Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) is preparing to increase the number of daily Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger trips between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma following a sharp rise in demand for the modern rail service.

TRC Director General Machibya Masanja told The Citizen that passenger demand along the SGR corridor has outstripped the current number of scheduled trips, prompting the corporation to plan an expansion of services on the country’s busiest rail route. He said TRC is in the final stages of technical preparations to introduce additional daily SGR services in both the Dar es SalaamDodoma and DodomaDar es Salaam directions to ease persistent ticket shortages.

Mr Masanja said the process is expected to be completed by the fourth week of January, when at least one extra daily train service will be introduced to reduce pressure on passengers, many of whom have been forced to book tickets several days in advance. “Demand is very high, and as TRC we are fully aware of the challenges faced by passengers.

The process of increasing trips is already under way. There are a few technical issues we are finalising, and once these are addressed in the third week of January, new services will start in the fourth week,” he said.

He explained that, in addition to increasing the number of daily trips, TRC has adopted an operational strategy of coupling trains to boost passenger capacity, allowing two train sets to operate as a single service. Mr Masanja said the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains, popularly known as Mchongoko, were initially designed to carry 580 passengers per trip.

However, rising demand has prompted TRC to couple two EMU sets, increasing capacity to 1,160 passengers per journey. “We introduced this approach in November after assessing travel demand ahead of the December peak season.

Instead of running a single train with a capacity of 580 passengers, we coupled two EMU trains, enabling us to carry 1,160 passengers in one trip,” he said. He added that TRC has an adequate fleet of SGR trains and that once additional services are introduced, operations at the Dodoma section will allow trains to run simultaneously in both directions.

Currently, a single train arrives, offloads passengers and then returns. “From a technical perspective, we will begin by introducing one additional train service.

As operational capacity improves, more trains will be added. The number of daily trips will continue to increase in line with passenger demand,” he said.

The planned expansion follows reports by The Citizen on December 28 last year that heavy rainfall disrupted SGR services, leaving passengers stranded for hours at Magufuli SGR Station in Dar es Salaam due to weather-related technical challenges. At the time, the Ministry of Transport and TRC confirmed that storms had damaged sections of both the old metre-gauge railway and the new SGR infrastructure, while also causing power faults in the electrified rail system.

The disruptions resulted in temporary suspensions and delays to several services. In response, TRC introduced additional SGR trips on the Dar es SalaamDodoma and Dar es SalaamMorogoro routes to accommodate passengers affected by the delays and cancellations.

Reports also cited power supply challenges linked to faults in the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) grid, which further disrupted rail operations towards the end of December. Further disruptions were recorded on New Year’s Eve, when TRC temporarily suspended some SGR services following heavy rains in parts of central Tanzania.

According to an official statement, the rains caused damage in areas including Kidete in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, and Godegode in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, raising safety concerns along sections of the railway line. As a precaution, TRC suspended the affected services to ensure the safety of passengers and staff while assessments and repair works were carried out.

Passengers were advised to follow official communication channels for updates on the resumption of services. The corporation also apologised for the inconvenience, reiterating that passenger safety remains its top priority as it works to stabilise and expand SGR operations nationwide.

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A brand New Year is here with us. It hasn’t been easy cruising through 2025 to its logical end.

It was a year in which I, like the proverbial African monkey, dodged many arrows. Nilikwepa mishale mingi! I made it through 2025 by playing smart (ha!) in my social engagements that entailed parting with my limited cash.

Yeah, like politely rejecting to be lured via some fundraising card in which I’d be falsely called “mtu wetu wa karibu”, a card signed by a spokesperson of a family I hardly knew! The son for whom a wedding ceremony was being organised would therein be fictionally referred to as “mwenetu”. Eti, our son! I, Wa Muyanza, was suddenly a co-father of a son I’ve never heard about.

And I was expected to pay a kiwango cha chini of Sh70,000. This amount is also called “Single”, meaning if you’re so stingy as to contribute a “mere” 70k, you’d not be allowed to attend the party with your wife! However, a contribution of at least Sh100,000 was referred to as “Double”, meaning if you contributed at least 100k, you’d entitled to bring along your mama,you’d be watotoor your “samsing”. I’m a diehard traditionalist.

My idea of a party to celebrate anything simply entails pulling together my own resources and, if need be, those of close family members. I’d then proceed to invite some friends to join us to eat and drink at our expense, Mwana FA style.

In my own, conservative opinion, walking around with a begging bowl to raise money so that you stage a wedding ceremony befitting a UAE prince is exploitative, presumptuous and even demeaning. Ni kujifedhehesha! During the year that ended last Wednesday, I ignored several kushirikishwa invitations without feeling remorseful.

Why should I? One of my resolutions for 2026 is to maintain this stance. If any one of you people out there wishes kunishirikisha, please just invite me to come and eat and drink at your expense.

I love free things; oh yeah. Of course, since I’m not as unsociable as I may sound, I’ll come with a gift for the bride and groom.

And, maybe, a gift for you and your missus. At the drinking front, I’ll keep my limit to three 330ml “laitis”.

You see, as I navigated the 2025 year, I tried my best to suspend my drinking sessions after swallowing just three “Castros”. It was only “under pressure” that I took an extra one or two.

Like when some fellow insisted he owed me a beer because I’m a great journo, even when I could see he didn’t even know what media house I slog for! I’ll continue to avoid any table occupied by more than two drinkers, friendly to me as they might be. Why, I’ve outgrown the smart habit of dashing to the washrooms to hide when it appears like my turn to “pour a round” has come.

I resolve that in 2026, I won’t smile back at or entertain, the barmaids at my favourite local, who call me Baby, Babu Handsome (what nonsense!) and even husband, luring me to offer them reasonable “keep change”. It’ll be time they realised that I’m not as stupid as I may look.

Otherwise, dear reader, have a great, happy 2026 as you drink responsibly even when your wallet is once-in-a-while-bursting with cash. .

Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank closed 2025 as the most dominant counter on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), accounting for an overwhelming 96.2 per cent of total market turnover in the final three trading sessions of the year.

Data from the exchange show that between December 29 and December 31, the DSE recorded cumulative turnover of about Sh26.68 billion, with CRDB alone contributing approximately Sh25.67 billion, underscoring the lender’s growing appeal among both institutional and retail investors. Market analysts say the concentration of trading activity around the bank reflects year-end portfolio rebalancing and strong demand for highly liquid stocks.

On Monday, December 29, CRDB posted turnover of S41.16 million after 299,024 shares were traded at a weighted average price of Sh1,480 per share. The day’s total market turnover stood at Sh737.14 million, meaning the lender accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the value traded.

Activity in the bonds segment remained subdued, with government securities carrying a face value of Sh210 million changing hands. Trading volumes rose sharply on Tuesday, December 30, as CRDB recorded turnover of Sh10.29 billion.

The performance was driven by the trading of 6.1 million shares through the pre-arranged market board and a further 842,977 shares at the counter, at a weighted average price of Sh1,510 per share.

Total market turnover for the day reached Sh10.68 billion, placing CRDB’s market share at about 96.4 per cent. On the fixed-income segment, government bonds with a face value of S.

95 billion were traded. The dominance intensified on the final trading day of 2025, Wednesday, December 31, when CRDB posted turnover of Sh14.94 billion after 17 million shares were traded on the pre-arranged board and 605,062 shares at the counter, at a weighted average price of Sh1,530 per share.

With the DSE recording total turnover of Sh15.26 billion, the lender alone accounted for nearly 97.9 per cent of the day’s trading. The bond market also recorded strong activity, with government bonds worth Sh6.9 billion and corporate bonds with a face value of Sh200 million exchanged.

In a recent interview with The Citizen, CRDB Group chief executive officer Mr Abdulmajid Nsekela said the bank is positioning itself to sustain its market leadership through a sharper focus on customer needs, digital transformation and strong governance. “CRDB is well positioned to lead with client-centric solutions, continued investment in digital capabilities and robust governance.

We remain committed to enabling Tanzania’s growth through responsible lending, secure payments ecosystems and inclusive financial services as we close 2025 and look ahead to 2026,” he said. The strong trading performance comes as the bank continues to deepen its digital footprint, expand its payments infrastructure and roll out tailored products for small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers.

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Morogoro. Survivors and witnesses have recounted moments of terror after a passenger bus burst into flames following a head-on collision with a cargo lorry on the Morogoro-Dar es Salaam highway, leaving 10 people dead and 23 others injured.

The tragedy occurred on the evening of December 31, 2025, near Maseyu village. A Mitsubishi Fuso bus, traveling from Morogoro to Tanga, collided head-on with a Howo lorry transporting fertiliser to Mbeya.

The impact triggered an immediate inferno that engulfed both vehicles. Account of the survivors For those who escaped, the transition from a routine journey to a life-and-death struggle was instantaneous.

Mr Samson Godfrey, a survivor currently receiving treatment for a broken leg, recalled that the bus was traveling at a normal speed when the lorry suddenly veered into their lane. “The bus driver could not avoid it,” Mr Godfrey said.

“After the collision, the bus overturned and caught fire. I dragged myself out through a window.

My leg was broken, but I managed to escape.” Mr Pelegrini Mdimu, another passenger, noted that visibility was poor due to a heavy downpour.

“We left Morogoro at about 7 p.m.

When we reached Maseyu, the lorry hit us head-on. I found myself in a ditch and only regained consciousness here at the hospital,” he said.

Rescue efforts Local residents were the first to respond to the screams for help. Gwata Ward Councilor Adam Ramadhan described a chaotic scene where villagers rushed to pull victims from the wreckage before emergency services arrived.

“We managed to rescue five passengers before the police and firefighters reached the scene,” Ramadhan said. “The fire was intense, but the heavy rain actually helped to contain the flames.

” Casualties and medical status According to the Morogoro Regional Police, all 10 deceased–eight men and two women–were passengers on the bus. Acting Medical Officer-in-Charge at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Joseph Kway, confirmed that the facility received 23 injured patients, including five children.

The victims sustained a range of injuries, including fractures and head trauma. “The injured include 13 men and 10 women,” Dr Kway stated.

“Three remain under close observation, though their conditions are improving. We expect to discharge five patients soon as they have recovered sufficiently.

” Of the nine bodies received by the hospital on the night of the crash, only one has been officially identified so far. Preliminary Investigation Authorities have pointed to driver error as the primary cause of the disaster.

Commissioner for Operations and Training, Awadh Juma Haji, stated that preliminary investigations suggest the lorry driver–estimated to be between 26 and 28 years old–attempted a dangerous manoeuvre. “It is alleged that the lorry driver attempted to overtake other vehicles without due care during heavy rain,” Commissioner Haji said.

“He left his lane at a section with a sharp bend and a steep slope. That negligence caused the head-on collision and the subsequent fire.

” Mr Haji vowed that the police would take strict legal action against the driver responsible, emphasising that no motorist should attempt to overtake in such hazardous conditions. “A driver who understands traffic laws would not overtake at such a dangerous spot,” he added.

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Dar es Salaam. It is an election year.

That is the best way to describe 2026 on the global stage, with around 40 countries expected to hold elections this year to choose their leaders. Some of these countries will conduct general elections covering the presidency, parliamentary seats and local councils, while others are set to hold presidential elections only, and some will vote solely for members of parliament.

In Africa alone, 14 countries are expected to go to the polls this year, with some long-serving leaders seeking to defend their positions. Uganda will open the year with elections on January 15, where President Yoweri Museveni will aim to retain power amid stiff competition from Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Mr Museveni has led the East African nation since 1986, following a military takeover. He is now contesting a seventh term in an election in which opposition rallies have been disrupted by bomb attacks.

Other African countries scheduled to hold elections this year include the Republic of Congo (March 22), Benin, Libya, Djibouti, Cape Verde (April 2026), Cameroon (parliamentary elections in May) and Ethiopia (June 1). Additional countries are Algeria (parliamentary elections in June), Zambia (August 13), SaPound o Tome and Principe (September), Morocco (parliamentary elections in September), as well as The Gambia and South Sudan, which are expected to hold elections in December.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has never held a general election since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, largely due to conflict between rival factions led by President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. Elsewhere in the world Beyond Africa, several other countries will also go to the polls this year, with citizens expected to exercise their right to choose preferred leaders.

In January 2026, countries holding elections include Myanmar (January 11, with a second round on January 25) and Portugal (January 18). In February, Costa Rica, Thailand (February 8) and Bangladesh (February 12) will head to the polls.

Bangladesh will hold its first national election since a student-led uprising toppled the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed in 2024. Voters will also decide on the “July Charter”, a reform agenda aimed at reducing executive powers, strengthening the judiciary and protecting state institutions, particularly the police, from political interference. In March 2026, alongside Vietnam and Slovenia, Nepal will hold elections.

The March 5 vote has been shaped by youth-led protests, known as the Gen Z movement, which erupted in September 2025 and led to the fall of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid allegations of corruption and economic decline. Majority of the youth, who took part in the protests, are now heavily involved in campaigns encouraging voter registration, signalling that Nepal’s young population may transform their movement into a political force and actively shape the country’s future.

In April 2026, Hungary and Peru will hold elections. Hungary’s vote will determine the direction of domestic politics and international relations.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Russia who has accused the European Union of fuelling the RussiaUkraine conflict, faces his toughest challenge since coming to power in 2010 from his opponent, Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party. The outcome will determine Hungary’s political balance and its stance between the European Union and Russia, with wider implications for European stability and the trajectory of the war in Ukraine.

In May, Cyprus, Colombia and Lebanon will hold elections at different times. Colombians will vote for a new president after the term of incumbent President Gustavo Petro ends, as the Constitution bars him from seeking re-election.

Ivan Cepeda of Petro’s Historic Pact coalition faces centrist candidate Sergio Fajardo and right-wing contender Abelardo de la Espriella. The election will determine whether Colombia can push forward its stalled peace process with FARC rebels, tackle corruption, rein in rising violence and manage regional challenges linked to neighbouring Venezuela.

As such, the outcome will be crucial for the country’s stability and its relations with the United States. Lebanon’s election, expected in May, will mark the first major democratic test for the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun.

The role of Hezbollah will be among the key issues shaping the 2026 Lebanese elections, as the vote will determine its political weight, influence debates on disarmament, and reshape the country’s sectarian balance amid ongoing economic turmoil. In June 2026, Armenia will hold elections, while Fiji is expected to vote in July and Haiti in August.

In September 2026, Sweden will hold a general election, while Russia is also expected to conduct parliamentary elections. For October polls, Latvia and Brazil are preparing for elections.

On October 4, Brazilians will vote for a president, members of the National Congress and state governors, amid economic uncertainty, rising violent crime and strained relations with the United States. Incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is seeking re-election and will face several challengers, including Flavio Bolsonaro, son of the jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro.

The outcome could reshape Brazil’s relations with the United States, determine the direction of its domestic economy and security, and make the election one of the most consequential in South America. That same month, Israel will also hold parliamentary elections.

The country’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, enters 2026 facing intense political opposition to his continued rule. Although the Constitution requires elections to be held on October 27, Netanyahu could call an early poll as soon as June.

His Likud party is under heavy domestic pressure following intelligence failures and the government’s handling of the October 7, 2023 attack, as well as international criticism over the ongoing war and alleged genocide in Gaza. Other countries set to hold elections in October include Denmark, Bosnia and the Bahamas.

In November 2026, Americans will vote in congressional elections, while in December 2026, New Zealand is also expected to go to the polls. .

Zanzibar. As the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to NMB Bank for sponsoring and supporting the National Day of Physical Exercise, the bank expressed pride in its continued participation in activities associated with the Zanzibar Revolution celebrations.

NMB received the certificate from the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, after the conclusion of a special walk that started at Mapinduzi Square in Michezani and ended at the New Amaan Stadium, where a joint physical fitness session was held. To support the success of the walk and exercises, which brought together more than 6,000 participants from over 170 fitness groups from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, NMB donated 100 tracksuits for senior SMZ leaders, led by President Dr Mwinyi and the Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla.

Addressing the participants, Dr Mwinyi commended all sponsors who contributed to the success of the National Day of Physical Exercise, noting that their support holds great value for the health and well-being of the people of Zanzibar. He also encouraged citizens to maintain the culture of regular exercise.

“I thank all stakeholders and sponsors who contributed to the success of this event, which is organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports in collaboration with the Zanzibar Body Exercise Sports Association ZABESA. Physical exercise is essential in human life because it strengthens both body and mind and helps to prevent noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.

This event serves as an important reminder that good health is a key pillar for personal and national development. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize participation in various sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, and marine sports,” said Dr Mwinyi.

For his part, the Representative of the NMB Zanzibar Zone Manager, Ahmed Nassor, said the bank is proud not only of its support and participation in the National Day of Physical Exercise but also of its broader sponsorship role during the Zanzibar Revolution celebrations. Nassor, who also serves as manager of the NMB Mwanakwerekwe branch, said that for the past 13 years the bank has consistently supported different events that form part of the Revolution celebrations, including this year’s sponsorship of the Mapinduzi Cup football tournament.

“We thank President Mwinyi for recognizing our contribution and presenting us with this certificate of appreciation. As a bank, we are proud of our overall support for activities associated with the Zanzibar Revolution celebrations.

We provided 100 tracksuits for SMZ leaders during this event, and we are also the main sponsors of the NMB Mapinduzi Cup, a football tournament that accompanies these celebrations. We do this every year to support and participate fully in these activities.

As a bank that values health and community well-being, we not only provide financial support, but we also participate physically, as you have witnessed today. We are proud of this, and we pledge to continue working with SMZ to promote the celebrations of the Zanzibar Revolution, which marks 62 years this year,” said Nassor.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a warning of rainfall and thunderstorms expected between January 1 and 10, 2026, with intermittent rains forecast in several parts of the country.

The forecast aims to alert the public and urge citizens to take appropriate precautions, particularly where rainfall will be accompanied by thunderstorms. Regions expected to experience rain with thunderstorms include the Lake Victoria Basin–Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Simiyu and Mara.

In the North-Eastern Highlands, the regions of Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro are expected to receive light rainfall, especially during the first five days of January. The Northern Coast, comprising Tanga, northern Morogoro, the Dar es Salaam coast, and the islands of Unguja and Pemba, is also expected to receive rainfall.

In the western part of the country, the regions of Kigoma, Katavi and Tabora are forecast to experience rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas, according to the statement. The Central Zone–Dodoma and Singida–is expected to receive rain with thunderstorms, particularly during the first five days of January.

Similarly, the South-Western Highlands, including Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya, Njombe and Iringa, are forecast to experience rainfall with thunderstorms in some areas. Meanwhile, the Southern Coastal regions of Mtwara and Lindi are expected to receive light rainfall.

Farmers have been advised to adhere strictly to rainfall patterns to avoid crop losses. In the Southern Zone, Ruvuma Region and southern areas of Morogoro are expected to experience rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in some locations.

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Morogoro. Authorities have resorted to DNA analysis to identify victims of a fatal road accident in Morogoro Region after only four of the 10 people who died were identified.

Most bodies were severely burnt following the Wednesday accident caused by head-on collision between a lorry and a bus. The Medical Officer in Charge of Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Joseph Kway, said a team of experts from the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has arrived at the hospital to collect DNA samples from the unidentified bodies.

The samples will be matched with those of relatives who are coming forward in search of their loved ones. Speaking today January 2, 2026, Dr Kway said the four bodies were identified by relatives because some parts had not been extensively burnt.

The accident occurred on the evening of December 31, 2025, at Maseyu Village in Gwata Ward, along the MorogoroDar es Salaam highway. According to a police statement, 10 people were killed and 23 others injured in the crash, which involved a Mitsubishi Fuso passenger bus owned by Bill Mawio Company and a Howo trailer truck belonging to Kikori Company.

Both vehicles were engulfed in flames following the collision. The bus, driven by Swalehe Adamzi, was travelling from Msamvu Bus Terminal in Morogoro to Tanga, while the truck, carrying a consignment of fertiliser, was en route from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya.

Dr Kway said that of the 10 fatalities, nine bodies were received at Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, while one was kept at Mikese Health Centre. He said the body at Mikese was among those already identified and handed over to relatives for burial.

“In this accident, a total of 10 people lost their lives. At our hospital, we received nine bodies, while one was taken to Mikese Health Centre and has since been identified and collected by relatives for burial,” he said.

On the condition of the injured, Dr Kway said 17 patients remain admitted out of the 23 who were brought to the hospital, and their conditions are steadily improving. He added that two patients were referred to the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) for specialised treatment, while three others were discharged after their conditions improved.

“I would like to urge residents of Morogoro and other regions who believe or suspect that their relatives travelled along the MorogoroDar es Salaam road on December 31 and are currently unreachable by phone or whose whereabouts are unknown, to come to the hospital to provide DNA samples. These will help establish whether the bodies here belong to their relatives,” Dr Kway said.

Nephew identifies uncle One of the identified victims is Suwedi Spiki (28), a conductor on the ill-fated bus. His nephew, Athumani Mohamed, said he identified the body through marks on the feet and a pair of trousers the deceased was wearing, which were not completely burnt in the fire.

He said his uncle worked as a conductor on the MorogoroTanga route. “After the accident, the family followed up at the hospital and managed to identify his body.

We have now been handed over the body and are transporting it to Magole Dumila in Kilosa District for burial,” he said. Cause of the accident Morogoro Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama said preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by negligence of the lorry driver, who attempted to overtake other vehicles without due care.

The lorry collided head-on with the passenger bus, causing both vehicles to catch fire. Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima visited the hospital on January 2, 2026, to check on the condition of the injured.

He urged members of the public to come forward with information that could assist in identifying the bodies of those who died in the crash. Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has conveyed her condolences to the Morogoro Regional Commissioner following the deaths.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Deputy Director of Presidential Communications at State House, Mr Shaaban Kissu, President Hassan expressed her sympathies to the bereaved families, prayed for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. She also called on drivers and all road users to strictly observe traffic laws and road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s economic direction in 2026 is expected to be shaped by a select group of policymakers, technocrats and private sector leaders.

Their decisions will determine whether recent gains are consolidated or weakened by fiscal pressures and lingering post-election uncertainty. With the 2025 General Election behind the country, focus has shifted from political contestation to economic delivery.

As such, the year ahead will be critical for sustaining growth momentum, restoring investor confidence and translating macroeconomic stability into tangible benefits for citizens. According to the Tanzania Investment and Consultant Group Ltd (TICG), the economy is projected to grow by about 6.

3 percent in 2026, up from an estimated 6.0 percent in 2025. Growth is expected to be driven by infrastructure investment, services expansion, mining and tourism.

However, the consultancy warns that post-election uncertainty, if poorly managed, could undermine investor confidence and slow capital inflows. “Tanzania remains one of the fastest-growing economies in East Africa, supported by strong public investment and a diversified production base.

However, political developments following the 2025 elections introduce risks that could weigh on investor sentiment if stability is not maintained,” TICG said in its latest outlook. Against this backdrop, attention is turning to a number of key figures whose decisions will shape Tanzania’s economic trajectory in 2026. President Samia Suluhu Hassan At the centre of Tanzania’s economic framework is President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration has set ambitious targets to accelerate growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

As she enters the final phase of her presidency, widely viewed as legacy-defining, the emphasis is on translating policy commitments into results that directly improve livelihoods. In her opening address to the 13th Parliament, President Hassan outlined a five-year agenda focused on building an inclusive and resilient economy capable of generating jobs, boosting productivity and sustaining growth.

“Our goal is to increase the pace of economic growth from the current 5.6 percent to more than seven percent by 2030,” she said, underscoring the importance of strengthening both macroeconomic and microeconomic foundations.

Agriculture remains the backbone of this strategy. The President aims to transform the sector from subsistence farming into a modern, commercialised industry, targeting growth of 10 percent.

Tanzania’s reported 128 percent food self-sufficiency provides a base for export-oriented production and agro-processing, with maize, rice and horticulture identified as priority crops. Livestock and fisheries also feature prominently, with plans to expand grazing areas, modernise veterinary services and strengthen aquaculture under the blue economy agenda.

Industrialisation is another key pillar. The government aims to raise industrial growth to nine percent by 2030 by leveraging industrial parks such as Kwala and Buzwagi to add value to local raw materials and generate jobs, particularly for youth and women.

Mining, which contributes about 10.1 percent of GDP, is expected to benefit from increased local processing and mineral value addition, alongside plans for a national mineral refinery. Infrastructure investment remains central, with roads, railways, ports and energy projects expected to improve productivity and lower the cost of doing business.

Electricity generation is projected to reach 8,000 megawatts by 2030, supported by hydropower, natural gas and renewable sources. In her New Year message, President Hassan said looking ahead, Tanzania will begin implementing the National Development Vision 2050 alongside a three-year Medium-Term Strategy focused on boosting government revenue through expanded use of electronic systems.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment while safeguarding national resources and announced initial steps towards establishing a National Reconciliation Commission. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo In 2026, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Tanzania’s economic diplomacy.

Following the politically charged 2025 election, which drew international scrutiny and led to temporary pauses in some aid flows, his task is to repair the country’s global image, restore investor confidence and secure foreign inflows that underpin growth. Tanzania has set a target of $15 billion in annual foreign direct investment by 2026, focusing on strategic minerals, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and digital infrastructure.

Engagements with multilateral partners are also aimed at keeping public debt sustainable, projected at about 48 percent of GDP. Khamis Mussa Omar At the centre of economic coordination is Finance minister Khamis Mussa Omar, whose challenge is to balance growth ambitions with fiscal discipline amid post-election uncertainties.

The ministry is targeting GDP growth of between 6.0 and 6.

3 percent while keeping inflation at around 3.5 percent.

The 2025/26 budget of Sh56.49 trillion reflects an expansionary stance, with increased allocations to infrastructure, health, education and energy. Managing a projected fiscal deficit of about three percent of GDP while maintaining debt sustainability remains a delicate task.

Key reforms include tax rationalisation measures aimed at widening the tax base without undermining growth, alongside efforts to deepen domestic capital markets and improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises. Kitila Mkumbo The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, oversees one of the most sensitive portfolios: restoring investor confidence after a tense election period.

Under the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), the government is rolling out an investment strategy targeting manufacturing, digital industries, green energy and agro-processing. The goal is to attract $15 billion in annual FDI while supporting domestic firms.

Structural reforms are focused on streamlining licensing procedures, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and aligning education and skills training with labour market needs, particularly in engineering, ICT and industrial trades. Makame Mbarawa Transport minister Makame Mbarawa is leading large-scale investments intended to position Tanzania as a regional logistics hub.

Flagship projects include the Standard Gauge Railway linking Dar es Salaam to inland regions and neighbouring countries, modernisation of ports and upgrades to major airports. Investments in marine transport across the Great Lakes are also expected to revitalise regional trade, reduce logistics costs and strengthen Tanzania’s role as East Africa’s gateway.

Ashatu Kijaji Tourism remains one of Tanzania’s most important sectors and its leading foreign exchange earner. Natural Resources and Tourism minister Ashatu Kijaji will therefore be another key figure to watch in 2026. The ministry is targeting an increase in tourism’s contribution to GDP to 18.9 percent and aims to attract five million international tourists.

Strategies include stepped-up marketing, expanded air connectivity, improved road access and diversification of tourism products beyond wildlife safaris. The sector is expected to generate up to $6 billion in foreign exchange and support millions of jobs nationwide.

Anthony Mavunde The mining sector now contributes more than 10 percent of GDP, with policy emphasis shifting towards local processing and value addition. Minerals minister Anthony Mavunde is expected to accelerate efforts to establish refineries and integrate artisanal miners into the formal economy.

Plans are also under way to establish a Minerals Sovereign Wealth Fund to secure long-term benefits from non-renewable resources and position Tanzania as a key supplier for the global energy transition. The private sector Beyond government, Tanzania’s growth prospects will depend heavily on private sector investment.

Business leaders such as Mohammed Dewji, Said Salim Bakhressa, Edha Nahdi and Rostam Aziz are expected to continue investing across key sectors while promoting Tanzania as an investment destination. Nahdi is chairman of Amsons Group, whose investments span energy, cement, logistics and manufacturing across East and Southern Africa.

Amsons has undertaken major cross-border projects, including a $250 million clinker plant in Kenya and a 1,300MW power project in Zambia. The group now operates in several African countries and employs more than 10,000 people.

For Nahdi, business is not just about profit–it is about positioning Tanzania as a regional leader, creating jobs and proving that homegrown entrepreneurship to compete globally. He was recently quoted as saying: “Tanzania has the talent, resources and strategic location to lead regional industrialisation.

Our goal is to transform local industries and ensure Tanzanian businesses are leaders, not followers.” He also highlighted sustainability and social responsibility: “Industrial growth must be responsible.

From low-carbon technologies to supporting local communities, every project must leave a positive impact.” Nahdi sees regional integration as both opportunity and duty: “Borders should not be barriers.

We aim to connect markets, create jobs and strengthen Tanzania’s position while delivering tangible benefits to our people.” Rostam Aziz has also continued to shape Tanzania’s growth through investments in energy, telecommunications and mining, alongside initiatives to support youth development and local business empowerment.

As Tanzania steps into 2026, the combined actions of these public and private sector actors will be decisive in determining whether the country sustains its growth momentum and delivers inclusive prosperity. .

Zanzibar. Vicky (surname withheld) and her two friends were sipping cocktails and grooving to slow music in an affluent hotel in Zanzibar.

She looked around, and it seemed that everyone in their proximity was of the older generation or international tourists. She and her friends had decided to spend whatever money they had saved and booked a two-night holiday in Zanzibar.

Her purse was depleted, but she knew if she stayed in the bustling Dar es Salaam for another day, she would crash out. In her mid-thirties, her career seemed stalled.

She had a bachelor’s degree and a job she didn’t like, but it kept the lights on and paid her bills, so it was a symbiotic partnership she couldn’t let go. Vicky joins thousands of young Tanzanian professionals who, after finishing their degrees, scramble for whatever jobs are available in the market, which are not that many, and whatever opportunity knocks.

They embrace it, even if it’s not their passion; passion doesn’t pay bills. Needless to say, the frustration and unachieved expectations are likely to cause a downward spiral and bad decisions.

Something Vicky had seen a lot of, until she decided to step away. Stepping away gives one clarity.

A fresh perspective on a common predicament that seems unsolvable. But oftentimes the step back removes all the clutter and offers solutions one never knew existed.

She found Zanzibar to be an ideal destination, but she didn’t want to travel on a tight budget, so she decided to save money and wait for her turn. While on the island, she went to the Nungwi Mnarani turtle conservation ponds and waded into the water, and for the first time, she just relaxed.

She later sat by the beach and sank into the chair without a worry about going to work, and she felt unsatisfied with it. And that’s when an idea popped into her head.

She really loves organising events; she had, in fact, organised a few for her friends, from the pre-wedding shoot to the actual wedding, and it was flawless, but it was a hobby for her, and she loved every minute of it. Sitting here under the clear blue Zanzibar sky, she pondered whether she could make it a real profession.

And that’s how she got started. Her new entrepreneurial venture was born in Zanzibar.

What she needed was time away from a demanding job, but she got back to Dar as a determined entrepreneur with clarity on how to move into the next chapter in her life. Fatma (surname withheld), a mother of three, had a successful career and a stable marriage, but her chubby body was an elephant in the room she refused to address.

Though no one else seemed bothered or even cared about her weight. But deep down in her heart, she was discontented with her health.

Her ambitions and goals were blurred by her own unhealthy habits. One of her friends recommended she take her children hiking at Pugu Hills, just 25 kilometres southwest of Dar es Salaam.

She reluctantly decided to give it a try. The first few times on the nature trails were exhausting; she could hardly keep up with the rest of the group.

But she noticed one thing: her children were happier than they had ever been. She felt stronger and lighter.

Her fear of the unknown was slowly evaporating. She got lost a few times while hiking; at some point, the darkness fell while they were still hiking.

She has always been uncomfortable with not being in control of any situation she immerses herself into. But this time around, deep in the forest, on top of the scenic Pugu hill, she had to let go and trust the rangers, and in a few hours, she was back on the ground and in her car, driving back home.

Since then, she has had to fear getting out of her shell. She kept going for hikes and made time for working out, and she is stepping into 2026 in a body she loves and is confident in.

She has shed a lot of weight naturally, and she is more involved in her kids’ lives than ever before. She owes it back to the first time she tried hiking.

Hiking disconnects you from your everyday environment. Where the cellphone signal is unreliable, one is forced to confront one’s inner thoughts, fears, and hopes.

It gives you enough time to calm your nerves and seek clarity with whatever is going on in your life. And for Fatma, that is what she needed.

A reset button, having ample time to reflect. The plus side was the physical exercise that evidently boosted her mood and reduced her anxiety.

She had no time for her phone; she was busy focusing on her steps on the terrain, on where her foot would land next. She was forced to focus on her present and not worry about what had happened or what would happen.

Being in touch with nature and the fresh air gave her a new beginning. This year, her business is thriving, and her Instagram pictures are of a woman who has her life together.

Abdul (not his real name) was driving at night, way above the speed limit, and he passed three red lights, narrowly missing oncoming traffic, while arguing with his wife in the car. He said, all three times, he wished he had gotten into an accident; that was better than dealing with his 10 years of marriage that was falling apart.

He thought a mistress would help ease the stress in his marital home, but soon found out he was wrong. The stress piled up, and it was clearly affecting his children.

His wife didn’t like the trajectory of his work, and she was sure he could make more money doing something else. That’s when he decided to just travel to the Mt Rungwe forest reserve in Mbeya with his children.

They hiked and camped for days, and he got to be close to his children and bond. The waterfalls and streams were therapeutic.

He would later invite friends for the expeditions, and with time, he started his own tour company. He got to live in nature and also spend any available time with his children.

Since Mbeya is his hometown. He would often visit family and friends while taking tourists to the wilderness.

Looking back, he said, he doubted his marriage would have survived those turbulent times. He was in a dark place, and he is blessed that nothing fatal happened.

He credits travel as the sole reason he was able to confront his darkness, save his marriage and find his passion in tourism. As Tanzania steps into the new year, many young professionals are pressured to live up to their New Year’s resolutions; some might have fallen short of their 2025 goals, adding pressure to really accomplish some of their objectives in the new year.

Taking the first few days of the year to find calm and reconnect with nature can unlock parts of your mind you did not even know existed. From the tranquil white-sand beaches of Zanzibar to the gentle chirping of birds on safari, Tanzania is blessed with natural spaces that soothe the soul and guide you as you step into 2026. .