Category: The Citizen

Bamako. Mali and Burkina Faso have said they are imposing a travel ban on U.

S. citizens in response to an equivalent measure announced by the Trump administration earlier this month.

In separate statements issued by their foreign ministries late on Tuesday, the two West African countries said they were acting in the name of “reciprocity” after the White House announced on December 16 that U.S.

President Donald Trump was adding them and five other countries to a list of those subject to a full travel ban. The White House said the expanded ban, set to take effect on January 1, applied to “countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect the Nation from national security and public safety threats”.

Mali said on Tuesday that Washington’s decision to add it to the travel ban list had been taken without prior consultation and that the stated rationale was not justified by “actual developments on the ground”. Mali and Burkina Faso are not the first countries to take such measures affecting U.

S. citizens after being targeted by Trump’s travel restrictions.

On December 25 neighbouring Niger announced it would stop issuing visas to U.S.

citizens, the country’s state media agency reported, citing a Nigerien diplomatic source. In June, Chad announced it was suspending visa issuance to U.

S. citizens after it was included on an earlier list of 12 countries affected by a travel ban.

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Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel has completed a major upgrade of its guest room inventory following the full refurbishment of its North Wing, a move aimed at enhancing accommodation standards and the overall guest experience.

The newly refurbished wing introduces guest rooms and suites designed to offer greater comfort and value to discerning travellers. According to the hotel, the upgrade features light and refreshing interiors, user-friendly lighting and temperature controls, upgraded smart televisions and modern en-suite bathrooms fitted with walk-in rain showers.

The hotel said the enhanced rooms, together with its existing world-class dining and leisure facilities, further strengthen its position as a leading premium property in Dar es Salaam. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel said guests travelling for business or leisure can expect the signature Serena hospitality alongside an improved accommodation experience.

Commenting on the development, the hotel’s acting general manager, Charles Mbuya, said the completed refurbishment reflects a strategic investment in guest satisfaction and long-term quality. “Our commitment is to provide an exceptional guest experience, and this investment in a significant portion of our room inventory directly reflects that commitment,” Mr Mbuya said.

He added that the hotel will begin Phase Two of its refurbishment programme in January, during which the South Wing will be upgraded to the same interior and decorative standards as the North Wing. Phase Two will also include the introduction of a new Maisha Spa, featuring expanded facilities and services for women, aimed at delivering a wellness experience unmatched in the city.

Mr Mbuya said the planned works will be carried out in a manner that will not disrupt or interfere with the current guest experience. To mark the completion of the North Wing refurbishment, the hotel has rolled out a limited-time promotional offer, with single rooms priced at $159 and double rooms at $199. The rates will be available until March 31, 2026, giving guests an opportunity to experience the newly renovated rooms at competitive value.

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Dar es Salaam. As 2025 unfolds, Tanzania’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and steady growth, outperforming many global and regional peers despite persistent global economic uncertainties that have constrained growth across both advanced and developing economies.

Economic analysts and policymakers say the country has entered the year on a strong footing, supported by stable macroeconomic fundamentals, improving external balances and sustained growth in key sectors. This performance, they say, reflects years of prudent policy management, continued public investment and a diversified economic structure that has helped shield the economy from external shocks.

While global economic conditions remain fragile–characterised by high interest rates, volatile commodity prices and geopolitical tensions–Tanzania’s economy has maintained momentum. Analysts attribute this to a combination of domestic demand, infrastructure development and improved sectoral performance, particularly in agriculture, mining, tourism and services.

This resilience is underpinned by prudent macroeconomic management, sustained public investment and a diversified economic base. Continued government spending on infrastructure and energy has supported domestic demand and improved productivity, while agriculture, mining, tourism and services have provided multiple engines of growth that cushion the economy from external shocks.

Public investment in roads, railways, ports and electricity has continued to stimulate economic activity, improve connectivity and lower production costs. These investments have also strengthened Tanzania’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub, particularly within the East African Community (EAC) and the broader Great Lakes region.

At the same time, relatively stable inflation, a managed exchange-rate environment and cautious fiscal and monetary policies have helped preserve investor confidence and household purchasing power. Analysts note that macroeconomic stability has remained a key anchor for growth, helping to maintain predictability for businesses and consumers alike.

Strong regional trade linkages within East Africa and ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate further position Tanzania to maintain steady growth, even as global financial conditions and geopolitical risks remain uncertain. Measures to streamline investment processes, improve public service delivery and enhance regulatory efficiency have supported private sector activity.

In separate interviews, economic analysts noted that while overall performance remains positive, challenges around employment creation and inclusive growth continue to limit the broader impact of economic expansion. They argue that ensuring growth translates into tangible improvements in livelihoods and remains a critical policy priority.

Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said Tanzania’s economy is maintaining a satisfactory growth trajectory, even as many economies worldwide struggle with slow growth, tight financial conditions and geopolitical pressures. “Economic growth in the first, second, and third quarters of 2025 reached 5.

8 percent, with average growth for the year projected at about 6 percent,” he said. He noted that compared with the global growth benchmark of around 2 percent, Tanzania ranks among the better-performing economies.

He noted that inflation has remained within the government’s target range of 3 to 5 percent, underscoring effective monetary policy and relative price stability. “By the third quarter of the year, average inflation stood at 3.

3 percent, helping to preserve household purchasing power and support business planning,” he said. Mr Tutuba said price stability has been crucial in protecting consumers from sharp cost-of-living increases and enabling businesses to plan investment and production with greater certainty.

He added that stable inflation also reflects disciplined monetary management by the central bank. He said that the Tanzanian shilling has shown notable strength, appreciating by about 8 percent compared to the same period last year, from Sh2,550 to around Sh2,480 per US dollar.

“This performance has been supported by improved export earnings, increased gold production, and stronger foreign exchange inflows,” he said. The BoT governor explained that improved export receipts, particularly from gold and tourism, have strengthened the country’s foreign exchange position and helped stabilise the currency.

A stronger shilling, analysts say, has eased pressure on import prices and helped contain inflation. He explained that Tanzania’s balance of payments position has also improved, standing at 2.

4 percent of GDP, compared to 2.6 percent during the same period last year.

Gold reserves have increased significantly, rising from about two tonnes in December last year to 16 tonnes this year, signalling stronger external buffers and improved economic fundamentals. Analysts note that the accumulation of gold reserves enhances the country’s ability to withstand external shocks and reinforces confidence in the overall macroeconomic framework.

Independent economic analyst Oscar Mkude said 2025 has begun with strong momentum, with macroeconomic indicators remaining largely positive. He noted that major international institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, project Tanzania’s growth at around 5.

4 percent this year. “Improved price stability compared to 2024 has strengthened the economy’s resilience and boosted investor confidence,” he said.

He added that key productive sectors have performed well, particularly agriculture, which benefited from favourable food prices. While the electricity sector has been stable, helping to stabilise industrial production and save productive hours.

Mr Mkude said a stable power supply remains critical for manufacturing, agro-processing and services, as electricity disruptions often translate into production losses and higher operating costs. Despite the positive macroeconomic outlook, analysts warn that growth has not translated into sufficient job creation.

Employment growth remains limited, leaving many citizens without stable income opportunities and reducing the impact of growth at the household level. “Much of the expansion has been driven by capital-intensive sectors such as mining and large infrastructure projects, which generate relatively few jobs.

As a result, many people remain spectators rather than active participants in economic growth, leading to unutilised labour and limited social gains,” he said. He stressed that unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, remain major concerns, raising questions about the inclusiveness and long-term sustainability of current growth patterns.

Independent analyst Christopher Makombe echoed this assessment, noting that Tanzania’s economy has expanded by around 5.8 percent above the Sub-Saharan African average.

He attributed the growth to recovery in tourism and sustained investment in construction and infrastructure, mining, trade and services. Inflation, he said, has remained low and stable at around 34 percent, supported by prudent monetary policy and relatively stable food prices.

He further noted that government investment in transport, energy and port infrastructure has strengthened Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics and trade hub. Prof Abel Kinyondo of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) said that while the global economy in 2025 is performing relatively well and Tanzania is doing better than many of its peers, caution is needed when looking toward 2026. “Overall, while Tanzania’s economic outlook in 2025 remains positive, experts agree that the next phase of policy focus must shift from growth alone to inclusivity, ensuring that economic gains are widely shared and sustainable over the long term,” he said.

A lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Lutengano Mwinuka noted that Tanzania has formulated a five-year national development plan aligned with Vision 2050, designed to provide a clear, coherent, and long-term strategic pathway for national growth. “A nation that plans with vision today builds the foundation for sustainable prosperity tomorrow.

” A senior lecturer in the Department of Finance at the University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dr Tobias Swai said this year’s economic performance has been encouraging, with key indicators reflecting positive progress in industrial development and infrastructure expansion. ” Major investments in transport and logistics are beginning to yield tangible results.

The standard gauge railway is fully operational, port throughput has increased, and the completion of the Kwala Port has strengthened trade capacity. Together, these developments are improving supply chain efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and contributing to overall economic growth and prosperity,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has clarified the reasons for the delays in the construction of the Kidunda Dam, explaining that the project commenced while addressing other pressing issues.

The Kidunda Dam is a multi-purpose infrastructure initiative designed to secure a water supply for Dar es Salaam. It will store water from the Ruvu River and will include hydropower generation and irrigation facilities.

The project features a 20-megawatt power generation plant, a 101-kilometre electricity transmission line connecting Kidunda to the Chalinze national grid, and a 75-kilometre gravel road linking Ngerengere to Kidunda. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve water supply for households, agriculture, and industrial use, providing a steady flow of approximately 24,000 litres per second, particularly during dry periods.

According to the ministry of Water, the dam was scheduled to be completed within three years, from 2022 to 2025. Currently, the Sh335.5 billion project is 40 percent complete and is expected to have the capacity to store 190 billion litres of water. Dr Nchemba shared this information while speaking to residents after inspecting the progress of a new market and bus station in Bunju B, Dar es Salaam.

“The reason progress has not been faster is that the dam was being constructed alongside other major issues that required urgent attention,” he stated. He reminded the public that three years ago, there were severe power rationing issues, and some experts proposed renting additional equipment.

However, President Samia Suluhu Hassan rejected this idea, insisting that the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant project be completed first. Dr Nchemba confirmed that there are currently no power shortages, and any emerging electricity issues are being addressed.

He noted that Tanzania now has a surplus of over 2,000 megawatts, which can serve countries in East Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Addressing concerns about water supply, he expressed satisfaction with the current conditions after personally visiting the water source.

“We have returned to normalcy; there is no excuse. I have seen the situation firsthand and can assure the public that the delays were not due to negligence; we would have taken strict action otherwise,” he said.

Dr Nchemba also pointed out that climate change has caused irregular rainfall patterns, contributing to events like last year’s floods in Hanang District. He emphasised that under President Hassan’s leadership, the government has remained vigilant in assessing and preparing for potential risks.

One such initiative has been the construction of the Kidunda Dam, which is currently 40 percent complete and will store 190 billion litres of water. “The government is focusing on implementing solutions rather than merely stating problems.

Two years ago, a contractor was appointed, leading to the ongoing construction of the dam,” he added. Water minister Jumaa Aweso noted that not all areas, including Mabwepande and Bunju, have had consistent water supply.

He stated that bills issued to residents should reflect the actual water they received. “It is unreasonable to demand full payment from a resident who has not received water consistently.

I want to caution the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa) managers I am serious, and we will hold you accountable,” he stressed. Mr Aweso further declared that, given the current conditions, Dawasa has no excuse; residents must have access to safe and clean water, as supplies are now available at the Ruvu Upper water plant.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, face a decisive make-or-die encounter tonight against Tunisia in their final Group C match of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), knowing that only victory will keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

The crucial fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7pm East African Time at Rabat, with Taifa Stars needing all three points to stand any chance of qualifying for the last 16. However, their fate is also partially dependent on the outcome of the other Group C match, where Nigeria take on Uganda at the Fez Stadium, also in Rabat. Nigeria currently top the group with six points, having already secured qualification.

Tunisia sit second with three points, while Tanzania and Uganda are tied on one point each. However, Tanzania hold a slight edge over Uganda on goal difference, with a negative one compared to Uganda’s negative two.

For Taifa Stars, the equation is simple but demanding: defeat Tunisia and hope Nigeria avoid slipping against Uganda. Any other result would spell the end of Tanzania’s Afcon campaign at the group stage.

Interim head coach Miguel Gamondi acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, describing Tunisia as one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses, but insisted that his players are fully focused on securing victory. “This is a decisive match for us,” said Gamondi.

“We are facing a very strong team who are also fighting to qualify. We know it will be tough, but our objective is clear–we must win.

The players understand the responsibility and are ready to give everything for the nation.” Gamondi added that Taifa Stars have worked hard in training to correct the mistakes that cost them points in their previous match against Uganda, which ended in a frustrating draw.

“We analysed our last game in detail. We identified areas where we fell short and worked on them.

I believe the players have taken the lessons seriously, and I expect a much more disciplined and aggressive performance,” he explained. Team captain Mbwana Samatta echoed the coach’s sentiments, reaffirming the squad’s determination to rise to the occasion despite the pressure surrounding the encounter.

“We know what is at stake,” Samatta said. “This is not just another match; it is about national pride.

It won’t be easy because Tunisia are also fighting for qualification, but we believe in ourselves. We are ready to fight until the final whistle and make Tanzanian fans proud.

” Samatta, one of the most experienced players in the squad, urged his teammates to remain calm and focused, stressing that unity and belief would be key in overcoming the North African giants. Meanwhile, winger Simon Msuva said the players are highly motivated and urged Tanzanians to rally behind the team during the decisive showdown.

“We feel the support from back home, and it means a lot to us,” said Msuva. “We promise to give our best on the pitch.

With the support of the fans and our determination, anything is possible.” Tunisia, four-time Afcon champions, are expected to pose a stern test with their tactical discipline and experience on the continental stage.

However, Taifa Stars will draw inspiration from their growing confidence and the desire to make history by advancing beyond the group stage. .

Dar es Salaam. It is no longer unusual for lorry drivers to spend a week or more waiting to cross the TanzaniaZambia border at Tunduma in Songwe Region, thanks to severe congestion caused by a narrow road network and what they describe as laxity among some officials operating at the border.

While long waiting times are one challenge, the harsh living conditions drivers endure during the days spent at the border paint a grim picture of life on the road. According to the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), more than 1,000 lorries arrive at the border daily, yet fewer than half manage to cross within the same period.

Drivers who spoke to Mwananchi newspaper during a visit to Tunduma said that although the length of time spent in the queue is unpredictable, their allowances from employers are not adjusted to reflect the delays. One of the drivers, Mr Godwin Kinyaha, said employers calculate allowances based on the estimated travel days for a return trip to Zambia or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but a few who take into account the extra days drivers are often forced to spend stuck in congestion at the border.

As a result, Mr Kinyaha said drivers end up using the allowance meant for their destination, with some exhausting all their money while still stranded in Tunduma. “This means the driver bears the cost.

The time you spend here requires money for food and other basic needs. If there was no congestion, you would already be in the DRC offloading cargo.

It hurts us economically,” he said. “I have been in Tunduma for five days now.

I spent four days parked and on the fifth day, around 11pm, we were called to come and cross. But now it is 8am and I have still not crossed,” Mr Kinyaha said.

He added that his experience was mild compared to what often happens at the border, where some drivers wait for up to two weeks before crossing. Responding to the driver allowance issues, Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Owners Association (Tamstoa) chairperson Chuki Shaaban said there is no business being conducted when lorries are stuck in long queues, arguing that congestion at border points leaves owners counting losses rather than profits.

“How do you expect me to pay extra allowances when there is no profit coming in? We should be fighting together to end the congestion because we are all suffering, not shifting the burden to each other,” he said. He stressed that truck owners are fully aware that some drivers engage in leisure activities while stranded in the area, even though they know the delays are costing their employers heavily and that no extra allowances will be paid.

“When my truck sits in congestion, I incur losses and, in some cases, I am required to pay penalties for delayed delivery to my clients,” Mr Shaaban added. Another driver, Mr Laiton Mwachange, said congestion has forced many drivers–who often operate alone–to remain awake for long hours without rest.

He explained that once caught in the queue, drivers must stay alert to move forward inch by inch as vehicles ahead advance, leaving them with little or no sleep and increasing road safety risks. “The government should have mercy on us; this situation has gone too far.

Almost all companies use this route. Imagine a company with 50 lorries stuck here for three days–eventually the owner does not know what to pay the drivers,” he said.

Tanzania Chapter of the African Truck Drivers Association chairperson John Siaba said congestion had forced the government to allow lorries to use the Sumbawanga road as an alternative route. However, he warned that drivers using this route face frequent attacks by thieves and bandits, as security remains inadequate.

“When lorries line up along the Mbeya road, the queue can stretch as far as Vwawa because of the narrow road. The government allowed us to use the Sumbawanga route, but what we ask for is proper security for drivers,” he said.

On allowances, Mr Siaba said while driver payments are technically a matter between employers and employees, government intervention is needed to ensure drivers are fairly compensated. What is the problem? Asked about the root cause of the congestion, Mr Kinyaha said the main issue lies in the limited capacity of the border infrastructure, which has only one lane for lorries heading into Zambia and one for those returning to Tanzania.

“There should be two lanes going and two lanes returning. That would significantly reduce congestion,” he said, adding that the narrow roads mean that if a single lorry breaks down, all movement comes to a halt because there is no space to divert traffic.

“In areas like the Sogea Hills, if a lorry breaks down there is nowhere to push it aside. Everything stops until it is repaired and that is how the queue builds up,” he explained.

Mr Mwachange blamed the practice of holding lorries in parking yards and releasing them in batches, instead of allowing lorries to cross as they arrive. He also accused some officials–particularly on the Zambian side–of inefficiency, claiming that many leave work early.

“If you arrive here at around 2pm, you may be told that officers from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) have already left. How can someone leave work that early and still claim to be committed?” he asked.

He stressed the need for all authorities to fulfil their responsibilities to ease congestion. Mr Msangi said the border infrastructure has been overwhelmed by the growing number of trucks.

“When this border was opened, there was no congestion. Now lorries have increased but the infrastructure remains the same,” he said.

He criticised what he described as poor planning, noting that although Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, once directed that the border be expanded, little has been done. “This is a waste of public funds.

Didn’t they know from the beginning that this place would need wider roads? What is the point of having trained engineers?” he asked. He urged the government to expand the road network to at least four lanes and increase the number of scanners to speed up clearance.

Mr Msangi also accused some officials of negligence, saying they spend time on their phones instead of serving drivers. Another drivers’ leader, Mr Ramadhan Seleman, called for road expansion to allow more vehicles to pass simultaneously.

He said the improvements should be matched with harmonised operations on both sides of the border to ensure smooth flow. “Zambia stops working at 9pm, while we in Tanzania operate 24 hours.

Even though we have more trucks, sometimes the congestion is caused by our counterparts in Zambia,” he said. In efforts to resolve the crisis, Mr Siaba said that a meeting on December 12 this year, involving drivers, police, Tanroads, regional and district leaders and other transport sector acknowledged that the border was overwhelmed due to the high number of lorries and narrow roads and agreed on the need to expand infrastructure.

Pain for some, opportunity for others Motorcycle taxi rider Ambakisye Tuntufye said congestion affects them too, forcing riders to manoeuvre dangerously between vehicles. “Sometimes roads are completely blocked and we cannot pass.

It is risky for both us and our passengers,” he said. For Ms Loveness Kibinga, a vendor selling soup near the border, the congestion has been a blessing.

“When drivers are stuck, they buy soup and snacks from me. They are my customers, so I benefit,” she said.

However, she admitted that congestion also causes inconvenience, sometimes preventing her from getting home on time. Government response Songwe Regional Commissioner Jabir Makame said authorities are aware that the main challenge at Tunduma is narrow roads.

He said the issues were identified after consultations with transport stakeholders earlier this month. Following the meeting, Mr Makame said Tanroads had been instructed to explore options for expanding the road at the border.

Separately, during a visit on December 12, Works minister Abdallah Ulega directed Tanroads chief executive Mohamed Besta to secure emergency funds to assess and expand the road. “Three-lane roads will be constructed.

Emergency funds should be sought to rehabilitate the Iboya weighbridge so that all lorries leaving Tunduma are weighed there instead of Mpemba area,” the minister said. Mr Ulega also ordered that service roads in the area be improved urgently to prevent conflicts between drivers and the government.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian farmers have sold 430,961.42 tonnes of raw cashew nuts (RCN) in the ongoing 2025/26 auctions, earning Sh1.279 trillion, according to the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT).

As auctions continue nationwide, the board projects that total sales will reach 600,000 tonnes by the close of the season, exceeding the 406,362 tonnes sold in 2024/25, valued at Sh1.462 trillion. CBT Director General Francis Alfred told The Citizen during an exclusive interview that auctions in the main producing regions of Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma and Coast Region are at an end, while sales in the central zone regions and Tanga are expected to begin in January 2026. “Data collection on sales through auctions, the primary market and kernel purchases is ongoing, but production for this season is projected to exceed 600,000 tonnes,” said Mr Alfred.

He said prices during the 2025/26 auctions remained attractive, with the highest price for standard-grade RCN reaching Sh3,520 per kilogramme, while the lowest price stood at Sh1,910. According to him, under-grade cashews traded at between Sh1,700 and Sh2,470. Further CBT figures show that Mtwara remains the leading cashew-producing region, having traded 232,509.38 tonnes valued at Sh694.67 billion. Lindi followed with 140,091.02 tonnes worth S19.31 billion, while Ruvuma and Coast regions produced 39,759.82 tonnes valued at Sh116.46 billion, and 17,999.89 tonnes worth S7.07 billion respectively.

While Morogoro 559.71 tonnes valued at Sh1.43 billion, Mbeya traded 41.6 tonnes worth Sh94.8 million. Furthermore, figures from CBT shows that sales through the primary market also progressed steadily, as of December 23, 2025, a total of 7,082.9 tonnes of RCN valued at Sh11.75 billion had been sold.

“At the same time, purchases of cashew kernels from organised groups and individual processors are continuing,” CBT report says. “Payments to farmers have improved markedly this season, supported by the continued use of designated payment centres.

In Mtwara Region, farmers are receiving proceeds faster than in previous seasons, easing cash-flow pressures at household level,” said Mr Alfred. He said the government has set a target to ensure that all domestically produced cashew nuts are processed locally by the 2029/30 season.

According to him, this would be possible through maintaining the primary market system to secure timely access to RCN for local processors, encouraging private investment in processing factories, and procuring 100 electrically powered processing machines for distribution to community groups. Additional efforts, he said include improving access to affordable financing using proceeds from the Raw Cashew Export Levy, strengthening partnerships with financial institutions, and expanding training programmes on modern technologies, quality standards, workplace safety and market access.

He reported several achievements this season, including the sale of all cashews stored in auction warehouses, an increase in registered export buyers from 82 to 89, higher volumes of RCN traded through the Warehouse Receipt System, improved digital trading via the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) and more efficient government revenue collection. “However, challenges persist, including high moisture content in some consignments, quality lapses linked to competition among AMCOS, inadequate storage facilities, transport delays, poor road infrastructure, limited stakeholder awareness and global price fluctuations,” said Mr Alfred.

Maranje Industrial Park Project During an interview, Mr Alfred said the government is advancing implementation of a $127.18 million (about Sh343.4 billion) project to establish an industrial park at Maranje in Mtwara Rural, aimed at achieving 100 percent local processing of cashew nuts by 2030. Implemented in phases, he said the project will host 30 cashew processing factories, six cashew nut shell oil extraction plants, four sesame processing factories, and facilities for processing cashew apple products, including juice, wine and ethanol. “There are also plans to construct 100 warehouses for storing cashew nuts and sesame, alongside supporting infrastructure such as shopping centres, staff housing, sports grounds, restaurants, a police station, a fire and rescue unit, and an investor service centre,” he said, adding that different activities are at different levels of execution.

Word from TMX TMX trade officer Ms Justa Martin said increased market competition remains one of the key achievements of the TMX during the ongoing cashew trading season, attributing the gains to the effectiveness of the online trading system. She said the system has provided equal opportunities to all players participating in the auctions, enhancing transparency and empowering farmers to make informed decisions based on observable buyer competition.

“We have played a vital role in increasing transparency and farmers’ participation in the business by enabling them to observe buyer competition trends and ultimately make appropriate decisions in trading their commodities,” said Ms Martin in a telephone interview from Mtwara. She added that TMX has also contributed significantly to price stabilisation, noting that average prices recorded so far are aligned with the quality of the produce and prevailing global market trends.

Ms Martin said that despite a decline in global cashew prices, Tanzania has managed to maintain favourable average prices, arguing that without the online system, farmers would likely have earned much lower returns. “In the global market, cashew prices are determined by forces of supply and demand.

When large processing companies register high demand, together with other kernel-related factors, prices increase, and the opposite is also true,” she said. She added that TMX would continue improving the system in line with views from the government and other stakeholders, noting that most buyers were conversant with the platform.

However, she acknowledged challenges, particularly discrepancies between information shared with buyers and the actual physical stocks in warehouses. “When buyers are informed of a certain quality, it becomes a challenge if the stated quality, quantity or moisture level is not reflected in the available stock.

Authorities will continue addressing these issues to ensure a more attractive 2026/27 trading season,” she said. Remarks from cooperative unions Tanecu General Manager, Mr Mohamed Mwinguku, said the union had recorded notable achievements this season, including sustained high production levels.

He said while 124,000 tonnes were produced last season, nearly 122,000 tonnes have already been traded this year, expressing optimism that the figure would surpass last season’s total by the close of the auctions. Mr Mwinguku said unlike last year, when packaging materials were insufficient due to unprecedented harvests, no such challenge had been recorded this season.

“We have also not recorded payment challenges, and buyers have attended auctions in large numbers. Prices were slightly lower compared to last season, but this reflects trends in the global market,” he said, citing efficient payments processed through Coop Bank as another success.

He noted that initial challenges experienced when the bank was simultaneously paying sesame and pigeon pea farmers had largely been resolved during the cashew trading season. On challenges, Mr Mwinguku said weather changes had resulted in some cashews recording moisture levels of between 12 and 14 percent, above the recommended 10 percent.

“This prompted AMCOS to instruct farmers to continue drying their produce to reduce moisture levels,” he said. He added that the union is also purchasing raw cashew nuts for its processing plant, targeting 3,500 tonnes by the end of January to meet installed annual capacity.

Tunduru Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Union (Tamcu) General Manager, Mr Marcelino Mrope, said more than 39,000 tonnes had been traded through seven auctions this season, about 8,000 tonnes more than last year. “There have been no major price changes, with rates ranging between Sh2,200 and Sh2,700 per kilo.

Complaints over delayed payments have significantly reduced, with waiting periods falling from two weeks to just three or four days,” he said. Mr Mrope said packaging materials were no longer a constraint, with a balance of 200,000 bags sufficient to handle 15,000 tonnes.

What do farmers say? From the farmers’ perspective, Mr Arabi Mchola of Kitama Village, Tandahimba District, said delays in commencing auctions initially affected produce movement but praised timely payments. Farmers from Newala (Mr Muhdin Mnaly) and Masasi (Ms Suzana Achimpota) districts echoed similar sentiments, saying prompt payments had improved livelihoods and discouraged illegal cashew trading, locally known as kangomba.

“After receiving the payment, farmers are mordernising their houses, stocking food for their families and preparing their children for the coming school term,” said Ms Achimpota from Lukuledi Village, Masasi District. .

Dar es Salaam. As 2025 draws to a close, Tanzania’s economy continued to demonstrate resilience and steady growth during the year, outperforming many global and regional peers despite persistent global economic uncertainties that have constrained growth across both advanced and developing economies.

Economic analysts and policymakers said the country entered the year on a strong footing, supported by stable macroeconomic fundamentals, improving external balances and sustained growth in key sectors. This performance, they said, reflects years of prudent policy management, continued public investment and a diversified economic structure that has helped shield the economy from external shocks.

While global economic conditions remained fragile–characterised by high interest rates, volatile commodity prices and geopolitical tensions–Tanzania’s economy maintained momentum. Analysts attributed this to a combination of domestic demand, infrastructure development and improved sectoral performance, particularly in agriculture, mining, tourism and services.

This resilience was underpinned by prudent macroeconomic management, sustained public investment and a diversified economic base. Continued government spending on infrastructure and energy supported domestic demand and improved productivity, while agriculture, mining, tourism and services provided multiple engines of growth that cushion the economy from external shocks.

Public investment in roads, railways, ports and electricity continued to stimulate economic activity, improve connectivity and lower production costs. These investments also strengthened Tanzania’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub, particularly within the East African Community (EAC) and the broader Great Lakes region.

At the same time, relatively stable inflation, a managed exchange-rate environment and cautious fiscal and monetary policies helped preserve investor confidence and household purchasing power. Analysts noted that macroeconomic stability has remained a key anchor for growth, helping to maintain predictability for businesses and consumers alike.

Strong regional trade linkages within East Africa and ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate further enabled Tanzania to maintain steady growth, even as global financial conditions and geopolitical risks remain uncertain. Measures to streamline investment processes, improve public service delivery and enhance regulatory efficiency supported private sector activity.

In separate interviews, economic analysts noted that while overall performance remains positive, challenges around employment creation and inclusive growth continued to limit the broader impact of economic expansion. They argued that ensuring growth translated into tangible improvements in livelihoods and remained a critical policy priority.

Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said Tanzania’s economy was maintaining a satisfactory growth trajectory, even as many economies worldwide struggle with slow growth, tight financial conditions and geopolitical pressures. “Economic growth in the first, second, and third quarters of 2025 reached 5.

8 percent, with average growth for the year projected at about 6 percent,” he said. He noted that compared with the global growth benchmark of around 2 percent, Tanzania ranked among the better-performing economies.

He noted that inflation remained within the government’s target range of 3 to 5 percent, underscoring effective monetary policy and relative price stability. “By the third quarter of the year, average inflation stood at 3.

3 percent, helping to preserve household purchasing power and support business planning,” he said. Mr Tutuba said price stability has been crucial in protecting consumers from sharp cost-of-living increases and enabling businesses to plan investment and production with greater certainty.

He added that stable inflation also reflected disciplined monetary management by the central bank. He said the Tanzanian shilling showed notable strength, appreciating by about 8 percent compared to the same period last year, from Sh2,550 to around Sh2,480 per US dollar.

“This performance has been supported by improved export earnings, increased gold production, and stronger foreign exchange inflows,” he said. The BoT governor explained that improved export receipts, particularly from gold and tourism, strengthened the country’s foreign exchange position and helped stabilise the currency.

A stronger shilling, analysts said, eased pressure on import prices and helped contain inflation. He explained that Tanzania’s balance of payments position has also improved, standing at 2.

4 percent of GDP, compared to 2.6 percent during the same period last year.

Gold reserves have increased significantly, rising from about two tonnes in December last year to 16 tonnes this year, signalling stronger external buffers and improved economic fundamentals. Analysts noted that the accumulation of gold reserves enhances the country’s ability to withstand external shocks and reinforces confidence in the overall macroeconomic framework.

Independent economic analyst Oscar Mkude said 2025 began with strong momentum, with macroeconomic indicators remaining largely positive. He noted that major international institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, projected Tanzania’s growth at around 5.

4 percent this year. “Improved price stability compared to 2024 has strengthened the economy’s resilience and boosted investor confidence,” he said.

He added that key productive sectors have performed well, particularly agriculture, which benefited from favourable food prices. While the electricity sector has been stable, helping to stabilise industrial production and save productive hours.

Mr Mkude said a stable power supply remains critical for manufacturing, agro-processing and services, as electricity disruptions often translate into production losses and higher operating costs. Despite the positive macroeconomic outlook, analysts warned that growth has not translated into sufficient job creation.

Employment growth remains limited, leaving many citizens without stable income opportunities and reducing the impact of growth at the household level. “Much of the expansion has been driven by capital-intensive sectors such as mining and large infrastructure projects, which generate relatively few jobs.

As a result, many people remain spectators rather than active participants in economic growth, leading to unutilised labour and limited social gains,” he said. He stressed that unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, remain major concerns, raising questions about the inclusiveness and long-term sustainability of current growth patterns.

Independent analyst Christopher Makombe echoed this assessment, noting that Tanzania’s economy has expanded by around 5.8 percent above the Sub-Saharan African average.

He attributed the growth to recovery in tourism and sustained investment in construction and infrastructure, mining, trade and services. Inflation, he said, has remained low and stable at around 34 percent, supported by prudent monetary policy and relatively stable food prices.

He further noted that government investment in transport, energy and port infrastructure has strengthened Tanzania’s position as a regional logistics and trade hub. Prof Abel Kinyondo of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) said that while the global economy in 2025 is performing relatively well and Tanzania is doing better than many of its peers, caution is needed when looking toward 2026. “Overall, while Tanzania’s economic outlook in 2025 remains positive, experts agree that the next phase of policy focus must shift from growth alone to inclusivity, ensuring that economic gains are widely shared and sustainable over the long term,” he said.

A lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Dr Lutengano Mwinuka, noted that Tanzania has formulated a five-year national development plan aligned with Vision 2050, designed to provide a clear, coherent, and long-term strategic pathway for national growth. “A nation that plans with vision today builds the foundation for sustainable prosperity tomorrow.

” A senior lecturer in the Department of Finance at the University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dr Tobias Swai said this year’s economic performance has been encouraging, with key indicators reflecting positive progress in industrial development and infrastructure expansion. ” Major investments in transport and logistics are beginning to yield tangible results.

The standard gauge railway is fully operational, port throughput has increased, and the completion of the Kwala Port has strengthened trade capacity. Together, these developments are improving supply chain efficiency, reducing logistics costs, and contributing to overall economic growth and prosperity,” he said.

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British former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria’s Ogun State that killed two of his close friends, promoter Matchroom Boxing said on Monday. Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries when the vehicle he was in collided with another car, Ogun State Police Command said.

The cause of the accident was being investigated, they added. Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps said five men had been involved in the accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Joshua suffered minor injuries, two people lost their lives and two walked away unhurt, the FRSC said. “With profound sadness it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away,” Matchroom Boxing said in a statement.

It confirmed that Joshua had been taken to a hospital for checks and treatment. He was stable and would remain under observation, it added.

President Bola Tinubu expressed sympathy to Joshua and the families of the victims, calling the incident a “tragic accident.” The FRSC said preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was likely speeding when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.

“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC said on X. Officials have not said who was driving the car in which Joshua was travelling.

Joshua could not immediately be reached for comment. Joshua, who is the son of British-Nigerian parents, was born in Britain and attended a boarding school in Ikenne, Nigeria, before returning to Britain at age 12. The accident occurred just over a week after he knocked out American social media star Jake Paul in the sixth round of a bout in Miami.

Paul expressed his condolences in a X post on Monday, saying he was “praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.” Joshua was returning to the ring after a 15-month layoff.

He is expected to fight long-time rival and fellow Briton Tyson Fury in 2026. .

Israel has defended its formal recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, but several countries at the United Nations questioned whether the move aimed to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or to establish military bases. Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.

“It is not a hostile step toward Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance.

It is an opportunity,” Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Miller told the UN Security Council on Monday. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland gives it a potential strategic partner countering Yemen’s Houthis, who during the Gaza war traded blows with Israel and whose attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have disrupted shipping there.

The 22-member Arab League, a regional organisation of Arab states in the Middle East and parts of Africa, rejects “any measures arising from this illegitimate recognition aimed at facilitating forced displacement of the Palestinian people or exploiting northern Somali ports to establish military bases,” Arab League UN Ambassador Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz told the council. “Against the backdrop of Israel’s previous references to Somaliland of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a destination for the deportation of Palestinian people, especially from Gaza, its unlawful recognition of Somaliland region of Somalia is deeply troubling,” Pakistan’s Deputy UN Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon told the council.

Israel’s UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the remarks or address any of them in its statement at the council meeting. In March, the foreign ministers of Somalia and Somaliland said they had not received any proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza.

US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza states: “No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return.” Israel’s coalition government, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in its history, includes far-right politicians who advocate the annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank and encourage Palestinians to leave their homeland.

Somalia’s UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said council members Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia “unequivocally reject any steps aimed at advancing this objective, including any attempt by Israel to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza to the northwestern region of Somalia.” Somaliland vs Palestinian State Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce said: “This council’s persistent double standards and misdirection of focus distract from its mission of maintaining international peace and security.

” In September, several Western states, including France, Britain, Canada and Australia, announced they would recognise a Palestinian state, joining more than three-quarters of the 193 UN members who already do so. Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar disputed her argument, saying, “Palestine is not part of any state.

It is illegally occupied territory Palestine is also an observer state in this organisation.” He added: “Somaliland, on the other hand, is a part of a UN member state and recognising it goes against the UN Charter.

” Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy – and relative peace and stability – since 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to receive recognition from any other country. Israel said last week that it would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.

The former British protectorate hopes Israeli recognition will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to global markets. .