Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The race for leadership in the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) has gained momentum after 24 candidates were cleared to proceed in the preliminary screening for the upcoming General Election scheduled for April 12 in Dar es Salaam.

Among the key contenders for the presidency are Henry Benny Tandau and Leonard Thadeo Katunzi, who have both been approved to contest for the top position following the vetting process. In Zanzibar, Hassan Khairalla Tawakal has also been cleared to vie for the presidency.

For the position of Vice President, Nasra Juma Mohamed stands as the sole approved candidate, moving forward unopposed after meeting all the required qualifications set by the election committee. The pool of candidates approved for member positions is also competitive.

From mainland Tanzania, the cleared candidates include Muharam Salum Mchume, Noolerain Gulam Hussein Shariff, Dr Devota John Marwa, Amina Mohamed Mfaume, Khalid Yahya Rushaka, Suma Stephen Mwaikenda, Noel Kiunsi, Abdulkher Mohamed Ahmed, Jonathan Mushumbusi Kassano, Innocent John Mallya, Andrew Godfrey Kapeleka, and Eliasa Abdallah Mkongo. From Zanzibar, the approved candidates for member positions include Faida Salmin Juma, Makame Ali Machano, Thuwaiba Aboud Muhiddin, Mwatima Bakari Abdi, Suleiman Ame Khamis, Abdul Rahman Said Simai, Said Mohamed Abdulla, and Juma Khamis Zaidy.

TOC Election Committee Secretary Abdulrahman Khamis Karume confirmed that 28 candidates initially collected nomination forms, but four were disqualified for failing to meet the eligibility criteria. He emphasized that the 24 remaining candidates satisfied all the necessary requirements to participate in the election.

Karume further assured that the entire electoral process has been conducted in strict adherence to the established rules and procedures to guarantee a free and fair election. The next phase of the election process involves the submission of appeals, which will take place from now until April 3.

The Appeals Committee will then review and address any objections between April 4 and April 6. After that, the final screening of candidates will be conducted from April 7 to April 11, during which official campaigns will begin.

The TOC General Election will then take place on April 12 in Dar es Salaam, marking a crucial moment in shaping the future leadership of the country’s Olympic body. .

Dar es Salaam. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has suspended its planned sale of gold reserves following a dip in global prices, signalling a cautious shift in strategy as market conditions turn volatile.

As of early March 2026, the BoT said it was holding approximately 19.6 tonnes of gold, nearing its 20-tonne target. The bank has been rapidly accumulating gold since October 2024 to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and diversify assets, with plans to sell a portion to rebalance holdings.

The decision comes as international gold prices begin to ease after a strong rally earlier this year. Spot gold was trading at around $4,555 per ounce on March 31, 2026, according to Trading Economics.

Although this represents an improvement from the $4,426 to $4,430 per ounce recorded on March 24, 2026, as quoted by bullion market trackers, it remains below the level at which the BoT had initially intended to sell part of its reserves. The marginal decline follows a surge that saw prices briefly climb past the $5,000 mark, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions and strong safe-haven demand.

BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba told The Citizen that the central bank had initially planned to sell part of its gold holdings when prices peaked at around $5,500 per ounce but has since opted to hold back. “There is a slight drop, and therefore this is not a good time to sell,” he said.

“When the market is going down, it is a good time to buy, so we are closely monitoring developments.” He noted that while current prices remain significantly higher than the $2,400 to $2,500 per ounce range at which the bank previously accumulated gold, the central bank will wait to see if prices rebound before making any move.

Analysts say the recent dip reflects a shift in global sentiment rather than a fundamental decline in gold’s long-term appeal. A combination of easing geopolitical tensions, persistently high interest rates and investor profit-taking has cooled demand for the precious metal.

Earlier price spikes were largely driven by fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East, which pushed investors towards gold as a safe-haven asset. However, signs of reduced tensions have since tempered that demand, triggering a slight pullback in prices.

At the same time, the global interest rate environment continues to weigh on gold. With major central banks maintaining elevated rates and delaying expected cuts, interest-bearing assets such as bonds are becoming more attractive compared to gold, which offers no yield.

Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, Benjamin Mchwampaka, said investment decisions between gold and the US dollar are increasingly shaped by shifting market dynamics. “Several factors influence whether investors put their money in gold or the dollar, but ultimately they look at how the market is trending before making a decision,” he said.

Independent financial analyst Oscar Mkude said gold remains a traditional store of value, typically strengthening when other investment options weaken. “Gold is often treated as a safe-haven asset, and it tends to peak when alternative investments underperform.

When the dollar declines, investors usually shift their savings into gold,” he said. He added that the reverse is also true, noting that a strengthening dollar often triggers a sell-off in gold.

“Currently, the dollar has started to gain strength. Gold does not generate interest, and with the United States raising bond yields, many investors are moving their funds there.

However, this could be temporary, as market conditions change quickly,” he said. Mkude noted that gold has been on a sustained upward trend since early 2025 but is now showing signs of correction as investors lock in profits.

“After reaching its peak, it has started to decline, prompting investors to exit before prices fall further,” he said. He added that broader uncertainty in global markets is also influencing investor behaviour, with many opting to hold cash to maintain liquidity.

“When more people sell, supply rises in the secondary market, causing prices to drop,” he explained. Mkude described the Bank of Tanzania’s decision as both timely and prudent.

“The move was initially a strategic effort to promote local gold and reduce reliance on foreign currency. However, with global prices declining, suspending the sale is a rational business decision,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam/Upcountry. The Police Force, in collaboration with motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) leaders, has launched an operation to impound motorcycles and tuk-tuks fitted with unauthorised lights and modified exhaust systems.

The move follows complaints from the public linking high-intensity and decorative lights to night-time accidents on highways and feeder roads. Arusha District Police Commander Georgina Matagi said the operation aims to improve road safety.

So far, 248 substandard lights have been seized, some emitting brightness comparable to that of heavy vehicles. “There are lights known as ‘owl eyes’ that can mislead drivers into thinking they are facing a car, yet it is a motorcycle.

This has caused accidents,” she said. Ms Matagi said that some riders conceal registration numbers using nicknames or unclear symbols, making it difficult to identify vehicles involved in crime.

The operation also targets noise pollution caused by modified exhaust systems. Offenders are required to remove unauthorised equipment and are fined.

She noted that some riders spend up to Sh80,000 on lights but lack driving licences, which cost about Sh70,000. “The business is important for livelihoods, but it must follow safety standards,” she said, urging riders to remove illegal equipment. In Iringa, Regional Police Commander Allan Bukumbi said a similar operation is underway, also targeting overloading and unsafe vehicles.

Some tuk-tuks have been impounded. Head of the Traffic Police Unit SACP William Mkonda said the operation is nationwide and includes public education.

Arusha District Administrative Secretary Jacob Rombo said informal garages installing such lights will also be targeted. Traders in Dar es Salaam said enforcement should start at the import stage, noting that they sell products cleared through official channels.

“We import legally and pay taxes, but later the products are banned on the streets,” said Kariakoo trader Salum Mussa. Mechanic Hassan Said called for more public education before enforcement.

Tanzania Revenue Authority Commissioner Yusuph Mwenda said no permits are issued for prohibited goods and warned against smuggling. Some riders defended the lights, saying they improve visibility, while drivers said they increase accident risks.

Authorities in several regions said the operation will continue, urging compliance with road safety regulations. .

Dar es Salaam. More than 800 Tanzanians are now employed by Dough Works Limited (DWL) as the company continues to expand its operations.

The firm has opened its 13th KFC outlet and ninth Pizza Hut branch at Kunduchi Mall, strengthening its footprint in the quick service restaurant segment. DWL’s workforce has grown significantly from 118 employees in 2018 to over 834 today.

The new outlets are expected to generate additional direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly for young people. Speaking at the launch, Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule said the investment reflects sustained investor confidence in Tanzania.

“We appreciate the trust shown by investors like DWL. This expansion is contributing to job creation and increased economic activity,” he said.

DWL operates KFC and Pizza Hut franchises in Tanzania and continues to expand across major urban centres. For his part, DWL Director Vikram Desai said the company remains committed to developing human capital through training and the provision of jobs that meet international standards.

“As we expand our network, we are creating more employment opportunities while equipping Tanzanians with the skills needed to compete in the job market,” said Desai. According to company data, DWL has grown rapidly from five outlets in 2018 to more than 30 branches today, including KFC, Pizza Hut and Bao Cafe.

The outlets serve over 2,000 customers in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Beyond direct employment, the investment is also supporting other sectors such as agriculture through partnerships with local producers–an approach that stimulates the broader economy and boosts incomes across the value chain.

To strengthen its operations, the company has expanded its storage warehouse to 2,000 square metres, a move that is also creating jobs in transport and distribution. On the technology front, the new branches feature modern food-ordering systems, including self-service kiosks and digital platforms, enhancing efficiency while requiring new workforce skills.

Additionally, DWL continues to engage in community initiatives through its partnership with the Baba Oreste Foundation, supporting vulnerable groups and reinforcing its commitment to social development. Overall, the expansion is emerging as a key driver of employment and economic growth, underscoring the critical role of the private sector in Tanzania’s development.

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Dar es Salaam. Golfer Gervas Wilbroad emerged as the overall winner of the seventh edition of the Diplomatic Golf Tournament after posting 43 points over two days of competition.

Wilbroad edged out a strong field of competitors to claim the title, finishing just one point ahead of Rashid Rashid, who settled for second place with 42 points. Dr Mosi Makau completed the podium after carding 34 points.

The tournament, was played over 36 holes at the Kili Golf Course in Usa River, Arusha Region. It attracted more than 90 golfers from within and outside Tanzania, all competing while supporting a charitable cause aimed at improving access to education for children from underprivileged backgrounds.

In the team category, Nathalia Isaya led her side to victory after scoring 46 points alongside William Loderer. The duo narrowly beat the team of Thimea Choggo and Neema Olomi, who finished second with 45 points.

Jackline McCommick dominated the women’s category with 39 points, followed closely by Loveness Mungure, who scored 38 points. In the junior division, Felix Mrema impressed to emerge the winner with 35 points, underlining his growing potential in the sport.

Veteran golfer Boudwijn Rip showcased his experience by winning the senior category with 33 points. The event also featured special prize categories that added excitement to the competition.

Jan H Spies claimed the men’s longest drive award, while Loveness Mungure won in the women’s category. In the nearest-to-the-pin contest, Venance Msebo triumphed among men, with Neema Olomi taking the women’s prize.

Beyond competition, the tournament delivered on its core mission of supporting education. According to the event coordinator from the Songea Mississippi Foundation (SOMI), Reinafrida Rwezaura, a total of S5 million was raised to support the education of 25 students.

“Our target was to raise Sh50 million, but we managed to collect S5 million through players’ fees and sponsors’ support. We thank everyone who contributed and assure that the funds will be used for the intended beneficiaries,” she said.

Junior winner Mrema said the victory has motivated him to work harder and compete in more tournaments locally and internationally. “The competition was very tough, but I am happy to win.

I now aim to participate in more tournaments, both locally and internationally, to represent my country and promote it globally,” he said. The main sponsor, NMB Bank, said it has supported the tournament for five consecutive years as part of its efforts to promote sports development and community welfare.

NMB Golf Team captain Michael Misabo said the bank believes sports play a vital role in uniting communities, nurturing talent and boosting the economy through sports tourism. “That is why we continue to support tournaments like this, which also aim to assist children in need,” he said.

The Diplomatic Golf Tournament continues to grow in stature, blending sport, diplomacy and philanthropy into a single platform that delivers both competition and community impact. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Newly sworn-in Members of Parliament from Zanzibar have pledged to take an active role in the Union Parliament, prioritising reforms in ports and transport systems and the establishment of a joint financial fund.

The legislators made the commitment shortly after taking the oath of allegiance on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, saying the issues have remained unresolved for years. The six MPs include members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives–Fatuma Ramadhan Mohamed, Mariam Said Hamis, Shaame Ali Ali and Simai Mohamed Said of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), as well as Saidi Ali Mbarouk of ACT Wazalendo.

They were joined by Dr Lazaro Bunungu, MP for Peramiho (CCM). Under the Constitution, five members from the Zanzibar House of Representatives are appointed to the Union Parliament to strengthen representation between the two sides of the Union.

Speaking after the swearing-in, Mr Saidi Ali Mbarouk said the establishment of a joint financial fund remains a key priority, describing it as a long-standing issue that requires resolution. He said the matter has been pending for years and should now be addressed through a framework capable of resolving broader structural challenges within the Union.

Mr Simai Mohamed Said said his focus will include promoting unity and equal access to public services. He cited concerns over access to ports and public transport, saying such services should serve all Tanzanians without discrimination.

He dismissed claims that services in Zanzibar are restricted to residents, stating that all citizens have equal rights within the United Republic. Mr Simai also said he will use parliamentary platforms and engagements with the Prime Minister to ensure Zanzibar’s concerns are addressed.

He added that his role includes presenting issues affecting Zanzibaris in Parliament and following them through to implementation. .

Dar es Salaam. The ongoing construction of Arusha Stadium has sparked public debate after its cost surged from an initial estimate of Sh187 billion to Sh338.54 billion.

However, the Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, clarified yesterday that the increase was necessary to meet international football standards required for hosting major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and potentially the FIFA World Cup. The clarification comes amid concerns raised by the Coantroller and Auditor General, Charles Kichere, who reported that the project cost had risen by 81 percent from the original estimate.

The findings have triggered questions over value for money and the quality of early project planning. Speaking to The Citizen, Msigwa, said the initial budget was prepared in 2021, before Tanzania secured approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host Afcon matches.

He explained that the original design and financial projections were based on general standards at the time. However, once CAF approved Tanzania, alongside Kenya and Uganda, as co-hosts of Afcon 2027, the requirements changed significantly.

“This meant the project had to be upgraded to meet CAF Category 4 standards, which are mandatory for hosting top-tier international matches,” he said. Msigwa noted that Category 4 stadiums must meet strict specifications, including high-quality playing surfaces using natural grass, hybrid systems or approved artificial turf in line with IFAB laws.

The facility must also feature modern dressing rooms for players and referees, equipped with showers, lockers, toilets and massage areas, as well as a dedicated referees’ room. He added that safety and security standards must also be enhanced, including proper crowd segregation, certified emergency medical services and secure access routes for teams and VIPs.

Gerson Msigwa, Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports. PHOTO | COURTESY The stadium is further required to have advanced floodlighting suitable for international broadcasting, reliable backup power systems and fully equipped VIP and media facilities such as press rooms and lounges.

Msigwa said the design and construction adjustments were unavoidable, as the stadium must comply with both CAF and FIFA requirements. Once completed in July this year, he added, the facility will be capable of hosting Afcon matches and fixtures of World Cup standard, making it a long-term national investment.

According to him, these upgrades inevitably pushed up construction costs, but the government remains committed to transparency and will continue providing updates through platforms including Parliament. “As a result, the cost cannot remain the same because project funding had to increase,” he said, emphasizing that the expanded scope of work directly led to the revised budget.

Despite the increase, Arusha Stadium remains a key national infrastructure project expected to position Tanzania as a competitive destination for international sporting events. Comparable projects across the region have also recorded high costs due to stringent global standards, highlighting the financial demands of modern sports infrastructure.

The government maintains that the higher investment will deliver long-term benefits, including boosting tourism, creating jobs and enhancing Tanzania’s global sporting profile. .

Mbeya.A 55-year-old man, Hamis Kalyembe of Lupepo, Rungwe District, is reported to have committed suicide after losing three grandchildren in a landslide caused by heavy rains.

Two other children died in separate incidents. The rain, which fell on the night of 25 March, killed more than 20 people and injured several others, leaving many residents homeless after their houses were destroyed.

In one family, four people–including a father, mother, child, and grandchild–were killed, while other families lost three children each. Speaking about the incident, Kalyembe’s son, Israel Kajise, said his father returned home after hearing of the deaths and drank poison made from dried leaves, known locally as “parakwata.

” “He could not bear the grief. It is a very sad time for our family, and we ask the government for support during this period,” Kajise said.

Lupepo sub-village chairman Lusajo Mwafyela said more than six people died in his area. He added that around 13 houses were destroyed, leaving residents without shelter.

“Government assistance is needed for those who lost property, homes, and family members. This is a major loss for our community,” he said.

In a separate incident, two children also died, including five-year-old Naufal Juma, a pupil at Ummu Salama Primary School, whose body was found floating in the Isonte River in Mbeya City. Senior Fire Officer for Mbeya Region, Malumbo Ngata, said the incidents occurred between 30 and 31 March in different parts of the city.

He warned residents to exercise caution as the rains continue. In Mbarali District, over 300 people were affected by heavy rains on 17 March, which destroyed homes, livestock, and road infrastructure.

Resident Jenifa Mwabebe of Matono sub-village said the rain destroyed crops, houses, and roads, urging government support. Matono sub-village chairman Bariki Julius said 58 houses and 100 goats were affected.

Iyala sub-village chairman Amidu Mkatasa said 60 households were impacted. Mbarali District Director Raymond Mweli said 383 residents were temporarily accommodated at Iyala Primary School for humanitarian assistance.

“We extend our condolences to those affected by this disaster,” he said. .

Africa is set to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 10 teams confirmed to feature for the first time ever following the expansion of the global tournament. The 2026 edition, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will include 48 teams, up from 32, allowing greater representation from all confederations.

Africa has secured nine automatic qualification slots, along with an additional place through the intercontinental play-offs. African teams at the World Cup include: 1.

Senegal 2. Morocco 3.

Algeria 4. Tunisia 6.

Ca’te d’Ivoire 8. Cape Verde 9.

South Africa DRC secured the final dpot after defeating Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs. This marks Africa’s largest-ever representation at a World Cup, doubling the five teams that featured in previous tournaments such as 2022. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s drive to digitise public procurement is beginning to show tangible results, with institutions reportedly saving Sh13.3 billion in a single financial year and achieving combined financial and environmental gains exceeding Sh35 billion over two years–evidence that technology can curb wasteful spending in government systems.

These achievements stem directly from the National e-Procurement System (NEST), which has streamlined tender processes, boosted competition, and strengthened transparency across government procurement. Beyond cutting paper use, an estimated 6,768 tonnes avoided, NEST also reduced supplier travel by over 15.4 million kilometres, saving around 1.

7 million litres of fuel and more than Sh3.2 billion in transport costs. A March 11, 2026 PPRA performance assessment covering 2023/24 and 2024/25 reported that over 219,000 tenders were processed through NEST, avoiding roughly 288.57 million pages of documents, equivalent to 577,000 reams of paper and nearly 76,000 toner cartridges, and saving an additional Sh27.64 billion in paper and toner costs.

Compliance with procurement laws also improved. In the 2024/25 financial year, compliance rose to 79 percent, up from 76 percent the previous year, reflecting the enforcement of the 2023 Public Procurement Act and the expanded use of NEST.

“In the 2024/25 financial year, compliance with procurement laws increased from 76 percent to 79 percent, reflecting the impact of the 2023 Public Procurement Act and the rollout of NEST,” said PPRA director general, Denis Simba, during the presentation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House on Monday (March 30, 2026). Procurement activity has also expanded.

Nearly 100,000 tenders were advertised in 2024/25, a 72 percent increase from 53,221 the previous year, while participation almost doubled, from 11,564 to 22,913 bidders. “The growing number of tenders and participants is a clear signal that NEST is opening procurement to more players and strengthening transparency,” Mr Simba added.

Experts react Experts highlight the system’s wider impact. University of Dar es Salaam procurement specialist Oliva Mwambafula said digital procurement platforms like NEST are not only about speed.

He said they provide accountability by creating audit trails and reducing opportunities for human interference in tendering processes. A procurement expert who also lectures at the College of Business Education, (CBE), Alfred Assenga, said the integration of lower-level entities, such as schools and health centres, ensures that compliance extends beyond central ministries.

“This is crucial for curbing mismanagement at grassroots levels,” he noted. Indeed, more than 6,900 lower-level entities now actively use NEST.

New modules for contract management, complaints handling, and local procurement have strengthened oversight. Economists also see broader benefits.

An economist and Fiscal policy expert, Mr Samson Rutashobya, from the University of Iringa said NEST promotes economic inclusion by ensuring that youth and women have equitable access to government contracts. “It also stimulates local production by prioritising domestic suppliers,” he said.

Challenges remain The PPRA report revealed that 756 out of 943 procuring entities failed to allocate the required 30 percent of procurement budgets to special groups. Off-system procurement continues, with payments for unexecuted work totalling Sh11.6 billion.

ICT expert and CEO of Sartify, Dr Michael Mollel, emphasised technology’s role in bridging gaps: “NEST’s integration with 21 government systems, coupled with real-time dashboards, AI, and data analytics, provides the government with a robust toolkit to detect anomalies early and enforce compliance.” Inclusivity has also improved.

In 2024/25, Sh9.1 trillion of Sh14.5 trillion total procurement was awarded to youth, women, and other special groups, representing 62 percent of total value. Contracts for these groups rose from Sh6.1 billion in 2023/24 to Sh11.3 billion.

PPRA’s value-for-money audits of 481 contracts showed 58 percent achieved intended outcomes, 34 percent fell short, and 8 percent underperformed significantly. Contract monitoring is now strengthened, with NEST tracking completion in real time.

“These reforms aim to create a culture of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public funds use. With NEST, Tanzania is moving towards a public procurement system that is both transparent and resilient against waste and corruption,” Mr Simba said.

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