Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the unrest that broke out on October 29, along with the violent incidents that followed, was not a spontaneous eruption of public anger but a carefully orchestrated operation aimed at toppling the government.

Addressing the Dar es Salaam Region Council of Elders on December 2 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), President Hassan described the events as a “manufactured” political scheme with deeper motives than initially perceived. The country is still dealing with the aftermath of the violence, which erupted shortly after the October 29 general election.

Although authorities maintain that the polls were peaceful, the days that followed saw sporadic destruction, arrests and heightened tensions. Security agencies have since warned of attempts to mobilise young people for further disturbances ahead of December 9.

President Hassan said intelligence assessments and subsequent investigations point to a coordinated plot involving planners, financiers and ground-level actors. “What took place was a manufactured event and those who planned it were determined to overthrow our government,” she said.

“This was not an accident. Those behind it aimed to topple our state.

” She described the violence as a “broad project of evil,” allegedly backed by internal and external sponsors. Participants, she said, ranged from those intentionally involved to others who were misled, enticed or paid.

The President insisted the acts of vandalism, including attacks on government projects, police infrastructure and private businesses, bore no resemblance to lawful demonstrations protected under the Constitution. “In a lawful demonstration people march peacefully with grievances, escorted by police, and disperse after delivering their message,” she said.

“What happened instead were organised riots for a specific purpose.” President Hassan also questioned the timing of the unrest, saying the fact that it occurred on election day indicated deliberate planning.

“We swore to protect this country, its borders, its people and their property,” she said. “So when some say we used excessive force, what lesser force was expected? Should we have simply watched as those plotting an overthrow succeeded?” She added that other countries have similarly acted firmly when unrest threatens constitutional order.

The President expressed concern that many young people were manipulated, with some citing misleading narratives about events abroad, including Madagascar. “Using our young people for political games is unacceptable,” she warned.

“It endangers their future and the stability of our nation.” The government says it remains committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that those responsible for orchestrating the violence face the law .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania pushing for adoption of ICT-driven solutions across the transport sector, with officials stressing that the country has every reason to accelerate the use of digital technologies to improve service delivery and enhance safety and reliability.

The remarks were made by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) head of ICT, Mr Eliud Kataraihya, on the sidelines of the Sustainable Land Transport Week, following his presentation at the event last week. Mr Kataraihya said embracing advanced technologies–particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven systems–was “no longer optional” for countries seeking to modernise their transport systems.

“Rejecting AI is like saying no to the internet in the world we have lived in over the past five to ten years,” he said. “Digital transformation is moving rapidly, and the transport industry must keep pace.

” He noted that Latra was working to ensure that emerging technologies are effectively integrated into Tanzania’s transport operations. He also extended an open invitation to innovators, researchers and industry stakeholders to collaborate with the authority in developing solutions that support a modern and sustainable transport ecosystem.

“We encourage innovators, including students, to step forward with ideas that can help the sector move to the next level,” he said. “We will soon establish an innovation hub to support young people and other stakeholders who want to contribute to ICT and innovation for the advancement of e-mobility.

” E-mobility company TR government and relations policy lead, Ms Mercy Kitomari, said integrating AI into electric vehicles would be key to transforming the country’s transport sector and ensuring reliable network communication across Tanzania’s emerging e-mobility systems. She noted that electric vehicles carry a strong message about Tanzania’s direction of travel towards cleaner mobility, but stressed that AI will be crucial in enabling this transition.

Ms Kitomari also underscored the importance of developing open APIs that allow institutions–such as Tahema and Latra–to connect seamlessly across shared digital platforms, particularly those related to vehicle-charging infrastructure. She said a functional and transparent charging network must clearly display electricity availability, access points, the number of charging sockets and geographical locations to enhance user planning and efficiency.

Digital platforms enhanced with AI, she added, will significantly improve charging processes and strengthen driver safety by reducing unnecessary manoeuvres. Ms Kitomari further emphasised the need for digital tools and platforms to be accessible in both Swahili and English, noting that smart vehicles already come equipped with intelligent features that require user-friendly systems.

She urged the public and industry players not to view AI as a luxury, but as a tool that enhances efficiency, safety and environmental protection. With motorcycle owners spending as little as Sh3,000 to travel 100 kilometres on electric bikes–compared to about Sh25,000 for fuel-powered motorcycles–she said AI-supported e-mobility offers up to 90 percent savings on operational costs while supporting environmental conservation and economic growth.

This year’s inaugural Sustainable Transport Week was organised by Latra in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport under the theme “Green transport and innovation.” .

Dodoma. The High Court’s Main Registry in Dodoma has agreed to proceed with a case filed by advocate Peter Madeleka against the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Attorney General, challenging the decision to cancel this year’s Union celebrations.

Presiding Judge Juliana Masabo on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, directed the Government to file its counter-affidavit by December 5, 2025, and set December 8 at 2pm as the hearing date. The court upheld Mr Madeleka’s submission that the President may be sued without prior notice in cases challenging executive decisions, including the cancellation of the 2025 Independence Day celebrations.

Judge Masabo also underscored that although the matter carries a certificate of urgency, the procedures governing urgent applications must still be observed. Earlier, State Attorney Yohana Marco had requested seven days from today to file the Government’s counter-affidavit, a deadline that would fall on December 9.

The request was strongly opposed by Mr Madeleka, who argued that such an extension would defeat the very purpose of his application. “Your Lordship, I object to that request.

If the State Attorney’s prayer is granted, the right being pursued will be lost because the seven days fall on the ninth, which is the date in dispute. I ask that he be ordered to file the counter-affidavit within 24 hours,” he submitted.

Mr Madeleka’s case follows a statement issued by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba on November 24, 2025, announcing that the President had cancelled Tanganyika’s Independence Day celebrations and directed that the funds earmarked for the event be redirected towards repairing public infrastructure damaged during the October 29 chaos. On November 26, 2025, Mr Madeleka filed an application seeking leave to institute judicial review proceedings against the President’s decision.

The matter was initially set to be heard ex parte before Judge Masabo. However, upon receiving information about the application, the Office of the Solicitor General appeared in court, objected to the matter proceeding ex parte, and requested an adjournment to allow time to obtain and study the documents.

In his application, Mr Madeleka seeks leave to challenge the legality of the President’s decision and is requesting three substantive court orders: a declaration that the cancellation of the Independence Day celebrations was unlawful and without merit; an order compelling the President to fulfill his statutory obligations; and a prohibitory order restraining him accordingly. Mr Madeleka argues that as a Tanzanian citizen residing in Dar es Salaam, he has a right, under the law and Government procedures, to participate in and benefit from national celebrations.

He contends that the cancellation infringes upon that right .

Dar es Salaam. While Tanzania’s start-up ecosystem continues to grow, experts warn that attracting substantial international venture capital hinges on clearer legal and regulatory frameworks.

Speaking at a panel on venture capital and private equity syndications during Tanzania Start-up Week 2025, Venture Associate at African Renaissance Venture, Lexi Lei, said only a small number of venture capital firms currently have teams based in the country. “There are a few VCs sitting outside Tanzania investing here, but most of our funds are deployed elsewhere,” she said, noting that the absence of specialised legal structures for venture capital and private equity funds is the main barrier.

Ms Lei welcomed the ongoing development of the Venture Capital and Private Equity (VCP) framework by the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), highlighting that global investors favour familiar fund vehicles such as limited partnerships with pass-through taxation. “Without these kinds of legal setups, it becomes difficult for us to operate locally, and we are forced to rely on workarounds, such as setting up offshore,” she explained.

She added that once Tanzania’s legal and tax frameworks align with global standards, capital flows would increase, enabling more funds to invest directly into local ventures and boost innovation, growth, and youth employment. Echoing her views, Africapita CEO Burak Buyuksaraa said the Tanzanian start-up landscape has made remarkable progress over the past three years, evidenced by the rise of forums, panels, and discussions supporting entrepreneurs.

However, he warned that unresolved taxation issues continue to discourage investors. “As long as capital gains taxes, double taxation, and exit challenges persist, funds will not come in.

Simple as that,” he said. Mr Buyuksaraa also noted that many stakeholders still lack clarity on the role of venture capital in strengthening national innovation systems.

He urged regulators to improve cross-agency coordination as new investment frameworks are formalised. “Many people don’t fully understand what venture capitalists do.

I hope that even within CMSA, there will be stronger inter-agency dialogue as these frameworks are finalised so that current bottlenecks can be addressed and capital integration increased,” he said. The discussions at Tanzania Start-up Week 2025 reflect a growing consensus that legal clarity, particularly regarding fund structures, taxation, and investment exits, will determine how quickly global capital enters the country’s promising start-up space.

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania Start-up Week 2025 continues, local founders are being reminded of the importance of building a strong foundation before seeking venture capital.

On the second day of the event, speakers focused on the challenges and realities of raising funds in Tanzania. Speaking on venture capital, Beem CEO Taha Jiwaji advised start-ups to raise money at the right stage.

“It’s better to achieve product-market fit before you raise external money. You can start with funds from friends and family or small grants.

It may be less stressful and helps solidify your product-market fit,” he said. He added that finding product-market fit first allows founders to use VC funding more effectively for growth.

“VCs are only concerned about your next raise. If you haven’t found product-market fit, you may not fit into their 18-month or two-year funding cycle,” he explained.

Mr Jiwaji also noted the challenges of working with large organisations. “We try to keep partnerships at arm’s length.

We offer business or create opportunities, then negotiate harder to get more favourable terms,” he said, encouraging start-ups to remain independent. “I always urge start-ups to stand on your own feet.

If you can do without them, do so initially, because large partners may try to lock you in, which can limit growth,” he added. On the investment landscape, Coprosperity Fund Managing Partner Antony Adolf said attracting international capital is easier than raising local funds.

“Addressing regulatory issues around third-party capital is fundamental to attracting investment. The overall regulatory framework needs attention,” he said, noting that Tanzania could learn from Rwanda in becoming a hub for third-party investment.

He also emphasised persistence. “There are many VCs.

Never give up. And don’t be annoying–be tactful in your approach to VCs and angel investors,” he concluded, underscoring the need for strategy and patience as Tanzania’s start-up ecosystem continues to grow.

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Mererani. The government has unveiled an ambitious strategy to revitalise the Tanzanite trade and restore the blue-violet gemstone’s prominence on the global market.

The plan, announced by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, seeks to strengthen market management, introduce fresh branding and reinforce domestic trading systems built around the Tanzanite Exchange Centre in Mererani. Addressing hundreds of miners, dealers, brokers and traders at the Centre, Mr Mavunde said Tanzanite had previously generated revenues of up to Sh161 billion in a single year.

He reminded stakeholders that as of June 30, 2025, total revenue from the mining sector had reached Sh1 trillion, noting that the 2009 Mineral Policy and national development plans had projected a 10 percent contribution to GDP by 2025. “According to the National Bureau of Statistics, we have now reached 10.1 percent,” he said. “Our task is to build on that foundation so that our minerals, especially Tanzanite, deliver even greater benefits to Tanzanians.

” Mr Mavunde said he selected Manyara Region for one of his earliest field visits because Tanzanite is both a strategic national asset and the backbone of livelihoods in Mererani and Simanjiro. It was essential, he said, to hear directly from those who depend on the gemstone before finalising Government action.

Mr Mavunde acknowledged concerns from miners and traders over falling Tanzanite prices, which many say no longer reflect the stone’s historic value. He noted that precious stones derive their premium from rarity and proper management, and that disorderly production and sales inevitably weaken prices.

While business people have a responsibility to maintain discipline in trade, he said, government must also put in place systems that preserve value. He outlined three main pillars of the new approach.

The first is rebranding Tanzanite to rebuild its premium image in the global market. Domestic auctions have been reinstated, and the government now plans to take Tanzanite into international auctions so it can reclaim its position among the world’s leading gemstones.

International gemstone exhibitions dedicated to Tanzanite and other precious stones will also be revived. The second pillar focuses on completing and fully operationalising the Tanzanite Exchange Centre to serve as the central platform for managing the trade.

Once fully established, the Centre will provide a transparent framework for pricing, traceability and taxation. Mr Mavunde urged the Simanjiro District Council to improve surrounding infrastructure and expand commercial areas to take advantage of the expected growth.

He further outlined a long-term vision of developing a “Tanzanite City” in Mererani, complete with dedicated zones for hotels, logistics and other supporting activities, transforming the town into a bustling trading and service hub anchored on the gemstone economy. Mr Mavunde said his goal is to “relocate global markets” by establishing in Tanzania the same structured trading systems that currently attract sellers abroad.

He said two factors drive traders to sell outside the country: reliable markets and instant payment. Reforms already underway, he noted, allow the Bank of Tanzania to pay gemstone sellers within 24 hours of a verified sale.

To address capital constraints affecting local traders, the Minister announced the rollout of an export guarantee scheme aimed at helping Tanzanians compete with large international buyers. “Those who buy your stones today have huge capital bases abroad,” he said.

“Through this guarantee scheme, honest Tanzanian traders will be strengthened so they too can buy in volume and engage global markets from a position of strength.” He warned traders involved in smuggling, citing known routes such as Rombo, and stressed that enforcement would continue.

Honest traders, he said, would be supported to handle larger volumes legally. Resident Mining Offices have been directed to group traders by capital size so that tailored support programmes can be developed for micro, small and larger operators.

Mr Mavunde also linked the Tanzanite strategy to broader youth empowerment initiatives, noting that 291 young people have already been issued with mining licences under ongoing programmes in the area. He emphasised that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is committed to ensuring Tanzanians benefit directly from mineral wealth and that more value remains within the country.

“In all of this, our message is simple,” he said. “We are here to lift Tanzanite back to the top, manage its trade with integrity, and ensure the value created in this business transforms the lives of Tanzanians.

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Tabora. Three health workers, including the District Medical Officer of Urambo, have been suspended, while two others continue to face questioning following an incident in which a patient was allegedly raped by a clinician, alongside other acts of professional negligence.

The directive was issued on December 1, 2025 by the Tabora Regional Commissioner, Paul Chacha, during a special security committee visit to Urambo District. Among other issues, the visit followed a series of disturbing reports involving some health personnel providing poor-quality services to citizens, including the rape case that occurred on November 24, 2025. The decision to suspend the officials comes just a day after the Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, ordered firm action against the perpetrator of the assault.

He instructed the Permanent Secretary of Tamisemi to suspend a clinician in Tabora Region accused of sedating a patient with an injection before raping her. .

Dar es Salaam. SanlamAllianz General Insurance Tanzania says it expects to close the year with more than Sh140 billion in Gross Written Premium (GWP), a milestone that will strengthen its position in the country’s insurance market.

The projection comes after the company’s recent rebranding and consolidation under the SanlamAllianz joint venture, which merges the strengths of Africa’s leading insurer, Sanlam, with global financial services giant Allianz. SanlamAllianz General Insurance Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jaideep Goel, said the improved performance reflects rising market confidence and expanding opportunities for insurance agents and other distribution partners nationwide.

“We are still one month away from the close of the year, but we are confident of surpassing this target. This growth is driven by our strong partnerships with our distribution network, enhanced products and services, and the global expertise we now bring through this joint venture,” Mr Goel said during a rebranding and agents’ engagement event on Friday.

The rebranding marks the completion of the integration of the former Jubilee, Allianz and Sanlam general insurance operations into a single unified entity under the SanlamAllianz banner. The consolidation aims to strengthen service delivery, improve operational efficiency and widen market reach.

Tanzania’s insurance sector continues to record strong growth, with GWP rising by 20.2 percent to Sh1.52 trillion in 2024, up from Sh1.24 trillion in 2023, according to data from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA). General insurance accounted for Sh952.2 billion, or 63.1 percent of total GWP, while life insurance contributed Sh309 billion and health insurance Sh187.5 billion.

“Reaching number one is not the end of the journey. Staying there requires us to continuously uplift the quality of our services and strengthen our relationships with our stakeholders,” Mr Goel said.

SanlamAllianz, which operates in more than 26 African countries, is expanding its footprint in Tanzania. The Friday event brought together over 300 insurance agents from across the country.

According to Mr Goel, the company aims to grow its agency force to about 350 agents by the end of next year. To improve public access to insurance services, the insurer is now focusing on enhancing service delivery, addressing operational challenges and strengthening the working environment to support agents in growing their businesses.

SanlamAllianz Retail Business General Manager, Mr Geofray Masige, said the company will soon introduce a digital platform that will allow agents to reach customers online, while enabling customers to access services through self-service digital channels without affecting agents’ commissions. “This system will simplify service delivery, give customers more freedom to purchase insurance digitally, and ensure that agents continue to earn their rightful commissions,” Mr Masige said.

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Dar es Salaam. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in the entertainment industry, experts say the future will belong to those who can blend human creativity with machine intelligence.

They argue that as AI tools enter studios, editing suites and marketing offices across Tanzania, the technology, when guided by human thinking, will reshape how music, film and digital content are produced without displacing existing jobs. The trend is already gaining ground as artistes and producers seek faster and more affordable ways to create content.

Last month, this shift became more visible when singer Nandy used AI to produce the video for her song Sweety, featuring Jux. Beyond her example, several other artistes, though not publicly, have begun relying on generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, to develop cover art, craft project titles and refine creative concepts.

Nandy said incorporating AI into her video was a creative decision rather than a threat to traditional production roles. “If there is an emergency or a specific reason for using AI, it will be used.

But when you have a good concept that requires real-life shooting, that will always remain important,” she said. Her approach reflects the view that AI enhances rather than replaces the artistic process.

The shift mirrors global developments. Record labels increasingly employ AI-music supervisors, data-driven marketing strategists and content-verification teams, positions that did not exist five years ago.

Major players are adapting as well. Warner Music Group recently signed a licensing agreement with Suno, an AI-music company, signalling a move toward structured cooperation.

Locally, managers say artistes must adopt a similar mind-set. Artiste manager Godfrey Abel says AI should be treated strictly as a tool.

“AI can only shine when a human decides what direction the art should take. I tell some artists and creative minds that don’t let the machine think for you, use it to explore ideas, but let your creativity lead,” he said.

According to him, AI resembles a sports car, “without a skilled driver, it goes nowhere or crashes, because creativity is in the driver.” Filmmakers also view AI as complementary.

Film producer Jumanne Salumu said the technology can widen creative options and reduce production costs, particularly for small teams. “If you add human vision to AI tools, you get something even better,” he said.

While AI can help preview scenes or design animation, he added that “in the end it’s the human team that shapes the story,” noting, “The technology supports us, so I don’t think it’s going to replace us.” On the other hand, graphics designer Latifah Sultan said tools that generate concept art, covers and posters help younger artists manage tight budgets.

“AI speeds up the draft phase, but the final edit still requires my touch. People forget the human eye decides what looks good,” she said.

Speaking to The Citizen, tech expert Dominick Dismas said combining human intuition with AI’s computational capabilities produces exceptional results. “When you combine the analytical speed and pattern recognition of AI with the cultural intuition and emotional intelligence of humans, the results are extraordinary,” he said.

He noted that AI can manage repetitive or technical tasks, from generating beats to refining colour grading. “This partnership between human creativity and AI is the future of entertainment globally, and Tanzanian artists are just beginning to tap into its potential,” he added.

As global markets continue to evolve, industry figures say Tanzanian creatives should view AI not as a threat, but as a tool that, when guided by imagination and cultural understanding, can expand opportunities, reduce costs and strengthen the country’s creative economy. .

Dar es Salaam. Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) and its partners are urging farmers, traders and entrepreneurs across the country to embrace organic farming, describing it as a growing economic opportunity that offers health, market and environmental benefits.

The appeal was made recently in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the Swahili Festival Market, an open market showcasing products from organic farming. The event forms part of a four-year, Sh1.2 billion project funded by the Swiss organisation BioVision to expand awareness and strengthen the organic agriculture value chain.

SAT Chief Executive Officer, Ms Janeth Maro, said organic farming is now a strategic business opportunity rather than a niche environmental practice. She noted that consumers, both locally and internationally, increasingly demand chemical-free produce, a trend that places Tanzanian farmers in a strong position if they adapt.

“Organic farming opens doors to premium markets, and traders who understand this space are able to earn more while supplying safer, healthier food,” she said. According to SAT, producers of organic goods enjoy better prices due to higher consumer trust and rising demand.

Ms Maro said the project aims to give small and mid-level traders the skills needed to take advantage of emerging opportunities in production, packaging and export markets. She emphasised that organic farming improves public health by eliminating the use of toxic fertilisers and harmful chemicals.

“Organic produce reduces the risk of diseases linked to chemical contamination. At the same time, it protects soil, water sources and biodiversity,” she said.

The project has so far reached about 50 entrepreneurs and traders from Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, Njombe, Lindi, Iringa, Arusha and Kagera. Through training and market exposure, SAT hopes to build a generation of entrepreneurs who can supply the expanding demand for organic products.

Ms Maro added that the sector is generating new business opportunities, including small processing industries that are helping to reduce unemployment. “We are seeing more value-added products and small factories emerging from organic agriculture.

This shows the sector’s potential to support livelihoods and domestic industries,” she said. However, she also pointed out challenges such as certification costs, meeting market standards and limited productivity among small-scale farmers.

She urged relevant institutions to support farmers in overcoming these barriers to enable them to fully benefit from organic agriculture. Event organiser Ms Farida Faith Nassoro said the market, held for the first time in Oysterbay, creates space for entrepreneurs to learn about organic products and connect with buyers.

She added that organic farming promotes better health and helps prevent illnesses associated with chemical exposure. SAT believes rising demand, increased awareness and international support make this the ideal moment for Tanzanians to invest in organic farming and tap into its economic potential.

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