Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has launched a special tourism promotion offering discounted holiday packages for the year-end festive season, aiming to increase visitor numbers and achieve a revenue target of Sh350 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Branded “Merry and Wild: Ngorongoro Awaits” under the tagline “If you love them, bring them to Ngorongoro,” the campaign seeks to attract both domestic and international tourists to one of the world’s most celebrated heritage destinations, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rare wildlife. The campaign was unveiled on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Empakai Crater within the conservation area.

NCAA Assistant Senior Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing, Ms Mariam Kobelo, said during the launch that the initiative marks the second phase of a broader drive, following an assessment that revealed domestic tourist numbers remain relatively low compared to international arrivals. “In partnership with Tanzania Smile Safari, we have developed packages with discounts of up to 50 percent to enable more Tanzanians to experience the outstanding world heritage found within Ngorongoro,” said Ms Kobelo.

NCAA has set a Sh350 billion revenue target from its various income streams, including tourism and service provision. The target builds on a strong performance in the 2024/2025 financial year, during which the authority exceeded expectations by collecting Sh269.9 billion.

For his part, Tanzania Smile Safari Marketing Officer, Mr Emmanuel Pantaleo, said the campaign has been structured around three tailored packages, rhinoceros, elephant, and leopard, designed to meet the needs of travellers from different locations. He explained that the Rhinoceros Package, priced at S75,000 per person for travellers departing from Dar es Salaam, offers a two-day trip (December 2425, 2025), which includes transport from Mlimani City to the conservation area, park entry fees, accommodation, meals, a professional tour guide, and photography services.

The Elephant Package, costing S50,000 per person, is designed for travellers departing from Arusha and also covers a two-day experience (December 2425, 2025), including transport, entry fees, meals, a tour guide, and photography services. The Leopard Package, priced at Sh225,000 per person, offers a one-day trip on December 25, 2025, for travellers from Arusha and includes transport, entry fees, meals, a tour guide, and photography services.

Mr Pantaleo added that the Leopard Package will also be available on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, for visitors seeking a one-day New Year tourism experience. He noted that high-standard tourist vehicles and experienced guides have been arranged to ensure visitors reach key attractions and enjoy a fulfilling and memorable tourism experience.

Meanwhile, NCAA Director of Planning, Investment and Monitoring, Mr Gasper Lyimo, said visitors will have the opportunity to explore major attractions, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Empakai Crater, Olmoti, and the northern highland forests, which are home to a wide range of wildlife such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards. He added that the authority continues to upgrade road infrastructure and coordinate essential services, including security, to ensure smooth access to all attractions and guarantee safe, enjoyable, and memorable holidays.

“Our priority is to ensure visitors receive a high-quality tourism experience in a safe environment with world-class services, while enhancing the contribution of tourism to the national economy,” he said. .

Mbinga/Dar. As the late Peramiho Member of Parliament, Ms Jenista Mhagama (CCM), was laid to rest, long-standing grievances over the poor state of roads in Mbinga District took centre stage, prompting renewed calls for urgent government intervention.

Ms Mhagama, who died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma after suffering heart complications, was buried yesterday at Senta B Cemetery in her home village. Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi led mourners at the burial, which drew senior government leaders, religious figures, and thousands of residents.

During the ceremony, religious leaders and residents urged the government to expedite completion of road projects in the KitaiLuandaLituhi area, citing prolonged delays in a project considered vital to both local livelihoods and the national economy. Speaking at the burial, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said he had received complaints about the road and stressed that development projects causing hardship to citizens must be treated as a priority.

Dr Nchemba said he had personally inspected progress along the KitaiLuanda, LuandaLituhi, and KitaiLituhi sections and found the pace of implementation unsatisfactory. The Prime Minister directed the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner to summon the contractor responsible and demand accountability, noting that funds for the project had already been disbursed by the Ministry of Works.

“Under government procedures, a contractor is required to complete the assigned work using the funds received before requesting additional financing. The practice of receiving funds and diverting them to other projects is unacceptable,” said Dr Nchemba.

He added that should the contractor fail to meet contractual obligations, strict measures should be taken, including restricting travel by confiscating the contractor’s passport until the work is completed. Furthermore, Dr Nchemba instructed the Ministry of Works to fast-track procurement procedures for the LuandaLituhi road, saying the area has strong potential to spur economic growth and boost national revenue.

He emphasised that during his next visit, he expects to see visible improvements in project implementation. Vice-President Dr Nchimbi commended the Prime Minister’s firm stance, describing it as an example of decisive and responsible leadership.

“This is how a chief executive of a government should act. Leadership is about serving citizens, not oppressing them,” he said, adding that the directives gave hope to residents who have endured poor infrastructure for years.

Dr Nchimbi also paid tribute to the late Ms Mhagama, describing her as a dedicated public servant whose contribution to the nation and to the ruling CCM would not be forgotten. “Jenista served as a Member of Parliament for nearly 20 years and as a minister for more than 10 years, discharging her duties with commitment and integrity.

Both the government and the ruling party have lost a very important person, but we will continue to honour her legacy,” he said. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, said the concerns raised about roads, even when not explicitly stated, had been clearly heard and taken seriously by the leadership.

“This area is a hub of wealth and trade, and delays in infrastructure development directly affect the economy,” said Mr Zungu. He pledged to convene local leaders, including MPs and religious leaders, with the responsible minister to forge a common position aimed at accelerating implementation of the stalled projects.

For his part, the Catholic Bishop of Mbinga, Rt Rev John Ndimbo, said that despite the grief of losing Ms Mhagama, her burial had succeeded in drawing national leaders’ attention to the challenges facing her constituents. “Although Jenista has passed on, she remains alive in the sense that she has brought together top leaders and fellow MPs to witness the hardships faced by her people, despite this area being endowed with vast coal resources,” said Bishop Ndimbo.

He urged senior leaders to ensure that revenues generated from coal mining in Ruvuma are reinvested in improving road infrastructure and other essential services for residents. The Deputy Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Fr Chesco Msaga, said Ms Mhagama would be remembered for her faith, humility, and her role as a vital link between the government and religious institutions.

“This is a national loss, not merely a family matter,” he said. The Minister for Industry and Trade and Mbinga Rural MP, Ms Judith Kapinga, said Ms Mhagama’s life exemplified genuine leadership, defined not by authority but by the compassion and impact she left in people’s lives.

Thousands turn up Despite long distances and poor road conditions from the Nane Nane grounds to Ruanda in Mbinga District, thousands of mourners from various regions travelled more than 120 kilometres to attend the burial. From as early as 5 am on December 16, a long convoy of vehicles carrying government leaders, representatives of political parties, religious denominations, organisations, and ordinary citizens was seen heading to Ruanda.

A Njombe resident, Mr Batazar Andondile, said the large turnout reflected how the late leader lived a life of service and care for Tanzanians, noting that mourners were undeterred by difficult road conditions. A member of the Namtumbo District Political Committee, Ms Hadjarita, said she travelled more than 200 kilometres to honour Ms Mhagama for her role in empowering women through improved access to loans and capital.

Another mourner from Songea, Mr Charles Luambano, said the late leader touched the lives of poor citizens by providing livestock and agricultural inputs, helping many families escape poverty and regain hope. .

Dar es Salaam. Education stakeholders have urged students who completed Form Four examinations this year to use the long waiting period before the release of results and admission to Advanced Level studies or colleges to acquire practical, life-enhancing skills suited to a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

With candidates expected to spend more than six months out of formal schooling, experts warn that the idle period, if not well utilised, could expose young people to negative influences while wasting a valuable opportunity for personal development. They say the transition phase should be treated as a structured learning window in which students gain skills increasingly demanded in both the workplace and everyday life, including basic computer applications, driving, mechanical trades, tailoring and foreign languages.

Education analysts note that the current generation is growing up in an era in which digital tools are central to work, communication and service delivery, making computer literacy essential rather than optional. “Today, almost everything is done through computers and the internet.

Offices, banks, hospitals and even small businesses rely more on digital systems than pen and paper,” said Dar es Salaam-based education consultant Mr Justin Kulwa. “A student who leaves secondary school without basic computer skills is already disadvantaged before entering A-level, college or the job market,” he added.

Mr Kulwa said learning basic computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet use equips students with foundational skills across disciplines, whether they later pursue sciences, arts or vocational training. He added that computer literacy also supports independent learning, enabling students to access online resources, tutorials and digital libraries that were largely unavailable to previous generations.

“We are living in a digital age with far greater internet use than in the past. Students should be encouraged to enrol in short computer courses offered by private centres, community hubs or public institutions, many of which are affordable,” he said.

Similarly, a senior official from a private ICT training centre in Ilala, Ms Caroline Kweka, said demand for basic computer courses among young people has been rising, although many still underestimate their importance. “Some think computer skills are only for those studying ICT-related courses, which is not true.

Even students who will study history or languages at A-level will be expected to type assignments, conduct online research and submit work electronically,” she said. Beyond digital skills, stakeholders also highlighted driving as another critical skill Form Four leavers should prioritise during the waiting period.

A driving instructor and road safety advocate at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Mr Emmanuel Ayubu, said the months after Form Four provide an ideal opportunity for young people to learn driving, as they are relatively free from academic pressure. “Driving is a life skill.

At some point, whether for personal use or employment, most people will need it,” he said. “Learning early helps students become confident and responsible drivers, especially when they are properly trained and understand traffic laws.

” He added that many careers, including logistics, sales, field research and public service, increasingly require at least basic driving skills. Parents have also been encouraged to support their children to enrol in recognised driving schools to ensure they acquire proper skills rather than informal or unsafe driving habits.

Mechanical and technical skills were also cited as beneficial, particularly through exposure to garages, workshops and vocational institutions such as VETA. A vocational training instructor, Mr Rashid Ally, said mechanical skills remain among the most practical and marketable competencies for young people.

“Understanding basic mechanics helps young people solve everyday problems and opens doors to self-employment. This is the right time for Form Four leavers to spend time in garages or attend short courses,” he said.

Tailoring and fashion design were also highlighted as skills worth acquiring. A Dar es Salaam-based tailor and entrepreneur, Ms Neema Hassan, said tailoring remains relevant and profitable, especially with growing demand for customised clothing.

“Many young people think tailoring is outdated, yet fashion is expanding and people want unique designs that cannot be mass-produced,” she said, adding that the skill allows students to repair clothes, design outfits or start small businesses while studying. Language skills were also identified as an area where students can invest productively.

A linguistics lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Amina Salum, said Tanzanian students already have a strong foundation in Kiswahili and English, making it easier to learn additional languages such as Chinese, French or Spanish. “These languages are widely spoken globally and are increasingly important in business, diplomacy and tourism,” she said, noting that multilingual skills enhance competitiveness.

Parents and guardians have been advised to actively guide students during the transition period to ensure their time is used productively. “Even simple planning–deciding which skill to focus on for a few months–can make a big difference,” Dr Salum said, adding that such skills build confidence, independence and resilience.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania National Football Team (Taifa Stars) central defender Dickson Job has expressed strong confidence ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, insisting the team is ready to battle in what has been widely described as a difficult Group C.

Taifa Stars have been drawn alongside continental heavyweights Nigeria and Tunisia, as well as East African rivals Uganda, setting the stage for a demanding group campaign. Despite the challenge, Job said the team is embracing the test and remains focused on making a positive mark at Africa’s biggest football tournament.

Tanzania will kick off their Afcon campaign against Nigeria on December 23 at the Fez Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 8:30pm East Africa Time. They will then face Uganda at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on December 27, also at 8:30pm, before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Tunisia on December 30 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, with kick-off set for 7:00pm.

Speaking from the team’s residential training camp in Cairo, Egypt, Job acknowledged the strength of their opponents but maintained that facing top teams is part of competing at the highest level. “Many football fans say we are in a tough group, and that is true.

But to succeed in a tournament like Afcon, you must be ready to face strong opponents,” said Job. “We are doing well in training here in Cairo, the morale in the camp is very high, and every player understands the responsibility of representing the nation.

” The defender added that the technical bench, led by head coach Miguel Gamondi, has intensified preparations, focusing on tactical discipline, fitness, and teamwork. “Coach Gamondi and his staff are giving us the best possible training.

Everything we are doing is aimed at performing well in our matches. We are determined to make history and we call upon all Tanzanians to support us, because we are representing the country in the biggest football tournament in Africa,” he said.

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Songwe. Two police officers from the Mbeya Region Field Force Unit are among the five people who have died during a road accident that occurred on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, injuring nine others, including students.

A statement issued on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by the Songwe Regional Police said the accident occurred at Karasha area in Mbozi District, Songwe Region, along the MbeyaTunduma Highway. The accident involved a light-duty commercial lorry owned by Security Group of Africa (SGA), Mbeya Branch, a motorcycle, and a mid-sized minibus.

The lorry was travelling from Tunduma to Mbeya carrying two police officers who were escorting cash, while a minibus was plying from Mbeya to Tunduma. The police statement identified the deceased police officers as H.

7042 CPL Chirungu Misango John and WP.15582 PC Amina Japhari Hamisi.

“As a result of the accident, five people died, including the two police officers from Mbeya Regional Police, while nine others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment,” reads part of the statement. The statement named other casualties as Adam Martin (38), the minibus driver and a resident of Mbeya; the motorcyclist aged between 30 and 35, whose name is yet to be established, and an unidentified male passenger estimated to be aged between 25 and 29. Those injured in the accident are a resident of Mlowo, Ms Mariam Kipangula (30), Ms Getruda Mndulo (20), Shukrani Nduka (40), an SGA guard and resident of Mbeya, Gadi Myegeta (46), and a minibus conductor and resident of Mbeya, Mariam Ramadhani (37).

Others are a resident of Mbeya, and a Form Two student at Joy Girls Secondary School in Tukuyu, Orines Ngoda (14), a Standard Two pupil at Julius Primary School, Hosea Ngoda (7), a resident of Mbeya, the lorry driver, and an SGA guard Samwel Mbeyela (42), and an unidentified woman estimated to be aged between 28 and 31. Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of the accident was negligence by the minibus driver, who hit the motorcycle that was ahead of him, lost control, and then collided head-on with the lorry. The crash was reportedly exacerbated by speeding in a residential area.

“The Songwe Regional Police urges all drivers to comply with road safety laws, particularly by avoiding speeding, observing road signs and markings, adhering to traffic regulations, and exercising caution in residential areas, recognising that obedience to the law is the foundation for protecting the lives of all road users,” reads the other part of the statement. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has been placed under a new category of partial United States travel restrictions following a sweeping presidential proclamation issued by American President Donald Trump.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, President Trump announced that his administration was tightening entry rules for foreign nationals from dozens of countries, citing national security concerns. Under the proclamation, the entry of Tanzanian nationals to the United States as immigrants has been suspended.

At the same time, non-immigrant travel on B-1/B-2 (business and tourist), student (F), vocational (M), and exchange (J) visas has also been halted, effective January 1, 2026. “According to the Overstay Report, Tanzania had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 13.97 percent,” President Trump’s statement read in part.

Other categories of non-immigrant visas remain available but will be issued with reduced validity, subject to United States law. The US administration justified the move by pointing to visa overstay rates and concerns over screening procedures.

The White House said the overstay figures, combined with broader challenges in identity management and information sharing, undermine the reliability of US vetting processes. Tanzania is among 15 countries subjected to partial suspension, alongside Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ca’te d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Even as the restrictions take effect, Tanzania has signalled continued diplomatic engagement with Washington. On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, held talks in the United States with Congressman, Dr Ronny Jackson, a member of the Africa Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives.

Officials said the discussions focused on political cooperation, trade, investment, and social development, underscoring ongoing bilateral engagement despite the new immigration measures. Meanwhile, the travel restrictions in Tanzania outline several exemptions.

Tanzanians who are lawful permanent residents of the United States, dual nationals travelling on passports of non-designated countries, diplomats, and athletes competing in major global sporting events such as the World Cup or the Olympics are exempt from the ban. Case-by-case waivers may also be issued if US authorities determine that an individual’s travel serves a critical national interest.

The US government framed the restrictions as non-permanent and conditional, stressing that they are intended to pressure affected countries to improve cooperation on documentation, information sharing, and immigration enforcement. The US Secretary of State is required to review the restrictions every 180 days and recommend whether they should be modified, lifted, or expanded.

In June, President Trump announced that citizens of 12 countries would be banned from travelling to the United States, while those from seven others would face restrictions. At the time, the ban included Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, with heightened restrictions on visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it was expanding the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States to Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. The administration also fully restricted travel for people holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.

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Arusha. The government has urged the private sector to seize emerging investment opportunities in the aviation industry, citing rapid market growth and rising demand that could significantly expand the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The call was made yesterday in Arusha by the Deputy Minister for Transport, Mr David Kihenzile, during the opening of the 18th Joint Transport Sector Review (JTSR) meeting, which is currently going on. He said the aviation sector is witnessing strong commercial prospects driven by a fast-growing market and increasing demand for air transport, particularly in trade, tourism and social services.

To sustain this momentum, Mr Kihenzile said the government is improving the investment climate by strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks to enable private operators to function more efficiently. “Given the continued strengthening of the market, the government is enhancing the investment environment, including regulations and laws, to facilitate the operation of private aircraft,” he said.

“The private sector has a major opportunity at this time, and as government we are reviewing and removing legal and regulatory bottlenecks that may hinder the effective implementation of your activities.” On infrastructure development, the deputy minister noted that the government has embarked on the construction and upgrading of airports in regions with high demand, including Mbeya, Rukwa, Katavi, Kigoma, Mtwara and Lindi.

He said additional projects are under way in Shinyanga, Simiyu, Musoma and Njombe, as well as within the Serengeti National Park, to support the tourism sector. According to Mr Kihenzile, the government plans to add eight new aircraft by 2030, a move expected to ensure optimal utilisation of the expanded facilities and increase the number of operational airports from the current 16. “These are airports that should also be utilised by the private sector so that government investment yields the intended economic returns and benefits,” he said.

He further urged experts and stakeholders attending the forum to engage in in-depth discussions on the timely implementation of government resolutions to enhance the contribution of the transport sector, particularly aviation, to national economic growth. The three-day meeting, running from December 15 to 17, 2025, is being held under the theme “An integrated transport system as the foundation for economic transformation towards Vision 2050.” Its objective is to assess the implementation of policies, plans and projects in the transport sector.

The forum has brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, public and private institutions and civil society organisations. Speaking separately, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyarara, said the JTSR is held annually as a platform for joint planning and for addressing implementation challenges in transport projects, particularly in roads, railways, ports and aviation.

He said participants review progress in infrastructure development while also examining constraints that delay or undermine timely and efficient project delivery. Prof Kahyarara added that the transport sector currently contributes more than 10 per cent of national employment, engages about three million workers and generates revenues exceeding $2.66 billion annually.

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Dodoma. The Tanzanian government has formally responded to the United States’ decision to impose partial travel restrictions on Tanzanian nationals, saying it will pursue diplomatic engagement while urging citizens to comply fully with visa regulations.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the government confirmed that the US had placed Tanzania under a new category of partial entry restrictions, following a proclamation by President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025. The restrictions affect selected categories of travel, with the US administration citing concerns over visa overstays among Tanzanian nationals. The Tanzanian government acknowledged the basis of the decision but said it would continue engaging US authorities through diplomatic channels to resolve the issue.

Talks will be conducted between Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Department of State. “The Government will continue discussions with the United States through diplomatic means to find a lasting solution,” the ministry said.

The latest travel restrictions affect students, businesspeople, tourists, exchange programs, vocational programs, and immigrant visas. The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2026. Tanzania is among 11 African countries affected by the measures, alongside Angola, Benin, Ca’te d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The US decision, the statement said, was based on findings that some Tanzanian nationals failed to comply with US visa conditions, particularly by overstaying beyond the permitted duration. This was reflected in the US Overstay Report, which indicated relatively high rates of visa overstays among Tanzanian citizens.

The report showed that Tanzania recorded an 8.3 percent overstay rate for B1/B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism, while overstays for F, M and J visas, covering students, vocational trainees and exchange programme participants, stood at 13.97 percent.

According to the US authorities, these figures exceeded acceptable thresholds under US immigration policy, prompting Tanzania’s inclusion on the list of countries subject to visa restrictions. The government has urged Tanzanians travelling to the United States to strictly comply with visa conditions and avoid overstaying, noting that adherence to the rules would support ongoing efforts to have the restrictions lifted.

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Global music star The Weeknd has finalised one of the most significant and innovative music catalogue deals to date, closing a transaction valued at approximately $1 billion with New Yorkbased Lyric Capital Group. Unlike many recent high-profile catalogue transactions, the deal is not a sale of his music.

Instead, it is a financing partnership that allows the Canadian artiste to retain full ownership and creative control of his work. How the deal works The agreement is structured as a joint venture, using The Weeknd’s music catalogue as collateral to raise capital.

The catalogue includes both publishing rights and master recordings from the beginning of his career through 2025. According to reports, the financing package combines senior debt, junior debt, and equity, all backed by the reliable revenue streams generated from streaming platforms, radio airplay, and licensing. Importantly, future releases are excluded from the deal, giving the artiste flexibility to negotiate new agreements later.

In practical terms, The Weeknd is leveraging his catalogue much like real estate, unlocking substantial funding without selling the asset itself. He remains a shareholder in the catalogue and maintains complete creative autonomy, while investors earn returns from predictable royalty income.

With more than 120 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a catalogue anchored by global hits such as Blinding Lights, the deal gives The Weeknd access to massive capital to finance tours, films, business ventures, or independent creative projects. At the same time, he preserves long-term royalty income for himself and his estate.

The structure sharply contrasts with the route taken by Justin Bieber, who in 2023 sold his entire catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for a reported $200 million. Bieber received a one-time payout but transferred ownership and control of his music.

The Weeknd’s transaction sets a new benchmark in the global music business, highlighting a growing shift toward artiste equity, control, and long-term wealth building. As catalogs continue to be viewed as financial assets, the deal may influence how future stars choose to manage and monetise their most valuable asset, their music.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s basketball champions, Dar City, are bracing themselves for a demanding test as they prepare to compete in the final stage of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), scheduled to take place in Cape Town, South Africa.

Dar City secured their place at the continental showpiece after receiving a wild card, following a strong third-place finish in the East Division of the Road to BAL qualifiers. Their qualification marks another major milestone for the fast-rising club, which has established itself as a dominant force in Tanzanian basketball over the past three seasons.

At the BAL finals, Dar City will be up against some of the most experienced and decorated clubs on the continent. Among their opponents are defending champions Petro de Luanda of Angola, Tunisia’s Club Africain, Egypt’s powerhouse Al Ahly, Senegalese side ASC Ville de Dakar, and Rwanda’s APR.

Other teams competing at the final stage include FUS Rabat of Morocco, Lagos Legends from Nigeria, Al Ahly Ly of Libya, Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan of Ivory Coast, and Johannesburg Thunders of South Africa, making the competition one of the most competitive editions in BAL history. Records show that Petro de Luanda have qualified for their sixth BAL season, the most appearances by any club since the league’s inception, underlining their consistency and pedigree at the continental level.

Meanwhile, Club Africain of Tunisia, Lagos Legends, Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan, and Johannesburg Thunders will be making their BAL debut, adding fresh excitement to the tournament. Several of Dar City’s rivals bring vast BAL experience.

Al Ahly were crowned champions in 2023, while Libya’s Al Ahly Ly finished as runners-up in the 2024 edition. APR of Rwanda and FUS Rabat previously reached the quarterfinal stage, while ASC Ville de Dakar have also progressed beyond the group phase in past appearances.

In a notable shift, Tunisia will be represented by Club Africain for the first time in BAL history. Despite facing elite opposition, Dar City head into the tournament with confidence built on sustained domestic success.

Since their debut in Tanzania’s basketball scene in 2023, the club has enjoyed a remarkable rise. They have won two betPawa National Basketball League (NBL) titles and consistently challenged at the highest level of local competition.

In 2023, Dar City lifted the Dar es Salaam Basketball League (BDL) title and finished fourth in the NBL. The following year, they captured the NBL crown and placed third in the BDL.

This season, they completed a dominant double by winning both the NBL and BDL titles. .