Category: The Citizen

Kampala. Uganda’s opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has claimed that the health of veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye has deteriorated to a critical level, saying he was rushed from prison to a medical facility under tight security.

In a statement posted on X in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, the party said it had received what it described as “credible reports” that Dr Besigye had been transferred overnight from Luzira Prison to a medical facility in Kampala. “The People’s Front for Freedom wishes to inform the public and all supporters of freedom that the health of our leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, has reached a critical and deteriorating state,” the party said, without giving further details about his condition.

PFF claimed that Besigye was taken to a medical facility at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security and accused Ugandan authorities of denying him adequate medical care. “It is tragic that a man who has devoted his life to the health and freedom of others is now being denied his own right to medical dignity,” the statement said, adding that prison authorities and the government should be held fully responsible for his wellbeing.

The party demanded that Besigye’s personal doctors and family be granted immediate and unrestricted access, insisting that his continued detention violates the law. “He must be released to receive the care he deserves,” the statement added, urging supporters to remain alert and keep him in their prayers.

By press time, prison authorities had not responded to requests for comment, and the claims could not be independently verified. Dr Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni and one of his longest-serving political challengers, has unsuccessfully contested the presidency four times.

He has been in detention for more than 350 days without trial following his arrest after being returned from Nairobi, and is facing treason-related charges. At their last appearance before the Kampala High Court on December 30, 2025, Besigye and his co-accused, Obed Lutale and Capt Denis Oola, entered not-guilty pleas by court order after declining to plead.

The case was adjourned to January 21, 2026, for scheduling. Last year, Besigye was also reported to be critically ill after staging a hunger strike demanding justice.

At the time, President Museveni dismissed the move as political pressure, arguing that prison facilities were capable of providing medical care for all inmates. .

Kampala. Uganda’s army chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has given opposition leader Bobi Wine 48 hours to surrender to police, hours after Wine fled a military raid on his home following last week’s presidential election.

Gen Kainerugaba, son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni and widely regarded as his preferred successor, issued the warning on Monday in posts on X, referring to Wine by the nickname “Kabobi.” “I am giving him exactly 48 hours to surrender himself to the Police,” he wrote.

“If he doesn’t, we will treat him as an outlaw/rebel and handle him accordingly.” In another post, Gen.

Kainerugaba referenced Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party, saying: “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists since last week. I’m praying the 23rd is Kabobi.

” Wine, a former pop star who finished runner-up in the election, has alleged widespread fraud and has been issuing statements from undisclosed locations. Police spokesperson Kituma Rusoke told journalists Monday night that Wine was not actively being sought.

Post-election tensions The run-up to the election was marked by violence, with security forces opening fire at Wine’s rallies. Several opposition supporters were reportedly killed in central Uganda under disputed circumstances.

However, observers note that fears of large-scale post-election violence similar to what Tanzania experienced after its October 2025 elections did not materialise. History of social media threats Gen.

Kainerugaba, 51, is known for making inflammatory statements on social media, including a 2022 threat to invade neighbouring Kenya. Last year, he claimed to have detained Wine’s bodyguard in his basement and threatened him, an incident that later led to robbery charges against the bodyguard.

The general has openly expressed his ambition to succeed his father, who has been in power since 1986. President Museveni, 81, has repeatedly denied grooming his son for succession. Meanwhile, at least 118 NUP members were charged in court Monday with election-related offences, including unlawful assembly and conspiracy.

NUP Secretary-General David Rubongoya denied any involvement of party members in violent activity. .

Dar es Salaam. Edwin Isaac Mtei ranks among Tanzania’s most consequential public figures.

He was a technocrat whose career spanned central banking, regional integration and opposition politics and whose resignation as Minister for Finance remains a defining episode in the country’s economic and political history. Born on July 12, 1932, in Marangu, Kilimanjaro Region, Mr Mtei, who died in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, grew up in a rural farming community shaped by hardship and discipline.

He attended local Lutheran schools before progressing to Old Moshi Secondary School, where his academic performance marked him out for public service. His early life, defined by responsibility and limited means, helped shape a lifelong commitment to order, accountability and fiscal discipline.

Mr Mtei joined the civil service soon after independence and rose steadily through the ranks. His appointment as the first Governor of the Bank of Tanzania placed him at the centre of the country’s financial architecture at a formative moment.

He oversaw the establishment of the central bank, helped develop monetary policy institutions and worked to safeguard the stability of the national currency during the early years of statehood. His public service extended beyond Tanzania when he became Secretary General of the East African Community, serving during a period of mounting political and economic strain among partner states.

The experience further shaped his views on governance, efficiency and the limits of state control in economic management. Mr Mtei later returned to national service as Minister for Finance and Planning, a role that brought him into sustained policy disagreement with President Julius Nyerere.

While both men shared a commitment to social equity and national development, they differed sharply on economic strategy. Mr Mtei opposed rigid state control, excessive centralisation and policies he believed undermined productivity, warning that they placed unsustainable pressure on public finances.

In December 1979, after months of disagreement, he resigned from Cabinet. The decision was deliberate and principled, reflecting his refusal to implement policies he believed would harm the economy.

At a time when dissent within government often carried serious consequences, his resignation without detention or exile underscored both his stature and the depth of the policy divide. After leaving government, Mr Mtei turned to commercial farming before returning to international public service as an Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund, where he represented several African countries.

The role placed him among the most senior African voices in global financial decision-making. With the introduction of multiparty politics in the early 1990s, Mr Mtei re-entered national politics as the founding national chairman of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).

His move from senior government official to opposition leader reinforced his reputation as an independent-minded figure prepared to challenge entrenched authority in pursuit of accountable governance. Edwin Mtei’s legacy rests on more than the offices he held.

He is remembered as a key architect of Tanzania’s financial institutions, a minister who chose resignation over compromise, and a public servant whose life traced a path from rural Marangu to the highest levels of national and international economic leadership. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The government has said that most Tanzanians remain unaware of scholarship opportunities offered through the Ministry of Education.

Authorities have on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, outlined decisive steps to remove barriers that have prevented students from accessing valuable overseas scholarships. The Minister for Education, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said while addressing a high-level meeting of ministry staff, that despite securing 127 scholarships in Saudi Arabia, many Tanzanians either remain unaware of them or are unable to apply.

The initiative aims not only to boost participation in international education but also to respond to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call for greater engagement in global learning. With thorough assessment underway to understand the low application rates, the Ministry is committed to nurturing a culture of ambition and exploration among Tanzanian students.

Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, and Permanent Secretary, Prof Carolyne Nombo, highlighted collaborative efforts, signalling a unified push to achieve the National Development Vision 2050, ensuring Tanzanian professionals are equipped to meet global challenges. “This is an exciting time for students as the government works to transform potential into achievement on the world stage.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this educational revolution,” said Prof Mkenda. The Ministry is addressing barriers that prevent students from applying for studies abroad, the minister said.

He added that a fast-track assessment has been launched to determine why Tanzanians do not fully exploit available overseas study opportunities. Prof Mkenda stressed that the situation is unacceptable, especially following directives from President Hassan urging the Ministry to expand the number of Tanzanians studying abroad.

“It is important to understand why, when opportunities arise, they are not taken up by Tanzanians, so the government can take appropriate measures and increase student participation in international education,” he said. The deputy minister noted that the meeting offered an important opportunity for learning, sharing experiences, and building a common understanding of policy direction and programme implementation within the Ministry.

She added that the Ministry will continue to strengthen collaboration among its leadership, affiliated institutions, and education sector experts to ensure planned reforms are implemented effectively and deliver positive outcomes for the nation. At the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Prof Nombo, said the session also aimed to deliberate on how ministry staff and institutions will implement the National Development Vision 2050 within the education sector.

Prof Nombo explained that successful implementation of the Vision requires unity, innovation, and well-structured plans to enable Tanzania’s education system to meet current and future needs, including increasing the number of professionals with international education and experience. The meeting is expected to provide new policy and operational directions to expand overseas study opportunities and strengthen the education sector’s contribution to national development.

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Dar es Salaam. East Africa’s journey toward hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations officially began after the region was symbolically handed the hosting flag by Caf President Patrice Motsepe, marking a defining moment for football development in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

The handover ceremony took place shortly after the Afcon 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. It signalled the formal transition of hosting responsibilities and the start of intensified preparations for the first Africa Cup of Nations to be jointly staged by three countries.

Football leaders described the moment as historic, not only for East Africa but for the entire continent, as Caf continues to promote regional cooperation, infrastructure development and shared growth through football. Tanzania was represented at the ceremony by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, alongside Tanzania Football Federation president Wallace Karia.

Speaking during the event, Motsepe urged the three host nations to deliver a tournament that reflects Africa’s ambition, unity and rising global stature, stressing that Aafcon 2027 should set new standards both on and off the pitch. On the sidelines of the ceremony, Makonda met Motsepe and delivered a formal letter from the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The letter reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to close cooperation with Caf in the organisation of Afcon 2027 and the implementation of long-term football development programmes across the country. Makonda, who was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Government Chief Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, assured the Caf president that Tanzania views the tournament as a strategic national project rather than a one-off event.

He emphasised that the government is fully committed to ensuring Afcon 2027 leaves a lasting legacy in infrastructure, youth development and sports administration. He added that Tanzania is determined to deliver a significantly improved edition of the tournament, drawing lessons from previous competitions and aligning preparations with Caf’s modern hosting standards.

Makonda also requested Caf to continue considering Tanzania strategically in future development initiatives to maximise the impact of ongoing government investments in sport. Providing an update on infrastructure, Msigwa said Tanzania is making steady progress in readiness for Afcon 2027. He revealed that construction of the Arusha International Stadium has surpassed 70 percent completion, while major venues including the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar are in their final stages of preparation.

Msigwa further explained that additional facilities such as the Fumba and Kizimkazi stadiums are progressing well, while several new training grounds are planned to complement existing venues at the Law School grounds and the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium. Planned training sites include Leaders Club, the Green Farasi area and additional pitches in Arusha, bringing the total to five modern training facilities in the region.

“Basically, we are in a strong position to complete all infrastructure on time,” said Msigwa, expressing confidence that Tanzania will meet CAF requirements comfortably. .

Arusha. Edwin Mtei, Tanzania’s first Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and a founding member of the opposition party Chadema, has died aged 94. Mr Mtei, who served as BoT governor from 1966, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Twelve years after his appointment at the central bank, he became Minister for Finance and Planning, a position he held from 1978 until his resignation in 1981. Former Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, that Mr Mtei had been ill for a long time and that his condition deteriorated suddenly.

“He died in an ambulance while being taken to Seliani Hospital. By the time he reached the hospital, he had already passed away,” Mr Mbowe said.

In a statement, Chadema National Vice Chairman John Heche said the party had lost one of its pillars. “Our party will issue an official statement today.

We take this opportunity to convey our deepest condolences to Mzee Mtei’s family, relatives and friends,” Mr Heche said in a post on his social media account. In a separate statement signed by Chadema’s Communications and Publicity Director, Ms Brenda Rupia, the party announced seven days of mourning, during which party flags will fly at half-mast.

Details of mourning procedures, farewell arrangements and burial will be communicated later, the statement said. Mr Mtei was born on July 12, 1932, in Marangu, Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region.

His family home is in Tengeru, Arusha, where burial arrangements are under way. He co-founded Chadema in 1992 and served as its first chairman.

His death comes as the party marks 33 years since its official registration. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed sorrow over the death of the veteran public servant and opposition figure.

In a statement issued by Presidential Communications Director Bakari Machumu, President Hassan conveyed condolences to Mr Mtei’s family, relatives and all those affected by the loss. She described the late Mr Mtei as a leader who made a significant contribution to nation-building, particularly in finance, planning and economic management.

“Mr Mtei served in several senior positions, most notably as the first Governor of the Bank of Tanzania from 1966 to 1974, where he played a central role in laying the institutional foundations of the central bank and strengthening the stability of the country’s financial system,” reads part of the statement. The President also recalled his role in Tanzania’s political history, noting that he was among the pioneers of multiparty democracy and a founding member of Chadema.

She said his legacy would continue to inspire future generations through his writings, including his autobiography, which documents his life, leadership and contribution to national development. .

Dar es Salaam. The government and private investors have agreed to deepen cooperation to fast-track local pharmaceutical production as Tanzania pushes to cut its heavy import bill and position itself as a regional hub for medicine manufacturing and medical tourism.

The shared resolve came to the fore during the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Production Investment Forum on Monday, January 19, 2026, which brought together the government institutions, local manufacturers, foreign investors, financiers and regulators to deliberate on how best to unlock the sector’s vast potential. Opening the forum, minister for Health Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa said Tanzania’s reliance on imported medicines was no longer sustainable, especially after lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic and global supply disruptions.

“National health security cannot be built on dependence on imported medicines alone. It must be built by encouraging local investments, strengthening the capacity of our industries and integrating them into regional and global value chains,” Mr Mchengerwa said.

He noted that Tanzania currently imports more than 80 percent of its pharmaceutical products and medical devices, spending an estimated $1 billion (about Sh2.6 trillion) annually. This, he said, puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves and exposes the country to supply shocks.

To reverse this trend, the government has set a clear target of producing at least 50 percent of hospital medicines and medical equipment locally, while also supplying regional markets, including the East African Community (EAC) and beyond. A key plank of this strategy is the Pharmaceutical Investment Acceleration Taskforce (PIAT), established to fast-track approvals and remove bottlenecks.

Under this arrangement, processes such as licensing, land access, taxation and product registration will be handled concurrently rather than sequentially. “The pharmaceutical sector cannot wait for slow, conventional decision-making.

We have put in place fast-track mechanisms so that serious investors get clear and timely decisions,” the minister said. He also announced the development of pharmaceutical manufacturing hub clusters at Mloganzila and Kibaha, including a 40,000-square-metre industrial area in Kibaha near the Kwala SGR station.

The hubs will be supported by a $10 million government-backed shared laboratory facility to support quality testing and bioequivalence studies. From the industry side, Tanzania Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (TPMA) chairman Bashiru Haroun said the country offers strong fundamentals for pharmaceutical investment, citing political stability, a growing healthcare sector and rising medical tourism.

“Over the years, local investors have established facilities covering parenterals, solid dosages, capsules and liquid formulations, all meeting internationally accepted standards,” he said. “With the government targeting over 50 percent local production, the opportunities for joint ventures and technology transfer are huge.

” Deputy minister for Finance Mshamu Munde underscored the economic logic behind the push, noting that countries dependent on imports are vulnerable to external shocks. “Tanzania has made a deliberate policy choice to strengthen local production of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics.

This is both a public health imperative and a major industrial opportunity,” he said. He added that recent amendments to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act in 2023 have improved flexibility and transparency, aligning PPP projects with incentives under the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza).

Under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Export Processing Zone (EPZ) schemes, investors enjoy incentives including a 10-year corporate tax holiday, VAT and import duty exemptions on production-related inputs, and relief from local government levies. Data presented at the forum shows a sharp rise in investment interest.

Registered pharmaceutical projects rose from zero in 2021 to 14 in 2025, with capital inflows jumping to over $87 million last year. However, experts agreed that much more investment is needed to meet national and regional demand.

Foreign investors also expressed optimism. A representative of an Indian pharmaceutical firm exploring entry into Tanzania, Mr Hizda Mbughi, said the country’s policy clarity and PPP readiness were encouraging.

“We see Tanzania as a gateway to East and Central Africa. The government’s commitment to market assurance and quality standards gives confidence to long-term investors,” he said.

Local manufacturers have been raising concerns over procurement practices, taxation and coordination among agencies such as TRA, TMDA and port authorities. They called for advance payments through the Medical Stores Department (MSD) and removal of VAT on locally produced medical devices to improve competitiveness, a concern that the government said it’s already being worked upon.

Responding, Mr Mchengerwa assured investors that once local manufacturers meet international quality standards, the government will use procurement, tariff and regulatory tools to protect them from unfair import competition. “No investor will be asked to build factories in Tanzania only to be frustrated by unfair imports.

That era is over,” he said. As Tanzania positions itself as a pharmaceutical and medical tourism hub, the message from the forum was clear: government and investors are now rowing in the same direction, with shared strategies to turn ambition into reality.

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Dar es Salaam. Chairperson of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation (MNF), Joseph Butiku, convened a meeting in the city on Monday where he spoke on several national issues, urging Tanzanians and political stakeholders to accept the Presidential Commission set up to investigate the unrest that erupted on election day, 29 October 2025. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Monday, 19 January, Butiku urged Tanzanians to accept the Commission, warning that those who reject it should not expect to overturn its findings.

“I ask that we accept the Presidential Commission. People may reject it, but it is the body chosen to provide us with information.

We can accept its recommendations and challenge what we disagree with–but we should not reject the Commission; we should support it in its work,” he said. In November last year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed an Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, to examine the causes and circumstances of the post-election unrest, which followed opposition claims of irregularities and reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.

The Commission has received mixed reactions. Opposition parties Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo criticised it, claiming it was not independent and that some members were linked to the unrest.

Chadema vice chairperson John Heche said it was impossible for the accused to investigate themselves, stressing the need for an international commission, a position echoed by ACT-Wazalendo. Responding to these concerns during the Commission’s launch in Dodoma in November last year, President Hassan expressed confidence in the body, emphasising the importance of a domestic investigation before involving external teams.

“While our colleagues in the opposition have expressed a preference for an international body–seeking oversight from the UN, AU, or European Union–I maintain unwavering confidence in this domestic Commission. Your collective expertise and vast experience are more than sufficient to address these challenges, and I am certain your recommendations will provide the necessary roadmap for our progress,” she said.

President Hassan gave the Commission three months to begin its work and highlighted seven key areas for investigation. These included examining the root causes of the unrest, assessing youth grievances, analysing opposition statements, including alleged incitement before the election, reviewing relations between political parties and the Electoral Commission, evaluating the role of NGOs, and exploring alternative ways to address disputes peacefully.

The Commission was also asked to assess state responses to the unrest and whether they were appropriate. And on Monday, January 19, 2026, Mr Butiku said he had convened a meeting of elders to discuss the causes of the unrest, noting that the events of 29 October shook national unity.

He said youths, described as the children of the nation, clashed with police, set houses on fire, and caused widespread fear in Dar es Salaam. He said that some accounts indicated that people going out to buy necessities were shot at, and that the threat of gunfire kept residents indoors.

He revealed that his own house was among those targeted for arson. “I was warned that demonstrators were heading to my home while I was inside.

I decided to hide on my own and did not tell any relatives, as I had been warned my house would be burned,” he said. Butiku said security forces and the TPDF later intervened and MNF leaders asked for his assistance in promoting national unity.

Butiku also addressed broader challenges in governance, noting that weaknesses in the rule of law stem from a Constitution that has long resisted amendment. He expressed hope for reform under President Hassan, who pledged to begin work on constitutional issues within 100 days of her inauguration.

On a separate matter, Butiku spoke about former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, who met him twice before resigning in 2025. He said Polepole sought advice on his challenges and that he had advised him to follow his conscience regarding his resignation. .

Dar es Salaam. The Airtel Africa Foundation has reiterated its commitment to empowering young Africans through its flagship Airtel Africa Fellowship Programme, which provides world-class training, mentorship and global exposure to promising students across the continent.

Through the initiative, beneficiaries pursue degrees in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the International Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in Zanzibar, gaining access to advanced education, innovation platforms and cross-border networks aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators. One of the beneficiaries, Ms Milliam Rukanda from Tanzania, described the fellowship as a life-changing opportunity that gave her hope and direction.

Coming from a modest background, Ms Rukanda said her family could not have afforded university tuition and living expenses, noting that without the Airtel Africa Fellowship her dream of pursuing higher education would not have been possible. She said studying at IIT Madras had exposed her to diverse cultures and perspectives, broadening her worldview and enabling her to build friendships with peers from across Africa and beyond.

“The programme has not only equipped me with technical skills in data science and artificial intelligence, but has also empowered me to mentor other young girls in technology,” she said. “It has shown me that with determination and the right support, I can pursue my dreams and inspire others to do the same.

” Ms Rukanda has also participated in long-term innovation projects, including developing assistive technologies for children with special needs, reflecting her commitment to using technology to address real-world challenges in her community. Another beneficiary, Ms Hiral Kukadia from Kenya, said the programme had given her access to mentors, industry experts and professional networks she would otherwise not have reached.

“Being part of this fellowship has opened my eyes to the full potential of technology in transforming lives and shaping Africa’s future,” she said. Ms Kukadia added that mentorship and practical exposure had helped her refine her ideas and gain confidence in tackling innovation challenges, while the cultural exchange and peer collaboration at IIT Madras had inspired her to explore cross-disciplinary approaches to technology and entrepreneurship.

From Zambia, Mr Patrick Muchindu said the fellowship had enabled him to combine his passion for football with technology, allowing him to develop innovative solutions to enhance sports management and training. “Technology is a powerful tool.

With the skills I’m learning, I hope to contribute to Africa’s sports development and inspire other young Africans to innovate in areas they are passionate about,” he said. He added that exposure to mentors and peer networks had broadened his understanding of technology’s role in solving societal challenges and creating career opportunities.

Another Zambian beneficiary, Ms Given Kangwa, described the fellowship as a bridge towards achieving her professional ambitions in the technology sector. “This programme has empowered me to believe in myself and pursue a career in statistics and artificial intelligence, even as a young woman in a field dominated by men,” she said.

Ms Kangwa highlighted the programme’s rigorous technical training, collaborative projects, mentorship sessions and innovation labs, saying they had strengthened her problem-solving skills and prepared her to develop solutions to address Africa’s societal challenges. Meanwhile, Mr Ibrahim Silima Mnemba from Zanzibar said the fellowship had strengthened his ambition to apply technology to healthcare challenges.

He cited his involvement in developing a non-invasive diabetes monitoring tool as particularly meaningful, noting that the programme had provided him with the tools and guidance needed to create solutions with direct community impact. “This programme has enabled me to develop innovations that can improve lives in my community,” he said, adding that mentorship, exposure to cutting-edge technology and collaboration with peers had contributed significantly to his personal and professional growth.

Through the Airtel Africa Fellowship Programme, the Airtel Africa Foundation continues to equip young Africans with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to drive sustainable development and deliver transformative solutions across the continent. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is targeting cargo throughput at Dar es Salaam Port of more than 30 million tonnes a year as sweeping infrastructure upgrades and operational reforms unlock new capacity at the country’s main maritime gateway.

Government Chief Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, that the target marks a major increase from the port’s historical handling capacity and reflects the scale of investments now being rolled out to reposition Dar es Salaam as a leading logistics hub for East and Central Africa. Speaking after touring the port, Mr Msigwa said Dar es Salaam port had already recorded strong gains, with cargo throughput reaching 27.7 million tonnes in the 2024/25 fiscal year, up from 23.69 million tonnes a year earlier.

From July to December 2025 the port handled 16.7 million tonnes, a 30 percent rise compared with the same period in 2024. “These numbers show that we are already moving toward the 30 million tonne mark. What we are seeing today is the result of strategic investments, better equipment, and improved systems,” said Mr Msigwa.

Customs revenue linked to port trade reached Sh12.33 trillion in 2024/25, up 17 percent from the previous year, underscoring the fiscal stakes of the port modernisation drive. The Tanzania Ports Authority says operating costs at Dar es Salaam Port have fallen by about 57 percent following the involvement of two private operators, lifting its profit margin from roughly 66 percent to 78 percent.

Dar es Salaam Port’s regional footprint is also expanding. In 2024/25 it handled nearly six million tonnes of cargo for the Democratic Republic of Congo, 3.

5 million tonnes for Zambia, 1.7 million tonnes for Rwanda, and significant volumes for Burundi, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe, reinforcing Tanzania’s role as a logistics lifeline for central and southern Africa.

Beyond Dar es Salaam, the government is pursuing a nationwide port modernisation programme to increase capacity, decongest the main harbour and diversify cargo handling across multiple gateways. At the heart of Dar es Salaam’s next growth phase are projects to deepen berths, add oil storage infrastructure and build new terminals capable of handling larger vessels.

Construction is under way on a new oil jetty and 15 storage tanks with a combined capacity of 378,000 litres; the project is about 35 percent complete. Once operational, it is expected to reduce discharge bottlenecks and improve the port’s petroleum-handling capacity.

A separate project to rebuild Malindi Wharf into a 500-metre berth is also in progress. When completed, it will allow two vessels of up to 50,000 deadweight tonnes to be served simultaneously, easing congestion and boosting handling capacity.

Plans are advancing to rehabilitate berths 8 to 11 and construct new berths 12 to 15, while a new rail link inside the port, integrating the standard gauge railway, metre-gauge railway and the Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority (Tazata) line, is expected to raise annual container throughput by up to 480,000 TEUs and increase the share of cargo moved by rail from about two percent to 12 percent. “These projects will enable Dar es Salaam to handle post-Panamax vessels of up to 8,000 TEUs and lengths of 305 metres, compared with the current generation of ships that carry about 2,000 to 2,500 TEUs,” said Mr Msigwa.

The government’s strategy also includes scaling up secondary ports to relieve pressure on Dar es Salaam and unlock regional economic potential. At Mtwara, a new 300-metre berth, hardstand yards and warehouse upgrades have lifted throughput from about 592,000 tonnes in 2021/22 to 2.

58 million tonnes in 2024/25. A specialised port at Kisarawe’s Mgao area is being built to handle coal and cement, while construction and expansion projects are at advanced stages in Bukoba, Kemondo, Mwanza North, Kigoma, Mbamba Bay and Tanga. The second phase of Tanga Port’s upgrade has doubled its capacity from 500,000 tonnes to 1.

29 million tonnes a year. Taken together, these investments are intended to sharpen Tanzania’s competitive edge against rival Indian Ocean ports such as Mombasa, Beira, Nacala, Maputo and Durban.

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