Category: The Citizen

Every national development vision eventually reaches a stage where ambition must be matched by investment, bankable projects and institutions capable of delivering results.

For Tanzania, Dira 2050 sets out the country’s ambition to build a larger, more productive and competitive economy.

On 1 July 2026, Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) presented Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) with two awards at its Presidential Taxpayer Awards ceremony in Dar es Salaam: the Overall Most Compliant Taxpayer and Outstanding Tax Contributor for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The ceremony was presided over by President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and marked TRA’s 30th anniversary, bringing together government officials and private sector representatives to recognise those whose fiscal conduct has most consistently served the national interest.

GGML’s recognition at the 2026 ceremony follows a sustained track record at the highest levels of Tanzania’s taxpayer recognition framework.

The company was acknowledged as the most compliant taxpayer in the mining industry for 2021/2022 and received recognition for outstanding export goods value in the same year. In 2020/2021, it was recognised as the overall second largest taxpayer in Tanzania.

Mining’s Place in the National Economy

Tanzania’s extractive sector occupies a significant and growing position in the national economy.

According to the Ministry of Minerals’ most recent Sector Report, mining operations contributed 10.1 percent to Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024, rising to 11.9 percent in the first three quarters of 2025. The Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI), Tanzania’s national chapter of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, has in its published reports consistently identified GGML as the single largest revenue contributor among mining companies reporting to the initiative, accounting for approximately 20.69 percent of total mining sector payments to government in the 2021/2022 reporting period.

Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, Dira 2050, identifies the mining sector as one of the principal drivers of the country’s ambition to achieve a USD 1 trillion economy by mid-century.

The Vision positions the sector as a driver of employment, export earnings, industrial linkages and value addition, the mechanisms through which extractive activity translates into broad-based national development.

For mining companies operating within this framework, tax compliance is a direct and quantifiable contribution to those outcomes.

“Tax compliance is one of the clearest ways in which a company demonstrates its commitment to the country it operates in.

It is a direct and quantifiable contribution to national development, and we take it seriously as part of our purpose,” said Ashraf Suryaningrat, Managing Director of GGML, who accepted the awards at the ceremony alongside Simon Shayo, Vice President for Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, and Godvictor Lyimo, Senior Manager for Tax Disputes.

Employment, Local Business and Local Content

GGML’s economic footprint in Tanzania extends across direct employment, supply chain participation and fiscal contribution. The company employs more than 7,000 people, 98 percent of them Tanzanian nationals, and works with over 600 Tanzanian small and medium enterprises across its supply chain and value network.

Economic analysis of large-scale extractive operations consistently identifies employment and supply chain localisation as among the most significant channels through which mining generates broad-based growth, an observation borne out in Geita Region, where GGML’s presence has underpinned local enterprise development over more than two decades.

Integrity as an Operating Principle

Across international frameworks including the EITI Standard and Tanzania’s own regulatory requirements, transparency and verifiable compliance are the measures by which extractive companies are assessed not only on their financial obligations but on their overall fitness to operate.

GGML reports annually through TEITI, subjects its payments to independent reconciliation, and has earned formal recognition from the national revenue authority across multiple successive financial years.

The consistency and public verifiability of that record is, in analytical terms, the most reliable indicator of a company’s commitment to its stated values.

“The companies that will anchor Tanzania’s development over the next 25 years are the ones that understand their obligations clearly and meet them without ambiguity,” said Simon Shayo, Vice President for Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement at GGML.

“Compliance is the foundation of the kind of trust that makes long-term investment possible. We hope the recognition GGML has received encourages other businesses, particularly those building their operations now, to understand that sustainable success and responsible conduct are not in tension. They are the same thing.”

GGML’s purpose is to mine to empower people and advance societies. Fiscal stewardship is an integral part of that purpose, a direct contribution to the national development that Tanzania’s ambitions under Dira 2050 will require.

Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) is a subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, operating in Geita Region, Tanzania, for over 25 years.

The Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), Northern Zone, has intensified efforts to curb drug abuse among public servants by expanding awareness campaigns in government institutions, strengthening night operations in entertainment venues and increasing public education initiatives.

The move follows remarks by DCEA Commissioner General Mr Aretas Lyimo, who said investigations had established that some government employees in Arusha were using drugs, particularly in entertainment venues, including VIP sections.

Speaking on Sunday, July 12, 2026, DCEA Northern Zone officer Mr Abdulatif Saidy said the authority had started extending awareness programmes to public institutions while continuing operations in areas identified as hotspots for cannabis and khat use. He said the authority would conduct seminars and awareness meetings in government institutions and departments to educate employees on the effects of drug abuse on health, families and workplace performance.

‘We have seen the need to increase our focus on government institutions by educating employees. We want them to understand the effects of drugs and avoid them before they damage their lives and work performance,’ Mr Saidy said.

He said DCEA had already held meetings with owners of popular entertainment venues in Arusha, educating them on methods used to distribute and consume drugs, as well as their legal responsibilities in preventing such activities on their premises.

The owners were directed to display notices prohibiting drug use, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, report individuals involved in drug-related activities and ensure their venues were not used for drug consumption or trafficking.

However, Mr Saidy said a major challenge remained users who ignored warnings and sometimes became violent when prevented from using drugs.

‘We did not want to start by using force. We first called entertainment venue owners, provided education and issued instructions. After that, we continued with operations and found people using cannabis and khat. Legal action was taken against them,’ he said.

Between July 2025 and June 2026, DCEA Northern Zone conducted 227 operations and arrested 550 suspects, including 442 men and 108 women.

The operations resulted in the seizure of 5,417.26 kilogrammes of khat, 3,010.30 kilogrammes of cannabis and 14 grammes of heroin across Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga and Manyara regions.

In Arusha Region alone, 121 operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 413 suspects, including 338 men and 75 women. Authorities seized 1,458.26 kilogrammes of khat and 2,977.03 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Mr Saidy said cannabis and khat remained the most commonly used drugs in Arusha.

‘We will continue conducting operations to prevent further spread of cannabis and khat. Those already affected are encouraged to seek treatment at specialised rehabilitation centres,’ he said.

Besides enforcement operations, DCEA has started using artists, music events and sports activities to reach communities, especially young people, with messages on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mr Saidy urged young people to avoid groups that encourage drug use and to help educate their peers in schools, colleges and communities. He also called on public servants to uphold professional ethics and avoid actions that could damage their careers, stressing that no one is above the law.

Meanwhile, Arusha District Commissioner Mr Joseph Mkude said the district authorities were working with DCEA to combat drug abuse.

Mr Mkude, who is also Chairman of the District Security Committee, said the measures include inspections of entertainment venues, awareness campaigns targeting teachers, health workers and other groups, as well as investigations into reports of products allegedly mixed with drugs.

‘We will provide full support to DCEA. There will be no leniency for anyone found allowing or engaging in drug trafficking and abuse. Our goal is to protect young people and ensure the community remains safe,’ he said.

Basketball players competing in the Basketball Dar es Salaam League (BDL) are set to benefit from an estimated Sh588.9 million during the 2026 season after sports betting firm betPawa renewed its sponsorship of the competition, extending the popular Locker Room Bonus (LRB) program aimed at rewarding winning teams.

The renewed partnership means every player in a winning team will receive an instant Sh88,750, with bonuses also paid to the team’s technical bench after every league victory.

Under the program 12 players and four technical officials, including two coaches, from each winning team will receive the payments, making every victory financially rewarding while motivating teams to remain competitive throughout the season. Speaking during the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, betPawa’s Regional Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa, Bwalya Noah, said the company believes the growth of basketball begins with investing directly in players.

“At betPawa, we believe that success on the court should create value for the people who make it happen. That belief gave birth to the Locker Room Bonus. When a team wins, the players and technical staff who earned that victory should receive an immediate reward,” said Noah.

She said the initiative recognises players’ efforts, rewards excellence and ensures success on the court translates into tangible financial benefits.

Noah noted that the program has grown into one of Africa’s leading sports development initiatives, benefiting thousands of athletes in countries including Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria and Cameroon, while hundreds of Tanzanian basketball players have already received bonuses through the initiative.

Basketball Dar es Salaam League (BDL) president Shendu Hamis welcomed the renewal of the partnership, describing it as a major boost for the league and its players.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with betPawa because this sponsorship continues to bring real value to our league. It motivates players to give their best in every match and increases competitiveness throughout the season,” said Hamis.

He said the Locker Room Bonus has changed the mindset of players and clubs, with every match carrying added significance because teams know victory comes with immediate financial rewards.

“The sponsorship has also helped improve professionalism among clubs and strengthened the overall standard of competition. We believe this partnership will continue to elevate basketball in Dar es Salaam and Tanzania as a whole,” he added.

Meanwhile, betPawa East Africa Marketing Coordinator Nassoro Mungaya said the company expects the renewed partnership to contribute significantly to the development of basketball in Tanzania.

“Our expectation is to see positive results both on and off the court. We want to see more competitive matches, better organised clubs and players who are motivated to perform consistently,” said Mungaya.

He said betPawa will continue working closely with the Basketball Dar es Salaam League and the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) to strengthen the systems that support the game.

“Beyond paying bonuses, we are investing in better administration through player registration, verification and accurate match reporting. Strong systems are essential if we are to achieve sustainable development of the sport,” he said.

Mungaya added that the company’s long-term vision is to help Tanzanian basketball reach higher standards by rewarding excellence and creating more opportunities for players.

“We believe that when players are recognised and rewarded for their performances, they become more committed, clubs become stronger and the entire game benefits. That is the kind of positive impact we want to continue seeing,” he said.

Chadema Central Committee (CC) has issued 15 resolutions, including plans to convene the party’s Council and continue its New Constitution campaign in Unguja and Pemba.

Other resolutions include thanking Tanzanians supporting the party through public rallies, opposing the ban on public meetings issued by Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi, and calling on the government to reduce fuel prices.

The committee also demanded that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties release outstanding funds owed to the party from government subsidies.

Announcing the resolutions on Friday, July 10, 2026, Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika said the CC, which met from June 28 to 30, had resolved to convene the party’s Council on September 15 this year, coinciding with the International Day of Democracy, to make key decisions.

“It will be a day to make major decisions on rights, freedoms, democracy and change in the country, in line with the party’s responsibilities as provided under Article 7.7 of Chadema’s Constitution,” said Mr Mnyika.

He said the committee had resolved to continue the New Constitution and Free Tundu Lissu campaigns in Unguja and Pemba while encouraging Tanzanians to participate in political activities by joining and supporting the party.

Mr Mnyika said the committee also discussed Mr Katambi’s directive and concluded that it violated Articles 18, 20, 26(1) and 29(1), (2) and (5) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which provide for freedom of expression, association and citizens’ duty to uphold the Constitution.

“The Central Committee insists that neither Mr Katambi nor the Prime Minister has any constitutional or legal authority to direct the Inspector General of Police to stop public meetings,” said Mr Mnyika.

Mr Katambi has previously said he had neither violated the law nor the Constitution, but that he was not prepared to allow the country to deteriorate by permitting a small group of people with personal interests to violate the rights of the majority.

“The Central Committee also wants the government to reduce fuel prices to ease the burden on Tanzanians,” said Mr Mnyika.

Complaints against party leaders

Mr Mnyika said party leaders with complaints against fellow members should follow internal procedures by submitting formal complaints, supported by evidence, through party forums rather than taking their grievances to the media or social media.

He said disciplinary measures taken against some members and leaders were carried out in accordance with Chadema’s Constitution, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

Mr Mnyika added that members dissatisfied with such decisions had the right to appeal through procedures provided by the party.

He said before the recent developments, party leadership had received reports that some individuals were attempting to persuade leaders to hold press conferences, allegedly after receiving money to make accusations against party officials.

According to Mr Mnyika, the circumstances pointed to attempts to discredit the party and its leaders, prompting swift action due to what he described as signs of betrayal and corruption.

Mr Mnyika was responding to journalists’ questions about the suspension of some members who had questioned the management of party contributions and demanded the removal of Chadema Vice Chairman John Heche.

He said funds collected through the party’s Tonetone initiative were safe, with all contributions deposited into bank accounts before being used in line with financial management procedures.

Tanzanian photographer Filbert Minja has won international recognition after receiving a prestigious award at the Earth Photo 2026 competition in London for a photo documentary on the country’s indigenous herbal medicine traditions.

Mr Minja won the David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Award – Photography for his project, Roots of Healing, which documents the lives of traditional herbalists in the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions and the knowledge they have passed down through generations.

The award was presented during the Earth Photo 2026 ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Established in 2018, the competition is regarded as one of the world’s leading photography and film programmes focusing on climate, the environment, culture and humanity.

This year’s competition attracted more than 1,400 entries from photographers and filmmakers worldwide, with only eight awards presented. The award, which recognises photographers aged 25 or younger, includes a £1,000 cash prize and professional mentoring from award-winning photographer Marissa Roth.

Mr Minja said the recognition was a tribute to the communities that entrusted him with their stories.

“This award is a great honour not only for me but for Tanzania. Roots of Healing is a tribute to the traditional healers and communities who trusted me with their stories. I wanted to document a living tradition that continues to support many families while preserving knowledge that risks disappearing if it is not recorded,” he said.

He said he hoped the achievement would encourage more young Tanzanians to tell stories from their own communities through photography.

According to the judges, Roots of Healing portrays traditional herbal medicine as a living practice embedded in everyday life rather than folklore. Through portraits, landscapes and intimate moments, the project explores the relationship between people, medicinal plants and the environment while showing how indigenous knowledge continues to be passed from one generation to the next.

As global investors continue searching for high-growth markets, East Africa is increasingly attracting attention as one of the continent’s most promising investment destinations.

The region is home to Africa’s leading economic bloc, and poised to cement its status beyond the continent. As economic integration continues to hold, East Africa is uniquely positioned to take a leading step in global trade and geopolitical affairs.

Prateek Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and CEO of MDR Investments, the East African Community (EAC) has observed on numerous occasions that the EAC is rapidly establishing itself as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation.

As he invests in Tanzania and beyond, he sees many untapped opportunities and room for partnership with the Mainland and Zanzibar governments on a Publi-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The EAC, which includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, not only represents the fastest-growing regional bloc on the continent, but also the most stable.

While each country presents unique opportunities and challenges, the region’s expansion and continued deepened integration is creating a compelling case for long-term investors.

Global investors such as Suri, who have spent years building businesses across Africa and the Middle East, believe that many international investors continue to underestimate the pace of change taking place within East Africa.

“Investors often focus on short-term economic data and overlook the larger structural trends that are reshaping the region,” Suri says. “What is happening in East Africa today is not simply growth within individual countries, but the emergence of an increasingly connected regional economy.”

One of the strongest advantages of the EAC is its commitment to regional cooperation. Improved trade agreements, expanding transport corridors, and cross-border infrastructure projects are making it easier for businesses to operate across multiple markets.

This growing integration is creating larger addressable markets and improving the economics of long-term investment.

Demographics also play a significant role in the region’s attractiveness.

East Africa is home to one of the world’s youngest populations, with urban centres such as Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Kampala continuing to expand rapidly. Growing populations and rising incomes are driving demand for housing, healthcare, education, consumer goods, logistics services, and digital infrastructure.

The bloc has one of the largest workforce in the world. This number of employable youth is set to increase and by the year 2050, this workforce will be replicated across the continent and not just East Africa.

It is believed that infrastructure development will remain one of the most important investment themes across the region over the coming decade.

“Roads, ports, industrial parks, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity are all areas where demand continues to exceed supply,” Suri notes. “These are sectors that create long-term value while supporting broader economic development.”

Currently, Tanzania is on the verge of completing the construction of its Msalato International Airport in the capital city, Dodoma – adding to the growing number of international airports in the country.

Kenya has secured financing for the expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which remains the region’s busiest airport and an important travel hub in Africa. Uganda will also soon start the construction of a new Airport in Mbarara, at the same time, Rwanda is also building an ultra-modern Airport in Kigali. All these mega projects point to one thing: East Africa is ready to become the world’s trade and logistical hub.

Technology is another area where East Africa has demonstrated remarkable progress. Kenya’s success in digital payments and financial technology has become a model for innovation across the continent, while neighbouring countries are increasingly embracing digital transformation initiatives.

Beyond technology, sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, logistics, renewable energy, mining, and data infrastructure continue to attract investor interest.

For global investors, East Africa represents a strategic long-term opportunity rather than a short-term trade. With such conducive environments that are being prepared, return on investment is almost assured as the private sector continues to work closely with government stakeholders on addressing policy gaps.

According to Suri, the combination of demographic expansion, infrastructure investment, entrepreneurial talent, and regional integration positions the EAC as one of the most attractive growth regions in Africa.

While challenges remain, he argues that successful investors are often those who focus on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term volatility.

“The East African Community is becoming far more than a regional trading bloc,” Suri says. “It is increasingly emerging as one of Africa’s most important economic growth engines.”

As international capital continues seeking new frontiers, East Africa’s combination of scale, ambition, and economic momentum may prove difficult for investors to ignore.

Bagamoyo. Three children who were reported missing in Lamboni Village, Lugoba Ward, Chalinze District, Coast Region, have been found dead inside an abandoned car parked outside a residential property.

Coast Regional Police Commander, Salim Morcase, said the children disappeared on July 9, 2026, prompting their parents to report the matter to Lugoba Police Station.

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The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has warned members of the public against allowing their bank accounts or other financial service accounts to be used for receiving or transferring funds from unknown sources, saying they risk facing money laundering charges and other legal consequences.

The warning was issued by BoT Legal Officer in the Legal Affairs and Anti-Money Laundering Department, Sheikh Naniya, during a public awareness session at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.

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Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi said sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, while lasting peace depends on respect for the rule of law.

Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in a speech delivered by Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla during celebrations to mark the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), held at Madinat Al Bahri in Unguja.

The event also coincided with the launch of the Case File Management System (CFMS) and legal guidelines.

Dr Mwinyi said an effective criminal justice system was essential in protecting citizens’ rights, strengthening public confidence in state institutions and creating a secure environment for investment and economic development.

He added that such a system played a critical role in combating crimes including corruption, drug trafficking, cybercrime, economic sabotage, money laundering, violence and abuse.

“The government will continue strengthening its institutions so that they are able to effectively address these challenges, which continue to change every day,” said Dr Mwinyi.

He said the government had increased the number of employees at the DPP’s Office from eight prosecutors at its establishment to 75 currently.

He said the government had also improved staff welfare, enhanced working conditions and invested in modern technology while building the capacity of prosecutors and investigators, in collaboration with development partners, to address emerging technology-related crimes.

Dr Mwinyi urged leaders and workers in the justice sector to invest in knowledge, innovation and modern systems while carrying out their duties with integrity, patriotism, professionalism, and in accordance with public service ethics.

“I urge leaders and employees in the legal and justice sector to invest in knowledge, innovation and the use of modern systems, and continue performing your duties with integrity, patriotism, professionalism and in accordance with public service ethics,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi commended the DPP’s Office for introducing the ‘Talk to the DPP’ platform and a digital case file management system, saying the initiatives would improve service delivery and strengthen accountability.

DPP outlines achievements

DPP Mgeni Jailani Jecha said the office was marking 24 years since its establishment, having grown from eight lawyers to 137 staff members.

He said the Zanzibar Constitution mandates the office to safeguard justice, adding that the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess achievements made and identify areas for improving justice delivery.

Mr Jecha said digital transformation had accelerated the movement of case files, helped ensure suspects were transferred without delays and increased transparency and public confidence in the justice system.

He added that the office planned to spend Sh11 billion on constructing regional and district offices to improve access to prosecution services.

Despite the progress made, Mr Jecha said the office continued to face transport challenges, partly due to the growing number of courts across Zanzibar.

Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Constitution, Good Governance and Public Service, Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman, said the DPP’s Office deserved greater attention in improving employees’ welfare because of its important role in serving citizens.

He said strengthening the office would enhance justice delivery and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in Zanzibar.