Category: The Citizen

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. In less than 100 days since President Samia Suluhu Hassan began her second term, the Ministry of Trade and Industries has created over 540 direct jobs, a development described as reflecting the government’s vision of building a strong, inclusive, and industrialised economy driven by entrepreneurship and private sector participation.

Addressing journalists in Dodoma on Saturday, 24 January 2026, Minister for Trade and Industries, Judith Kapinga, outlined key achievements spearheaded by her ministry through the Small Industries Development Organisation (Sido), noting that the results demonstrate the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and inclusive economic growth. According to Ms Kapinga, President Hassan has already recorded notable economic empowerment gains in less than 100 days of her second term.

The Head of State was sworn in on 4 November 2025 and now has about 30 days to complete her first 100 days in office. Ms Kapinga said that between November 2025 and January 2026, the ministry, through SIDO, disbursed a total of 193 loans worth Sh821.7 million under the National Entrepreneurship Development Fund (NEDF) and the Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS).

“The loans were issued across 19 regions, namely Tanga, Tabora, Katavi, Pwani, Rukwa, Iringa, Morogoro, Ruvuma, Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Songwe, Shinyanga, Dodoma, Singida, Manyara, Kagera, and Kigoma,” she said. The minister noted that the financial support has directly resulted in the creation of 546 jobs in key sectors, including manufacturing, livestock keeping, agriculture, trade, and services.

Of these, 436 have benefited young people. “These achievements have enabled youth and low-income citizens to become self-employed, reduced unemployment challenges in both rural and urban areas, and increased the circulation of money within the domestic economy,” Ms Kapinga added.

She assured that the ministry will continue to scale up access to affordable financing and business development services to ensure sustainable economic growth as the President’s second term progresses. President Hassan has consistently emphasised that Tanzania is set to enter a new phase of economic transformation over the next five years, outlining a bold plan to accelerate growth, create jobs, and strengthen both local and national industries.

Addressing Parliament on 14 November 2025, she stressed that her government’s priority is to drive sustainable economic development while improving social services and infrastructure. “It is the responsibility of the government to advance economic growth.

Over the next five years, we will begin implementing the National Development Vision 20252050, aiming to build an inclusive nation with prosperity, justice, and self-reliance,” she said. The President highlighted key sectors that will form the backbone of this growth strategy, including agriculture, tourism, industry, construction, and mining.

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Dar es Salaam/Arusha. A legal dispute has emerged over the status of a court order barring opposition party Chadema from conducting political activities, following conflicting interpretations by the party’s leadership and lawyers representing the plaintiffs who obtained the order.

The disagreement follows a public statement by Chadema’s chief legal counsel, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, who said the injunction was valid for only six months and has since expired. His position was echoed by the party’s vice-chairperson (Mainland), Mr John Heche, who said the expiry of the order cleared the way for Chadema to resume political activities, with plans to announce a schedule of meetings soon.

However, the interpretation by Dr Nshala and Mr Heche has been challenged by Mr Shaban Marijani, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, who said Chadema’s leadership was misreading the court order. The dispute centres on a High Court injunction issued in Dar es Salaam on June 10, 2025, barring Chadema from conducting political activities and using party property pending the determination of a case involving a dispute over the distribution of party assets.

The civil case, No. 8323 of 2025, was filed at the High Court, Dar es Salaam Registry, by former Chadema vice-chairperson Mr Said Issa Mohamed and two members of the party’s Board of Trustees from Zanzibar–Mr Ahmed Rashid Khamis and Ms Maulida Anna Komu.

The defendants in the case, which is being heard by Judge Hamidu Mwanga, are Chadema’s Registered Board of Trustees and the party’s secretary-general. On Friday, January 23, 2026, Chadema, through Dr Nshala, issued a statement asserting that the injunction had lapsed after six months.

“We wish to inform all Tanzanians and friends of democracy that the injunction barring Chadema from conducting political activities ended on, exactly six months from the date it was issued by Judge Hamidu Mwanga on June 10, 2025,” the statement read. Dr Nshala cited Rule 3 of Order 37 of the Civil Procedure Code (Cap 33, Revised Edition 2023), which provides that an injunction issued under Rule 1 or Rule 2 may not exceed six months unless extended by the court.

The statement further referenced a Court of Appeal decision in African Trophy Hunting Ltd vs Attorney General and four others (Civil Appeal No. 25 of 1997) [1998] TZCA 11, which held that an injunction may be granted for an initial six months and extended, but should not exceed a total period of one year.

“By December 10, 2025, neither Mr Said Issa Mohamed, Mr Ahmed Rashid Khamis nor Ms Maulida Anna Komu had applied for an extension of the injunction,” the statement said. “This means that, in law, the injunction against Chadema’s political activities lapsed by operation of the law.

” Speaking to journalists in Arusha on Friday, Mr Heche said the party was ready to resume its operations. “We are ready to hold meetings, reopen party offices and carry out other political activities,” he said.

However, Mr Marijani dismissed the party’s interpretation, saying the court order clearly stated that the injunction would remain in force until the substantive case is determined. He said any disagreement over the meaning or application of the order should be addressed through formal court procedures.

“The interpretation of Rule 3 of Order 37 is a legal matter that requires judicial determination. While some precedents support that view, others do not,” he said.

“If they believe the injunction has lapsed, the proper course is to raise the matter before the court rather than debate it in the media.” .

Global TikTok icon Khaby Lame has turned a new page in his meteoric rise, closing a landmark business deal worth nearly one billion dollars, sets a new standard for digital creators worldwide. On January 23, 2026, the world’s most-followed TikToker finalised the sale of a major stake in his core operating company, reportedly valued between $900 million and $975 million to Hong Kong’s Rich Sparkle Holdings.

The blockbuster agreement grants the acquiring firm exclusive commercial rights to the Khaby Lame brand for the next three years, transforming his influence into a fully structured global business with long-term strategic direction. Known for his signature dean expressions and hilarious takedowns of overcomplicated “life hacks,” Khaby became a worldwide sensation without saying a single word.

Now, his brand is evolving far beyond viral content into a scaled business empire. A key feature of the deal is the planned creation of an AI-powered digital twin of Khaby Lame, an artificial intelligence version of the star that can create content in multiple languages, expand his presence across new platforms, and unlock livestream commerce opportunities.

This means brands could potentially use his likeness and signature silent humour in global campaigns without his physical presence. Insiders say this AI integration could redefine how digital celebrities engage audiences and brands pushing the boundaries of what creator-driven entertainment can achieve.

This historic transaction marks a major moment for the creator economy. It shows that individual digital stars can now achieve valuations once reserved for major entertainment studios, underscoring the evolving power of social media influence in global business.

Khaby Lame’s journey from the streets of Italy to a near-billion-dollar business move proves that creativity still pays, especially when paired with innovation and strategic vision. .

Dar es Salaam/Mwanza. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has officially launched the MV New Mwanza, the largest freshwater passenger ship in Africa, marking a milestone in the country’s maritime transport sector.

The state-of-the-art vessel, operating on Lake Victoria, has four decks, measures 92.6 metres in length, 17 metres in width, and weighs 3,500 tonnes. It can carry 1,200 passengers, 20 vehicles, and 400 tonnes of cargo, and travels at a speed of 16 knots (about 30 km/h), reducing the travel time from Mwanza to Bukoba to six to seven hours, compared to eight to ten hours by other vessels.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on January 23, 2026, Dr Nchemba urged the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the skills gained during the ship’s construction are applied in future projects. He also called on the Tanzania Shipping Company (Tashico) to work closely with stakeholders to guarantee passenger safety, proper maintenance, and operations that promote diplomacy, trade, and regional relations.

He emphasised the importance of complying with insurance regulations. Earlier, Tashico CEO Eric Hamissi said the ship’s construction provided hands-on training for Tanzanians in areas such as design, hull assembly, launching, and trial voyages.

He described MV New Mwanza as the largest freshwater vessel in Africa. Built by Korean contractors Gas Entec Ship-Building Engineering and Kang Nam Corporation in collaboration with Suma JKT, the vessel cost over Sh120 billion.

MV New Mwanza features six passenger classes, including a VVIP deck for two passengers, VIP deck for four, first class for 60, business class 2 for 100, second class for 200, and economy class for 834 passengers. Onboard services include food and drinks, musical entertainment, and recreational facilities.

The ship is also equipped with a lift with a 20-passenger capacity, a medical clinic, special seating for pregnant and breastfeeding passengers, and a hall for weddings and celebrations. Its safety systems can send alerts to rescue stations in Mwanza, Kisumu, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and the open lake without captain intervention.

Two large cargo doors allow for faster loading and unloading, while amenities include electricity, clean water, air conditioning, large kitchens, long-term food storage, first aid facilities, parent rooms, and a waste management system. Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa assured that passenger and cargo fares will remain affordable and competitive, while Tashico ensures reliable schedules, passenger safety, maintenance, cleanliness, and professional staff.

Parliamentary Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Selemani Kakoso commended the government for completing the project and declared the Lake Zone debt-free. He urged authorities to continue developing infrastructure, including the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, Mwanza International Airport, and the Dodoma-Tabora section of the Standard Gauge Railway.

Dr Nchemba also directed public institutions, parastatals, and local authorities to redirect funds from non-essential expenses to development projects. He called for a review of all delayed projects and banned the use of public funds for items such as calendars, cards, drinks, flowers, and unnecessary vehicle purchases, urging ministries to prioritise ongoing infrastructure works.

He urged regional and local leaders to focus on citizens’ welfare, ensuring mayors, council chairpersons, and deputies prioritise public needs over political appointments during their five-year terms. .

Geneva. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called on the Trump administration to ensure that its migration policies uphold individual rights and adhere to international law, warning against arbitrary arrests and detentions.

In a statement, Turk highlighted that individuals are being monitored and detained, sometimes violently, in places ranging from hospitals, churches, mosques, courthouses, and markets to schools and even their own homes, often solely on suspicion of being undocumented migrants. He raised concerns over US immigration enforcement operations, noting that some measures appear disproportionate and should only be used when an individual poses an immediate threat to life.

The deployment of around 3,000 heavily armed federal officers in Minneapolis, aimed at targeting criminal immigration violators, has at times also affected law-abiding citizens and immigrants. The city remains tense following the shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old US citizen and mother of three, by an immigration officer on 7 January.

Vice President JD Vance defended the federal operation, attributing the unrest to “far-left agitators” and uncooperative local officials. Turk also urged that all individuals in custody be granted timely access to legal advice and called for an independent investigation into deaths in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, citing 30 fatalities in 2025 and six so far this year.

He further condemned the routine portrayal of migrants and refugees as criminals or societal burdens, which he warned fuels xenophobic hostility and abuse. .

London. The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its membership after months of warnings from global health experts that the move could weaken public health systems in the U.

S. and worldwide.

U.S.

President Donald Trump issued notice of withdrawal on the first day of his presidency in 2025 through an executive order, citing what his administration described as failures by the UN health agency in its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement issued by the U.

S. Departments of Health and State, Washington said it would only engage with the WHO in a limited manner as the withdrawal takes effect and has no intention of rejoining or participating even as an observer.

Instead, the U.S.

said it plans to work directly with individual countries on disease surveillance and public health cooperation, rather than through multilateral institutions. Dispute over unpaid fees Under U.

S. law, Washington is required to give a one-year notice and settle outstanding membership contributions, estimated at about, $260 million, before exiting.

However, U.S.

officials dispute that payment is a legal condition for withdrawal. The Department of Health and Human Services said it has already ended all funding contributions to the WHO, arguing that the agency had cost the U.

S. trillions of dollars through ineffective pandemic management.

Witnesses in Geneva reported that the U.S.

flag had been removed from outside WHO headquarters on Thursday. The U.

S. has also signalled plans to exit several other United Nations agencies, raising concerns among analysts that the move could weaken multilateral cooperation.

WHO officials say the U.S.

has not yet paid its outstanding contributions for 2024 and 2025. Member states are expected to discuss the implications of the U.S.

exit at the WHO executive board meeting in February. Legal experts have questioned the legality of the withdrawal without settling outstanding dues.

Financial impact on WHO The U.S.

has traditionally been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing about 18 percent of the agency’s total funding. Its departure has already triggered a financial crisis within the organisation, forcing the WHO to cut its senior management team by half, scale back programmes and reduce budgets.

The agency is also expected to lay off about a quarter of its staff by mid-year. Global health leaders warn that reduced funding could affect disease surveillance, vaccination programmes, emergency response capacity and technical support to developing countries, including those in Africa.

Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation and a major funder of global health programmes, said he does not expect the U.S.

to reverse its decision in the near future, but stressed that the world still needs a strong WHO. Public health experts caution that the U.

S. exit could weaken global coordination in detecting and responding to future disease outbreaks, potentially increasing risks for all countries.

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We’ve before us a January 10 copy of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet, whose Page 2 is carrying a story entitled, ‘Kairuki issues ultimatum on personal data registration.’ Reporting on an order by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Angellah Kairuki, our scribbling colleague writes: “In a STRONG directive, Kairuki instructed the Personal Data Protection Commission to begin preparations immediately for compliance audits across the country.

” A strong directive? How do we measure the strength of a directive? At the expense of being accused of fussiness, we aver to say that using the adjective “strong” to define a directive is least appropriate–rather incredulous! When a minister issues an order, we don’t need to excessively qualify it. Calling it, simply, a directive, would be good enough! However, if you consider it necessary to add weight to the Honourable Minister’s order, we’d suggest his sentence to read thus: “In a STRONGLY WORDED directive, Kairuki instructed the Personal Data Protection Commission to” Page 5 of the broadsheet is filled with an assortment of pictures, one of which has a caption written thus: Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Millya receives A QUR’AN from the Amir and Chief Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Tanzania, Sheikh Khawaja Muzaffar Ahmad, in Dar es Salaam recently” A Qur’an? Oh, no! Why, because there’s only one Qur’an–THE QUR’AN–which is the book comprising messages from Allah Himself as revealed to His Prophet, Muhammad (peace be unto him–PHUH).

Which is to say, what the Amir presented to Minister Millya is A COPY of the Qur’an. Yes, just like one could be gifted with, not a Bible, but A COPY of the Bible.

And now, a look at Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet of Friday, January 16, whose Page 2 has a story whose headline reads, ‘Kilimanjaro due to welcome some 30,000 Form One students this year.’ In Para 2, the scribbler writes: “The Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Nurdin Babu, said he conducted inspections across the region from January 5 to 10, 2026 to personally verify” January 5 to 10, 2026? Telling the dates 5 to 10 are those of 2026 suggests that the scribbler doesn’t want his readers to imagine he’s talking of an inspection that took place in January 2025! It’s sheer waste of print paper space–or, an underestimation of our readers’ intelligence! In Para 5, the scribbler reports further on what RC Babu said in regard to this year’s Form One in Kilimanjaro schools: “He also directed ward education coordinators to hold preparatory meetings for school openings and to plan the RECEPTION of new students.

” Reception of new students? Well, wellwe aver our colleague set out to say: “ADMISSION of new students.” In the last para-but three, the scribbler writes: “In Moshi municipality, parents were OBSERVED accompanying children to school with FULL school SUPPLIES, signaling strong community engagement” Duh! Let’s not fuss and simply provide a rewrite: “In Moshi municipality, parents were SEEN accompanying children to school with ALL THEIR school REQUIREMENTS” Finally, a gem from the huge Nairobi tabloid that commands a sizeable readership in Bongo.

Deep inside its LifeStyle pullout, there’s a story entitled, ‘We took what the thieves left behind and changed our lives.’ In the first paragraph of the last column of the interesting human-interest story, the scribbler reports: “As time went by, a homeless person noticed there were people living within the church compound and decided to BORROW food.

” Borrow food? A-a! Things you borrow are only those belonging to someone else which you take and use with the intention of returning them. Food can’t be one of such things.

We BEG FOR food when we’re starving and have no money to buy the same. You borrow someone’s car when yours has broken down.

Ah, this treacherous language called English! Send your photos and linguistic gems to email [email protected] or WhatsApp on Tel No 0688315580 .

London/Washington. The United States’ recent control over Venezuela’s oil exports has complicated the country’s debt payments to China, raising the prospect of a major showdown between the two global powers and further challenging Venezuela’s path out of default.

About a tenth of Venezuela’s $150 billion foreign debt is owed to China, which had been repaid partly through oil shipments. That arrangement has been disrupted after U.

S. authorities took control of the country’s oil revenue earlier this month.

Debt experts warn that any dispute between Washington and Beijing over the payments could make it harder for Venezuela to restructure its debt following its 2017 default, and may affect China’s willingness to cooperate in other debt restructuring deals in developing countries. “Even under the best circumstances, disentangling creditors in Venezuela has always been messy,” said Christopher Hodge, chief economist at Natixis and former U.

S. Treasury official.

“Now with the U.S.

controlling the finances flowing into and out of the country, the situation is unprecedented.” Currently, the U.

S. only controls proceeds from oil sales, but those revenues remain Venezuela’s main source of income.

State-run oil company PDVSA documents show that, over the past five years, oil shipments to China helped service interest payments under a temporary 2019 agreement. The Trump administration has redirected these proceeds to a Qatar-based account controlled by Washington, giving the U.

S. potential leverage over which creditors are paid and when.

The U.S.

says China can still buy Venezuelan oil, but not at the discounted rates Caracas previously offered. China has condemned the redirection of Venezuela’s oil, insisting that the “legitimate rights and interests” of China and other countries in Venezuela be respected.

A White House spokeswoman said the deal would benefit both the American and Venezuelan people. Debt specialists warn that U.

S. control over oil revenues could disrupt the normal hierarchy of creditors, complicating any debt restructuring.

Venezuela needs an agreement with creditors to resume borrowing and attract investment after its bonds defaulted in 2017. “If the U.S.

pushes China to accept major write-downs and Beijing resists, restructuring could be delayed and Venezuela’s economic recovery further jeopardized,” said Jean-Charles Sambor, head of emerging market debt at TT International. China, the world’s largest bilateral lender to developing nations, could respond by withholding cooperation in future international debt restructuring programs until it feels fairly treated in Venezuela.

Experts say such a move would have significant global implications. .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court for Economic Crimes and Corruption Offences Division has sentenced a Nigerian national, Mr David Kanayo Chukwu, to 28 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to participating in the trafficking of 268.50 kilogrammes of heroin.

Mr Chukwu, 28, was the first accused among three suspects in the case. The verdict was delivered on January 22, 2026, by Magistrate Otaru Joachimu.

In passing sentence, the court took into account the five years and nine months the convict had already spent in remand since his arrest in 2020. Consequently, he will serve the remaining 22 years and three months to complete his sentence. Meanwhile, the court acquitted the third accused, Mr Alistair Amon Mbele, after the prosecution failed to prove its case against him.

The ruling was made in Case Number DCEA/IR/06/2020 ECO 36/2020, involving Mr David Kanayo Chukwu (Nigerian), Mr Isso Lomward Lupembe (Tanzanian) and Mr Alistair Amon Mbele (Tanzanian). The second accused, Mr Lupembe, is still facing trial after denying the charges against him.

His case remains pending before the same court. The court further directed that asset forfeiture proceedings related to the suspects’ properties be concluded within one year from the date of the judgement.

According to the prosecution, the three suspects were arrested in 2020 by officers from the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) in the Mbezi “Kibanda cha Mkaa” area. They were accused of trafficking 268.50 kilogrammes of heroin.

The case has been adjourned to February 23, 2026, for further hearing. .

Moshi. The government has urged the College of Business Education (CBE) to prioritise the development of innovative and highly skilled professionals for Tanzania’s tourism sector through its planned new campus in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region.

The call was made on January 21, 2026, by Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Dennis Londo, during an inspection visit to the site designated for the CBE Moshi Campus, which is expected to serve the northern zone. “We want CBE in this region to become a centre for producing experts who add value to the tourism sector, not only as employees but also as entrepreneurs and innovators in tourism-related ventures,” Mr Londo said.

He noted that the campus is expected to address both professional and structural challenges facing the tourism industry by equipping students with practical, market-oriented skills. “Students will be trained in tourism business management, entrepreneurship, tourism marketing, hospitality management and service excellence,” he said.

Mr Londo added that the initiative will enhance tourism’s contribution to the national economy, noting that the sector remains one of Tanzania’s leading sources of revenue and employment. CBE Principal, Professor Edda Tandi Lwoga, said the Moshi campus will be the institution’s fifth nationwide and will significantly expand enrolment capacity.

“The college currently has 24,657 students, and once completed, the Moshi campus is expected to enrol more than 2,000 additional students,” she said. On implementation, Professor Lwoga said the design phase for three core buildings is already underway and is scheduled for completion by March 2026 at a cost of Sh174 million.

“The first phase of construction will comprise classrooms with capacity for 2,000 students, a three-star training hotel with 52 guest rooms, and student hostels,” she said. She added that the campus will operate as a Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality, providing specialised training aligned with business and investment opportunities in the northern tourism circuit.

The project, funded by the World Bank through the Higher Education Transformation Project, is valued at Sh17.4 billion. Construction is expected to commence later in 2026 following the completion of financial and procedural requirements, including the tendering process.

Hai District Commissioner, Mr Hassan Bomboko, welcomed the decision to establish the campus in the district and called for the project to be expedited. “Local communities will benefit from the construction phase through food supply and service businesses, and even more once the campus becomes operational,” he said.

He urged authorities to fast-track implementation so that residents who contributed land for the project can begin to realise tangible benefits. .