Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. As the Mainland Tanzania Premier League reaches the 18th round, the title race is increasingly being defined by consistency, discipline, and the ability to avoid defeat.

Defending champions Young Africans (Yanga) and Azam FC remain the only sides yet to lose a match this season, a remarkable achievement that highlights their resilience in a competitive campaign. Yanga sit firmly at the top of the standings with 41 points from 17 matches, maintaining their status as the team to beat.

Their record of 12 wins and five draws reflects a side that not only wins consistently but also knows how to avoid slipping under pressure. What truly separates Yanga from the rest, however, is their extraordinary balance between attack and defense.

They have scored 35 goals, the highest in the league, while conceding only three, the lowest tally among all teams. This combination makes Yanga the most complete side in the division.

Their attacking line has been clinical and efficient, capable of breaking down even the most organized defenses. At the same time, their backline has shown remarkable discipline, rarely allowing opponents clear chances.

The numbers underline their dominance and explain why they have opened a gap at the summit. In contrast, Azam FC, who are placed third with 33 points from 17 matches, have built their unbeaten run on a more cautious approach.

They have drawn nine matches, significantly more than any of their closest rivals, which has limited their ability to challenge Yanga more directly for the top spot. While avoiding defeat is a positive sign, the inability to convert draws into wins has cost them valuable points.

Azam have scored 23 goals and conceded five, indicating a team that is defensively solid but less prolific going forward compared to Yanga. Their structure and organization have kept them competitive in every match, but a lack of cutting edge in attack has seen them settle for draws in games they might otherwise have won.

Second placed Simba SC remain firmly in the title race with 35 points from 16 matches. Unlike Yanga and Azam, Simba have already suffered one defeat, but their approach has been more aggressive.

With 10 wins and five draws, they have shown a strong desire to collect maximum points, even if it involves taking more risks. Simba’s position reflects a team capable of challenging for the title, but their single loss could prove costly in a race where margins are extremely tight.

They must now maintain consistency and hope for slips from Yanga if they are to close the gap. Overall, the standings suggest that the title race is gradually becoming a contest between three teams, with Yanga holding a clear advantage.

Their superior goal scoring record and defensive strength give them a strong edge, while Azam’s draws and Simba’s lone defeat highlight the fine margins separating the contenders. As the league moves deeper into the second half of the season, Yanga’s unbeaten and dominant run places them in control, but with Azam and Simba still within reach, the race remains open and highly competitive.

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Arusha. African nations have been urged to intensify investments in building societies grounded in justice, compassion and human dignity to secure a peaceful future free from violence and bloodshed.

The call was made in Arusha by Mayor Maximilian Iranghe during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, widely known as Kwibuka 32. The event was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the East African Community headquarters in Arusha. Mr Iranghe, who was the guest of honour, said the genocide remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, division and the systematic dehumanisation of people when left unchecked.

“It is our duty as nations, institutions and individuals to reject all forms of discrimination, intolerance and incitement to violence. “We must speak out against injustice, even when it is inconvenient, to prevent the seeds of conflict from growing into violence,” he said.

He said that peace cannot be achieved by chance. “It requires deliberate and sustained investment in societies that uphold justice, compassion and human dignity,” he said.

Held under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew,” Kwibuka is a 100-day annual commemoration that honours more than one million victims, mostly Tutsi and moderate Hutu, killed within just 100 days in 1994 (from April to July). The period focuses on remembrance, solidarity with survivors and renewed commitment to preventing genocide through education and awareness.

The event in Arusha began with a solemn procession from the EAC Secretariat headquarters. Hundreds of participants marched along Makongoro Road, through Mwenge Junction to Pangani Street and later onto Uhuru (Sokoine) Road before proceeding to the Clock Tower roundabout, widely regarded as the symbolic heart of Africa.

The procession later returned to the EAC premises, where officials and representatives from international organisations laid wreaths in honour of the victims. Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in Arusha and Kilimanjaro, Ms Flavia Busingye, said the annual commemoration has grown into a vital regional platform for reflection and unity.

“We are gathered not only to remember, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to truth and to ensure such atrocities never happen again,” she said. Ms Busingye said the importance of educating younger generations who did not witness the events.

She warned that conflicting narratives, some rooted in truth and others shaped by denial or distortion, pose challenges, particularly for youth seeking clarity. “We must protect truth, unity and our shared future by rejecting distortion and ensuring history is not rewritten, whether in our homes, communities or institutions,” she said.

She also called on East African nations and partners to take firm action against impunity and ensure justice is not selective. Representing the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Malueth, Ms Dorcas Omukhulu said the genocide was not an isolated event but a tragedy that shook the entire region and humanity at large.

“It did not happen overnight. There were clear warning signs: hate speech, systemic discrimination and organised violence.

Yet the international community failed to act in time,” she said. Ms Omukhulu warned that some of these warning signs remain visible in parts of the region today, including divisive rhetoric, exclusionary politics and weak institutions.

She urged governments to take proactive measures to prevent similar atrocities. On his part, Mr Diallo Nouhou Madan, Special Assistant to the President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, described genocide as one of the gravest violations of human rights.

“Those of us here today carry the responsibility to ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan, but a reality achieved through action, cooperation and accountability,” he said. Mr Madan said that many conflicts around the world stem from injustice and inequality, stressing that human life is sacred and must be protected at all costs.

He further called for genocide education to be integrated into secondary school curricula across Africa to safeguard future generations. Representing Rwanda’s High Commission in Tanzania, Mr Louis Uwimana described the 1994 genocide as “the darkest chapter in human history,” noting that over one million people were killed within just 100 days.

He thanked Tanzania and other EAC member states for their continued solidarity with Rwanda. “Never Again must go beyond words; it must be translated into concrete action,” he said.

Assistant Secretary-General and Registrar of the United Nations Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Mr Abubacarr Tambadou, highlighted the role of justice in addressing genocide crimes. He noted that Arusha has played a historic role in international justice, having hosted the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda since 1996. “Genocide stands above all crimes because it reflects a clear intent to destroy a group of people,” said Mr Tambadou, adding that beyond direct killings, many victims died from starvation, disease and other consequences of the violence.

He further revealed that perpetrators also targeted individuals who opposed the genocide, as well as foreigners married to members of the Tutsi community. .

Dar es Salaam. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is finalising a regional pooled procurement system aimed at tackling chronic shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies.

The SADC Pooled Procurement Services (SPPS) is expected to be fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking a major shift in how member states access life-saving health commodities. Following a two-day technical meeting in Dar es Salaam last month, officials confirmed that the region will adopt a group contracting model, enabling member states to negotiate lower prices through collective bargaining and secure more reliable supply chains.

“The SPPS is projected to reduce the cost of essential medicines by up to 40 percent, easing pressure on national health systems and improving patient access,” a statement on the SADC website said. Through the upgraded SADC Medicines Database (SMD), member states will share pricing and supplier information, moving away from isolated negotiations to a unified platform engaging global suppliers.

The system will also ensure that smaller countries have access to specialised medical supplies on the same terms as larger states. Coordinated procurement cycles and shared data are expected to strengthen supply planning, reduce emergency purchases, minimise waste, and improve efficiency.

Tanzania’s central role Tanzania, designated SPPS host in November 2017, continues to play a leading role in operationalising the initiative. The electronic SPPS (eSPPS), developed by Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department (MSD) in 2018, modernises and streamlines procurement across participating countries.

Speaking at the meeting, MSD director general, Mr Mavere Tukai, emphasised the importance of digital infrastructure in enabling efficient cross-border operations. “We must accelerate the development of policies, regulations, and procurement rules to make the system fully operational,” he said.

Officials noted that Tanzania’s experience in managing large-scale procurement positions it to coordinate regional supply chains and support capacity building among member states. Challenges and outlook Technical and regulatory gaps remain, including differences in customs procedures, tariffs, and national legislation.

Dr Lamboly Kumboneki, SADC Secretariat Senior Programme Officer for HIV/AIDS, said harmonising these rules is critical for seamless medicine transit across the region. Preparations are well advanced: Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have completed in-country assessments and are synchronising their systems with eSPPS.

Sensitisation and capacity-building for the remaining member states are ongoing. Once fully operational, SPPS will become a cornerstone of a resilient regional health system, enabling all SADC member states to access essential medicines reliably, efficiently, and at lower cost.

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The UK government has denied entry to Kanye West, dealing a major blow to his planned headline performance at this year’s Wireless Festival in London. Several sponsors, including Pepsi, have reportedly withdrawn support amid the backlash.

UK authorities said West’s application to travel under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was rejected on the grounds that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good,” following years of controversy over antisemitic and inflammatory remarks. The decision effectively rules him out of performing at Wireless, one of the country’s largest urban music events.

Organised by Live Nation and Festival Republic, the festival has grown from its pop and rock origins to become a major platform for hip-hop and RandB, attracting tens of thousands of fans each year. Previous editions have featured headline acts such as Jay-Z, Drake and Cardi B.

Festival organisers have yet to issue a formal response, but the development casts uncertainty over the 2026 line-up, with mounting pressure from political leaders and advocacy groups. West had previously expressed a willingness to engage with Jewish community leaders in the UK, saying he wanted to “listen” and demonstrate change through actions.

Critics, however, dismissed the gesture as insufficient, insisting that accountability must precede any major public platform. The 2026 edition of Wireless, scheduled for 1012 July in Finsbury Park, had planned for West to headline all three nights — a rare move that had already drawn significant attention and controversy.

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Dar es Salaam. The long-anticipated revival of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) has received fresh momentum after senior officials from China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) reaffirmed their commitment to the project during a high-level visit in Dar es Salaam.

During the visit, CRCC Vice President Sun Liqiang toured the iconic Dar es Salaam Railway Station and took a train ride to Yombo Station, gaining first-hand insight into the current state of operations and infrastructure. Speaking after the tour, Mr Sun said the rehabilitation of Tazara remains a top priority for CRCC, the parent company of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which holds the concession for the railway.

“The revitalisation of Tazara remains a priority project for CRCC, and we are confident it will be delivered within the agreed three-year timeframe,” said Mr Sun. He noted that significant progress has already been made on preparatory work, with the survey and design team nearing completion.

“Final designs are almost ready, which will pave the way for full-scale rehabilitation works,” he added. The visit underscores growing momentum behind efforts to modernise the historic railway line, which serves as a critical trade and transport link between Tanzania and Zambia.

Mr Sun was accompanied by the CCECC Managing Director for East Africa and General Manager Zhang Junle, reflecting the strategic importance attached to the project by the Chinese contractor. They were received by Tazara Chief Executive Officer Bruno Chingandu and Regional General Manager (Tanzania) Fuad Abdallah, who briefed the delegation on ongoing operations and expectations for the rehabilitation programme.

Tazara’s head of public relations, Mr Conrad Simuchile, said the visit highlights strong collaboration between Tazara and its concessionaire as both parties work to restore the railway’s efficiency and reliability. In December last year, Tazara said its long-awaited revitalisation programme had entered an active stage following the mobilisation of equipment, technical personnel, and other resources by its partner CCECC.

The state-run CCECC) is set to revitalise the Tazara through a $1.4 billion investment for rehabilitation and operations, securing a 30-year concession to run the key trade route connecting Zambia’s copper belt to Dar es Salaam port. In a statement, Mr Ching’andu said the move marked a critical transition from planning to implementation, laying the groundwork for phased rehabilitation of the ageing railway infrastructure.

“The revitalisation programme, which was officially launched in November 2025, has now moved into its active stage. Our partner has commenced the mobilisation of equipment, technical teams, and logistical support to enable rehabilitation works to proceed,” said Mr Ching’andu.

He said engineering teams were already on the ground conducting detailed assessments of the railway infrastructure to determine priority areas for intervention. “These technical audits are focusing on the condition of the track, bridges, culverts, signalling systems, and other critical assets,” he said, adding that the findings will guide the sequencing of rehabilitation works, with safety and operational efficiency as key considerations.

According to Tazara, the audits are intended to ensure that limited resources are deployed strategically, targeting sections of the line that pose the greatest operational risk or cause frequent service disruptions. He acknowledged that the authority had faced a challenging year marked by infrastructure deterioration and shortages of rolling stock, factors that affected the reliability of both passenger and freight services.

“This has been a difficult operational period, and we recognise the inconvenience experienced by our passengers, customers and the communities we serve,” he said. He stressed, however, that the entry into the active stage of revitalisation signalled a turning point for the railway, even as he cautioned that improvements would be gradual rather than immediate.

“The transformation of Tazara will not happen overnight. The programme is being implemented in phases, and while there may be temporary service adjustments, the end goal is a safer, more reliable and predictable railway,” he said.

Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to significantly boost freight capacity, reduce transport costs, and strengthen regional trade, reaffirming Tazara’s role as a vital economic corridor in Southern and Eastern Africa. The revitalisation programme aims to restore Tazara’s role as a key regional transport corridor linking Tanzania and Zambia, supporting passenger mobility, freight movement, and cross-border trade.

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Dar es Salaam. Women who delay investment decisions risk undermining their long-term financial security, a senior banker has warned, citing hesitation and limited financial literacy as key barriers to wealth creation.

Speaking at a recent forum dubbed Women Shaping the Future 2026, held in Dar es Salaam, Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Ms Esther Manase, said postponing investment often carries hidden costs that many women underestimate. The event, organised by SRC Agency as part of Women’s Month activities, brought together more than 200 women leaders and professionals.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania was the exclusive title partner. Ms Manase delivered a keynote fireside chat, where she combined personal experience with nearly two decades of advisory work to underscore the urgency of early investment.

She said that while more women in Tanzania and other developing economies are participating in income-generating activities, relatively few are converting earnings into long-term wealth. “Most people think there is a right moment to invest but waiting is what creates the biggest loss,” she said.

Drawing from her own life, Ms Manase recounted how the sudden death of her father, the family’s sole breadwinner, when she was 13, reshaped her understanding of money. “What I learned early is that money is not only about comfort but also about protection against uncertainty and dependency,” she said.

She noted that many women remain active in financial systems but are often hesitant to take investment decisions due to fears of risk, misconceptions about the need for large capital, and the belief that there is always more time to start. According to her, such delays have measurable consequences, particularly due to the impact of compound interest, where small, consistent investments grow significantly over time.

“A delayed start means you must contribute far more later to achieve the same results,” she said, citing the example of a client who began investing in her mid-40s and eventually built substantial wealth after being encouraged to start without delay. Ms Manase also challenged negative perceptions around borrowing, arguing that when used strategically, debt can serve as a tool for wealth creation rather than a liability.

“Fear without knowledge leads to inaction, and inaction has its own cost,” she said. She emphasised that wealth accumulation depends less on income levels and more on financial behaviour, noting that many women already demonstrate strong saving habits through informal mechanisms such as rotating savings groups.

“The gap is not capability–it is intentionality,” she said, urging women to treat investment as a routine practice rather than a one-off milestone. She recommended starting with simple financial instruments such as fixed deposits, money market funds and government securities, while gradually building investment knowledge.

Ultimately, she said, the difference between earning and building wealth often comes down to a single decision–to start investing. “Time, once lost, cannot be reinvested,” she said.

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Njombe. A former inmate in Njombe Region has been handed construction tools by the Tanzania Prisons Service following the completion of his sentence, in a move aimed at supporting his reintegration into society.

Njombe Regional Prisons Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) Joseph Michael Mkude, presented the tools at the weekend, on behalf of the Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP) Jeremiah Yoram Katungu. Mr Mkude said the gesture fulfilled a promise made by the Prisons chief during a previous visit to the region.

He noted that the beneficiary, Mr Rashid Salehe Shemndorwa, was among inmates who received vocational training in construction at Ruanda Prisons Training College in Mbeya Region. “This is part of our rehabilitation efforts.

We have equipped him with skills and now we are providing tools to enable him to earn a lawful income,” said Mr Mkude. Mr Shemndorwa, a native of Tanga Region, expressed gratitude to the Prisons Service for the opportunity to acquire skills while serving his sentence.

He attributed his progress to discipline and dedication to the training provided by prison officers. He said he plans to engage in construction activities in Tanga and pledged to be a law-abiding citizen while serving as a role model to others.

Mr Shemndorwa also called on the public to support former inmates and avoid stigmatising them, noting that many undergo positive transformation during incarceration. “I thank the Prisons Service for giving me skills I did not have before, and for the tools that will help me earn a living and support my family,” he said.

Mr Shemndorwa served a 15-year sentence and said he had learned valuable life lessons during his time in prison, including how to coexist peacefully with others. .

Arusha. The High Court, Songea Sub Registry, has sentenced Deo Ramadhani to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering Melania Christian and abandoning her body along Mahinya Road, in Songea, Ruvuma Region.

The murder reportedly occurred on July 1, 2023, when the body was discovered covered with a khanga in Mlilayoyo Village, Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region. The sentence was handed down on March 26, 2026, by Judge Emmanuel Kawishe, with a copy of the ruling posted on the court’s website.

Judge Kawishe said that after hearing all the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence, the court was satisfied that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. During the trial, the prosecution called 15 witnesses and submitted various exhibits to support the charge.

According to the indictment, Mr Deo Ramadhani allegedly killed Melania on July 1, 2023, after attacking her at her farm. The incident reportedly involved acts of cruelty, including rape before and after the murder.

Witnesses described the circumstances of the attack in detail. Evidence indicated that the deceased left home for the farm but did not return, prompting concern from her family.

The following day, her body was discovered by the roadside, covered with a khanga. The fourth witness, the deceased’s child, said that on the day of the incident, their mother left for the farm and did not return, prompting them to wait until late at night before deciding to go out.

He said that the next day he went to search for his mother at the farm and, en route, found her body by the roadside, seeking help from the fifth witness to report it to the police. The sixth witness, a doctor who examined the body, said there was a spinal injury and that the deceased had been strangled.

The 10th witness, who recorded the accused’s warning statement in the magistrate’s court, said the accused admitted to raping and killing the woman while she was harvesting maize and indicated where he left her body by the roadside. Preliminary investigations at the scene revealed signs of a struggle, along with a key exhibit, an undergarment allegedly belonging to the deceased.

The police officer stated that the accused admitted involvement in this and other incidents of rape and murder. In his defence, Mr Ramadhani denied involvement in the killings, claiming he was forced by police to confess and had no connection with the deceased.

He added that he was illiterate and had signed documents without knowing their contents. Court decision The court began by noting it was the prosecution’s duty to prove the murder charge beyond reasonable doubt.

It was observed that there was no direct evidence of seeing the accused commit the act, so the decision relied on circumstantial evidence. The court said such evidence must form a complete chain of events pointing directly to the accused’s guilt, leaving no other reasonable explanation.

Analysing the evidence, the court noted that although some exhibits, such as the undergarment, could not be scientifically proven to belong to the deceased, other evidence continued to link the accused to the incident. Testimony from witnesses about the body’s discovery and condition helped establish the circumstances, though it alone was insufficient to convict.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Kawishe said there was no evidence that the accused was forced to give his statements. The court emphasised that, while no one directly witnessed the murder, the circumstantial evidence formed a complete chain clearly showing that the accused committed the act.

The court noted that circumstantial evidence can be used to convict if it presents an unbroken sequence of events pointing to guilt without leaving room for doubt. After reviewing all the evidence, the court concluded the prosecution had proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt and that the accused acted with malice and intentionality.

The court sentenced Mr Deo Ramadhani to death by hanging, having found him guilty of murder contrary to the law. .

Dar es Salaam. Swimmers from the Dar es Salaam Swim Club have intensified preparations ahead of the Tanzania National Club Championships, with their focus firmly set on delivering strong performances at the highly anticipated event.

The two-day competition, organised by the Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA), will take place from April 11 to 12 at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) swimming pool in Masaki. This year’s championships carry added significance after receiving official recognition from World Aquatics, making the event a qualifying platform for the World Aquatics Short Course Championships scheduled for December in China.

TSA will implement World Aquatics rules during the competition, a move aimed at elevating standards and aligning local events with global benchmarks. At the Dar es Salaam Swim Club, coach Radhia Ngereza said her swimmers are fully aware of the challenge ahead and have stepped up training in recent weeks.

“We have been working hard in training, focusing on technique, endurance and race discipline because this competition will be very competitive,” said Radhia. “The introduction of World Aquatics rules means our swimmers must be precise in every aspect, from starts to finishes.

” Radhia added that the opportunity to post qualifying times for a global championship has motivated the swimmers even further. “This is not just a local competition anymore.

It is a gateway to the world stage. Our swimmers understand that a good performance here can open doors to international competitions, and that has really boosted their morale,” she said.

The championships are also expected to attract international participants, following World Aquatics’ approval, with foreign swimmers required to meet strict entry conditions, including clearance from their national federations and valid registration for the 2025/2026 season. Radhia believes competing against a wider pool of athletes will benefit her swimmers.

“Exposure to international competitors will raise the level of competition and help our swimmers gain valuable experience. It pushes them to perform better and prepares them for future events,” she noted.

She also expressed confidence in her team’s readiness, highlighting the progress made in recent months. “We have seen significant improvement in our swimmers’ times and overall performance.

The goal now is to translate that progress into results at the championships,” she said. With preparations nearing completion, Dar es Salaam Swim Club swimmers will be aiming not only for podium finishes but also for qualifying times that could see them represent Tanzania on the global stage .

Dar es Salaam. Two Tanzanian writers, Nahida Esmail and Richard Mabala, have launched a new literary prize aimed at promoting Swahili fiction for young readers across Africa.

The award, named the Na-La Mapambazuko Afrika Award, has been introduced under the auspices of Writers Space Africa. The name “Na-La” is derived from the founders’ names–“Na” from Nahida and “La” from Mabala–and the Swahili word Mapambazuko symbolises a “new dawn” for literature in African languages.

The initiative seeks to address gaps in youth literature while fostering a reading culture among young people aged between nine and 18. It will also offer writers opportunities for mentorship, publication and wider exposure. Speaking during an interview, Ms Esmail said the award was established in response to a shortage of engaging Swahili stories for young readers.

“We have started this award because there is a clear dearth of quality Swahili stories–attractive, exciting and thought-provoking–for readers aged nine to 18,” she said. “As parents of teenagers, we understand how important good books are at that stage.

They shape imagination, confidence and identity and contribute to a lifelong culture of reading.” She added that the initiative aims to provide relatable stories that reflect the realities and culture of African youth.

The inaugural submission deadline has been set for July 1. The award will run on an alternating annual basis, targeting two age categories: nine to 12 and 13 to 18. For the 2026 edition, writers are required to submit Swahili fiction targeting readers aged nine to 12, with manuscripts ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 words.

Submissions are free of charge and open to Africans and people of African descent worldwide. Mr Mabala said the award fills a critical gap in the literary landscape, particularly for older children and adolescents.

“While Tanzania has awards such as the Tuzo ya Mwalimu Nyerere, which includes a children’s category and the Tuzo ya Safal-Cornell for adult Swahili fiction and poetry, there is very little for older children who want more substantive reading,” he said. “We need writing that addresses real issues in society.

If there are no good stories for young people, we cannot blame them for turning to other distractions.” He added that the lack of appealing works reflecting African realities in local languages risks alienating young readers from their cultural identity.

“Language is culture. Without engaging literature in their own language, young people may turn to foreign cultures,” he noted.

Ms Esmail described her partnership with Mr Mabala as a natural choice, citing his longstanding contribution to Swahili literature and education. For decades, Mr Mabala has championed the use of Swahili in literature and classrooms, helping to make the language accessible and relevant to young audiences.

By aligning the award with his legacy, Ms Esmail said the initiative aims to inspire a new generation of writers and readers. In turn, Mr Mabala praised Ms Esmail for her work in promoting writers across the continent through Writers Space Africa, describing her as a committed advocate for African literature.

The founders expressed hope that the award will inspire more young people to read and write in African languages, while preserving cultural narratives for future generations. They also called on stakeholders to support the initiative, with ambitions to expand the award to other African languages in the future.

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