Category: The Citizen

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. Tanzania The Peninsula Club has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and youth empowerment through its sponsorship of the 2026 Diplomatic Golf Tournament, a high profile charity event aimed at expanding access to education for underprivileged children.

The tournament, coordinated and operated by the Songea Mississippi Foundation in collaboration with a wide network of partners and sponsors, continues to serve as a powerful fundraising platform. Proceeds from the event are directed toward supporting children’s education, helping to break barriers to learning and create pathways to a brighter and more sustainable future.

Speaking on behalf of The Peninsula Club, VIP Clients and Golf Manager Johnson Geoffrey John emphasized the broader significance of the initiative, noting that the event goes beyond sport to deliver meaningful social impact. “The Diplomatic Golf Tournament stands for more than just the game it represents hope, opportunity, and the future of our children.

At The Peninsula Club, we are proud to support an initiative that directly contributes to changing lives through education. This is the kind of impact we believe in,” he said.

As one of the country’s leading private members’ clubs, The Peninsula Club continues to leverage golf as a strategic platform to unite the diplomatic community, corporate leaders, and individuals around shared values of giving back and social responsibility. The tournament provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders from different sectors to collaborate in addressing pressing community needs.

Through this sponsorship, The Peninsula Club reinforces its dedication to corporate social responsibility, aligning its brand with initiatives that uplift communities and invest in the next generation. The Club’s involvement reflects a long standing commitment to using sport as a vehicle for positive change and inclusive development.

In addition, The Peninsula Club extended its sincere appreciation to the Songea Mississippi Foundation, fellow sponsors, and all participants whose collective efforts continue to drive impactful change across communities. The Peninsula Club is a premier private members’ club in Dar es Salaam, offering world class golf and lifestyle experiences.

With a strong emphasis on excellence, community, and innovation, the Club plays a key role in promoting golf while contributing to meaningful social initiatives across Tanzania. .

By Baraka Thomas In 2024, Africa took a bold and necessary step. Through the adoption of the Africa Green Minerals Strategy, the continent signalled its intention to move beyond extraction and into value creation.

At the heart of this vision lies Pillar 3: Building Key Value Chains a commitment to local beneficiation, green technology manufacturing and mineral-based industrial transformation. It is an idea both powerful and overdue.

For decades, Africa has exported raw minerals and imported finished products at a premium. The new strategy seeks to reverse that logic: to process lithium into battery materials, refine cobalt for clean technologies and transform graphite into the building blocks of a digital and decarbonised world.

But beneath this ambition lies a quieter, more uncomfortable question: how can Africa benefit from what it cannot power? The quiet contradiction Africa is not a continent of scarcity. It is a continent of abundance.

Beneath its soil lie lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements the very minerals driving the global energy transition. Above ground, it holds vast natural gas reserves, immense hydropower potential and nearly 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources.

Yet reality tells a different story. Around 600 million Africans, nearly 43 percent of the population still live without access to electricity.

The continent accounts for more than 80 percent of the global population without power, while overall electricity access stands at about 58 percent. This is not merely a development gap; it is an industrial fault line.

Beneficiation is not an abstract policy goal. It is a physical, energy-intensive process.

It requires heat, power, stability and scale. Processing lithium into battery-grade chemicals, refining cobalt or producing precursor materials for clean technologies demands reliable baseload electricity and modern grid infrastructure.

Yet across many African economies, firms lose up to 15 percent of their sales value due to power outages. Businesses and households spend billions each year running diesel generators just to keep the lights on.

In some regions, per capita electricity consumption remains as low as 180 kWh, compared to between 6,000 and 13,000 kWh in developed economies. In such conditions, beneficiation risks becoming not an industrial pathway but an expensive aspiration.

Ambition meets infrastructure The Africa Green Minerals Strategy is right in its direction. But strategy must meet infrastructure.

Today, Africa contributes only about 5.7 percent of global energy production, despite its vast resource base.

It receives just around 2 percent of global clean energy investment, even as global demand for its minerals accelerates. This mismatch explains why mineral-rich regions often remain industrially underdeveloped.

The minerals leave; the value does not stay. It is not because Africa lacks vision.

It is because the systems required to support that vision particularly energy systems have not kept pace. Energy is not a side issue There is a growing tendency in global discourse to treat energy transition as a uniform path.

But Africa’s reality is different. Energy here is not just about decarbonisation.

It is about access, affordability and survival. It determines whether factories can operate, industries can emerge and jobs can be created.

Natural gas, for instance, continues to play a critical role not as a contradiction to transition, but as an enabler of it. It provides stable baseload power, supports industrial activity and complements the intermittency of renewables.

At the same time, renewable energy must scale. Already, over 55 percent of Africa’s energy consumption comes from renewable sources, demonstrating long-term potential.

But renewables alone, without storage and grid stability, cannot yet sustain large-scale mineral beneficiation. The question, therefore, is not whether Africa should choose between gas and renewables.

It is whether Africa can design an energy system practical enough to power its ambitions. From policy to power If beneficiation is to move from paper to practice, the approach must be deliberate and sequenced.

Energy infrastructure must be prioritised alongside mineral corridors. Industrial zones must be developed with dedicated and reliable power supply.

Mining operations should be supported to establish captive and embedded generation solutions. Beneficiation itself must evolve in stages — from basic processing to advanced manufacturing.

Above all, policy alignment is essential. Mining policy, energy policy and industrial policy cannot operate in isolation.

They must speak to each other and move together. Without power, value chains do not form.

They stall. A call for grounded action Africa’s transition must be designed on its own terms.

But it must also remain credible to investors, partners and markets. Capital will not flow where power is uncertain.

Technology will not scale where systems are weak. Industrialisation will not occur where energy is unreliable.

For Tanzania, this moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With significant natural gas reserves, expanding renewable potential and growing mineral prospects — particularly in graphite — the country is well positioned to lead.

But leadership will depend on one critical factor: continued and accelerated investment in energy — not only in generation, but also in transmission, distribution and industrial power systems. Because, in the end, the future of minerals is inseparable from the future of energy.

Africa’s mineral wealth has never been in question. What has always been in question is how that wealth is transformed.

The Africa Green Minerals Strategy offers a vision of transformation from extraction to value, from raw exports to industrial strength. It is a vision worth pursuing.

But vision alone is not enough. Beneficiation without power is not a strategy; it is a slogan.

If Africa is to truly industrialise to capture value from its resources and shape its place in the global energy transition then one truth must be confronted with clarity and urgency: Africa cannot benefit from what it cannot power. Baraka Masubo Thomas is an energy, mining, finance and investment lawyer.

Dar es Salaam. The opposition ACTWazalendo has pledged to cover the funeral expenses of the Veteran politician and former Kilwa South Member of Parliament, Selemani Said Bungara, popularly known as “Bwege”.

Mr Bungara, 64, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, where he had been receiving treatment, his family confirmed. He had been admitted to a private hospital in Kigamboni, awaiting dialysis, when his condition suddenly worsened.

Parliamentary records show that Mr Bungara served as MP for Kilwa South from 2005 to 2020, representing his constituency before joining ACTWazalendo, the opposition Alliance for Change and Transparency party. In response to his death, ACTWazalendo issued a statement saying the party would bear the cost of his burial in recognition of his service and long political career, which included years as a prominent opposition figure.

Mr Bungara’s political journey spanned several party affiliations. He was widely respected in political circles for his long-standing engagement in national politics.

His death has drawn condolences from leaders and supporters across the country. .

Dar es Salaam. Fresh concerns have emerged over continued encroachment on the Tazama oil pipeline reserve, with officials warning that human activity near the infrastructure poses serious risks to life and property.

In the second part of an ongoing investigation, Tazama Tanzania Regional Operations Manager Saimon Salu says that even the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) has encroached on the protected corridor, compounding the danger for traders operating in the area. However, when contacted for comment, Tanesco Managing Director Lazaro Twange declined to address the allegations, saying: “I cannot say anything.

” Energy Permanent Secretary James Mataragio said the government would conduct inspections to establish the facts and take appropriate measures. “Tazama also has its own inspectors who will follow up and assess the situation to find solutions,” he said.

Despite these assurances, Mr Salu said protecting the pipeline infrastructure remains a significant challenge. He noted that Tazama has been in discussions with Tanesco over the possibility of removing electricity poles from within the pipeline reserve.

Weak enforcement On the ground, enforcement appears to be weak. Mr Shadrack Kitobero, who is employed by Tazama to monitor and protect the infrastructure daily from Kigamboni to Mbagala Rangi Tatu, described persistent difficulties in dealing with encroachers.

According to him, many of those occupying the reserve claim they were authorised by local government leaders. “We often find that they cooperate with some local leaders.

They pay money and those areas are rented out to them on a monthly basis,” he said. Mr Kitobero added that behind nearly every stall erected within the restricted zone, there is an individual benefiting financially through rent collection.

In addition to rent, traders also pay various levies. He explained that in some cases, residents have constructed houses up to the edge of the pipeline reserve, while the front sections are turned into business stalls and rented out to traders.

“Our role is mainly to provide information and warnings to those encroaching,” he said. He cited the case of Uwokovu Chemchem in Mbagala, where a resident extended construction into the protected area.

Following reports, authorities intervened and placed boundary markers, triggering panic among residents. “We instructed him to demolish part of his house and the flower garden he had built, but compliance has been difficult.

He has already been issued with a notice to vacate. What remains is for leaders to enforce demolition, along with other structures,” Mr Kitobero said.

He added that their work is further complicated by the lack of identification documents. “We do not have IDs.

When we try to explain, some people suspect our intentions and do not take us seriously. In urban areas, everyone believes they understand the law, so they tend to dismiss us.

” As a result, inspectors often spend considerable time trying to persuade residents to comply, particularly when confronted with numerous questions. The situation is even more complex in busy commercial zones such as Zakheim, where many livelihoods depend on the informal businesses operating within the reserve.

“It is difficult there because many people depend on those activities–food vendors and alcohol sellers. When you talk to them, they say this is how they pay school fees for their children and ask where they will go if they are removed,” he said.

Mr Kitobero noted that some traders have even taken out substantial loans to establish businesses within the restricted zone, despite being aware of the risks. Stakeholders have proposed several measures to address the problem, including fostering a culture of respect for laws and procedures among citizens.

They also called for stronger accountability among leaders at all levels, including council officials, to curb corruption and weaknesses in land management. Independent lawyer Edson Kilatu described the situation as a clear case of open space encroachment driven by a lack of adherence to the law and widespread corruption.

“Open spaces are protected by law. It is surprising to see people building or conducting business there without any action being taken.

Clearly, someone is benefiting,” he said. He argued that Tanzania has adequate legal frameworks, but enforcement remains the main challenge.

“Laws are not there for decoration. Even where penalties are not explicitly stated, they must still be enforced.

However, some individuals manipulate the system to serve their own interests,” he said. Mr Kilatu also questioned the role of local authorities, particularly councils, in ensuring proper land use planning.

He noted that encroachment often begins gradually, with temporary structures that later evolve into permanent buildings, including multi-storey developments, without intervention. “There is a serious accountability problem.

Directors and town planners are aware of these violations but fail to take decisive action,” he said. He warned that such failures not only undermine the rule of law but also expose citizens to financial losses.

In some cases, unsuspecting buyers are misled into purchasing land within protected areas, believing it to be legitimate. “A newcomer to Dar es Salaam can easily be deceived into buying land in an open space, thinking the seller is the rightful owner.

This has happened in places like Kimara and Jangwani,” he said. According to Mr Kilatu, allowing encroachment to continue creates future conflict and suffering, especially when authorities eventually enforce the law through demolitions, as witnessed in previous operations in Kimara.

Experts have also raised alarm over the potential for disaster if human activities near the pipeline are not urgently addressed. Disaster management expert James Mbatia warned that most disasters globally are caused by human actions, estimating that about 99 percent result from negligence or deliberate behaviour.

“What is happening here is a man-made disaster in the making. If it occurs, it cannot be described as an accident but as intentional harm,” he said.

Call for accountability Mr Mbatia stressed that human life must be prioritised above all else and called for accountability should negligence lead to fatalities. “If deaths occur due to this negligence, those responsible must be held legally accountable.

The laws are clear,” he said. He identified weaknesses in urban planning and the issuance of building permits as key contributing factors, noting that existing regulations are often ignored.

“The laws exist, but they are not followed. Authorities must take preventive action now before disaster strikes,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of prioritising prevention over reactive measures, warning that disasters leave long-lasting impacts on communities. “Prevention is better than cure.

Residents and those responsible for infrastructure must be educated about the law. If we follow the rules, solutions can be found before lives are lost,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prof Amos Majule of the University of Dar es Salaam proposed structural interventions to secure the pipeline. He suggested that Tazama consider constructing a protective fence along the pipeline corridor, similar to that used for the standard gauge railway (SGR).

“Although fencing is costly, it is one of the most effective ways to ensure safety by preventing unauthorised access,” he said. Prof Majule also recommended the installation of clear warning signs and a ban on farming or any other activities within the reserve.

Public education He stressed the need for continuous public education through local government authorities, noting that some citizens encroach on the land due to a lack of awareness. “People should not build near this infrastructure.

Where construction has already taken place, relocation may be necessary. It is costly, but the government must bear that responsibility,” he said.

He warned that continued encroachment not only risks damaging the pipeline but could also lead to catastrophic consequences in the event of an explosion. “Such an incident would destroy homes and property, cause loss of life and result in environmental degradation, including damage to forests and ecosystems,” Prof Majule said.

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Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank has been named the “Best Trade Partner Bank East Africa 2026” by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), recognising its efforts in advancing trade finance across East and Central Africa.

The award was announced at the 9th Global Trade Partners Meeting (GTPM), held from March 24 to 26, 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal, according to a CRDB Bank statement that was availed to the media in Dar es Salaam on Monday, March 30, 2026. The forum brought together leading commercial banks, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, and key trade stakeholders to discuss issues shaping international trade, including supply chain resilience, capital mobilisation, and financing opportunities in emerging markets. The recognition reflects CRDB Bank’s performance, innovation and long-term commitment to strengthening trade finance systems, particularly in developing economies.

It also highlights the Bank’s role in facilitating cross-border trade, supporting SMEs, and opening access to international markets for businesses in Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The award was received by Director of Corporate Affairs and Managing Director of CRDB Bank Foundation, Ms Tully Esther Mwambapa.

“This award reflects the confidence our partners and customers have in us, as well as our continued investment in innovative trade finance solutions that enable businesses to grow and compete globally,” she said. The recognition comes as CRDB Bank strengthens its position as a leading trade enabler in the region.

Through partnerships with international financial institutions, the Bank has expanded trade finance capabilities, strengthened risk-sharing frameworks, and enhanced its capacity to attract global capital into local markets. During the Lisbon meeting, CRDB Bank showcased achievements in trade and infrastructure financing, having facilitated over $1 billion in investments across agriculture, energy, and infrastructure–key sectors for economic growth and regional integration.

Group CEO Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela said the award recognises the bank’s achievements and validates its strategic direction. “With over $1 billion committed to strategic projects, we are proud to be at the heart of Tanzania’s and the region’s economic transformation.

GTPM provides new opportunities to expand trade finance, strengthen partnerships, and unlock growth for businesses,” he said. Board Chairperson Prof Neema Mori, added that the award reflects CRDB bank’s strong governance, strategic vision, and commitment to positioning CRDB Bank as a regional leader.

“Partnerships such as with IFC are instrumental in scaling our impact and advancing Africa’s economic integration,” she said. CRDB Bank continues to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote intra-African trade, strengthen value chains, and enhance the continent’s global competitiveness.

This recognition further consolidates CRDB Bank’s reputation as a trusted financial partner driving trade, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic growth in Africa. .

Dar es Salaam. Some mainland Tanzanian Premier League clubs and football stakeholders have supported the efforts of the Tanzania Football Federation TFF to identify a betting partner in the country so that clubs can benefit from such sponsorship.

Currently, TFF has issued a 60-day legal notice to several betting companies demanding that they explain why legal action should not be taken against them after violating its directive by listing the Mainland Premier League match between Young Africans Yanga and Simba on betting slips without any agreement. TFF’s move against the betting companies has drawn reactions from various Premier League leaders and football stakeholders who, with one voice, have backed the move while calling for greater speed in resolving the matter to determine its outcome.

Mbeya City Assistant Secretary Joseph Mlundi said the issue of Premier League matches being placed on betting slips has been troubling them given that there is no contract signed between TFF and those companies. Mlundi said the problem did not start recently but has existed for a long time, benefiting the companies while TFF and its stakeholders, including clubs, do not receive even a single cent.

He said although football is the property of TFF, there is still a violation of regulations since there is currently no contract or legal agreement aimed at benefiting its stakeholders. He explained that at present, Premier League clubs and TFF only benefit through agreements with NBC Bank, which is the main league sponsor, and Azam TV and TBC for television and radio broadcasting rights.

He said the situation is different for betting, as no one benefits from it, even though Premier League matches generate money for betting companies through their listings. “In simple terms, Premier League clubs are like content creators for betting companies.

Without matches, there is no betting slip. If we are the content owners, how do we benefit? We commend TFF for recognizing this issue, although it should have been addressed long ago.

My appeal to the federation is to increase speed in completing this matter,” said Mlundi. He also raised concerns about betting odds, questioning which companies set them and based on what criteria or agreements.

“For example, you assign Mbeya City odds of 3.0 against another team at 2.

0. What criteria did you use to assess my team’s strength in that match? Who gave you the authority to lower the status of my team?” he said.

For his part, Coastal Union Secretary General Omari Ayoub said the issue of Premier League matches being placed on betting slips has raised many questions that require urgent answers. According to Ayoub, the first question is who benefits from the situation when clubs that incur huge costs in player registration, team preparation, and other expenses do not earn even a single cent.

Ayoub stated, “TFF and the relevant authorities that license betting companies need to collaborate significantly to ensure clubs benefit.” He said TFF must determine how much money is generated from betting on various Premier League matches, as the data will give a clear picture of how the betting business operates.

According to Ayoub, the exercise will provide a real picture of the financial value involved, helping them enter into agreements with full knowledge of their interests and those of the teams. “There must be an assessment and feasibility study to determine the actual value of betting activities, how many people are involved, how much they stake, how much is paid out to winners, and how much remains,” he said.

One leader from a major local club said the continued listing of Premier League matches by some betting companies represents a serious violation of TFF rules and regulations. “I have many examples, but let us ask ourselves this question.

” In music, artists have rights to their songs. Can you use them for your purposes without agreement? The answer is no because of copyright laws.

TFF holds the rights to Premier League matches and other fixtures. Where do you get the authority to use them? I urge TFF to defend its position so that it and its stakeholders can benefit,” he said.

“Let us also ask which television station can broadcast Premier League matches live rather than Azam Television. The answer is none, even though many would like to, because they respect the law.

The same applies to radio with TBC. In the past, we saw various stations broadcasting Premier League matches, but now only TBC has the rights.

Betting companies should also apply for a license from TFF to resolve this issue,” he said. He added that having a single betting company as an official TFF partner would also help address match-fixing, as such a partner could provide data on all winners, enabling the TFF and the league board to identify whether players, coaches or officials were involved in betting on matches .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Dar City, face a defining test in their debut campaign when they take on Libya’s Al Ahly Ly today at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

The high-stakes clash could shape Dar City’s fate in the 2026 Kalahari Conference, with a victory guaranteeing them a place in the quarterfinals set for Kigali, Rwanda, from May 22 to 31. Only four teams from the conference will advance, raising the intensity of every fixture at this decisive stage. Dar City head into the encounter brimming with confidence after winning their opening two matches, a remarkable start that has firmly placed them among the early standout teams.

The Tanzanian champions have impressed with a blend of resilience, attacking efficiency and composure in high-pressure moments. Speaking ahead of the game, Dar City general manager Simon Mirondo said the team is fully aware of the challenge that awaits them.

“All players are in top condition and ready to give everything. This is a crucial match for us, and everyone understands what is at stake,” said Mirondo.

“Al Ahly Ly are a strong side despite their results. They have quality players, so we must remain focused and disciplined throughout.

” Much of Dar City’s belief stems from their thrilling 90-85 victory over Nairobi City Thunder, a game that underlined their fighting spirit and tactical discipline. Less than 24 hours after defeating the Johannesburg Giants, the team showed exceptional endurance by overturning a 13-point deficit to secure a hard-earned win.

French guard David Michineau has been central to their success, delivering a standout performance in the last match with a game-high 39 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. He was well supported by Nisre Zouzoua, who added 20 points, while Daniel Utomi and Michael Foster contributed 15 and 10 points respectively.

After trailing 50-46 at halftime, Dar City returned with renewed energy, opening the third quarter on a 7-0 run to seize control. The contest remained tight until the closing stages, when Foster nailed a crucial three-pointer that sparked a decisive late surge.

“We want to make history,” said Foster. “We are working hard and believe we have what it takes to go all the way.

” However, Al Ahly Ly remain a dangerous opponent despite losing their first two games, conceding over 100 points in each. Captain Sofian Hamad admitted defensive lapses have cost them but insisted the team is determined to respond.

A third consecutive win would not only seal Dar City’s place in the last eight but also confirm their emergence as one of the surprise packages of this year’s BAL season. With momentum building and history within reach, the Tanzanian side will be aiming to take a decisive step towards Kigali.

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Dar es Salaam. For the first time in Tanzania’s history, President Samia Suluhu Hassan received three critical government reports simultaneously, covering financial audits, anti-corruption efforts, and public procurement–a move hailed as a strong signal of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Addressing officials at State House in Dar es Salaam, President Hassan said the joint reception sends a clear message about the government’s focus on transparency. “I am honoured to receive reports from the Controller and Auditor General, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority at the same time.

This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that every shilling of public money is used responsibly,” she said. Breaking with tradition, she explained the rationale for receiving all three reports together.

“Previously, we received two reports at a time, but this year I decided to include the PPRA report alongside CAG and PCCB. Public procurement consumes a large share of government funds, so it is essential for transparency and accountability that these reports are reviewed collectively,” she said.

President Hassan also highlighted the public’s right to information. “Tanzanians must know how government funds are spent.

These institutions help protect taxpayers’ money, improve service delivery, and strengthen trust in government,” she said. She outlined the complementary roles of the three bodies: CAG audits the use of public resources, PCCB prevents and combats corruption, and PPRA supervises procurement to ensure value for money.

“Together, they form the backbone of good governance and accountability,” she added. On the reports themselves, she noted progress in financial management, citing an increase in clean audit certificates, while PCCB has tracked funds saved and anti-corruption measures implemented.

She also praised PPRA’s NEST system for enhancing procurement transparency, urging continued compliance and the “name and shame” approach to improve performance. “Accountability is not optional.

It is the responsibility of every public leader and citizen. Where negligence or misconduct is found, the government will take decisive action,” she said.

President Hassan formally received the reports and confirmed that the CAG report will be tabled in Parliament under Article 143(4) of the Constitution, with recommendations from all three institutions guiding stronger oversight and improved public service delivery. .