Category: The Citizen

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. .

Dodoma. The Government is in the final stages of including family planning services under the universal health insurance scheme, through amendments to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Act, which are currently under discussion in Parliamentary committees.

The move comes a year after the withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which prompted the Government, in collaboration with health stakeholders, to allocate US$9 million (Sh23.9 billion) in the 2025/2026 financial year to sustain family planning interventions nationwide. Family planning is among the health services disrupted following USAID’s exit, despite being provided free of charge in Tanzania since 1991. By September 2025, data indicated a decline in the use of modern family planning methods, a key pillar of safe motherhood.

Speaking to The Citizen on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, the Director of Policy, Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Health, Dr Tumainiel Macha, said the Government is still finalising the process of integrating family planning into the insurance system. Minor amendments to the NHIF Act are underway to include the services, with approval from President Samia Suluhu Hassan for their inclusion in a single benefits package accessible to citizens.

“We have not yet completed the process. The Bill is being discussed by Parliamentary committees and, if approved, may be deliberated in the next session of Parliament.

Once everything is ready, we will issue an official statement, as several issues are still being addressed,” Dr Macha said. Commenting on the matter, NHIF Public Relations Manager James Mlowe said all priority services previously supported by USAID and other donors are being managed under the Ministry of Health.

“All priority services continue to be managed by the Ministry. Some donors are still providing support, while others have withdrawn.

In due course, the services will be incorporated into the insurance scheme. The Ministry is reviewing the situation and will provide guidance,” he said.

Policy and Budget Analyst James Mlali highlighted the benefits of including family planning in insurance, noting it would enable women to access services at any time and generate long-term savings. He added that private insurers had conducted studies showing significant cost benefits from maternal and child healthcare expenditure.

“It will help because spacing births improves both mother and child health, while allowing women to engage in income-generating activities,” Mlali said. In September 2025, Acting Director of Maternal and Reproductive Health Services, Dr Mzee Nassoro, emphasised the importance of including family planning in insurance coverage, assuring the Government would maintain continuity during funding transitions.

MSI Tanzania Country Director Patrick Kinemo, noted that despite financial challenges following USAID’s withdrawal, embedding family planning services in the NHIF amendment Bill is a strategic step. He added that every dollar invested in family planning yields health and economic returns of up to 120 times.

“Investing in family planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce maternal and child mortality while stimulating economic growth,” Kinemo said. .

Dubai. AfricaUAE economic ties entered a new phase on January 20, 2026, with the launch of the CRDB Bank Dubai Representative Office at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), making CRDB the first Tanzanian bank to establish a presence in one of the world’s leading financial hubs.

The move places Tanzania, and the wider East and Central Africa region, with a combined economy approaching $800 billion, directly within the global capital ecosystem, using a home-grown African institution as the conduit between regional opportunity and international finance. The launch ceremony, held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, brought together leaders from international financial institutions, global investors, multinational companies and development finance partners, reflecting growing international interest in Africa as a growth frontier.

The event was officiated by the minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Amb Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Speaking for the President, Amb Kombo said the expansion aligned with Tanzania’s national economic vision and demonstrated the capacity of domestic institutions to operate to global standards.

He described Dubai as a strategic choice, citing its role as a global capital hub and the strong regulatory environment at DIFC. “The presence of a Tanzanian bank in Dubai will deepen trade, investment and economic relations between Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates, building on bilateral trade of about $2.5 billion annually, while strengthening East and Central Africa’s links with global markets,” he said.

Zanzibar’s Minister of Finance, Dr Juma Malik Akil, said the development reflected the growing maturity of Tanzania’s financial sector and its ability to engage confidently with international markets. Tanzania, home to more than 60 million people, has recorded average GDP growth of 67 percent for over two decades, maintained single-digit inflation and preserved macroeconomic stability.

This record has helped position the country as a gateway linking the Indian Ocean to landlocked markets across East and Central Africa. CRDB Bank has expanded alongside this role.

Founded 30 years ago, the Group now serves more than six million customers across Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a balance sheet exceeding $9 billion. Group chief executive Abdulmajid Nsekela said the Dubai office was the next step in a regional strategy shaped by Tanzania’s geography and Africa’s integration agenda.

“Dubai allows us to complete the triangle–linking global capital, Tanzania and East and Central Africa through one trusted African institution,” he said. Despite a market of nearly 400 million people and vast infrastructure, energy and mineral opportunities, the region continues to face constraints in accessing long-term capital.

CRDB said the Dubai office will focus on deal origination, financing structures and mobilisation of international funding, including Islamic finance. CRDB board chairperson Prof Neema Mori said the move signalled confidence in African institutions.

“This is a statement about governance, capability and trust,” she said. .

Over the past decade, I have worked on commercial disputes where contract values exceeded $300 million. In more than 70 percent of these cases, the dispute could have been avoided with proper legal structuring at the outset.

Boardrooms now scrutinize dispute clauses with urgency. Investors repeatedly ask: “If something goes wrong, where do I really stand?” After advising on complex commercial disputes across multiple jurisdictions, I observe that in approximately 60 percent of cases, the problem is inadequate legal advice at the outset.

Dispute clauses copied from unrelated jurisdictions. Arbitration provisions contradicting governing law clauses.

Contracts silent on enforcement. These are structural weaknesses that are entirely avoidable.

When it comes to dispute resolution mechanisms, the choice between Tanzanian courts and arbitration must be strategic, not ideological. Tanzania’s Arbitration Act, 2020 significantly modernized the country’s arbitration framework, drawing inspiration from international best practices, including aspects of the UK Arbitration Act 1996. While the Act strengthens party autonomy and limits court intervention, distinctions between domestic and foreign arbitral awards remain relevant in enforcement practice.

More importantly, Tanzania is signatory to the New York Convention — adopted by 172 countries representing nearly 90 percent of global GDP. Arbitral awards issued in Tanzania can be enforced in London, New York, Singapore, or Dubai.

On the other hand, Tanzanian courts play a critical role, particularly for domestic law disputes. Recent High Court decisions demonstrate judicial sophistication: in Catic International Engineering v.

University of Dar es Salaam (2020), the court reinforced proper standards for enforcing awards. Simultaneously, arbitration offers neutrality and international enforceability.

International arbitration often proves more cost-efficient than complex multi-jurisdictional litigation over the full life cycle of a dispute, with studies and practice experience indicating overall cost savings of approximately 2040 percent, primarily due to procedural consolidation, limited appeals, and streamlined enforcement. The mistake is failing to assess which mechanism aligns with investment risk profiles.

And then comes Forum Shopping, which is often portrayed as opportunistic. In my experience, it is a symptom of earlier legal missteps.

When dispute clauses are unclear, parties race to secure favorable jurisdiction. Investors who plan properly do not shop for forums.

Their contracts specify where disputes will be resolved and how outcomes will be enforced. Where clarity is missing, uncertainty carries quantifiable costs.

Litigation risk now directly affects deal valuation. Sophisticated investors assess enforceability risk alongside market opportunity.

Where enforcement is uncertain, financing costs increase or disappear. I have seen viable projects struggle for funding not because business cases failed, but because legal risk was poorly articulated.

This manifests sharply in emerging markets where legal strategy is underestimated. Tanzania’s Commercial Court demonstrates increasing sophistication.

In Diamond Motors Limited v. STC Construction Limited (2024), the High Court clarified arbitration waiver principles.

In Louis Dreyfus Suisse SA v. Kahama Oil Mills Limited (2024), the court addressed enforcement timing.

These decisions show thoughtful judicial engagement with modern arbitration. Combined with three operational arbitral institutions, investors have multiple viable pathways.

Truth be told, what separates successful cross-border investments from failed ones is quality of legal structuring from day one. Troubled contracts show patterns: hybrid clauses combining litigation and arbitration without clarity, governing law provisions contradicting dispute mechanisms, enforcement strategies unspecified.

These failures often cost more than disputes themselves. The bottom line is that in 15 years advising on African and global transactions, the most successful investors know exactly how disputes will be managed, where they will be heard, and how decisions will be enforced.

Too many disputes attributed to “systemic failure” result from contracts never designed to withstand conflict. When investors claim unpredictability, examination often reveals inadequate structuring.

Dispute resolution strategy should be decided alongside capital structure and governance rights — not after relationships break down. By the time disputes arise, critical decisions have been made.

Amne Suedi is Founder and Managing Director of Shikana Investment and Advisory, International Business Lawyer and Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Zanzibar .

By Edwin Norasco The customs cargo clearance process begins with declarations, where importers submit requisite information regarding the goods prior to their arrival. This information is then reviewed and validated by customs authority through physical or intrinsic examination, and any required modifications are requested from the importer.

The goods are also subjected to inspection by other government departments (OGDs) to ensure compliance with different regulatory requirements. Physical examination involves visual checking of goods to verify the nature, properties, origin, condition and quantity to ensure proper customs valuation, tariff classification and that regulatory compliance before clearance.

While most goods can be accurately identified and classified through simple visual inspection or documentation review, certain products require scientific testing to determine their identity and ensure proper classification. Items such as industrial chemicals, cosmetic ingredients, pharmaceutical products, flavours and fragrances, food additives and sweeteners, chemical precursors and intermediates, agricultural chemicals, plastics and polymers, alloys and toxic substances and poisons fall under this category and cannot be reliably differentiated without a thorough chemical analysis.

The Tanzanian Revenue Authority’s (TRA) through their sixth corporate plan 2022/23 2025/26 under the strategic directions for 2022/23 2025/26 established a customs laboratory to support its operational efficiency. This laboratory will be a specialised facility operated by customs authorities to carry out scientific and chemical analyses of imported and exported goods.

Its role will be to verify product identity, composition, and quality, ensuring accurate classification for valuation, the correct assessment and collection of duties and taxes, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. In practice, the customs laboratory function will be extended beyond the determination of correct classification of products in the Harmonized System (HS) to being a critical tool in the fight against dangerous substances such as chemical weapons, ozone depleting substances, pesticides, persistent organic products, and drug precursors.

Personnel in these laboratories will be required to demonstrate expertise that extends beyond analytical techniques, industrial manufacturing processes, and general chemistry, to include a comprehensive understanding of customs procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements. Historically, the customs authority has relied on assessments conducted by the Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Agency (GCLA).

However, with the increasing volume and complexity of traded goods requiring chemical analysis, there is a growing need for the customs authority to establish its own independent and dedicated laboratories, staffed with qualified personnel to conduct customs-specific analyses. This shift raises important considerations for traders whose businesses depend on customs processes, making it increasingly critical for them to understand the implications of this change to effectively navigate the evolving regulatory environment.

This shift by customs authorities means that traders will need to take greater precautions to ensure their goods comply with both tariff and non-tariff regulatory requirements. The introduction of the customs laboratory will undoubtedly enhance operational efficiency in customs inspections.

Traders can expect more accurate determinations of product classifications, which could reduce disputes related to tariff classifications. However, this could also come at cost of anticipated delays.

Therefore, traders who deal with products that require specific chemical analysis or are subject to environmental and safety regulations, should prepare for a more rigorous process and ensure that they their documentation and certifications in order, before shipment. While the introduction of the customs laboratory is designed to streamline and improve customs processes, it could also introduce additional costs for traders.

These could include costs associated with meeting compliance requirements, and potential delays that could impact supply chains. Traders are therefore encouraged to budget for these expenses and factor them in their pricing strategies to maintain profitability.

To effectively adapt to the new customs laboratory and its associated changes, it is important for traders to take proactive measures including staying updated on the latest regulations, investing in compliance training for staff, and consulting with customs experts to ensure that their operations meet all the requirements. Edwin Norasco is a Senior Tax Advisor with KPMG Advisory Limited ([email protected]).

The views and opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of KPMG .

Dar es Salaam. Yanga head coach Pedro Gonaalves has stressed that his side must be extremely keen, disciplined and mentally strong when they face African giants Al Ahly in a crucial Caf Champions League Group B clash in Cairo on Friday evening.

The Portuguese tactician believes attention to detail and composure will be decisive as Yanga take on one of the most decorated clubs in world football at the Al Salam Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 pm East African time. It will be the first match involving a Tanzanian club in the current round of fixtures, and it comes with significant implications for the balance of power in the group.

The encounter brings together two sides locked on four points after two matches, underlining just how evenly poised Group B has become. Al Ahly currently sit top of the standings courtesy of a superior goal difference of plus four, while Yanga occupy second place with plus one.

Morocco’s AS FAR and Algeria’s JS Kabylie trail with one point apiece, making every point in the remaining matches vital. Yanga head into the Cairo test buoyed by confidence following a commanding 60 Mainland Tanzania Premier League victory over Mashujaa, a result that highlighted both their attacking potency and squad depth.

The emphatic win served as ideal preparation ahead of the toughest assignment in the group, especially against an Al Ahly side renowned for its tactical maturity and vast continental experience. Pedro has assembled a strong travelling squad, naming all his key players and new signings for the showdown.

Creative midfielder Allan Okello, forward Laurindo Dilson “Depu”, Emmanuel Mwanengo, Mohamed Damaro, Hussein Masalanga, and reinstated right back Kouassi Attohoula Yao are all available for selection. Their presence gives Yanga both balance and versatility, qualities that will be essential against an opponent that thrives on punishing the slightest mistake.

Speaking after the league win, Gonaalves openly acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side but maintained that Yanga are well prepared and mentally ready for the occasion. “We know Al Ahly are a very strong team with great experience in this competition,” said Pedro.

“That is why we must be very keen and focused in everything we do. But we have prepared well, the players are motivated, and we are going to Cairo with determination and belief that we can get a positive result.

” For Yanga, the Cairo clash represents more than just another group match. It is a benchmark test against Africa’s most successful club, a chance to measure their progress and assert themselves as genuine contenders for qualification to the knockout stages.

A positive result would not only boost their points tally but also send a strong message across the continent. The significance of the fixture is heightened by the fact that the two sides will meet again on January 31, when Yanga host Al Ahly at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

That return leg could prove decisive in determining the final group standings, placing even greater importance on Friday’s encounter in Cairo. As Yanga step onto the Cairo stage, Pedro’s message is clear: total focus, tactical discipline and belief will be required if they are to overcome the ultimate test and keep their Champions League ambitions firmly on course.

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Davos. NATO Secretary Mark Rutte said on Thursday that he and US President Trump had discussed in Davos how the transatlantic alliance should best defend the Arctic against Russia and China.

Trump has repeatedly said he wanted to acquire Greenland, citing national security, though on Wednesday he ruled out using force and suggested a deal was in sight to end the dispute over the Danish overseas territory following talks with Rutte. Trump’s ambitions have put strain on the NATO alliance.

Rutte said he had a “very good discussion” with Trump on how NATO allies can work collectively to ensure Arctic security, including not just Greenland but the seven NATO nations with land in the Arctic. Further talks would build on the Washington meeting last week between the United States and delegations from Denmark and Greenland.

“One workstream coming out of yesterday is to make sure when it comes to Greenland, particularly, that we ensure that the Chinese and the Russians will not gain access to the Greenland economy (or) militarily to Greenland,” Rutte told a panel at the World Economic Forum. .

Tanzania finds itself in a moment of reflection following the events of October 29, 2025, and the days that followed. How have these events impacted the country’s diplomatic brand and international relations? What happened on October 29 has had a profound impact on Tanzania.

For many decades since independence, the country has enjoyed a positive reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable nations. This record did not come about by chance or mere good fortune; it was the result of deliberate interventions immediately after independence.

Chief among them was the deliberate effort to forge a single, united nation deeply integrated across ethnic, tribal, religious, and racial lines. That foundation accounted for the peace and stability Tanzania has enjoyed for so many years.

Unfortunately, the events of October 29 have tarnished this hard-earned record. Tanzania’s diplomatic moment will now be defined by how it responds to this crisis, whether it does so in a credible manner that not only addresses the immediate issues but also provides an opportunity to recover and restore its lost standing in the international community.

Tanzania was among the frontline states in Africa’s liberation struggle and has long been viewed as a stable and reliable partner in regional affairs. How would you describe the country’s current diplomatic moment, and what distinguishes it from past periods of transition? What occurred has significantly set us back.

We now find ourselves in a very uncomfortable and untenable situation that requires a deliberate and thoughtful strategy to exit. Many of the events were centred on electoral disputes and restrictions within political and civic spaces, including complaints of abductions and disappearances.

This reality should form the starting point as we look for an off-ramp. We must assess honestly the extent to which we are addressing these grievances, because they have generated deep anger and frustration within society.

Over time, this unattended anger accumulated and ultimately erupted during the elections. As a nation, we must confront this situation directly and responsibly, in a way that restores stability and provides credible assurance that such events will never happen again.

President Samia has emphasised diplomacy and international cooperation as a core priority for 2026. From your experience, how important is consistency in foreign policy messaging during periods of heightened political sensitivity? Going forward, it is essential that we assure ourselves, and the international community, that we are firmly in control of the situation. We must also demonstrate that there are genuine, credible measures being taken to address the root causes of the discontent that had been building within society.

Rather than contesting perceptions, our priority should be to manage expectations. This applies internally, by showing citizens that serious corrective actions are underway, and externally, by reassuring our regional neighbours and international partners that Tanzania is taking meaningful steps to resolve the situation responsibly.

Recent developments have drawn close attention from development partners and international institutions. In diplomatic terms, how significant is perception, and how can Tanzania actively shape the narrative going forward? There is a substantial amount of diplomatic work that needs to be undertaken.

Given the magnitude of the challenge, we might have benefited from beginning with quiet diplomacy among our neighbours and key allies, engaging in honest and constructive conversations about what exactly happened, as well as the measures and future corrective steps being put in place to ensure that such events do not recur. In your view, what role does quiet diplomacy and behind-the-scenes engagement play compared to public statements when addressing partner concerns? Public statements certainly have impact, but at this stage they may not necessarily serve our best interests.

What we need most is careful management of the narrative. We should not leave matters to chance by allowing everyone to issue their own interpretations and statements.

Expectations must be actively managed. Quiet diplomacy requires the deployment of trusted envoys in strategic areas, beginning with our immediate neighbourhood.

These should be individuals with influence and credibility. Quiet diplomacy is not about public pronouncements; it involves private sessions where issues can be discussed openly and candidly.

By engaging regional blocs and neighbours such as the EAC, SADC, and the African Union, we create a strong foundation from which Tanzania can effectively re-engage with the wider international community. What lessons can Tanzania draw from other countries that have successfully restored confidence with donors and partners after periods of political tension? There are valuable lessons to be learned, including from our neighbours.

We have seen how Kenya addressed its electoral disputes through genuine constitutional reforms. Ghana, more recently, took concrete steps to amend its electoral laws and processes.

We can even draw lessons from Rwanda, a country that experienced genocide yet implemented a process that ensured long-term stability and predictability. What is your view on Western influence and interference in African affairs in current times? This is not a recent phenomenon.

History shows that African affairs have long been subject to interference by imperial powers. For a long time, we hoped this would change, but it appears that global power dynamics have remained largely the same.

Recognising this reality, it is important that we take deliberate measures to eliminate, or at least minimize, such interference. At times, we inadvertently provide justification for this interference due to our dependence on aid and external support.

We need to move away from such relationships and towards a position where no external actor feels entitled to issue instructions. This reflects a deeper paradox: Africa in general, and Tanzania in particular, is immensely rich yet persistently poor.

We possess all the resources needed to redefine our global relationships, but we continue to miss these opportunities. How closely linked are governance reforms and diplomatic credibility in today’s global environment, particularly for developing economies? It is unfortunate that we have reached a point where reforms are often driven by external pressure.

The struggle for independence across Africa was fundamentally about establishing post-colonial systems grounded in democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and regular free and fair elections. Sadly, we sometimes forget why we fought for independence and allow systems to emerge that restrict these rights.

In doing so, we invite external conditionalities tied to aid and support. Finding an off-ramp that addresses what happened on October 29 and in its aftermath would place Tanzania in a much stronger position to resist such pressures and reclaim its sovereignty in decision-making.

President Samia has repeatedly spoken about dialogue, inclusion, and institutional strengthening. How important are these signals in reassuring international partners over the long term? These signals are very important, but they must be backed by substance.

If we focus only on perceptions, we risk constantly reacting rather than leading. What truly matters is implementing serious measures that deliver meaningful solutions.

This should not be about donor compliance or appeasement; it must be driven by our own genuine desire to strengthen our institutions and society. Tanzania has traditionally played a stabilising role in East Africa and the Great Lakes region.

How can the country leverage its regional standing to reinforce its global diplomatic position? Since independence, Tanzania played a leadership role in East and Southern Africa. Positions taken in Dar es Salaam often shaped those of the Frontline States, the OAU, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Unfortunately, we lost much of this standing, particularly during the previous administration. From 2015, Tanzania began withdrawing from its traditional leadership role on the continent.

President Samia made efforts to reverse this trend, but during President Magufuli’s tenure, Tanzania largely disengaged from its historical regional leadership responsibilities. Will Tanzania regain credibility as a nation that bridges divisions elsewhere in Africa? We have a very strong foundation on which to rebuild.

Tanzania has a long history of peace and stability, and that characteristic remains deeply embedded in our society. I am confident that we can overcome the current situation, provided we diagnose the problem accurately and apply the right solutions.

The President’s commission of inquiry offers some hope, even though there are those who remain sceptical. If you were advising the next generation of Tanzanian diplomats today, what principles would you emphasise for navigating an increasingly complex global environment? I genuinely sympathise with them.

The world they are entering is vastly different from the one I knew, particularly in the 30 to 40 years following the collapse of the Berlin Wall. That era was defined by a clear EastWest divide, communism versus capitalism.

Today, the global landscape is shaped by multiple disruptions: geopolitics, economic shifts, climate change, and digital transformation. The interaction of these forces has produced a world marked by extreme unpredictability and instability.

Tanzania’s current predicament has revived debate about global alignment. Should Tanzania align with the West or with China? Tanzania should align with itself.

As I mentioned earlier, we are extremely rich yet remain poor. Escaping this situation does not require magic.

Countries like China and several Asian nations were at similar levels of development not long ago. We must remember that we do not have an uncle in this world.

We must depend on ourselves, and we have all the resources required to do so. Finally, Ambassador, what gives you confidence about Tanzania’s ability to rebuild momentum in its diplomatic and development partnerships in the year ahead? The foundation of peace and stability in Tanzania remains very strong.

At independence, we were merely a collection of tribes, yet over time we transformed into a cohesive nation. That resilience endures, even when we face serious tests such as those of October 29. What matters most now is honesty with ourselves and a sincere commitment to addressing our challenges.

If we do that, I am confident Tanzania can rebuild momentum and restore its standing both diplomatically and developmentally. .

Tanga. The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders to accelerate Tanzania’s economic growth through inclusive, innovative and demand-driven financial solutions.

The commitment aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to support the government’s agenda of building a competitive and inclusive economy by expanding access to affordable, customer-centric financial services for individuals and institutions across various sectors. NBC managing director Mr Theobald Sabi reiterated the bank’s position yesterday during a visit by the deputy minister for Finance, Mr Laurent Luswetula, to NBC’s exhibition pavilion at the Usagara Grounds in Tanga, where the National Financial Services Week (NFSW) exhibitions are under way.

NBC is among the main sponsors of the event, which was officially inaugurated by the deputy minister. Addressing visitors, Mr Sabi said the bank continues to design and refine its products and services to respond to the evolving needs of diverse customer groups.

These include retail and corporate banking, financing for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agricultural, commercial and industrial loans, as well as specialised financial services for institutions and strategic development projects. “Sustainable economic growth is anchored on strong, resilient and inclusive financial systems.

At NBC, we are committed to providing customer-focused financial solutions through advanced digital banking platforms, affordable credit facilities and professional advisory services to enable our clients to grow and enhance productivity,” he said. Mr Sabi added that NBC has invested heavily in financial technologies to expand access to banking services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while also strengthening cooperation with the Government in implementing national development policies and programmes.

In his remarks, Mr Luswetula commended financial institutions, including NBC, for their contribution to strengthening Tanzania’s financial sector and supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “The government encourages financial institutions to introduce products and services that have a direct and tangible impact on citizens’ lives.

We are encouraged to see increased investment in digital financial services and financing of productive sectors,” he said. He assured stakeholders that the Government would continue to provide an enabling policy and regulatory environment and urged the public to make full use of available banking services.

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Whenever news from the office of the CAG (Controller and Auditor General) is reported upon somewhere, we are used to believe that wrong doing, which the media loves to call “madudu”, has been unveiled. This is especially so when talking of the use of public funds.

“Billions unaccounted for”, “millions used without receipts”, “faulty tendering and procurement processes”, “Value for public money not realized” and similar headlines. These are what we tend to expect from the media when the CAG makes a statement.

The news item on what the GAG said recently in Dodoma would therefore appear to be an exception, more so since he was talking to a public executive agency, Tarura (Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency), under the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), established in 2017, to manage the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of rural and urban road networks covering a total network of over 144,429 kilometers, which was previously handled by local government authorities. Tarura uses trillions of public funds annually.

The exceptional headline read as follows: “CAG commends Tarura on road improvements”, where it was said that the CAG had commended TARURA for its significant contribution to the development of road infrastructure in the country. He was speaking at a meeting with Tarura management, at the agency’s offices at Mtumba Government City, in Dodoma on 14th January 2026. The CAG noted that Tarura’s impact was evident through the construction of roads and bridges that had improved access to social and economic services.

This column is interested as well in the advice which the CAG gave to Tarura, “stressing the importance of incorporating designs that promote safe mobility and physical activity, as part of broader efforts to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs)”. He noted that well-planned road infrastructure not only contributed to economic development, but also contributed to the improvement of public health and quality of life.

” The CAG’s advice therefore was that roads should not be constructed just for motor vehicles, but should also include provisions for non-motorised transport (NMT), that is provisions for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, the aged and those who have disabilities. According to UNHABITAT well designed and managed public spaces and streets are a key asset for a city’s livability and economy since it increases property values; multiplies retail activity; enhances safety; fosters social cohesion and equality; improves health and well-being; improves the environment; makes the city more attractive; and, promotes more effective and efficient transportation and mobility.

Designing safer streets means a number of things, which urban road designers like Tarura should take into consideration. One is prioritizing people over cars: Here streets are designed for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport first.

Second, designing for all, meaning that streets should be for everyone despite of age, gender or ability. Designing streets for all, helps to promote social cohesion and connectivity.

Third is promoting public transport in the sense that streets should not be seen as the realm of just cars, but that they are also for other modes of transport. This can lead to a reduction of traffic congestion and the accompanying reduction in emissions, making cities much more climate friendly and healthy.

Fourthly is putting safety first, meaning designing roads that reduces traffic speeds which in turn increases safety for all users, particularly children and the elderly. A study carried out in the UK and published in the “Conversation” in December 2025, found that streets in that country were not friendly for the elderly.

Much as traffic regulations are observed, it was noted that the growing population of senior citizens with limitations to their mobility, strength or balance, crossing the road can be a stressful and sometimes life-threatening experience. This because cities in general, and streets in particular, simply are not designed for older people and others with restricted mobility In African cities, is there consideration for the elderly, for those on wheel chairs, for those with impaired vision when we design our streets? Africa roads are life threatening for many people, much as they are seen as symbols of development.

When the CAG advises, when UN-HABITAT advises, there is need to listen. The CAG put it in no uncertain terms that streets should be designed with health improving consideration in mind.

This means enabling those who want to walk or cycle, to, or from their various activities, as well as those who may want to use the roads for health and relaxation exercise, to be able to do so. For the moment our roads are very much unfriendly and this needs rectification as we get along our development highway.

Lusugga Kironde is Professor of Land and Urban Economics and lead consultant at TKA Company Ltd.[email protected] .