Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Leaders across political and institutional spheres are being urged to avoid surrounding themselves with bootlickers who offer only praise, even when leaders are clearly in the wrong.

Such flattery can mislead, weaken decision-making, and ultimately derail progress. This was said yesterday by Deputy Minister in the President’s Office Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ms Regina Qwaray, during the launch of the Emerging Leaders Programme in Dar es Salaam.

“True leadership requires the courage to listen to uncomfortable truths. While many political leaders prefer hearing only what gratifies them, real leaders welcome honest feedback, even when it challenges their assumptions.

Bootlickers may bring comfort, but they do not bring growth,” she said. She stressed that in the 21st century, leaders must embrace continuous learning.

“To meet our responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to national development, we must work diligently and patriotically, aligning our efforts with the nation’s priorities and safeguarding its interests. Building a sense of patriotism in our youth is essential for long-term progress” Further she said effective leadership also begins with self-awareness.

Recognize your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and use that understanding to navigate institutional environments wisely. She said leaders must regularly evaluate their actions, identify gaps in their performance, and develop a personal growth plan to address them.

“Change is constant. Leaders who cling to the mindset of the 1990s while leading followers in the 2000s will inevitably fall behind.

Growth, adaptability, and humility are not optional they are the standards of modern leadership.” In another development, she underscored that Tanzania’s ambition to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2050 will only be achieved through effective planning, strong strategies, and a capable, motivated workforce.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister emphasized that leadership transformation is at the heart of the nation’s development journey, especially as Tanzania continues to implement major frameworks including the SDGs 2030, Agenda 2063, and Tanzania Development Vision 2050. She noted that preparing the next generation of leaders is not only a national responsibility but a necessity in today’s rapidly changing world. She said the Emerging Leaders Training Programme developed in partnership with Finland, HAUS, and the Uongozi Institute was lauded as a crucial initiative for building leadership capacity in Tanzania and across Africa.

The Deputy Minister thanked the partners for contributing to a programme that will strengthen the nation’s ability to deliver quality services and meet citizens’ expectations. “I encourage participants to embrace three key practices to recognize your strengths and weaknesses for self-assessment is essential for effective leadership development, develop a personal development Plan because leaders must dedicate time to improving their areas of weakness, using tools such as coaching and peer-coaching.

” She called on them to commit to continuous learning citing futurist Alvin Toffler, and urged leaders to learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevant and avoid becoming barriers to progress. The Deputy Minister congratulated the selected participants, urging them to tackle challenges collaboratively and base their decisions on evidence and careful analysis.

She expressed confidence that the programme would inspire positive behavioural and leadership changes across the public service. Uongozi Institute, Chief Executive Officer, Kadari Singo said the training develops a growth mindset that fosters resilience and flexibility in uncertainties.

“The training helps participants become great communicators who can inspire change, elps participants understand how organization of culture can hinder or promote success, helps participants build confidence and realize their full potential” .

The Tanzanian music industry is facing an unprecedented moment of tension as fan boycotts of local artistes continue to grow. At the centre of the debate is Francis Antony Ciza, popularly known as Majjizo, CEO of EFM and TV E, who has publicly urged fans to reconsider their actions, warning that prolonged disengagement could threaten the industry’s stability.

Since the October 29 “Curfew” incident, several high-profile artistes, including Diamond Platnumz, have reportedly lost followers due to online movements criticising them for remaining silent during political or social disputes. Majjizo expresses deep concern, emphasising the potential long-term consequences for the sector.

“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 statement,” Majjizo says during a discussion with music stakeholders and fans.

He highlights the broader economic stakes, noting that the music industry employs a significant number of young people. “When we say we don’t support Tanzanian music, we are indirectly saying we don’t support Tanzanian youth,” he explains.

Majjizo calls for dialogue to bridge the gap between artists and fans, citing independent musicians who have already felt the effects of the boycott. “The effects are already showing.

Artists have slowed down production because of threats, and fans may not even realise the damage caused. Not supporting a video can cost hundreds of jobs,” he says.

Fans Speak Out: Calls for Accountability and Responsibility Despite Majjizo’s appeal, some fans express pointed criticism, arguing that the industry’s failures must also be acknowledged. “Kaka Majizzo, Very well said, but one-sided.

From my perspective, you are speaking on a side most citizens don’t want to hear. The benefits and losses you mention mostly affect your industry directly, while the impact on ordinary people is much smaller, because most of our artists don’t know how to give back to the community,” one fan comments.

Fans highlight several concerns, emphasising accountability, fairness, and social responsibility: “Artists must admit when they have seriously erred and always stand on the side of justice. No one is opposing their political choices, but we question why some use their influence to mislead or harm society instead of educating and uplifting it.

Accepting payment to suppress issues that are clearly unjust is unacceptable.” “Artists should remember that their positions exist because fans supported them.

Using fame or power to undermine fairness earns no respect, even if it seems unnoticed. They should reflect on why even fans from neighbouring countries are turning away and consider the ethical implications of profiting from unfair practices.

Before speaking to the public, artists must remember their societal role, learn from global examples, and understand the responsibility that comes with their influence.” The Boycott’s Impact on the Industry The consequences of the boycott have already become tangible.

For nearly two weeks, no major concerts or music shows have been announced, creating an unusual silence in an otherwise vibrant calendar. New releases have struggled, with view counts and streaming numbers falling below typical levels.

Industry insiders report that some musicians have postponed or cancelled releases, citing “unpredictable fan behaviour” and market uncertainty. Even studio sessions scheduled for November and early December were halted.

This slowdown is affecting the entire creative ecosystem–from video directors and dancers to sound engineers, stylists, and digital marketers–highlighting the interconnected nature of Tanzania’s music industry. As the debate continues, Majjizo’s appeal serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between artists and fans.

While some argue for accountability and social responsibility, others stress the importance of support for a sector that sustains thousands of livelihoods. The question remains: can Tanzanian music navigate this crisis and rebuild trust with its audience? .

Dar es Salaam. Innovative financing mechanisms and stronger private-sector participation are essential to accelerating Tanzania’s inclusive economic transformation, the Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Fred Msemwa, has said.

Dr Msemwa made the remarks in Dodoma yesterday during a meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, who paid a courtesy call to explore areas of collaboration between the two institutions. He said the government is pushing ahead with major policy and structural reforms intended to clear bottlenecks to the implementation of Dira 2050, the long-term development vision that seeks to propel Tanzania towards a $1 trillion economy by mid-century.

“Active private-sector participation, coupled with comprehensive policy and structural reforms, is critical to achieving an economy that is inclusive for all Tanzanians,” he said. Dr Msemwa noted that several priority sectors– including agriculture, tourism, sports, logistics, mining and energy–have been earmarked to drive economic transformation and generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

Mr Komatsubara stressed the importance of a holistic approach to structural transformation and maintaining long-term development focus. “NPC plays a crucial role.

Coming from Japan, I have seen how such transformations are necessary to building an equitable and inclusive economy through the implementation of a national vision,” he said, adding that happiness and well-being remain central to sustainable development. The National Planning Commission, established under the National Planning Commission Act, Cap 127, is mandated to coordinate economic management, development planning and the implementation of approved national plans.

It operates under the leadership of the President and serves as the government’s highest advisory body on planning and economic management. NPC is also responsible for formulating Tanzania’s long-term, medium-term and short-term development plans, monitoring their implementation–including strategic and flagship projects–and preparing the National Development Vision that guides the country’s overall planning framework.

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Dar es Salaam. In the wake of the October 29, 2025, civil unrest and the heightened security measures implemented ahead of Independence Day on December 9, daily life in Dar es Salaam has changed noticeably for many residents.

The events have altered routines, spending habits, travel patterns and even social behaviour across the city. One of the main lessons from this period is how households adapted their spending amid growing uncertainty.

Many residents cut back on non-essential purchases, focusing on necessities such as food, household supplies and other essentials that could sustain them in case of disruptions. Dar es Salaam resident Godfrey Urio said his spending this December changed completely due to fears of another demonstration.

“I had to spend a significant amount of money to stock food. I did not have enough money, so I had to borrow just to make sure my family remained safe in case anything happened.

This completely ruined my budget, and this Christmas will be dull because of that. On the other hand, I am relieved that I no longer have to worry about daily expenses as much as before,” he said.

Temporary transport disruptions and fluctuating business hours in some urban areas also contributed to higher prices for selected items, prompting short-term stockpiling. Small traders and retailers reported reduced foot traffic as residents adjusted their schedules to avoid long commutes and potential delays.

Carrying personal identification became increasingly common as security forces intensified checks in major urban centres. A banker, who requested anonymity, said she once failed to deliver food to a patient because she had not carried her ID.

“From that day, I carry all my IDs in one wallet to avoid unnecessary challenges,” she said. Army officers and police have been deployed across key urban corridors, including bus stands, major intersections, transport hubs, and markets.

Their presence was particularly noticeable around December 9, when patrols increased to prevent gatherings and maintain order. Checkpoints and roadblocks remained in place throughout the day, enforcing movement control and creating a subdued atmosphere in the city.

For his part, Mr Ramadhan Mbaga of Kimanga, said it has been difficult to adjust to seeing armed army officers as part of daily life. “I feel uncomfortable walking around and seeing army officers with guns on their shoulders.

We never lived like this before, but it is something we are learning to cope with,” he said. For the resident of Mbezi Msakuzi, Mary Mushi, the events of October 29 have highlighted how people are increasingly embracing a quieter, more reflective lifestyle.

“Nowadays, after work, I go back home very early. Majority of people are indoors by 7pm, either resting or catching up with family by phone.

I speak to my mother in Moshi almost every evening,” she said. Mr Jackson, a boda-boda rider, noted that the trend of returning home early began gradually but became more pronounced after late October.

Driver Abdallah Said, at Magomeni, added that travel patterns have shifted, with passengers returning home earlier and limiting visits to relatives. Overall, the combination of heightened security, disrupted routines, and cautious behaviour has transformed the daily rhythm of Dar es Salaam, leaving residents more careful, more digitally connected, and more focused on immediate family and household needs.

Psychologist Charles Nduku told The Citizen that what happened on October 29 and the ongoing situation must be necessary for national leaders and security organs to reassure the public about the country’s safety in order to restore people’s confidence even though this process may take time, as the nation had never experienced anything like this before. He explained that families and relatives who lost their loved ones also need clarity on what transpired so that they can begin to move on.

, although this remains extremely difficult for many, especially those who were neither able to bury nor see the bodies of their relatives. Mr Nduku encouraged the public who are still anxious or overwhelmed to seek counsellors and mental-health support, as these are important measures to help them heal and cope with the current situation.

The police should continue providing frequent security updates to ease public fear and keep public informed. .

Dar es Salaam. Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has intensified efforts to secure local and international research grants to strengthen scientific work that underpins improved specialised healthcare delivery nationwide.

MNH Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo made the remarks on Friday, December 12, 2025, during the launch of a new journal featuring a broad range of studies generated at the country’s top referral facility. She said the hospital’s long-term goal is to ensure research outcomes directly shape national health policies, enhance clinical training, and guide the development of medical technologies adapted to Tanzania’s priorities.

She emphasised that investment in research capacity is essential for the country to respond to emerging health challenges. “We cannot establish or advance superspecialised services without research.

For example, we would not introduce kidney transplant services unless evidence showed high patient demand,” she said. To achieve this, Dr Kimambo said MNH is broadening its research proposals to attract funding for studies aimed at identifying key public health gaps, strengthening evidence-based care, and expanding highly specialised services.

She stressed that research does more than improve clinical practice; it also provides policymakers with dependable data to inform the evolution of treatment while advancing the skills of health professionals. According to her, internal MNH studies have led to major gains in intensive care, oncology, cardiology, maternal and child health, and specialised surgical interventions.

Institutions including the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), and the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) were established after research identified critical shortages in specialised services. She noted that modern innovations such as day-care chemotherapy, advanced diagnostics, and minimally invasive surgery were adopted based on evidence demonstrating their safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

She said these innovations reflect MNH’s commitment to delivering services that are patient-centred and aligned with global medical standards, ensuring equitable access to treatment. “No one wants to stay in hospital unnecessarily.

Our research has helped scale up interventional procedures that shorten admissions and improve recovery,” she said. Dr Kimambo also underscored MNH’s role in shaping national health strategies.

Research from the hospital revealed that many patients previously treated at MNH could have been managed at regional and district facilities. This evidence prompted increased government investment in lower-level hospitals, enabling MNH to focus mainly on specialised and superspecialised care.

She added that MNH will continue cultivating partnerships at home and abroad to build expertise, attract more funding, and support clinical trials aligned with African health priorities. MNH Public Health Specialist, Mr Anord Nyanana, who conducted a study on cooking-related burn injuries and safe liquefied petroleum gas use in Dar es Salaam, said research is vital for transforming the health sector.

“After observing growing numbers of patients admitted with burns linked to cooking gas, I undertook a study to help improve service quality, enhance professional skills, strengthen policies, and introduce modern services that reach more people,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. For many years, Tanzania has watched talented young people miss out on international scholarships simply because the system did not prepare them adequately to compete, The Citizen has learnt.

The array of obstacles included a lack of timely information, insufficient clarity regarding scholarship prerequisites, and systemic bureaucratic complexity that routinely eliminated even highly qualified applicants during the initial selection phase. Some applicants did not know they needed international examinations; others learnt about language tests only after deadlines had passed.

A significant number did not have passports when admission processes demanded them, while some, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, lacked the support required to navigate complex application procedures. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has introduced a new strategy aimed at ensuring Tanzanian scholars no longer remain on the sidelines of global academic opportunities.

Speaking to The Citizen shortly after meeting the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Tanzania, Yahya Ahmed Okeish, yesterday, Education Minister Prof Adolf Mkenda explained that government assessments had revealed deep structural gaps in how Tanzanians approached scholarships. He said the country could no longer afford to continue losing opportunities that were meant for its young people simply because the system was not aligned with international standards.

Prof Mkenda recalled that various embassies, including those of Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, Iceland and South Africa, frequently announce scholarship opportunities for Tanzanian students as well as the government has been engaging these countries for such a collaboration. Yet even with the recent increase of Saudi Arabia’s annual scholarship slots from 90 to 127, Tanzanians continued to miss out in significant numbers.

According to him, the issue was never a lack of ability. Instead, it was the absence of preparation and a system that assumed students knew what global application processes required.

“We realised that simply announcing scholarships is not helping many Tanzanians to seize these opportunities,” he said. He added: “Sometimes the information does not reach those who need it.

Other times, those who receive it do not have the required international examinations or passports at the time of application.” He added that some embassies had openly shared their concern that while Tanzanian youth struggled to meet scholarship criteria, applicants from countries such as Kenya and Rwanda were taking up their slots with relative ease.

To respond to this gap, the ministry has introduced a more proactive approach under Samia Scholarship Extended to prepare potential beneficiaries long before scholarship announcements are made. The model has already taken shape with the selection of 50 high-achieving science students who are currently undergoing a 10-month knowledge and preparation camp at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha.

These learners are being equipped with advanced academic training, language skills, cultural awareness and university admission preparation. They are also sitting for internationally recognised examinations that are often required by some scholarship-granting institutions.

The government has gone further to assist them with obtaining passports early in the process, ensuring they meet the fundamental admission requirements many universities insist on. Prof Mkenda emphasised that this initiative was designed to give equal opportunity to all high-performing students regardless of their socioeconomic background.

He said most Tanzanians currently studying abroad were from international schools, which naturally provided students with the necessary exposure and preparation. While acknowledging this as a positive thing, he said the new government strategy seeks to ensure that students from ordinary public schools, as long as they have the talent, are not left behind.

He described the programme as, “a platform that would allow even the brightest children from low-income households to reach global universities, with the government covering the support they need along the way.” Applicants who have previously lost out share similar experiences.

Ms Rehema Mwakisu recalled missing a full scholarship in Europe because she was unaware she needed an English proficiency test before applying. Education agents’ comments Education agents have welcomed the strategy as long overdue.

An East African regional expert with Global Study Pathways, Ms Grace Kimani, told The Citizen that Tanzanian students have the potential to compete globally but often approach opportunities too late. She said the preparation model fills a gap that education consultants have been facing for years.

From the Tanzanian perspective, Edu-Kwanza founder Sarfraz Kassam described the number of missed scholarships as “painfully high”, noting that some opportunities required only that students pay for their flight, yet many failed due to inadequate preparation. He said the government’s new approach would significantly improve Tanzania’s global academic presence within a short period.

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Kilolo. The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, has suspended six officials of the Kilolo District Council over alleged financial mismanagement in the construction of Lugalo Girls’ Secondary School.

Speaking during a visit to Kilolo on December 12, 2025 Mr Kwagilwa said preliminary assessments had uncovered major irregularities in the management of funds and overall implementation of the project, prompting the government to take disciplinary action. “Reports show that Kilolo District is struggling to implement development projects, especially in education and health.

Today I have not inspected health projects, but I have inspected this secondary school,” he said. He directed the PMORALG Permanent Secretary to suspend the District Finance Officer and the District Internal Auditor pending investigation, and ordered the formation of a ministerial probe team to audit the project’s finances within 14 days.

Other officials affected by the directive include the District Education Officer (Secondary), the District Academic Officer (Secondary), the District Education Officer (Primary) and the District Academic Officer (Primary). They have been reassigned to new duties away from the project’s supervision.

Mr Kwagilwa stressed that the government would not tolerate misuse of public funds, particularly in education projects intended to improve learning environments for girls. He instructed the Kilolo District Council to ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted and that a full report is submitted within 14 days for further action.

Providing context on funding, he noted that similar girls’ school projects in other regions had been completed using the same allocation of S.7 billion, yet Kilolo continued to face challenges despite receiving additional support.

Earlier, Lugalo Girls’ Secondary School Headmistress, Naja Msokwa, said the school–located in Lugalo Ward, Mbigili Village–has the capacity to accommodate 960 students from Form One to Form Six. It currently enrols 351 students: 125 in Form One and 226 in Forms Five and Six, specialising in PCM and PCB combinations.

“The primary objective of this project is to expand access to science education for girls,” she said. Construction of the school’s infrastructure has so far cost S.

7 billion, of which S.45 billion was provided by the Central Government, and Sh250 million sourced from the council’s own revenues.

Ms Msokwa added that the project had faced several challenges, including rising construction costs and unstable soil conditions that required deeper foundations than those outlined in the original PMORALG Bill of Quantities. The Lugalo Girls’ Secondary School project is among the flagship initiatives of the Sixth-Phase Government, aimed at expanding educational opportunities for girls and addressing long-standing barriers related to distance and access in the Iringa Region.

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Dar es Salaam. Veteran politician and long-serving minister, Jenista Mhagama, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering woman who rose from a career in teaching to hold ministerial positions across different government phases.

Mhagama, born on June 23, 1967, died on December 11, 2025, just over a month after being sworn in for another term as Member of Parliament (MP) for Peramiho (CCM), a seat she first won in 2005. Speaker of Parliament Mussa Azzan Zungu announced her death through a statement issued by his office, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to her family, relatives, and constituents. “With great sadness, I announce the passing of the MP for Peramiho, Jenista Joakim Mhagama, which occurred today, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma.

I extend my condolences to all honourable MPs, the family of the deceased, relatives, and the people of Peramiho. May God grant you strength and patience during this difficult time,” the Speaker’s statement read.

The statement added that Parliament, in collaboration with the family, is making funeral arrangements, and further updates will be shared with the public. A life of public service Mhagama’s journey in public service began not in politics, but in the classroom as a teacher, a career that laid the foundation for her leadership, patience and community service.

She served as a secondary school teacher and later as a project coordinator at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) in Ruvuma between 1997 and 2000. She also taught at Songea Girls’ Secondary School and served as Vice Principal of Korogwe Teachers’ College. Additionally, she was Head of the College of Community Development at different times.

Political career After her teaching career, Mhagama entered politics, serving for over two decades as an MP and being appointed minister in various portfolios. In 2000, at the age of 33, she contested and won a special-seat parliamentary position in her home region of Ruvuma.

In 2005, she successfully contested the Peramiho constituency, defeating the late Prof Simon Mbilinyi in CCM primaries. From 2005 until her death in 2025, Mhagama served as MP for Peramiho, winning every internal and general election, thus representing the constituency for 20 years.

During President Jakaya Kikwete’s second term, she was appointed Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training from January 2014 to 2015, before being promoted to Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Labour, Youth and Persons with Disabilities). Under President John Magufuli, she continued in the Cabinet, serving in different capacities, including Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service and Good Governance).

In August 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed her Minister for Health, succeeding Ummy Mwalimu. In the new Cabinet announced on November 17, 2025, Mhagama’s name was not included, marking the end of her ministerial tenure.

Her name remains among the notable politicians recognised for advancing women’s participation in politics, her influence in Parliament, and policy leadership affecting the lives of many Tanzanians. Condolences pour in President Hassan expressed her grief on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “I received with sadness the news of the passing of MP for Peramiho, Jenista Joakim Mhagama.

I extend my condolences to the Speaker of Parliament, the people of Peramiho, her family, relatives, and friends. For 38 years, Mhagama was a dedicated CCM member, youth leader, women’s leader, minister, and advisor to many in politics and life.

May God grant her eternal peace.” Former ACT Wazalendo leader and ex-MP for Kigoma Urban, Zitto Kabwe, said: “I worked with her in Parliament from 2005 to 2020, though Mhagama entered in 2000. We chaired and supported each other in standing committees.

May God rest her soul in peace; I am deeply saddened. I also extend my condolences to the people of Peramiho.

” Kasulu Urban MP, Joyce Ndalichako, a close friend, described Mhagama as hardworking and compassionate. “She was a people’s person, always willing to help.

May God grant her eternal rest. I was saddened to hear of her passing this morning,” she said.

President of the Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT), Dr Mugisha Nkoronko, said Mhagama was a responsive leader, particularly during her tenure as Health Minister, coordinating efforts against Mpox and Marburg outbreaks. “She engaged with us respectfully and collaboratively.

We mourn her early passing and extend condolences to her family, Parliament, voters, and all the people of Peramiho,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Special Police Region has confirmed the detention of former Minister Geofrey Mwambe since the night of December 7, 2025. He was apprehended in the Tegeta area of Kinondoni over allegations linked to criminal offences, which are still under investigation.

A police statement issued today, December 12, 2025 indicated that Mwambe, who previously served as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Investment and later as Minister of Industry and Trade, was arrested during a routine security monitoring operation in Dar es Salaam. Initial legal proceedings regarding the allegations are ongoing.

Mwambe, who also served as Director of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and as the Member of Parliament for Masasi, Mtwara (CCM), has been held by the police since December 7, 2025. After several days of silence regarding his detention, yesterday, December 11, 2025 chsrges were filed against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Head of Criminal Investigations for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (ZCO), citing unlawful detention. The application, number 289778/2025, was filed by Mwambe through his lawyer, Hekima Mwasipu, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court under emergency procedures and is scheduled for hearing on December 15, 2025. In addition, the police have urged the public to remain calm and allow state authorities to complete the investigation and legal processes.

The development comes just days after the Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, called on the police to ensure arrests are conducted with dignity and in accordance with the law. .

Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its resolve to draw more investors by enhancing the business climate through upgraded infrastructure and consistent support in tackling operational hurdles.

The aim is to spur employment, raise national revenue, and accelerate the growth of a competitive industrial economy. Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga delivered the remarks on Friday December 12, 2025 during a tour of the Goodwill and KEDA factories in Mkuranga District, Coast Region.

She was accompanied by Mkuranga District Commissioner Khadija Nasri Ali, Industrial Development Director Juma Mwambapa, the Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Industrial and Trade Investment, and representatives from Tanzania Bureau of Statistics (TBS), Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO), and Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA). Minister Kapinga said the visit sought to review production processes, hear challenges facing the factories, and pinpoint areas where the government could intervene.

She praised both factories for sourcing raw materials locally and producing high-quality “Made in Tanzania” goods for international markets, including the United States and Italy. “I commend the factories for their notable role in job creation.

Goodwill Factory employs 1,600 workers directly, while KEDA offers 5,000 direct jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs, a major contribution towards the government’s target of creating eight million jobs,” she said. Mkuranga District Commissioner Khadija Ali reiterated the district’s commitment to nurturing a favourable investment environment, stressing that Tanzania remains a secure and attractive destination for investors.

Goodwill Factory General Manager Eric Jiang and KEDA Deputy CEO Wayne Zhong expressed appreciation to the government for its ongoing support. Jiang noted that government cooperation motivates investors to choose Tanzania as a reliable and enabling investment hub.

“We have managed to generate jobs both directly and indirectly through our factories, and we also obtain raw materials locally,” he said. Speaking on behalf of workers, KEDA and Goodwill’s Jelly Marandu and John Chimwejo urged public and private institutions to continue backing the factories, saying their growth boosts youth employment and strengthens local and national economies.

Their appeal underscores the importance of sustained collaboration across sectors for continued national progress. .