in Tanga Region have fallen sharply following increased awareness of workplace rights, although verbal contracts remain widespread.

This was revealed on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Tanga by leaders of the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic, Social Services and Allied Workers Union (Chodawu), alongside local domestic workers.

They spoke during a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Chodawu.

The session covered employment rights, contracts, leave, statutory wages, and international standards, including ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

Tanga Region Domestic Workers Chairperson, Ms Mayasa Mdoe, said abuse cases have declined compared to previous years, with most reported issues now involving delayed salaries rather than physical violence.

‘Abuse is no longer as severe as it was. Most complaints involve delayed pay, but many employers remain reluctant to offer written contracts, leaving most workers operating on verbal agreements,’ she said.

She noted that education for workers and employers has enhanced mutual understanding of rights and duties, significantly reducing disputes.

However, Ms Mdoe added that getting employers to recognise the importance of formal contracts remains a major hurdle, despite ongoing outreach through flyers and community meetings.

A trainer and peer educator, Ms Hadija Singano, said train-the-trainer workshops hosted by the ILO in Arusha helped them educate local communities on labour laws, contracts, leave, and minimum wages.

This information was shared through public gatherings and door-to-door campaigns, boosting awareness across the region.

‘Initially, many people lacked awareness of employment contracts and workplace rights. Following our training, we reached both workers and employers, and we are now seeing real transformation in the region,’ she said.

‘Through peer educators, we have recruited nearly 100 new domestic workers for ILO training to help them understand their rights and join Chodawu,’ she added.

Participants admitted they previously worked without knowing their rights, often enduring long hours without adequate rest.

A domestic worker from Chumbageni Ward, Ms Aisha Juma, said she was previously unaware of channels to report workplace grievances.

‘I am grateful for this training. I now know where to lodge complaints, including at Chodawu offices and the Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA),’ she said.

Another participant, Ms Saumu Charles, said the session empowered them to start demanding written contracts to protect both parties.

Participants emphasised that despite progress, further outreach is needed for employers.

They urged employers to issue written contracts, respect working hours, grant leave, and pay wages promptly to eliminate disputes and improve working conditions.

Earlier this week Spain lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final. The world celebrated a deserving champion. Billions of people across continents shared moments of joy, heartbreak, hope and celebration.

Now, beyond the medals, fireworks and celebrations, the tournament delivered a lesson far more valuable than the final result: individual talent may attract admiration, but teamwork wins championships. This is a lesson for governments, businesses, leaders and communities around the world.

Spain’s victory also added another glorious chapter to the history of La Roja. The country first appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1934 and had participated in 17 editions by 2026.

Its defining moment came in South Africa in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal against the Netherlands secured Spain’s first world title. Sixteen years later, Spain returned to the summit of world football to claim its second crown.

The Monday morning triumph was also part of a broader period of success under coach Luis de la Fuente. Since taking charge in 2022, he has guided Spain to the UEFA Nations League title in 2023, the European Championship in 2024 and now the ultimate prize in international football.

Yet Spain’s success cannot be explained by history, reputation or individual talent alone. It was built on organisation, tactical discipline, shared purpose and a willingness by every player to contribute to the collective objective.

The team certainly possessed outstanding individuals. Rodri provided control, leadership and composure in midfield, performances that earned him the tournament’s Golden Ball. Unai Simón offered security in goal and was recognised with the Golden Glove, while young defender Pau Cubarsí received the Young Player Award.

Spain also benefited from the energy and creativity of young talents such as Lamine Yamal, the intelligence of Pedri and Dani Olmo, the defensive commitment of Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella and Cubarsí, and the contributions of players such as Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams and Fabián Ruiz. Each possessed individual quality, but their greatest strength was their ability to function as one unit.

This was particularly evident in Spain’s defensive organisation. The champions conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, while Unai Simón recorded seven clean sheets. Those achievements were not the work of the goalkeeper alone.

They reflected the commitment of the entire team; from the forwards applying pressure, to the midfielder’s recovering possession and the defenders protecting their penalty area. That is the essence of genuine teamwork: everyone accepts responsibility for the final outcome.

Throughout the tournament, we saw teams filled with internationally celebrated stars fail to meet expectations. On paper, some appeared almost unbeatable. However, football, like life, is not played on paper. It is played through trust, sacrifice, discipline, communication and collective effort.

A collection of talented individuals does not automatically become an effective team.

People may wear the same uniform, work in the same building or appear on the same organisational chart, yet still pursue different interests. A true team is formed when individuals understand the common purpose, appreciate how their roles connect and willingly place collective success above personal recognition.

In football, we naturally celebrate the player who scores the decisive goal. The cameras follow the scorer, supporters chant their name and newspapers place their photograph on the front page. However, goals are rarely individual creations.

Before the ball reaches the scorer, a defender may have recovered possession. A midfielder may have made an intelligent pass. Another player may have drawn an opponent away by making a selfless run. Someone else may have created the space from which the goal was scored.

These contributions may receive less recognition, but without them the celebrated moment would not exist. The same principle applies in our workplaces, businesses, government institutions and communities.

Organisations frequently celebrate the people who close major deals, announce successful projects or stand before audiences to receive awards. Recognising visible achievement is important, but sustainable success depends equally on the people who work diligently behind the scenes.

The customer service officer who patiently resolves a client’s complaint, the finance professional who protects the integrity of an institution’s resources, the technology specialist who keeps systems functioning, the administrator who coordinates operations, and the support employee who maintains a safe and welcoming environment all contribute to organisational success.

Their names may not appear in newspaper headlines or annual reports. Nevertheless, without their commitment, the organisation cannot perform effectively.

The final whistle has blown, the trophy has been lifted and another chapter of football history has been written. However, the greatest legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not simply be Spain’s victory. It may be the reminder that extraordinary results become possible when talented people unite around a common purpose.

In our offices, businesses, schools and communities, may we learn to celebrate not only those who score the goals, but also those who create the opportunities.

May we become teammates who support others, colleagues who share recognition and leaders who enable people around us to succeed.

Individual brilliance can change a moment. Genuine teamwork can define an era.

Mwita Chacha is a Management Consultant (Human Capital and Strategy) based in Dodoma

London. Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar has urged international investors to seize investment opportunities in Tanzania as the country prepares to list its inaugural Tanzanian shilling-denominated offshore bond on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The minister, who is on a six-day visit to the United Kingdom, is due to officiate the landmark listing while also promoting Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan to global investors.

Addressing the Tanzania Strategic Investment and Partnership Forum in London on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Mr Omar highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism, renewable energy, critical minerals and financial services.

The forum, organised by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with Standard Bank, brought together senior executives from leading global financial institutions, insurers and risk management firms.

Mr Omar said the government had created a favourable investment climate, including tax incentives, to attract private capital needed to implement Development Vision 2050, which targets a $1 trillion economy by 2050. He noted that about 70 percent of the required financing is expected to come from the private sector.

Presenting Tanzania’s economic outlook, he said the economy expanded by 5.9 percent in 2025, up from 5.5 percent in 2024, while inflation remained below five percent. He added that the fiscal deficit had narrowed to 3.1 percent of GDP, domestic revenue now finances 74.2 percent of the national budget, and the country’s public debt remains sustainable, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Standard Bank Europe deputy chief executive Ian Carson and Stanbic Bank Tanzania chief executive Manzi Rwegasira reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to linking Africa with international capital markets. They described Tanzania as one of Africa’s most attractive long-term investment destinations, noting that investor turnout exceeded expectations.

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki, said the government remained committed to maintaining regular dialogue with international investors. “Tanzania is pursuing an ambitious programme of economic transformation anchored on sound macroeconomic management, structural reforms and private sector participation. We welcome continued engagement with international investors as partners in delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

Investors sought updates on the proposed $42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, with Mr Omar saying negotiations had advanced significantly and that the remaining issues largely involved the commercial partners’ internal processes.

Discussions also focused on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the ports of Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara, regional trade corridors, foreign exchange availability, energy security, the digital economy and value addition in agriculture, including the Cotton-to-Cloth initiative.

Mr Omar said that by 2030/31, nearly the entire 2,000-kilometre SGR network would be completed, strengthening Tanzania’s position as East Africa’s principal trade gateway.

A new Tanzanian market has promised to simplify the sourcing of Chinese products by allowing traders to place orders through the Dar es Salaam-based East Africa Commerce and Logistics Centre (EACLC) instead of travelling to China.

The partnership between the EACLC and Yiwu International Trade City also establishes modern business premises, large-scale warehouses and dedicated cross-border logistics facilities, creating what stakeholders describe as a one-stop platform for China-Africa trade.

Yiwu International Trade City is among the world’s largest wholesale markets, with more than 75,000 shops offering products ranging from clothing and footwear to electronics, household goods, jewellery and other consumer items. Speaking during the launch of the market, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade Aristides Mbwasi, representing Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Denis Londo, said the partnership would strengthen trade between Tanzania and China while making imported goods more accessible to local businesses.

“Instead of travelling to China to source goods from the Yiwu market, traders will now be able to access the same products here in Tanzania, reducing the cost of doing business,” he said.

Mr Mbwasi said all products imported through the arrangement would undergo verification by relevant authorities to ensure they meet the required quality standards.

He also urged the centre to facilitate exports by connecting Tanzanian farmers, manufacturers and small businesses with buyers in China.

“This platform should not only support imports but also create opportunities for Tanzanian agro-processed products, textiles, minerals and other locally produced goods to access the Chinese market,” he said.

Mr Mbwasi added that Tanzania’s strategic location, supported by continued investment in ports, railways and road infrastructure, positions the country as a regional trade gateway for East, Central and Southern Africa.

EACLC Director Lisa Wang said the agreement builds on the centre’s efforts to improve access to Chinese goods for businesses in Tanzania and neighbouring countries.

“We expect this partnership to make sourcing goods from China easier and more affordable. Traders will be able to place their orders through the centre without the need to travel overseas,” she said.

Chairman of traders operating at the centre, Ayoub Katuga, said the arrangement would lower import costs by reducing dependence on intermediaries while giving traders direct access to products from one of China’s largest wholesale markets.

I’ve come to the conclusion that our education system owes us an explanation.

There are simply too many things they insisted we memorise that have contributed absolutely nothing to my adult survival.

For example, why did I spend precious classroom hours learning the body parts of a grasshopper? I knew the thorax before I knew how taxes worked. I could identify a panzi’s antennae with confidence, but nobody prepared me for the emotional gymnastics of politely asking someone to release money that already belongs to me.

Priorities, surely.

If you ask me, there should have been an examinable subject called Advanced Kubembeleza Studies. Not the romantic kind of kubembeleza. Please. I’m talking about the professional version. The one where your rent, electricity, internet bundle and peace of mind all depend on how well you can follow up without sounding like you’re accusing someone of stealing your inheritance.

This subject would have covered important topics like How to Remind Someone for the Fourth Time Without Looking Annoying.

Or The Difference Between Following Up and Harassment.

There would definitely be a whole chapter dedicated to decoding corporate language.

‘We’ll revert.’

‘When time allows.’

‘It’s being processed.’

My personal favourite? ‘Noted.’

Noted where? In your diary? Your dreams? Your ancestors’ meeting minutes?

And don’t even get me started on ‘By end of day.’

Nobody tells you whose day they’re talking about. Yours? Theirs? End of which day? Because some people’s ‘end of day’ clearly arrives three Thursdays from now.

Then comes the masterpiece.

‘We’re working on it.’

Fantastic. I’d also like to work on my landlord’s rent. Unfortunately, he has this outdated belief that ‘working on it’ should eventually become actual money.

Now, before the finance and accounts people start drafting a strongly worded email, hear me out.

This isn’t Finance versus the rest of us.

Finance is one of the most important departments in any organisation. Without them, salaries wouldn’t be paid, suppliers would revolt, and the lights might literally go off.

But here’s the thing: without everyone else, there wouldn’t be any money to process in the first place.

Someone had to win the client.

Someone had to write the story, close the sale, organise the event, design the campaign, shoot the video, answer the customer, or spend sleepless nights delivering the project.

The invoice that lands on your desk isn’t a favour waiting to happen. It’s the final chapter of work that has already been done.

So sometimes I wish payment processing came with the same urgency as the deadline everyone else had to meet.

Because when the editorial team misses a deadline, everyone notices.

When sales misses a target, everyone notices.

When operations drop the ball, everyone notices.

But when payments take weeks longer than they should, suddenly we’re all expected to become motivational speakers.

‘Please bear with us.’

My landlord has never once asked me to bear with him.

Neither has TANESCO.

Nor the internet provider.

Nor the supermarket cashier.

The people I’m talking about aren’t villains, by the way. Most of them are lovely human beings. They smile. They greet you warmly. They even ask how your family is doing.

Then they proceed to ignore your invoice with Olympic-level consistency.

These are the same people who can approve your payment, sign off your invoice, or press whatever mysterious button releases that glorious muamala notification we’ve all been refreshing our banking apps for.

And somehow you’re expected to chase them with grace.

Too many reminders and you’re labelled impatient.

Too few reminders and everyone assumes you don’t really need the money.

One exclamation mark? Aggressive.

Too many smiley emojis? Desperate.

Call them? Bold.

Don’t call? Forgotten.

It’s a delicate performance worthy of an Oscar.

At this point, I genuinely believe diplomacy should be a compulsory life skill. Forget quadratic equations. Teach us how to write a follow-up message that says, ‘Hello, just checking in,’ while secretly screaming, ‘Please… my bills have started holding family meetings.’

Because adulthood isn’t about using Pythagoras’ theorem.

It’s about mastering the fine art of professionally asking for what you’ve already earned… and somehow ending every message with, ‘Kind regards.’

Character development, they said.

It has been three years since the Recording Academy introduced the Best African Music Performance category at the Grammy Awards, creating what many believed would be a historic opportunity for African genres including Tanzania’s Bongo Flava, to compete on music’s biggest stage.

Yet despite growing international recognition for Tanzanian music, no Bongo Flava artiste has secured a Grammy nomination in the category since its launch in 2023.

Instead, the nominations have largely been dominated by artists from Nigeria and South Africa, raising questions about what Bongo Flava needs to do to break through at the world’s most prestigious music awards.

In June 2023, the Recording Academy announced the introduction of the Best African Music Performance award, expanding Grammy recognition for the continent’s diverse musical styles.

The category celebrates a broad range of African genres, including Bongo Flava, Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, Afro-pop, Amapiano, Genge, Kizomba, Highlife, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Afro-house, Ethio Jazz, Ghanaian Drill and many others.

The move was widely welcomed across Africa, with many seeing it as long-overdue recognition of the continent’s growing influence on global music.

No Bongo Flava breakthrough

Despite the new platform, Bongo Flava has yet to make its mark.

For the 68th Grammy Awards in 2026, several Tanzanian artists submitted entries hoping to earn nominations in Best African Music Performance.

Among the works that advanced through the initial submission stage were Marioo’s Nairobi, AY’s Wanganeka and Simuoni, Fid Q’s Glory 2, Diamond Platnumz and Ciara’s Low, Abigail Chams’ Me Too, while Harmonize submitted four songs for consideration.

However, none of the entries ultimately received a nomination after the Recording Academy’s voting process.

The Academy’s voting members-made up of artists, songwriters, producers, engineers and other music professionals-review submissions before selecting the official nominees.

Familiar faces continue to dominate

The 2026 Best African Music Performance nominees once again featured artists who have become Grammy regulars.

The nominees were Burna Boy – Love, Davido – With You, Eddy Kenzo – Hope and Love, Ayra Starr – Gimme Dat and Tyla – Push 2 Start (Winner).

Tyla’s victory marked her second Grammy win in the category, further cementing South Africa’s growing influence at the awards.

A category led by women

Since its introduction, only female artists have won the Best African Music Performance Grammy.

South African singer Tyla became the inaugural winner at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024 with her global hit Water, defeating nominees including Asake and Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido featuring Musa Keys and Ayra Starr.

Her victory sparked heated debate online, particularly among Nigerian fans who believed Davido deserved the award.

The following year, Nigerian star Tems claimed the trophy with Love Me Jeje, overcoming competition from Asake and Wizkid, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade and Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay.

The win marked Tems’ first Grammy for her own music and her second overall, following her earlier Grammy success through Wait For U, her collaboration with Future and Drake.

She also became the first Nigerian woman to win a Grammy for her own work, joining Burna Boy as one of Nigeria’s artists to achieve the feat through solo releases.

Lessons from Africa’s Grammy winners

While Bongo Flava continues its search for a breakthrough, several African artists have built successful Grammy careers through years of persistence.

Among them is Angélique Kidjo of Benin, who holds the record as Africa’s most decorated Grammy-winning artist with five awards.

Kidjo’s journey illustrates that international recognition often comes after decades of work.

After leaving Benin in 1983 because of political unrest, she relocated to Paris, where she studied music at the CIM music school. There, she met French musician and producer Jean Hébrail, who later became her husband and long-time collaborator.

Years later, the couple returned to Benin to record traditional sounds that influenced Kidjo’s acclaimed work.

It took roughly 25 years from the beginning of her professional career before she won her first Grammy for Djin Djin, which earned Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 2008 Grammy Awards.

Today, Kidjo has collaborated with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz on the 2026 song Kakua, highlighting the growing connections between African music scenes.

The road ahead for Bongo Flava

The absence of Bongo Flava nominations does not necessarily reflect a lack of talent or commercial success. Tanzanian artists continue to enjoy strong streaming numbers, international collaborations and sold-out performances across Africa and beyond.

However, Grammy recognition often depends on more than popularity. Campaign strategy, international industry networks, visibility among Recording Academy voters and sustained global promotion all play significant roles in securing nominations.

Three years after Africa gained its dedicated Grammy category, Bongo Flava is still waiting for its breakthrough moment.

With the genre continuing to expand beyond East Africa and Tanzanian artists increasingly collaborating with international stars, many in the industry believe it is only a matter of time before Bongo Flava finally earns its place among the Grammy nominees.

For years, East African musicians have created sounds that have travelled across borders, filled dance floors and attracted audiences beyond the region.

From Bongo Flava and Singeli in Tanzania to other sounds from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, the region’s music has proven its ability to compete on a global stage.

Yet, behind the growing popularity of East African music lies a challenge that has followed the industry for years, while the talent has always existed, many of the systems needed to discover, develop and commercialise that talent have often been located outside the region. That situation could be entering a new phase as some of the world’s biggest record companies begin turning their attention to East Africa, recognising the region not only as a source of creative talent but also as a growing music market. The latest indication of this shift came from Kenya, where President William Ruto announced that three global recorded music giants, Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group are set to establish offices in Nairobi.

The announcement followed President Ruto’s meeting with Victoria Oakley, Chief Executive Officer of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), where discussions focused on strengthening Kenya’s creative economy and positioning Nairobi as a major hub for the recorded music business.

For Kenya, the move represents a major step towards building a stronger music ecosystem. But for the wider East African region, it signals growing international interest in a market that has spent years producing influential artistes and unique musical identities.

The timing comes as East African music continues to benefit from the power of digital platforms.

Streaming services, social media and online collaborations have allowed artistes to reach listeners around the world without depending entirely on traditional music industry structures.

This digital growth has helped genres such as Bongo Flava, Singeli, Afrobeats and Amapiano gain international attention, proving that African sounds can create commercial value beyond their home markets. As the audience for East African music grows, the arrival of major record labels could provide artistes with access to resources that have traditionally been difficult to secure, including international distribution, professional marketing, publishing support, artist development and global collaborations.

For many upcoming musicians, breaking into international markets has often required personal connections with executives and companies based outside the region.

Without strong networks and financial support, many talented artistes have struggled to move from creating popular songs to building sustainable careers.

With global music companies establishing operations closer to East African markets, there is potential for decisions about talent discovery and development to be made with a better understanding of local cultures, sounds and audiences. However, industry experts warn that the future of East Africa’s music industry cannot depend only on signing successful artistes.

A stronger creative economy requires investment in the entire music ecosystem, including producers, songwriters, sound engineers, managers, publishers and other professionals who work behind the scenes.

For Tanzania, the development offers both opportunities and a reminder of the need to strengthen its own creative infrastructure.

The country remains one of East Africa’s biggest music markets, with Bongo Flava and Singeli producing artistes who have built strong regional and international audiences.

Tanzanian musicians have increasingly crossed borders through collaborations, streaming platforms and international performances.

The increased presence of global record companies in Nairobi could create opportunities for more regional partnerships and help connect East African artistes with larger global markets.

The growing attention from global music companies also reflects a wider change in how the world views East African music. What was once considered mainly a form of cultural expression is increasingly being recognised as an industry capable of creating jobs, generating revenue and supporting entrepreneurship.

As Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group prepare to establish a presence in Nairobi, East Africa finds itself at a defining moment.

The question now is whether this investment will create opportunities for a wider generation of creatives or only benefit established names.

The answer could determine whether East Africa’s music industry moves from producing popular songs to building a sustainable global business.

Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga) have strengthened their attacking options ahead of the 2026/2027 season after completing the signing of Zambia international left winger Albert Kangwanda, who arrives at the club following an outstanding campaign with Red Arrows.

The 27-year-old winger was among the standout performers in the Zambian top-flight last season, producing an impressive return of 17 goals and nine assists for Red Arrows, a contribution that underlined his quality as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players.

Kangwanda’s arrival is expected to provide coach Manqoba Mngqithi with more creativity, pace, and attacking depth as Yanga prepare to defend their domestic titles and compete in the CAF Champions League. The Zambian joins the Jangwani Street giants after building a career that has taken him across Zambia, Croatia, Sudan, and Moldova, gaining valuable experience from different football environments.

Kanganda began his football journey at Young Nkwazi before making his breakthrough into senior football with Red Arrows, one of Zambia’s established clubs, where he featured in the country’s top division during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

His performances at Red Arrows earned him recognition, and he later moved to Kafue Celtic, where he continued developing his reputation as a talented attacking player.

In 2022, Kangwanda secured a move to Europe after signing for Croatian top-flight side HNK Gorica. However, his spell in Croatia proved challenging, and he was later loaned to second-tier club NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac, where he made four appearances.

After his European experience, Kangwanda returned to Zambia in early 2023 and rejoined Red Arrows, a decision that helped revive his career and won him MVP awards in the ended league season.

Back at Red Arrows, the winger rediscovered his confidence and became one of the club’s most influential attacking players. Operating mainly from the left flank, Kangwanda impressed with his pace, direct running, ability to beat defenders, and his eye for creating scoring opportunities for teammates.

His consistent performances earned him a move to Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman later in 2023. During his time with the club, he also returned to Red Arrows on loan in 2024 before rejoining Al Hilal.

The 2025/2026 season was one of Kangwanda’s most productive campaigns, as he played a key role for Red Arrows by contributing 17 goals and nine assists.

His performances placed him among Zambia’s leading attacking talents and attracted interest from clubs outside the country.

Most recently, Kangwanda spent the 2025/2026 season on loan at Moldovan Super Liga side Spartanii Sportul from Al Hilal, continuing his international club experience before completing his move to Yanga.

At the international level, Kangwanda has represented Zambia from youth to senior level. He featured for the Zambia Under-20 team at the 2018 COSAFA Under-20 Championship and in the qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations before progressing to the senior national team.

He was part of Zambia’s squad that won the 2022 COSAFA Cup, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Namibia to help the Chipolopolo secure the regional title.

At the 2023 COSAFA Cup, Kangwanda continued his impressive form by scoring three goals to finish among the tournament’s joint top scorers alongside South Africa’s Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Yanga believe Kangwanda’s international experience, attacking versatility, and ability to operate on the left side of the frontline will add a new dimension to their squad.

The winger is expected to provide competition for places in the attacking department while giving Mngqithi another option capable of stretching opposition defenses with his speed and movement.

The signing reflects Yanga’s ambition to maintain their dominance in Tanzanian football while building a squad capable of competing strongly in continental competitions.

With the new season approaching, supporters will be eager to see whether Kangwanda can reproduce the form that made him one of Red Arrows’ key players and establish himself as another influential foreign signing at Yanga.