Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is sharpening an export-led growth strategy that places agriculture, value addition and industrial parks at the centre of its ambition to dominate regional markets, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga has revealed.

This, she said, will be done while deliberately using industry and trade to secure jobs for millions of young people. Speaking to journalists yesterday, Ms Kapinga, said the country’s long-term development blueprint, Dira 2050, prioritises deeper participation in regional and international markets as a pathway to sustainable growth.

“Trade data shows that the total value of exports of goods and services increased by more than 9.8 percent to about $14.72 billion in 2024 compared to the previous year,” she said.

Following reforms to the National Trade Policy in 2023, exports rose by over 14 percent to approximately $16.89 billion in 2025, reflecting a decisive shift towards export-led growth. At the heart of this push is agriculture, still the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, now being repositioned as a modern, market-driven sector linked to processing industries.

Ms Kapinga said the policy refresh deliberately emphasised industrial and processed agricultural products to capture more value before goods reach foreign markets. The results are already visible in manufactured exports serving the region.

Tanzania’s domestic cement production reached about 10.9 million tonnes in 2024 against local demand of 8.5 million tonnes, creating a surplus of 2.

4 million tonnes for export. Key destinations include Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Burundi, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

Similarly, flat glass factories producing materials used in construction-have an annual capacity of 189,000 tonnes, with around 60 percent of current output exported to markets such as Madagascar, Burundi, Zambia, Rwanda, DRC and South Africa. “These examples show that we have built industries that now satisfy the domestic market, and the next step is to push aggressively into export markets,” Ms Kapinga said.

Industrialisation is reinforcing this trajectory. In 2024, the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP rose to 7.

3 percent from 7.0 percent a year earlier, while sector growth accelerated to 4.

8 percent. The value of manufactured goods climbed by 5.

6 percent to Sh26.44 trillion in 2023. Trade has followed a similar path, with its GDP share increasing to 8.6 percent in 2024, driven by improvements in the business environment and expanded market access.

A cornerstone of Tanzania’s regional strategy is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Exports to African markets surged by 40 percent to $3.94 billion in 2024, supported by sales of coffee, tobacco, grains, spices, sisal fibre and glass.

New markets have opened in Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, Algeria, Djibouti and Guinea. “This is a major opportunity for Tanzanians, especially young people, to engage in export businesses- from agricultural products and value addition,” she said.

She noted that a national AfCFTA implementation strategy has already been launched. Beyond Africa, Tanzania’s exports to the European Union rose by 7.

6 percent to $686.3 million in 2024, buoyed by avocados, cocoa, coffee, tobacco and minerals. Asian markets remain significant, with exports worth $2.84 billion in 2024, led by cashew nuts, pulses, avocados, cotton, groundnuts and goat meat.

To sustain this expansion, the government is finalising a national export strategy that will be inclusive by design. “We want young people to be among the primary beneficiaries of improved access to quality markets, and we will ensure this strategy is inclusive,” Ms Kapinga said.

Economist Mr Godius Kahwa said Tanzania’s advantage lies in scale and geography. “With fertile land, a growing agro-processing base and access to multiple regional blocs, Tanzania is well positioned to supply food and manufactured inputs to neighbouring countries facing deficits,” he said.

“Industrial parks linked to agriculture can anchor youth employment if logistics and standards are well managed.” Trade analyst Ms Ruth Mlaki told The Citizen that predictability matters.

“Policy consistency, digital trade facilitation and regional diplomacy are critical. Tanzania’s recent export figures show that reforms are beginning to pay off, especially under AfCFTA,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tanzania is positioning online trade as a central pillar in tackling youth unemployment and accelerating growth as it finalises a National E-commerce Strategy. Ms Kapinga said the government is establishing a robust framework to guide online trade, deliberately integrating youth participation.

By 2024, Tanzania had registered 1,820 companies whose core activity is e-commerce, many of them youth-led. .

Dar es Salaam. The government has intensified efforts to tackle persistent water shortages in Dar es Salaam, with Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, outlining the planned action to ensure residents have continuous access to clean water.

This week, Mr Aweso convened a critical working session with the management of the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa), issuing clear directives to prioritise uninterrupted water supply across all city zones. “During this transitional period of service disruption, I want to ensure the water distribution schedule reaches all areas and that water is available throughout the day,” he said, underscoring the urgency of resolving the long-standing issue.

Dar es Salaam city has faced water scarcity for weeks, worsened by rapid urbanisation, ageing infrastructure, and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns. Mr Aweso highlighted the government’s continued investment in major water projects designed to expand supply and strengthen distribution systems.

“Tanzania has made remarkable progress in extending water services to rural communities. Previously, only about 12,000 villages had access to piped water.

Today, we have reached over 15,000. In the next five years, we aim to complete water projects in every remaining village, utilising modern borehole and dam technologies,” he explained. Urban areas, however, remain a significant challenge, especially parts of Dar es Salaam where demand continues to outstrip supply.

To address this, the Government has launched initiatives targeting 68 urban centres, backed by investments exceeding $50 million. “Our goal is to connect water sources efficiently to industrial zones, healthcare facilities, and schools, thereby supporting economic growth and social wellbeing,” Minister Aweso said.

Key to this strategy is the development of major national water infrastructure projects. The Rufiji Water Supply Project, for example, is designed to channel water safely from the Rufiji River to multiple regions, including Lindi, while ensuring secure storage and distribution.

In addition, Lake Victoria’s waters are being harnessed to supply high-demand urban areas in northern and central Tanzania, a move expected to strengthen both household and industrial water availability. Across the country, the Government is implementing more than 100 projects to increase water access.

In Arusha, a Sh520 billion water supply scheme is already producing 200 million litres daily, benefiting approximately 850,000 residents and raising urban water coverage toward the Government’s 2030 targets. In Kilimanjaro and Tanga, the SameMwangaKorogwe Project, valued at S06 billion, provides 51.65 million litres daily to 300,000 residents, while the Kidunda Dam in Morogoro, costing Sh335 billion, is set to serve 6.

77 million people by storing 190 billion litres and stabilising flows to the Ruvu River, thus reinforcing water supply to Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region. Further north, the TaboraNzegaIgungaSingida Project, with an investment of Sh602 billion, will deliver 54.1 million litres daily to 1.

2 million people, while other strategic schemes in regions including Bunda, Singida, Mwanza, and Dodoma are steadily boosting daily production to meet rising demand. “Many of these initiatives also incorporate climate-resilient designs, ensuring that even during prolonged dry spells, water supply can remain stable and sustainable,” he said.

“We have increased capacity significantly, and more regions are receiving regular water supply. Dar and Coastal regions are still experiencing challenges.

However, challenges remain due to prolonged dry spells and technical limitations in some treatment plants,” he said. “Due to drought and delayed rains, our systems are not producing at full capacity,” the minister said, noting that Dawasa’s infrastructure is designed to produce about 508 million litres of water per day, but current output has dropped to around 320 million litres, leaving a deficit of nearly 200 million litres.

To tackle these challenges, the Government is taking a multi-pronged approach: expanding water sources, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing strategic distribution plans to ensure equitable access. This includes zoning the city for more effective delivery, extending service hours, and closely monitoring supply to pre-empt disruptions.

“We urge citizens to use water responsibly while we implement these projects. With patience and collective effort, we will overcome these shortages,” Minister Aweso said, expressing confidence that these measures will provide long-term solutions.

He said with coordinated efforts from the Ministry of Water, Dawasa, and regional authorities, backed by substantial investment and modern infrastructure, the Government is confident that the persistent water shortages that have long plagued some areas will gradually be resolved, paving the way for a future of reliable and equitable water supply for all Tanzanians. .

Dar es Salaam. Veteran hip hop artiste and politician Joseph Mbilinyi, popularly known as Sugu, has broken his silence on the growing dispute between Tanzanian artistes and their fans, offering his most direct response yet to a backlash that has spilled beyond entertainment and into national politics.

Sugu made the remarks in an interview with sister publication Mwananchi on Thursday, December 18, 2025, a day after Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba publicly defended artistes who have been criticised for performing at political campaigns. Responding to the wider debate, Sugu traced the roots of the conflict and challenged the framing of the controversy as a question of political campaigning.

The former Mbeya Urban MP under Chadema insisted the issue goes beyond artistes appearing at Chama cha Mapinduzi campaigns during the October 29, 2025 General Election. “This issue has nothing to do with campaigning for political parties,” he said.

“People forget that I once stood at Jangwani Grounds and endorsed Kikwete after he had been nominated ahead of Mkapa.” He recalled publicly clarifying his political stance at the time.

“When I was called to the stage, I clearly stated that I was not CCM. John Komba confirmed it, but said what we were doing was for the country.

At the time, Kikwete carried the hopes of many Tanzanians and presented himself as a young leader. That moment marked the beginning of Bongo Flava being used in CCM campaigns.

” Sugu noted that he was not alone, recalling that Professor Jay also participated in similar campaigns. According to Sugu, the current standoff reflects a deeper sense of public disillusionment.

He said many citizens feel political parties no longer represent their interests and have therefore placed expectations on artistes to speak on their behalf. “There is a perception that political parties no longer speak for the people.

Citizens are looking for alternative voices, and the strongest voices they expect are those of artistes,” he said. He argued that public support transforms successful artistes into public assets with social responsibility.

“If you succeed through art, you become public property because it is the people who elevated you. They expect you to stand with them and speak when society feels unheard,” he said.

Sugu pointed to past incidents that, in his view, deepened public frustration with the creative industry. “Roma was not abducted under President Samia.

He was abducted during Magufuli’s tenure. We condemned it, but artistes angered the public by remaining silent.

These issues did not start today,” he said. As economic hardship intensifies, he added, artistes increasingly appear detached from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.

“The nation is in mourning, yet an artiste posts photos from a video shoot. There is no empathy.

People should feel ashamed. That is why citizens are demanding accountability from artistes,” he said.

“These artistes came from poverty. The public supported them and lifted them up.

Artistes wronged the nation. What was needed was an apology, not mockery.

” Sugu said the gravity of the situation became clearer following the Prime Minister’s intervention, which he described as misplaced. “Instead of focusing on national matters, the Prime Minister is travelling around defending artistes who have been rejected by the people,” he said.

He attributed the standoff to what he described as growing arrogance within the music industry and urged artistes to take responsibility for their actions. “You rise and begin to despise the people around you.

Artistes wronged the nation and should apologise themselves, not be apologised for by the Prime Minister or Majizzo,” he said. At the same time, Sugu cautioned against actions that could damage the industry as a whole, stressing the need to protect what has been built.

“Our priority should be ensuring the music industry survives. We built an industry, not individuals.

It must not die. If necessary, we will rebuild it.

The industry is sustainable. Those who have damaged it and feel it no longer serves them are free to leave,” he said.

He called on artistes to reflect, abandon arrogance and acknowledge their mistakes, arguing that the issue mirrors broader national challenges. “This is a recurring problem in Tanzania.

Everyone knows what the issue is, but people struggle to create alternative narratives,” he said. “Politics alone cannot solve this.

To address our problems, we must confront the root causes as a nation, not only within Bongo Flava but across all national challenges.” Speaking on Wednesday, December 17, during a working visit to Songwe Region, Prime Minister Dr Nchemba said performing at political rallies forms part of an artiste’s professional work and should not be grounds for public condemnation.

“Someone is living abroad, has acquired citizenship simply because they speak Kiswahili, another is being accommodated there, and then they tell artistes to refuse performing at CCM campaigns. An artiste’s job is art.

Do you expect them to abandon their livelihood?” he said. He added, “Who said players at Manchester are Manchester fans? Who said those playing for Simba are Simba fans? Playing is their job.

When an artiste performs, they are at work. While we struggle to create opportunities for young people, you are telling them to reject chances to earn money.

” The Prime Minister’s defence echoed sentiments earlier expressed by EFM Radio Managing Director Francis Ciza, popularly known as Majizzo, who had urged forgiveness for artistes and called on Sugu to share his perspective. Majizzo acknowledged that some artistes may have crossed the line by aligning too closely with political actors during the election period.

“In my view, an artiste is being punished for seeking a livelihood. They were paid to perform on political platforms, so they were simply earning a living, yet we punish them for it,” he said.

He conceded that mistakes had been made and called for reconciliation. “Sometimes their remarks are offensive and sometimes they go too far.

Humanly, it is right to admit fault. As an elder and stakeholder in the arts, I apologise on their behalf so that the industry can move forward.

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Dar es Salaam. Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Patrobas Katambi, has directed the National Development Corporation (NDC) to lead a major industrial revolution by speeding up the establishment of industries across the country.

He emphasized that the initiative should focus on creating jobs and economic opportunities, especially for young people, to support national development and reduce unemployment. During a working visit to the corporation’s headquarters, Katambi urged NDC to enhance speed, accountability, and professionalism in executing its mandate, saying the move is critical to supporting the government’s broader agenda of strengthening the industrial sector.

He emphasized that the government is fully prepared to invest heavily in industrial development, including facilitating access to capital and providing business advisory services, with the ultimate goal of expanding employment opportunities, especially for the youth. Katambi said the government’s strategy focuses on comprehensive industrial reforms spanning micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as large-scale industries, to stimulate sustainable national economic growth.

“NDC should aim to develop micro, small, medium and large industries, while ensuring that struggling industries are swiftly revived in order to increase the overall number of productive enterprises,” he said. He further called for unity, regular consultations and the elimination of unnecessary bureaucracy within the corporation, stressing that NDC must serve as a bridge between the government and citizens rather than a bottleneck.

Katambi noted that the economic success of any country depends on the strength of its industrial base, particularly industries that create jobs and add value to local resources. Earlier, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NDC, Valentine Simkoko, said the corporation continues to oversee several strategic projects while executing its core responsibilities.

He cited major projects under NDC’s management, including the Mchuchuma and Liganga projects, the Engareka Magadi Soda project, as well as asset valuation for citizens involved in the Katewaka coal project and the Maganga Matitu iron ore project. Simkoko added that NDC has entered into joint venture agreements with investors in the Maganga Matitu iron project and has also signed a contract with Labiofam S.

. for the transfer of organic fertilizer production technology into the country.

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Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has dismissed reports claiming that 10,000 people died during election protests on October 29 and the days that followed, calling the figures false and politically motivated.

Dr Nchemba said individuals spreading the figures were doing so for financial and political gain. “They are busy asking how many people have died, counting and being paid because of the alleged damage.

They are trading on Tanzanians’ lives, claiming many people have died so they can earn large sums of money. That is why they exaggerate and say 10,000 people died.

Were you there?” he asked. Dr Nchemba also criticised attempts to sensationalise the situation, saying some individuals had used images from conflict zones outside the country to misrepresent events in Tanzania.

“You take pictures from Darfur to portray what happened in Tanzania. Matters involving loss of life are sensitive and painful,” he said.

He noted that the government has established a presidential committee to investigate the events, adding that families who have not located their relatives will have their cases addressed. Dr Nchemba questioned the plausibility of the reported figures, saying it would be impossible for such a large number of people to die in Dar es Salaam within five days without leaving clear evidence.

“You can hide bodies, but you cannot hide a funeral,” he said. He warned that some groups were attempting to incite hatred among Tanzanians for political purposes and urged citizens to remain cautious.

“They are looking for ways to create hatred among Tanzanians. That is why the government continues to advise people not to follow the instructions they are giving,” he said.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks on Thursday, December 18, during a working visit to Mbeya Region. Despite Dr Nchemba’s statements, the government is yet to release official death toll figures or any concrete account of what happened, pending a report from a special investigation commission formed by the President.

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Dar es Salaam. As water shortages persist across parts of Dar es Salaam, a prolonged crisis has reshaped daily life in the city, giving rise to a fast-growing informal water trade while simultaneously deepening financial strain for thousands of households.

For several weeks, intermittent supply and dry taps have forced residents to seek alternative sources, turning water into a valuable commodity and pushing some people to abandon or supplement their regular livelihoods in search of income. However, the government says measures are underway to stabilise supply and restore normal services.

Water minister Jumaa Aweso recently held a working meeting with the management of the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa), directing them to ensure that during the current transition period, water rationing schedules reach all affected areas and that supply, where available, runs throughout the day. Mr Aweso acknowledged that the shortage has been worsened by prolonged dry weather and delayed rains, which have significantly reduced water production at key treatment plants.

“Due to drought and delayed rains, our systems are not producing at full capacity,” the minister said, noting that Dawasa’s infrastructure is designed to produce about 508 million litres of water per day, but current output has dropped to around 320 million litres, leaving a deficit of nearly 200 million litres. Mr Aweso said the situation has necessitated rationing to ensure the limited supply is shared more fairly across the city.

“This is a temporary challenge. We are in a transition period, and I want to assure residents that we will overcome it,” he added and urged calm as corrective measures continue.

The minister said the government has increased investment in the water sector and is implementing large-scale projects to strengthen long-term water security, including linking major urban centres to reliable sources such as Lake Victoria, the Rufiji River and the Pangani Basin. “These are not promises.

These projects are ongoing, and some have already been completed and are already supporting supply.” Mr Aweso also directed Dawasa to implement clear zoning and transparent water distribution schedules, warning that vague rationing plans worsen uncertainty and public frustration.

“Water must be shared fairly. Schedules must be clear, and people must know when to expect supply,” he said.

Even as authorities work to restore services, the shortage has continued to alter livelihoods across the city. In a city often described as one of opportunity, residents are adapting quickly, though for many, the crisis has also made daily life increasingly difficult.

Motorcycle taxi riders, popularly known as bodaboda, are among those who have shifted gears. Instead of transporting passengers, many now ferry 20-litre plastic containers of water to residential homes, charging Sh1,000 per container.

“I used to struggle to make even Sh25,000 a day carrying passengers. With water, if I deliver fifty 20-litre in a day, that is Sh50,000. It is heavy work, but the money is better and guaranteed,” said Mr Hassan Juma, a bodaboda rider in Buguruni.

He added that demand peaks in the mornings and evenings, when households need water for cooking and bathing. In densely populated neighbourhoods, women who previously worked as cleaners or food attendants at roadside eateries, popularly known as mama ntilie stalls, have also turned to water vending, carrying containers on their heads.

Ms Neema Ally, who worked at a food kiosk in Tandale, said the switch has significantly improved her income. “At the food stall I was earning between S,000 and Sh6,000 a day, sometimes even less.

Now I buy 20 litres of water at Sh200 or Sh300 and sell it at Sh1,000. Even after the struggle, the profit is worth it, making over Sh15,000 was like a dream in my previous work” she shares. She adds that although the work is physically demanding, it provides immediate cash compared to casual food service jobs where payment is often delayed.

Meanwhile, operators of bajaj and small trucks, traditionally used to transport passengers, household goods and farm produce, have also joined the water business. In some areas, neighbourhoods are pooling money to hire vehicles to deliver water in bulk.

“For one trip, a neighbourhood can pay between Sh50,000 and Sh80,000. Before, I depended on passengers. Now, water has become my main business,” said bajaj operator Kelvin Mrema from Kimara.

However, not all residents are benefiting from the emerging water trade. For many households, the shortage has become a heavy financial burden.

“Life has become very hard because we are spending more money on water than we earn. Sometimes I spend up to Sh5,000 a day on water, yet my income is not guaranteed,” said Ms Rehema Salum, a mother of three in Kigogo.

She said money previously used for food and school needs is now diverted to buying water. “We are pleading with the government to resolve this issue urgently.

Water is not a luxury, it is a basic need,” Ms Salum added. Similarly, a casual labourer in Manzese, Mr John Mwakalebela, said the crisis has disrupted his household budget completely.

“I earn between Sh8,000 and Sh10,000 a day, but almost half of that goes to buying water. You work the whole day only to spend the money on water.

It is exhausting,” he said and urged authorities to treat the situation as an emergency. “The government should intervene quickly because ordinary people are suffering.

We cannot continue living like this.” .

Serengeti. Tourism revenues at Serengeti National Park rose by six percent to S9.2 billion between October 1 and December 14, 2025, as the sector continues to show signs of recovery and growth.

The figure reflects improved tourist numbers and stronger performance during the end-of-year holiday season. The Senior Warden of Serengeti National Park, Mr Fabian Manyonyi, disclosed the figures on Thursday, December 18, 2025, while briefing journalists at the Naabi Hill main gate on the state of tourism during the festive period.

Mr Manyonyi said tourism activity in the park has continued to improve, with visitor numbers rising compared to the October-to-December period last year. According to him, data for the 2023/24 financial year show that the park received 430,219 visitors and generated Sh210.9 billion in revenue.

In the 2024/25 financial year, visitor numbers increased to 491,398, with revenues exceeding Sh266.8 billion. “Our performance between October 1 and December 14 has continued to improve, with more visitors touring the park compared to the same period last year,” he said.

He added that efforts are ongoing to encourage more Tanzanians to participate in domestic tourism, noting that Serengeti National Park continues to gain international recognition. One of the tourists, Mr Michael Schlittenberver from Germany, said he and his companions are in Tanzania for 16 days and plan to visit various attractions, including national parks and Zanzibar.

“In the days we have spent here, we have experienced Tanzania’s beautiful scenery and attractions. We will continue visiting other parks, and honestly, we are very impressed by the diversity of wildlife and the hospitality of Tanzanians,” he said.

Another tourist, Ms Talvinaer Virdee from the United Kingdom, said she was impressed by the country’s unique wildlife and landscapes. Although she was born in Dar es Salaam, her family moved to the UK when she was six years old, but she remains keen to visit Tanzania’s attractions.

“I was born in Dar es Salaam, but my parents relocated to the UK when I was six, where I still live. I have come to visit relatives and also to tour our national parks,” she said.

She added that she travelled with one of her daughters and plans to bring her other two children and sisters in the future so they can experience Tanzania’s wildlife and scenic beauty. A tour guide with Wild Serengeti Quest, Mr Fidelis Fabian, said the company has continued to receive a steady flow of international visitors during the end-of-year period, many of whom are travelling with their families.

“During this festive season, we have been fully booked. Visitor numbers are increasing, and tourists believe the country is safe, which is why they continue to come,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Recent developments in Tanzania’s music scene are raising questions over whether fans who had distanced themselves from local artistes are beginning to soften their stance, following weeks of tension triggered by political and social disputes spilling into the entertainment industry.

The debate intensified after incidents on October 29, which prompted sections of fans to launch online campaigns criticising prominent musicians for remaining silent on issues affecting wider society. Several high-profile artistes, including Diamond Platnumz, reportedly lost followers as boycott calls gained momentum online.

Diamond, one of Africa’s most followed musicians, saw his Instagram following fall to about 17 million at the height of the backlash before rebounding to more than 18.8 million within three days of his first public appearance since October 29 at Posta in Dar es Salaam. The quick recovery has raised questions over whether fans are easing the boycott or selectively re-engaging.

Amid the backlash, EFM and TV E Chief Executive Officer, Mr Francis Antony Ciza, popularly known as Majjizo, urged fans to reconsider prolonged disengagement, warning that sustained boycotts could destabilise the industry and threaten thousands of livelihoods. “What worries me is that this platform may fail, and in the future, politicians might thrive because we agreed not to support Tanzanian music.

This is a very serious matter,” said Majjizo during a discussion with music stakeholders and fans. He noted that the industry supports a large number of young people directly and indirectly.

“When we say we don’t support Tanzanian music, we are indirectly saying we don’t support Tanzanian youth,” he added, calling for dialogue to bridge the growing gap between artistes and their audiences. Majjizo said the boycott’s effects were already evident, particularly among independent musicians relying on digital platforms.

“Fans may not even realise the damage caused. Not supporting a video can cost hundreds of jobs, from producers to dancers and video crews,” he said.

New releases have struggled to gain traction, with some musicians postponing or cancelling projects due to unpredictable fan behaviour, affecting the wider creative ecosystem, including video directors, dancers, sound engineers, and digital marketers. Earlier, artistes including Jay Melody and Jux had temporarily removed new songs from digital platforms, citing underwhelming performance.

Jux later reinstated his track Majo, promoting it as sponsored content to boost reach, particularly among international audiences. Even Zuchu’s Reason garnered only 325,000 views in three weeks, a rare outcome for Tanzania’s most-streamed female artist on YouTube.

However, signs of a possible shift emerged in recent days after Bongo Flava artiste Marioo released his new song Oluwa. Since its release on December 15, the song has been warmly received, surpassing one million views on YouTube within just over a day, in contrast to several recent releases that struggled.

Oluwa appeared to cut through the tension. Within eight hours, the song had amassed more than 320,000 views, prompting the artiste to thank fans publicly.

“This love is not ordinary, and I know it’s not because of my own cleverness. You decided that your boy should not go hungry.

Thank you so much,” Marioo wrote on Instagram. The release triggered a wave of online reactions, with some fans suggesting that audiences were gradually “opening their hearts” again after weeks of tension.

While many praised the song and pledged renewed support, others cautioned artistes against venturing into sensitive political or religious territory. “Like it or not, YouTube success cannot be avoided,” one fan wrote, celebrating the song’s strong performance.

Another, identified as Vanisikaka, urged restraint, saying: “Brother, focus on the work and avoid politics and religion because they directly affect people’s lives.” Some fans framed their support as long-standing loyalty.

“You are one of us from the neighbourhood. We have trusted you for years, and we will support this song until it hits a million views,” wrote Meshack John.

Others admitted choosing to ignore negative narratives. “We ignored the noise and went straight to YouTube.

Please stay away from the things that have strained your relationship with fans,” one supporter commented. Not all reactions were positive.

Some comments carried a sarcastic tone, reflecting lingering resentment. “Now you have started appreciating even the little you are getting.

You are only just breathing again. You will never stand again,” wrote a user identified as Heistrelz.

Beyond fans, music stakeholders have also weighed in. Producer Salmin Maengo, popularly known as S2Kizzy, said music should unite society rather than deepen divisions.

“Music is a shared language meant to bring society together in a positive way. What has happened should be left behind, while we move forward with the lessons learned,” he said.

Producer Justin Muhagachi, popularly known as Gachi B, described the past two months as a wake-up call. “This period has reminded artistes of the value of fans.

Without fans, there is nothing,” he said. Legendary producer Master J said the industry must move on: “Life has to continue.

The lesson has already been delivered,” he said. Music manager Dady Mwambe noted that the impact had been particularly painful given that this period is usually a peak season for artistes, “What happened this year is a big lesson for everyone involved.

” However, DJ Ally B warned that reconciliation alone would not be enough: “Even when fans forgive, artistes must understand that they are a mirror of society.” “If fans withdraw their support even for a single month, sustaining an artistic career becomes extremely difficult,” he added.

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Morogoro. Police in Morogoro are conducting a detailed investigation into an incident in Mvomero District on December 17, 2025, in which two cars were set alight and destroyed.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred in Kilingeni hamlet, Lusanga village, Diongoa ward, Turiani division, where a Mazda CX-5 and a Toyota Noah were torched, posing a risk to residents in the vicinity. Reports indicate the vehicles were transporting the body of the late Mwanahasa Hamis (18), a domestic worker from Turiani, who had died and was being taken to Morogoro for funeral.

The statement adds that during the preparations, panic erupted among residents amid suspicions over the circumstances of the girl’s death. The unrest led to the cars being set ablaze, temporarily halting the funeral procession and preventing officials from providing further details.

Police, working with local government leaders, intervened to protect members of the funeral procession, restoring calm in the area.Authorities have emphasised that the investigation is ongoing to establish the facts.

They urged the public not to take the law into their own hands and to provide accurate information to assist the probe. A full report on the findings will be released in due course.

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Dar es Salaam. Chief Secretary Dr Moses Kusiluka has cautioned government spokespersons against prioritising the promotion of their leaders over highlighting the work of their institutions.

He shared his caution on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during a two-day national workshop for directors of presidential communications and government spokespersons in Dar es Salaam. During the event, he said some officers have been focusing on their institutional leaders rather than reporting on government activities within their respective organisations.

“Not everyone, but a few. When you are in an institution, your work is with the institution and your boss.

The role of a government spokesperson is to ensure that the government comes first; leaders execute government work, and you also act as advisers to the government,” he said, adding. “Do not get caught up in branding a leader and forget that the leader is performing government duties.

Not all, but some forget themselves. Remember, your responsibility is to disseminate government information, not the ‘brand’ of a single person.

” Furthermore, Dr Kusiluka said the government has made progress across various sectors and runs numerous programmes aimed at citizens’ welfare. “The government has accomplished many things, both nationally and internationally, yet surprisingly, much of this is not well known locally except by a few.

We continue to report daily events; that is why we are here, to assess where we have gone wrong and how we can improve,” he said. According to him, while citizens’ grievances often have solutions, information about these solutions does not always reach relevant stakeholders in time.

To be an effective spokesperson, Dr Kusiluka stressed the importance of understanding what to communicate, as well as possessing reading and writing skills. Without these, he warned, one remains limited to reporting only what has happened or what is already known.

He also urged spokespersons to establish mechanisms for providing feedback to citizens once solutions are found. “Many things have been addressed, but we do not provide feedback.

Sit well in your sectors to ensure that the information flow is completed,” he said. Dr Kusiluka encouraged spokespersons to act as strategic advisers to their leaders, particularly on effective communication with the public.

“Criticism requires respect; you do not have to attack your boss, but if they see that you are adding value to the work, they will appreciate you,” he said, adding. “You should advise because you are the experts; stand firm in your positions.

I say this because government officials tend to be timid; when things go wrong later they say, ‘I am surprised,’ while you are the expert.” The Director of Presidential Communications, Mr Bakari Machumu, said the workshop was organised in collaboration with the Government Information Services Department under the theme: ‘Humanity and Responsible Communication.

‘ Mr Machumu said the meeting reminded spokespersons of their duty to use their knowledge as a national asset to provide accurate and timely information to support citizens. “Government communication is a tool for implementing policies and development projects.

A spokesperson is part of institutional leadership, a strategic adviser, and a bridge of respect between the government and the public,” said Mr Machumu. He added: “There are 800 government spokespersons nationwide, which is a large workforce.

We must not be stingy with narratives that provide benefits, touches, and smiles to various groups in society who were previously underserved, including in health and education.” Government Chief Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said the workshop and State House initiative are important because they align the work of spokespersons with the Director of Presidential Communications at State House.

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