Category: The Citizen

Songwe. Police in Songwe Region are holding Obadia Mpenzu (22), a resident of Majimoto Hamlet in Nanyala Village, Mbozi District, on suspicion of raping and injuring his 80-year-old grandmother.

Songwe Regional Police Commander Augustino Senga confirmed the arrest of the suspect. Speaking to The Citizen, Nanyala Village Chairman Maneno Mwambunga said the incident occurred on the night of December 8, 2025. He said the suspect allegedly committed the violent act after arriving at his grandmother’s home at around 10:00 pm on December 8, while her husband was away at a local bar.

Mwambunga added that the suspect fled to an unknown location immediately after the incident. He said village leaders launched a search operation that continued until about 11:00 am on December 9, 2025, when the suspect was arrested while hiding in a forested area.

“The suspect was found hiding in the bush in a weak condition and was vomiting. It is alleged that he had taken poison in an attempt to end his life after regretting his actions,” Mwambunga said.

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Nairobi. Tanzania has outlined a set of expectations at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), saying the outcomes of this year’s meeting will directly influence the country’s environmental priorities.

Tanzania expectations range from protecting coral reefs and deep-sea ecosystems to securing recognition for Mount Kilimanjaro’s melting ice and advancing responsible use of artificial intelligence. Speaking with The Citizen on the sidelines of the ongoing environmental talks in Nairobi, Tanzania’s Presidential Adviser and Climate Change Envoy, Dr Richard Muyungi, who also chairs the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), said the country is engaging actively because key resolutions under negotiation “touch Tanzania’s interests directly and will shape our environmental policy landscape.

” One of Tanzania’s biggest expectations is clear global guidance on how countries can exploit deep-sea resources responsibly. Dr Muyungi said Tanzania is particularly following the proposed resolution on the active protection of deep-sea ecosystems, as states increasingly explore the seabed for critical minerals.

“We need clarity on how to sustainably extract resources and how the global community intends to protect deep-sea biodiversity,” he said. He added that Tanzania expects UNEA-7 to strengthen cooperation with bodies such as the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and reinforce compliance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Tanzania also expects UNEA-7 to send a strong message on accelerating climate action to save coral reefs, a priority for the country’s tourism and fisheries industries. “We have one of the biggest coral reef systems in the region.

Bleaching has become a major issue, and this affects tourism and coastal communities,” Dr Muyungi said. He said Tanzania hopes the resolution will unlock new tools, research collaborations and financing to bolster the resilience of coral reefs along the country’s 1,400-km coastline.

Another key expectation is that UNEA-7 will adopt language acknowledging mountain glaciers, after Tanzania proposed their inclusion in the resolution on the cryosphere. “Kilimanjaro’s melting ice is a major climate warning for Africa.

We expect this to be reflected in the final decisions,” Dr Muyungi noted. The government believes this will help draw greater global focus–and potentially funding–to the long-term protection of the Kibo ice cap.

Tanzania expects clearer guidance on sustainable resource use, especially under the resolution on Mother Earth-centric action. For a natural-resource-dependent economy like Tanzania’s, Dr Muyungi said it hopes UNEA-7 will strengthen the global push for Strategic Environmental Assessments, compensation mechanisms and more sustainable land-use planning.

“Environmental degradation is inevitable when your economy relies on natural resources. Our expectation is to get clarity on how to balance development with nature,” he said.

Tanzania is also looking to UNEA-7 for international best practices on the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, an emerging topic with little existing regulation. While AI offers huge opportunities for climate monitoring, early warning systems and environmental data analysis, Dr Muyungi said Tanzania expects guidance on energy use, digital pollution, and capacity building.

The country’s expectations are shaped by its recent role as host of the 2025 UNFCCC AI for Climate Action Forum, which positioned Tanzania as an early African champion of AI governance. Tanzania expects UNEA-7 to elevate the role of children and youth in environmental governance, a topic the government has prioritised.

“We hope youth participation will be strengthened and integrated more systematically,” he said, noting Tanzania will soon lead the AU Youth Climate Change Centre. The country also wants this agenda reflected in its new Ministry of Youth.

On the resolution promoting sustainable solutions through sport, Tanzania hopes to learn from global experience on how public figures and athletes can help shift public attitudes toward conservation. “This is an area we haven’t used much, and UNEA-7 gives us a chance to explore it,” Dr Muyungi said.

Although UNEA-7 resolutions are not legally binding, they have a history of influencing national policies, donor priorities and future agreements. Dr Muyungi said Tanzania expects the meeting to set global directions that will guide domestic environmental decisions, unlock partnerships and technical capacity, strengthen Africa’s negotiating voice, and ensure Tanzanian priorities–especially coastal protection, climate resilience and sustainable technology–are reflected in global frameworks.

“Tanzania wants to leave UNEA-7 with clear global signals on how to manage our natural resources, protect our ecosystems, and align with emerging environmental technologies,” he said. UNEA-7 is expected to deliberate on 15 draft resolutions and two draft decisions and this year’s session is also expected to produce a ministerial declaration and approve UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (20262029), setting out the global environmental agenda for the next four years.

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Dar es Salaam. In 2025, young Tanzanians launch tech start-ups, process digital payments, and travel across the world for trade missions, and legally buy and sell gold.

Forty years ago, these would have been near impossibilities. As Tanzania marks 64 years of independence, the country’s economic story reads like an arc of transformation, one that a few could have predicted during the early years after 1961. What is ordinary today, such as buying stocks on a mobile phone, operating private banks, running transport companies, exporting crops freely, or owning multiple rental properties, was once restricted, heavily regulated, or outright illegal.

The shift from a state-controlled economy to a vibrant private-sector-led marketplace reflects both the resilience of Tanzanians and the profound policy reforms that unfolded across decades. It is a story of dismantling old systems, building new ones, and learning–sometimes through painful lessons–that enterprise thrives best when the environment allows it.

When Tanzania adopted the Arusha Declaration in February 1967, the country committed to Ujamaa socialism: a philosophy of collective ownership and self-reliance. This was soon translated into law, beginning with the National Bank of Commerce (Establishment and Vesting of Assets and Liabilities) Act, 1967, which nationalised all private commercial banks.

The 1970s and early 1980s brought additional constraints as the state deepened its hold over the economy. Imports were subject to strict regulation, lengthy licensing, and severe foreign exchange controls.

Businesses needed approval to access scarce foreign currency, which made even sourcing raw materials a bureaucratic ordeal. Housing and private property faced similar restrictions.

The Acquisition of Buildings Act, 1971, empowered the state to seize “excess” privately owned buildings. The idea of owning several rental houses–or renting at market rates–cut against the grain of Ujamaa ideology.

Public transport was also nationalised. There were no private long-distance bus operators until the market began opening in 1983. Broadcasting was similarly restricted under the Tanzania Broadcasting Services Act, 1976, which placed television and radio exclusively under state monopoly.

Owning a private TV station or even a satellite dish was illegal. Every day business operations required a government-issued license through the 1972 Business Licensing Act, which specified exactly what business one could run and where.

Trading staple crops like maize, rice, and cashew across regions was restricted through crop marketing boards. Doing so privately risked being accused of “economic sabotage”–a serious offence at the time.

Gold ownership was tightly regulated. It was only after the 1979 Mining Act that small-scale miners began receiving legal recognition.

And financial markets? They did not exist. A stock exchange was unimaginable; capital markets were absent.

Turn toward liberalisation By the late 1980s, it had become clear that rigid controls were suppressing growth and innovation. Macroeconomic instability, fueled by global oil shocks, droughts, and inefficient state enterprises, compelled policymakers to reassess their approach.

In 1988, the Nyirabu Commission was established to examine the challenges facing the financial sector. Its recommendations triggered a wave of transformative reforms.

The Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BFIA) of 1991 opened the door for private banks, both local and foreign, ending decades of state monopoly and marking the rebirth of financial pluralism in Tanzania. This Act laid the foundation for everything from modern banking services to today’s mobile financial innovations.

The Capital Markets and Securities Act of 1994 set the stage for securities trading. The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) was incorporated in 1996 and became operational in 1998. Today, it hosts 28 listed companies–22 Tanzanian and six cross-listed–allowing ordinary citizens to invest, save, and build wealth through equity markets.

Broadcasting liberalisation followed, with the Broadcasting Services Act of 1993, ending the state monopoly and ushering in an era of private TV and digital media. Bit by bit, restrictions on property ownership, agriculture trade, mining, and entrepreneurship loosened.

By the early 2000s, Tanzania had firmly embraced a mixed economy, with the private sector increasingly treated as a partner–not an adversary. Private sector boom One of the most visible outcomes of liberalisation has been the explosion of entrepreneurship across all sectors.

Today, Tanzanian traders fly daily to China, Dubai, and Turkey in search of goods. A young business class is emerging, driven by mobile banking, digital payments, and a fast-expanding logistics ecosystem.

This transformation, however, is not merely anecdotal. It reflects bigger structural changes that have repositioned the private sector at the centre of national growth.

Chief executive officer of the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), Mr Oscar Kisanga, says by 2025, operating environment for businesses has improved significantly, noting that the country’s regulatory and administrative systems are now more predictable and more coordinated than ever before According to him, government agencies, especially the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)–have adopted digital systems that now communicate seamlessly, cutting bureaucracy and making compliance easier. “Systems are now compatible.

This is a major shift. It reduces delays and increases transparency,” he says.

Cross-border trade has also become significantly easier, supported by bilateral agreements, regional integration frameworks, and simplified customs procedures. “Today, a trader can move goods across borders far more efficiently than before,” Kisanga notes.

He observes a powerful rise in women and youth entrepreneurs: “When you board a plane, it’s full of Tanzanians, especially youth and women travelling to China, Dubai, and Turkey. They are awake.

They are active. They are driving commerce.

” Mr Kisanga says the tourism boom has had a “huge multiplier effect,” stimulating hotels, tour operators, transport companies, restaurants, and suppliers across the value chain. Agribusiness is expanding, supported by technology and improved market access.

Manufacturing is growing, including small and medium industries. Mining has opened up through new refineries and the formalisation of artisanal miners.

He emphasises that policy reforms increasingly favour private-sector development, local content participation, and the inclusion of domestic firms in strategic national projects. “With Vision 2050 putting the private sector at the centre of Tanzania’s long-term growth, the outlook is strong,” he says.

Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), executive secretary, Dr Godwill Wanga, underscores the strengthening of structured dialogue between government and business. “The shift in mindset has been significant.

Government recognises the private sector not as an observer but as a key driver of national development,” he says. He notes that this recognition runs from district offices to the national level.

Vision 2050 places the private sector at the heart of Tanzania’s future, promoting innovation, industrialisation, and employment creation. Dr Wanga says the government increasingly invites private firms into major public projects, while focusing on essential services–an approach that mirrors global best practices.

He also highlights the rise in policy research: “Studies now inform reforms. When laws or regulations change, they are often based on evidence from these studies.

” Above all, he notes, political will has been crucial. Dr Wanga says; “Facilitation has improved.

Coordination has improved. There is clarity.

” Tanzania’s journey from state dominance to a mixed, private-sector-led economy has unlocked possibilities that once seemed distant. The private sector now employs millions, drives innovation, builds industries, and shapes Tanzania’s presence in regional and global markets.

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Dar es Salaam. The rise of Tanzania’s U17 national football team the Serengeti Boys stands as one of the most dramatic transformations in African youth football.

Their historic breakthrough in 2017 when they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations Afcon finals for the first time did not come through predictable sporting pathways. Instead it was shaped by a remarkable and controversial case involving Congo Brazzaville and allegations of age cheating.

What began as a dispute turned into a turning point that reshaped the future of youth football in Tanzania? Tanzania had initially been eliminated by Congo Brazzaville in the regional Cecafa qualifiers. However strong suspicions soon emerged regarding the true ages of several Congolese players.

The Tanzania Football Federation TFF then under president Jamal Malinzi filed a formal appeal to Caf arguing that Congo had fielded over aged players contrary to competition rules for youth tournaments. Among the questionable players was Langa who was reportedly born on April 24 2000 and was already playing senior football for Etoile de Talas.

TFF noted irregularities pointing out that he wore jersey number 10 against Namibia but changed to number 5 against Tanzania in what was believed to be an attempt to avoid recognition. Namibia also issued a similar complaint supporting Tanzania’s claim.

Caf opened an investigation and instructed Congo Brazzaville to submit official documents to defend their case. Congo failed to provide the required proof within the allotted time which significantly strengthened Tanzania’s appeal.

Eventually CAF ruled that Congo had indeed used ineligible players and awarded Tanzania a slot in the 2017 Afcon finals in Gabon. Although the qualification emerged from administrative grounds this moment became a powerful catalyst.

It ignited belief encouraged planning and marked the beginning of a new direction for the Serengeti Boys. 8 Serengeti Boys celebrate after winning the Cecafa-Caf Afcon qualifiers in Ethiopia.

2017: A debut full of lessons The tournament in Gabon marked Tanzania’s first appearance in the history of the U17 Afcon. The young squad entered the competition with hunger and pride competing with some of the continent’s most established youth programs.

Despite exiting in the group stage the experience was invaluable. Tanzania learned firsthand the intensity pace and physicality of elite African youth football.

This debut laid the foundation for better scouting improved coaching and more deliberate investment in youth structures. 2019: Returning as hosts under new leadership The 2019 Afcon edition brought a second historic moment as Tanzania qualified automatically as hosts.

This tournament also marked the beginning of a new administrative era under Wallace Karia who had taken over as TFF president. Under Karia’s leadership youth football began experiencing major reforms.

Karia who is also a Caf executive committee member and former Cecafa president introduced better organisational structures emphasised integrity strengthened talent development and increased Tanzania’s participation in youth competitions. Hosting the tournament uplifted the game significantly.

Playing at home boosted confidence and generated nationwide support. Although the team again exited in the group stage their performances were more organised and competitive.

Youth academies across the country also benefited from increased visibility funding and improved technical programs. This period marked a major shift from participation to long term development.

2021: Qualification on Merit in Morocco The 2021 edition in Morocco marked the third Afcon appearance for the Serengeti Boys and this time it came purely from sporting merit. Tanzania excelled in the Cecafa qualifiers showcasing improved tactical awareness and maturity.

The team demonstrated defensive discipline better game management and a growing ability to compete physically with top African sides. They did not progress past the group stage but the campaign confirmed that Tanzania was no longer relying on luck or administrative rulings.

The Serengeti Boys had matured into a consistent competitor. 2025: Fourth appearance and continued growth Tanzania’s momentum continued as the team secured a fourth appearance at the 2025 Afcon finals once again held in Morocco.

By this time the country’s football ecosystem had improved significantly due to strengthened governance expanded youth academies and stable leadership under Wallace Karia. The 2025 squad showed cohesion confidence and resilience.

Although they did not advance beyond the group stage the consistency of qualifying reflected the positive impact of long term investment and structured development strategies implemented by both TFF and government stakeholders. 2026: Fifth appearance and rising expectations Securing qualification for the 2026 Afcon completed a remarkable run of five appearances in nine years.

This achievement placed Tanzania among the most consistent youth football nations in the Cecafa region and signaled a new era of ambition. Expectations for the 2026 edition are higher than ever.

Fans and analysts believe the Serengeti Boys now have the experience and stability to finally progress past the group stage and challenge for continental honours. Leadership and government support driving the success A significant factor behind this transformation has been strong leadership within TFF and unwavering support from the government.

Under Wallace Karia Tanzania has benefited from improved organisation financial accountability enhanced talent identification and stronger relations with regional and continental football bodies. His roles as a Caf executive committee member and former Cecafa president have elevated Tanzania’s visibility and influence in continental football matters.

The Tanzanian government has also played a major role in supporting youth programs upgrading sports infrastructure and prioritizing football development in national policies. This support has helped the country achieve major milestones and position itself among the tough and competitive football nations in Africa.

The road ahead With five Afcon appearances by 2026 the Serengeti Boys symbolise the evolution of Tanzanian football. What began with the Congo Brazzaville saga in 2017 opened a door that has since been kept wide through discipline planning and investment.

The next challenge is clear. Tanzania must transform frequent qualifications into deeper tournament runs and ultimately secure a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

With strong leadership consistent government backing and a growing pool of young talent Tanzania’s future in youth football looks brighter than ever. .

Nairobi. Tanzania has called for a more diversified and accessible climate-financing architecture, urging stronger collaboration between philanthropy, governments and multilateral agencies to address Africa’s chronic funding gaps.

Speaking during a high-level panel on “Philanthropy and UNEP: Driving Collective Action for a Healthy, Prosperous and Resilient Planet” at UNEA-7 in Nairobi, Tanzania’s Presidential Adviser on Climate Change, Dr Richard Muyungi, said philanthropic capital can play an increasingly catalytic role in unlocking the resources African countries need to meet their climate goals. “This partnership is already happening in Tanzania,” he said.

“We have worked with philanthropic organisations to advance clean cooking, expand access to energy and support community-level climate projects. Philanthropy fills critical gaps where traditional financing has been slow or inaccessible.

” Dr Muyungi noted that Africa continues to receive a disproportionately small share of private climate finance — just 4 per cent globally — despite being among the regions most affected by climate change. “This is why philanthropy matters,” he said.

“We need first movers and risk-takers who can unlock opportunities that commercial or institutional investors may hesitate to pursue. A systematic approach — where philanthropy works together with government, the private sector and climate funds — can make a significant difference.

” He emphasised that UNEP has a strategic role in facilitating access to climate finance by strengthening countries’ technical capabilities, guiding proposal development and helping governments meet the stringent requirements of climate funds. Africa faces persistent challenges in accessing major global climate-financing mechanisms.

Dr Muyungi cited several funds — including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Loss and Damage Fund and the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Fund — which hold substantial resources but remain difficult for many African states to access. “Accessing these funds has been a challenge for Tanzania and the wider continent,” he said.

“This is where philanthropy can come in — not to replace these mechanisms, but to support readiness, build capacity and help countries meet the complex technical thresholds required for approval.” He added that in Tanzania, philanthropic partnerships are increasingly taking shape at community level, driving small-scale climate solutions.

These initiatives serve as proof-of-concept pilots that can later attract larger investment. He called for more structured partnerships between philanthropic foundations, African governments, UNEP and the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), which he chairs.

On the sidelines of UNEA-7, Dr Muyungi also held bilateral meetings with senior officials from the African Union Commission and the UNFCCC. Discussions focused on securing a unified African voice in climate negotiations, increasing Tanzania’s representation in key climate institutions through appointments and secondments, strengthening national and regional capacity-building efforts, and aligning African countries around shared climate priorities ahead of COP30. He said these engagements are essential to ensure that Tanzania not only benefits from global climate processes but also contributes meaningfully to shaping them.

As UNEA-7 enters its third day, Tanzania’s message remains clear: addressing climate change in Africa requires more diversified financing, stronger institutional readiness and deeper partnerships across both traditional and non-traditional actors. UNEA-7 continues this week in Nairobi, with negotiations expected to shape global environmental priorities for 20252026. .

Arusha. A Tanzanian scientist has unveiled a publication offering scientific projections on how global agriculture will evolve over the next 100 years.

The new book, Global Agriculture Transformation, authored by Prof Joseph Ndunguru and published by Vision Publishers in the United States, provides an extensive examination of what farming could look like in the year 2126. Prof Ndunguru’s work is regarded as the first comprehensive study of its kind. It outlines how rapid technological innovation, coupled with the entry of more than 1.

2 billion young people into the sector globally, is expected to reshape the future of agriculture. Central to the book is an analysis of the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and robotics in tomorrow’s farming systems.

“How will agriculture be defined in the next 100 years? The advancements in AI, automation, and the deployment of robotic machines are all explored in this new book,” Prof Ndunguru said. Tipped to become a global bestseller, the publication is set to be translated into ten languages.

Comprising 17 chapters, the book traces the evolution of agriculture from its early beginnings and domestication processes to the contemporary forces shaping global food production. Prof Ndunguru, who is the Director General of the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), formally presented the first copy to chairperson of the Presidential Food and Agriculture Council and former Prime Minister, Mr Mizengo Pinda.

The publication outlines the scientific, technological and policy reforms required to drive global agricultural transformation. It also discusses the influence of major international institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on national and global agricultural strategies.

Despite Africa’s heavy dependence on agriculture–where more than 580 million people rely on the sector–Prof Ndunguru voiced concern over the continent’s limited economic returns, noting that agriculture accounts for only 25 percent of Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP). “Agriculture in Africa is still lagging behind, and this book aims to shed light on the changes needed to move the sector forward,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda commended the publication, describing it as a critical resource for Tanzania’s economic advancement. “This book is extremely important.

We must secure additional copies for the President, Vice President and Prime Minister,” he said after receiving the inaugural copy. The book was launched during the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Crop Science Association of Tanzania (CROSAT), held under the theme “Advancing Climate-Resilient Crop Productivity through Sustainable Soil and Water Management Practices.

” The book also highlights the contributions of smallholder farmers and women cultivators to agricultural progress. Prof Ndunguru, a distinguished molecular plant virologist, received the Presidential Medal for Scientific Discoveries and Research Excellence in 2012 and the National Award for Best Agricultural Research Scientist in 2011. With more than two decades of experience, he has led several major scientific initiatives, including the $9.4 million Disease Diagnostics for Sustainable Cassava Productivity in Africa project, co-funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania marks the Independence Day of Tanganyika, a country that later united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania, the country finds itself reflecting not only on its political journey but also on urgent questions about unity, nationhood and the path forward after the turbulence that followed the October 29 general election.

With tensions, mistrust and political polarisation still visible in sections of society, many Tanzanians are asking a profound question: “What would Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the man who led Tanganyika to independence, do if he were alive today? Similarly, one would ask what would Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the first President of Zanzibar, do if they were alive today?” The question is not rhetorical. It is anchored in the founding philosophy of Tanzania, a nation built on dialogue, unity, justice and collective responsibility.

Analysts, speaking with The Citizen ahead of this anniversary, said that at a moment when national cohesion feels fragile, there is immense value in returning to the political ethics and moral clarity that guided the two architects of the United Republic of Tanzania. Nyerere and Karume governed at a complex moment in the early years of independence, a time marked by uncertainty, ideological contestation and the enormous task of building a united national identity out of more than 120 ethnic groups.

Their styles differed; Nyerere’s intellectual socialism contrasting with Karume’s pragmatic, community-centred leadership, but both were firmly anchored in the belief that the young country could only survive through unity. Nyerere, famously known as ‘Mwalimu’, repeatedly emphasised that freedom was meaningless without peace and solidarity.

“Without unity, there is no future for a nation,” he once said, a line that continues to echo as the country navigates its current post-election environment. Karume, equally steadfast, believed in dialogue, discipline and the central role of ordinary citizens in protecting the stability of the Union.

In the years following the 1964 Revolution, his stance was clear: development and justice must be felt by everyone, or the nation would fracture. Independent Tanzania at a crossroads This year’s Independence Day arrives at a tense moment.

The October 29 election aftermath left a trail of political suspicion, social media confrontation and fresh wounds in the national psyche. Authorities have warned against coordinated attempts to mobilise young people for unrest, and political actors continue to debate the way forward.

The public mood is mixed-some feel hopeful, others anxious. Against this backdrop, experts say the country urgently needs a return to the principles that anchored the early republic.

A political historian and former don at Mzumbe University, Dr Lillian Mgaya, said Nyerere’s response would have been straightforward: confront the issue through national dialogue. “Mwalimu never shied away from difficult conversations,” she notes.

“He believed in the power of sitting together, speaking honestly and, most importantly, listening to each other. At this moment, he would urge Tanzanians to lower the political temperature, to agree on the facts, and to search for a collective way forward.

” Dr Mgaya adds that Nyerere’s style of political leadership was defined by moral persuasion rather than coercion. “He was deeply aware that unity could not be legislated-it had to be nurtured,” she said.

Sheikh Abeid Karume, analysts say, would emphasise stability, but always with a community-first approach. A researcher on Zanzibar’s political history, Mr Idrissa Hamad, explained: “Karume saw unity as a responsibility shared by the people themselves.

He believed leaders must protect peace, but citizens also had a duty to safeguard harmony.” According to Mr Hamad, Karume would advise leaders today to strengthen community dialogue structures, engage youth groups directly, and dismantle the mistrust that fuels political divisions.

“In Karume’s era, unity was both a political and a cultural project,” he said. Both founding fathers repeatedly emphasised that freedom came with obligations.

Nyerere said: “Our independence is not a licence for conflict; it is a commitment to build a society that cares for all.” In moments of tension, he urged calm and collective reasoning.

Today, many experts believe the same ethos is urgently needed. An education and governance analyst, Dr Joram Mwakipesile, noted in a WhatsAPP conversation that the country must reclaim civic education as a tool for nation-building–an approach Nyerere strongly championed.

“Our young people are politically energetic but often misinformed,” he noted. “Nyerere invested heavily in political education because he believed a nation of informed citizens was harder to divide.

Bringing back structured civic education would help restore unity.” For his part, constitutional law expert Advocate Mariam Mlewa argued that the founders would advocate for institutional trust and transparency.

“Nyerere and Karume believed in strong institutions built on public confidence,” she said. “Today, rebuilding national unity requires leaders to engage citizens openly, explain decisions clearly, and commit to fairness.

” With this Independence Day, analysts say this is a moment for the country to turn away from polarisation and reclaim the spirit of togetherness. Dr Mgaya reflected: “The founders built a nation on the belief that every Tanzanian, regardless of background, deserved dignity and a voice.

The best way to honour their legacy today is to choose unity over division.” In the words of Mwalimu Nyerere: “Differences will always exist.

But we must never allow them to tear apart our humanity or our country.” If Nyerere and Karume were alive today, analysts agree they would call for a renewed national conversation, one rooted in honesty, patience and the shared responsibility of citizens and leaders to protect the country’s unity.

They would likely insist on the power of dialogue as a tool for healing, encouraging Tanzanians to speak openly about their fears and expectations while refusing to let political differences override the collective good. Experts also believe the founding fathers would underscore the importance of civic education, reminding the nation that unity grows stronger when citizens understand their rights, responsibilities and the value of peace.

“A society grounded in political awareness,” they argued, “was more resilient against manipulation and division.” At the same time, Nyerere and Karume would urge institutions to act with fairness and transparency, emphasising that trust between the public and the State is essential for national harmony.

This would go hand in hand with a call for deliberate youth engagement–ensuring that the country’s young people, whose voices shape Tanzania’s future, are guided towards constructive and responsible participation in national affairs. As Tanzania marks 64 years of independence, the country stands at a moral crossroads.

The legacy of Nyerere and Karume offers a clear compass: unity is a choice, nationhood is a duty, and peace is a responsibility shared by all. .

Arusha. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has handed over a business facility to a group of women entrepreneurs at the Namanga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), with the aim of providing a more conducive environment for their trading activities.

Located at the TanzaniaKenya border, the centre is being hailed as a major boost for the women entrepreneurs, who are expected to benefit from improved working conditions and greater business opportunities. Speaking during the handover ceremony on Sunday, Longido District Commissioner Salum Kalli commended the Taxman for implementing the initiative, saying the facility would enhance the women’s economic prospects.

He noted that continued outreach by TRA–particularly to small-scale traders–would help address tax-related challenges, as many entrepreneurs have limited knowledge of tax procedures. “I commend TRA for beginning this important work by supporting women entrepreneurs from the Nalepo Shanga group.

There is no need for confrontations with traders when education can be provided. Please continue reaching out to all groups,” he said.

The DC urged the women to make full use of the new business centre, noting that they had also received various trainings to strengthen their enterprises. “Today you have been given a dedicated space for your activities.

Make good use of this opportunity to grow your businesses and improve your livelihoods,” he added. TRA Arusha Regional Manager Deogratias Shuma said the building is the result of deliberate efforts by the authority to support traders through its Business Facilitation Desk.

He said the facility was built to ensure that small-scale traders access services more easily, which in turn is expected to contribute to both their economic growth and national development. “Through this desk we will be able to address various tax-related challenges and support traders who fall within the taxpayer registration framework,” he said.

One of the group members, Sarah Keiya, said the women–who specialise in making and selling beaded jewellery–believe the new space will enable them to expand their income-generating activities due to the more enabling business environment. She added that the centre had motivated them to work harder and embrace greater creativity in their craft.

“We have agreed to pay taxes voluntarily. When we need TRA services, we are now listened to, and we only ask that if we make mistakes, you guide us.

We also want to do the right thing because we do not want to harm our country,” she said. .

Dar es Salaam. Small and medium-sized transport operators have welcomed a new initiative designed to strengthen relations between drivers and vehicle owners, following the launch of a national driver database.

The digital platform was developed by the Tanzania Small and Medium Transport Owners Association (Tamstoa) in partnership with the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra). The platform comes at a time when mistrust, weak record-keeping and growing operational disputes have increasingly strained relations between drivers and transport owners across the country.

For years, transport operators have lamented the difficulty of verifying drivers’ backgrounds, while drivers have argued that the absence of formal employment records has exposed them to unfair dismissal, delayed payments and unfounded allegations. Tamstoa chairman, Mr Chuki Shaban, described the new system as a major turning point for the sector, noting that it introduces a shared digital space where verified employment histories, training credentials and compliance records can be accessed by both owners and drivers.

“Through the system, we will be able to confirm employment histories, training records and compliance levels before hiring drivers,” he said. He added that the database also empowers drivers by giving them access to an authenticated professional profile that captures their experience and conduct on the road.

This, he said, could protect them from wrongful accusations and promote fair treatment in the workplace. Latra’s head of public relations and communications, Mr Salum Pazzy, said the platform will play a critical role in enhancing safety, transparency and efficiency in the transport sector.

“By integrating the database with Latra’s digital monitoring systems, authorities will be able to respond more swiftly to misconduct, track disciplinary cases and enforce existing transport regulations more effectively,” he said. Mr Pazzy further highlighted the safety benefits, emphasising that the system will help ensure only qualified and compliant drivers operate commercial vehicles.

Faster verification and streamlined performance-tracking tools, he noted, are expected to curb misconduct and strengthen regulatory oversight. A representative of the Tanzania Drivers Workers Union (TDWU), who identified himself as Mr George, told The Citizen that the platform offers drivers a formal identity within the industry while safeguarding them from employer negligence.

“The new database brings a sense of relief. Many of us have worked for years without formal contracts, and when something goes wrong, owners simply say you are no longer needed.

With this database, at least there will be an official record showing where we worked and how we performed,” he said. Another driver said disputes often arise when vehicles suffer mechanical problems.

“Sometimes owners blame drivers for faults caused by old or poorly maintained vehicles. Without proper documentation, you can be punished for something beyond your control.

A transparent system will help to resolve such misunderstandings,” he said. He added that the collaboration with Latra marks the first time transport owners, drivers and regulators are connected through a unified information system.

“This platform will ensure decisions are based on facts, not speculation,” he said.The database is viewed as an important step towards restoring trust and promoting professionalism in a sector long affected by informal practices.

Drivers and owners alike are calling for nationwide adoption of the system, describing it as essential for building a fairer, safer and more transparent transport industry. “The system will create a more predictable working environment, where performance is assessed fairly and documented evidence replaces hearsay,” said the driver.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania expects to save more than Sh2.8 trillion annually by cutting reliance on imported goods, as the government steps up an ambitious industrialisation drive aligned with the first phase of Dira ya Maendeleo 2050, the country’s long-term national development vision set to begin next year.

The plan, unveiled by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, marks a major shift in Tanzania’s economic strategy. It is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, reshaping investment incentives and tackling the country’s growing youth unemployment crisis.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Monday, December 8, 2025, Prof Mkumbo said the government had identified eight priority products from the 96 items worth Sh15 trillion imported in 2024 and would now work with investors to produce them locally. “Our target is to save Sh2.8 trillion by replacing imports with local production,” he said.

“From next year, Tanzania will no longer need to import sugar. In fact, we will be looking for export markets for the surplus we produce.

” Sugar and edible oil top the priority list. While Tanzania has processing plants for sunflower oil, raw material shortages remain a challenge.

“The problem is not processing capacity,” Prof Mkumbo noted. “It is the lack of raw materials.

That is why new investment must include contractual farming arrangements, similar to those used in the sugar sector.” Other targeted imports include wheat, dairy and beef products, as well as fish from deep-sea and cage-based aquaculture.

Tourism and real-estate development are also highlighted, with plans to revitalise urban areas such as Vingunguti, Manzese and Buguruni through public-private partnerships, replacing old structures with modern commercial and residential buildings. Prof Mkumbo said the approach aims to shift Tanzania from a consumption-driven economy to a production-led one, boosting exports and stabilising foreign exchange flows.

Investment strategy To attract the scale of private-sector participation needed, Tanzania is overhauling its investment climate. The government is strengthening the One-Stop Facilitation Centre to ensure investors obtain permits and registrations “in one place, with full authority”.

The Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) now manages a national land bank of 170,176 hectares, including 78,444 hectares of large farms earmarked for agricultural investment. “The challenge of land for investment has reduced significantly,” Prof Mkumbo said.

“Anyone with a large farm can now submit it to TISEZA, which will then secure investors for joint development.” The country currently has 34 Special Economic Zones covering 22,623 hectares, with more planned as the government prepares to roll out a national investment platform and hold quarterly sessions with investors to resolve bottlenecks more swiftly.

Investment projects will be prioritised based on job creation, export potential, and value-addition capacity, especially in mining, where policy dictates that investors must process minerals domestically before export. Economist Prof Benedict Mongula described the plan as “logical and overdue” but warned that its success hinges on investor confidence.

“This requires the private sector to be central,” he said. “The government must make the environment predictable, transparent and cost-effective.

Investment flows where confidence is strong.” Industrial policy analyst Dr Neema Laurent said the Sh2.8 trillion target is achievable only if structural weaknesses are addressed.

“We must invest heavily in agricultural technology, logistics and skills development,” she said. “Otherwise, factories will continue to face raw-material shortages.

” She added that the policy’s biggest test will be its impact on youth unemployment, one of Tanzania’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. A direct response to youth unemployment With over 900,000 young Tanzanians entering the labour market each year and only a fraction securing formal jobs, youth inclusion has become a pressing issue.

Prof Mkumbo acknowledged the gap and outlined a strategy to “make young people feel part of the government’s economic agenda”. A new youth investment programme will be launched within EPZA zones, offering technical training, enterprise incubation and access to seed capital.

The government has already allocated 340 acres in Nala (Dodoma), Bagamoyo, Pwani, Mara and Ruvuma for young graduates–particularly from technical universities–to start manufacturing ventures. “We want to change the mindset that employment exists only in government,” he said.

“Young people will be supported to form companies, access land, and link up with industrial investors.” Financial institutions have already agreed to participate, he added.

Political stability and long-term confidence Prof Mkumbo said investment thrives on political stability, noting that Tanzania’s recent turbulence would be managed. “Every nation faces difficult moments.

We will overcome ours and remain a united country,” he said. As Tanzania prepares to implement Dira 2050, the government’s import-substitution drive represents more than an economic reform–it is an effort to redefine the country’s development model.

Success will depend on investor trust, policy consistency, and the country’s ability to harness the energy and innovation of its young population. But the goal is clear: a more self-reliant Tanzania that produces more, imports less, and creates jobs in the process.

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