Category: The Citizen

Morogoro. The dreams of Tanzanian youth to shine globally in science have gained fresh momentum after 34 outstanding mathematics students were selected from more than 5,000 participants, with three earning full scholarships to study abroad, a development that reflects growing government investment in science education.

The achievement followed a five-day joint mathematics training camp organised by the Mathematical Association of Tanzania (MAT) in collaboration with the African Olympiad Academy (AOA), held from March 28 to April 1, 2026, in Morogoro Region. The Rising Stars camp brought together 34 top secondary school students from across the country, identified through a rigorous selection process involving more than 5,000 participants in the AOA Rising Stars Competition and the Tanzania Mathematics Olympiad (Tamo).

After training and assessment, six students were chosen to represent Tanzania in international competitions, including the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Shanghai, China, and the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo) in Yamoussoukro, Ca’te d’Ivoire. The selected students are Lightness Ngiliule, Joyce Sulumo, Sweetbert Nene, Nyandahu Leonard, Arqam Salim, and Angel Zalwango.

In addition to forming the national team, three top performers received full scholarships to study at the African Olympiad Academy in Kigali, Rwanda, where they will pursue the Cambridge A-Level programme combining advanced academics with intensive mathematics and science olympiad training. Speaking to The Citizen after the camp, MAT chairman, Dr Said Sima, said the initiative had demonstrated the strong potential of Tanzanian youth in mathematics, noting that the country has a vast pool of talent requiring sustained investment.

He said collaboration between local and regional institutions has expanded opportunities for young people and strengthened their capacity to compete internationally. “During the training, participants were equipped with skills to solve complex mathematical problems in algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory, the core pillars of international mathematics olympiad competitions,” said Dr Sima.

The founding head of school at the African Olympiad Academy, Dr Gaidi Faraj, said the high standard of participants signals a promising future for Africa in science and technology. He described the students as valuable assets for the continent, stressing that investing in their development is an investment in future progress.

Student participant Ashley Nyabara said the camp significantly strengthened her skills and motivation to pursue mathematics with greater dedication, adding that the experience will help her achieve her ambition of becoming a science professional. Efforts to promote gender equality were also evident, with nearly half of the participants being girls, a development seen as an important step towards increasing women’s participation in science and mathematics.

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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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Negotiation tends to trigger an outsized emotional response for many freelancers. Many of us want to be well-liked, sought after and we worry that asking for more will cost us the work.

That discomfort often pushes freelancers into quiet compromises that accumulate over time. In this article, I want us to reframe the problem: it is not a lack of confidence or skill in our craft, but how we approach negotiation as a process of joint problem-solving.

When negotiation is treated as a battle, everyone becomes defensive. When it is treated as a win-win model outcomes improve for both sides.

A more useful starting assumption is simple: most clients want the deal to work. Ofcourse, they have budgets, pressures, and constraints, but they also want reliability, clarity, and most of all results.

Negotiation becomes easier when the goal shifts from protecting yourself to structuring a win that feels rational and sustainable for both parties. The most consistent mistake freelancers make is opening with their lowest acceptable number.

This is often framed as honesty, but in practice it removes flexibility from the conversation. Clients expect wiggle room to negotiate.

When none exists, they either push harder or quietly reassess the relationship. Asking for more than your minimum creates a space for you to make concessions later without harming the economics of the project or your sense of fairness.

More importantly, it signals that you understand how commercial conversations actually work. Pricing is not only about numbers, it’s about meaning.

Over the years I’ve subscribed to “Youtube University” and one tactic I’ve learnt when it comes to pricing is that sometimes round figures suggest approximation, while precise numbers suggest deliberation. So a proposal priced at S,758,000 can feel like it’s more thought out then a proposal priced at Sh5,000,000. Precision communicates that your pricing reflects time, expertise, research and resource allocation rather than guesswork.

That perception alone can reduce resistance. So consider a starting offer where the number itself does some of the negotiating for you.

For a freelancer, this reduces pressure in two ways. First, it discourages aggressive discounting because the client assumes there is less slack in the price.

Second, it positions you as a professional operator rather than a creative guessing your worth. In practice, a precise starting offer gives you leverage without confrontation.

Start conversations off with a statement of good will, that could sound like “I’m excited about the work itself, and I want to be thoughtful about how we shape the scope and budget so it works for both of us.” Negotiation improves when goodwill is stated, not implied.

Clients are more receptive when they believe you are invested in a fair outcome rather than extracting value at their expense. When asked for a discount, avoid immediate agreement.

Even if you can accommodate the request, allow the client to see that the concession costs something. You can state something like “That would require some rebalancing on my side, so let me walk through what might need to change and I will get back to you shortly.

” or “I can definitely look at what flexibility exists, but it wouldn’t be a simple reduction, let me get back to you shortly.” This creates a balance and signals that adjustments are possible but not infinite.

Over time, this reduces habitual bargaining and encourages respect for boundaries. Saying no outright however, often escalates into tension.

A more effective response is to explore alternatives. If the budget cannot move, can scope, timelines, or deliverables shift instead? This keeps the conversation constructive while protecting your value.

Negotiation is a skill shaped by practice. When you stop trying to win and start trying to structure mutual value, the conversation changes.

The best negotiations leave both sides feeling confident they made a smart decision. .

Zanzibar. Zanzibar is edging closer to commissioning the new Maruhubi Passenger and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Terminal after a successful operational test, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernise the Isles’ maritime infrastructure.

The test, conducted last week by ZF DevCo, involved two vessels–Azam SeaLink II (RoRo) and Comoro II (Landing Craft Tank)–and drew senior government officials. Among those present were the Minister for Construction and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, his deputy Badria Attai Masoud, Principal Secretary Ali Bakari, and the Director General of the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC), Mr Akif Ali Khamis.

During the exercise, 47 trucks were offloaded and 16 reloaded within one hour and 25 minutes, compared to the average of two-hour turnaround time recorded at Malindi Port under optimal conditions. Officials said operations at Malindi can take up to three hours due to congestion, limited access points and bottlenecks involving passengers and cargo.

ZPC Director General Mr Akif Ali Khamis said the test demonstrated the terminal’s operational efficiency. “Operations like this show the level of efficiency we have achieved.

Even when handling loose cargo, we are confident turnaround times will remain within target, reducing costs for traders and ensuring faster delivery of goods,” he said. Dr Mohamed commended the partnership between the government and private sector, describing the development as aligned with President Hussein Mwinyi’s vision to decongest Malindi Port and transform Zanzibar’s ports into modern, efficient gateways.

“The arrival of these vessels today shows that the vision is becoming a reality. We are also on track to make Malindi a more tourism-friendly port,” he said.

Located along Malawi Road, the Maruhubi terminal is expected to handle more than 600,000 passengers annually, with an estimated 31,776 vehicles using the corridor each day. The facility also includes retail and warehouse spaces aimed at supporting commercial activity.

Retail units range between 108 and 125 square metres, while warehouses span between 285 and 424 square metres, offering flexible options for businesses. ZF DevCo said that following the successful test, operations for Landing Craft Tank vessels transporting vehicles will gradually shift to Maruhubi, with full operations expected by April 2026. The project forms part of Zanzibar’s broader strategy to enhance logistics efficiency, ease congestion and position the archipelago as a key regional hub for transport and trade.

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Dar es Salaam. At an age when many of her peers are immersed in play or social media, 13-year-old Rafat Ally Simba is charting a different path, one that speaks not only to her personal ambition, but also to the future of Tanzania’s publishing industry.

Through her debut book, The First Female President, Rafat (pictured) is doing more than telling a story. She is tapping into a deeper national conversation about reading culture, youth creativity and the sustainability of the country’s literary ecosystem.

Her book follows the journey of Sakina, a young girl growing up in a society that confines women to traditional roles. Against the odds, Sakina challenges these beliefs and rises to leadership.

The storyline mirrors broader societal shifts, inspired in part by Tanzania’s historic moment of having a female Head of State, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. “I wanted to show that even if society sets limits on you, you can still succeed if you believe in yourself,” Rafat said in an interview.

Her journey into writing began in primary school, where she took part in writing training and competitions that nurtured her talent. With support from her parents and teachers, she has since grown into a confident young author, an example of how early investment in creative skills can bear fruit.

Yet beyond Rafat’s personal story lies a bigger question: can Tanzania cultivate a new generation of writers to sustain its publishing industry? Experts say the answer depends largely on how well such young talents are identified, supported and integrated into the broader literary ecosystem. An education expert, Dr Joyce Ndabuki, believes that stories like Rafat’s highlight the untapped potential within the country’s school system.

“We have many children with creative abilities, but they are often not given enough platforms to express themselves,” she said. “If we nurture writing from an early age, we are not only building confidence among learners but also securing the future of our publishing industry.

” She added that the reading and writing culture in Tanzania still faces challenges, including limited access to books and a heavy focus on exam-oriented learning, which leaves little room for creativity. “These young writers remind us that education should go beyond passing exams.

It should also encourage imagination and critical thinking,” she noted. The government has in recent years made efforts to revitalise interest in literature, notably through the introduction of the Mwalimu Nyerere National Literary Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and promote excellence in writing, while inspiring both established and emerging authors. According to publishing analyst Mr Richard Mutuki, such initiatives are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to connect young writers to the industry.

“The Mwalimu Nyerere awards are important because they give recognition and visibility to writers,” he said. “However, we need a more structured system that supports young authors like Rafat, from mentorship programmes to accessible publishing opportunities.

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Dar es Salaam. The United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with the Association of Tanzania Insurers, has launched a technical assistance initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural insurance coverage in the country.

The support will be channelled through the Tanzania Agricultural Insurance Consortium under the Financial Resilience in Agriculture Initiative, with a focus on building an inclusive and well-functioning insurance ecosystem for the sector. The programme will focus on four key areas: developing a shared national vision through sustainable risk-sharing models and public-private partnerships; enhancing technical capacity for agricultural insurance product development; establishing long-term technical partnerships to drive innovation; and improving governance systems to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

UNDP consultant Sarathy Srinivas said although the consortium was officially introduced in 2023 with 15 members, it has yet to roll out products approved by the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority. He noted that TAIC is currently operating without revenue and relies on support from ATI, development partners and donors.

However, he said progress has been made, including the establishment of a pooled business framework, a collective reinsurance treaty, and partnerships with the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture. The initiative seeks to strengthen institutional capacity and market systems by improving data infrastructure, product design, risk modelling, underwriting processes and policy alignment.

Its broader goal is to build a competitive and sustainable agricultural insurance market capable of serving farmers more effectively across the country. At its core, the programme aims to empower local institutions to independently design, deliver and scale agricultural insurance solutions, while promoting innovation through long-term ecosystem partnerships.

UNDP Resident Representative Shigeki Komatsubara reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the sector. “UNDP is committed to helping build the foundations that TAIC and the wider ecosystem need to grow sustainably.

This includes stronger data and risk infrastructure, enhanced technical capacity, structured technical partnerships, and improved governance systems,” he said. He added that the initiative will support TAIC in developing a viable business and operational model to ensure long-term sustainability and value creation.

The programme will also assist in formulating TAIC’s business strategy, sustainability framework and cost-sharing model. For his part, acting ATI chairperson Jared Awando described the launch as a significant step forward.

“Today’s event represents both a milestone in our partnership and a strategic moment for advancing agricultural insurance in Tanzania. These efforts lay the foundation for a shared vision that emphasises inclusivity, collaboration and sustainability in building a resilient .

Dar es Salaam. CRJE (East Africa) Ltd joined other Chinese and Tanzanian stakeholders to pay tribute to Chinese experts who devoted their lives to the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara), in a solemn Qingming memorial ceremony that highlighted the sacrifices made in building one of Africa’s most significant infrastructure projects.

The memorial served as a poignant reminder of the dedication of the engineers and workers who left their homes and families to contribute to the development of Tanzania and the wider region. Many lost their lives during the demanding construction of the railway, which remains a powerful symbol of cooperation between Tanzania and China.

Constructed in the 1970s, the Tazara Railway connected Tanzania and Zambia, providing a vital transport link for landlocked countries in southern Africa. The project played a strategic role in supporting economic independence at a time when both countries sought to reduce reliance on colonial-era trade routes.

The Chinese government, under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong, offered financial and technical support for the ambitious project. Thousands of Chinese experts and workers travelled to Africa to help construct the railway, overcoming harsh terrain, limited infrastructure, and challenging working conditions.

Participants at the memorial reflected on the historical significance of the railway and the enduring partnership between Tanzania and China. “I remember the stories my father used to tell me about the Chinese engineers who worked on the railway,” said John William, a Tanzanian, employed by Tazara.

“They were dedicated and hardworking, and they truly believed in the project. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices,” added Mr William.

A Chinese employee of the railway, Mr Li Yuanhang, said the project continues to represent strong ties between the two nations. “I am proud to work alongside Tanzanian colleagues who share our commitment to the railway.

Tazara is a symbol of friendship and cooperation, and I am confident that together we can achieve even greater progress,” he said. Mr Li said the ceremony honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice in building the railway.

“Their dedication and commitment are a testament to the strong relationship between China and Tanzania. We will continue to build on their legacy by promoting cooperation, mutual benefit, and sustainable development in the region,” said Li.

Tanzanian employees of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd also shared their reflections on the significance of the occasion. Ms Happy Kiula said the railway demonstrated the value of teamwork and shared goals, “I am proud to be part of a team that values cooperation and friendship.

The Tazara Railway shows what can be achieved when people work together towards a common purpose.” Ms Elizabeth Mubiligi said working alongside Chinese colleagues had provided valuable experience and strengthened professional relationships.

“I have learned a great deal from my colleagues, and I appreciate the opportunity to work on projects that benefit our communities. The spirit of the Tazara lives on, and I am committed to contributing to its legacy,” she said.

Ms Glory Mbise described the railway as a lasting example of determination and partnership, “I am proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to building on this legacy and supporting sustainable development in Tanzania and across the region.” The ceremony also highlighted the historical contribution of China Railway Construction Engineering Group East Africa, a sister company of CRJE (East Africa) Ltd, to the development of the railway.

Beginning in 1969, the company deployed more than 1,100 personnel to support the construction of locomotive depots, 93 station buildings, and other key facilities along the railway line. After completion, some staff remained in Tanzania to assist operations and later expanded into wider infrastructure development.

Today, CRJE continues supporting infrastructure growth, drawing inspiration from the Tazara Railway legacy. Participants said preserving the railway’s values of friendship, determination, and mutual support remains vital for cooperation and development.

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