Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Exim Bank Tanzania has signed a partnership agreement with housing builder Simba Developers Limited to expand access to residential mortgage financing and make home ownership more accessible for more Tanzanians.

The collaboration introduces flexible home-loan options under the bank’s Nyumba Yangu mortgage product, specifically tailored for customers seeking to purchase modern residential units developed by Simba Developers Ltd, the two companies said in a statement. The initiative comes amid rising demand for affordable housing finance in Tanzania’s urban and peri-urban areas, where many prospective homeowners struggle with high costs and limited access to long-term financing.

Under the weekend arrangement, Exim Bank customers can obtain mortgage facilities of up to Sh1 billion through the bank’s Personal and Preferred Banking categories, and up to Sh1.5 billion under its Elite Banking segment. The loans come with competitive and negotiable interest rates, the bank stated.

“Owning a home is one of the most significant milestones for many Tanzanians,” said Exim Bank Tanzania’s head of retail banking, Mr Andrew Lymo. “Through our partnership with Simba Developers, we are simplifying the home-buying journey by offering flexible financing options and making it easier for more Tanzanians to achieve their home-ownership dreams,” he said.

Simba Developers Ltd director Yusuf Hatimali Ezzi said the company’s residential projects were designed to provide modern, safe and comfortable living environments. “Partnering with Exim Bank ensures our buyers can access financing quickly and seamlessly, helping families move into their ideal homes with confidence,” he said.

By streamlining loan approvals and offering adaptable financing limits, the two institutions aim to set new benchmarks for accessible, high-quality residential housing in the country. It also reflects the bank’s broader commitment to supporting national development by widening access to mortgage financing and promoting the expansion of quality housing stock.

For customers, this collaboration offers quicker mortgage processing, increased loan options, and easy access to modern homes that accommodate various budgets and lifestyle preferences. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is experiencing unusually high temperatures this month, with several parts of the country recording heat levels up to four degrees above the long-term average, according to new data from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).

The spike has been most severe in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, where temperatures reached 35.7C on November 21, the highest reported so far and 4.2C above the normal November average.

Morogoro, Shinyanga, and Dar es Salaam have also recorded temperatures significantly above seasonal norms. TMA attributes the heatwave to a combination of the Sun’s Zenith position, a period where the sun passes directly overhead, and below-normal rainfall in the affected regions.

The Zenith Sun phenomenon peaks in Tanzania at the end of November as the sun moves south toward the Tropic of Capricorn and returns in February as it shifts north. “This period is naturally associated with high temperatures because the Earth’s surface is closer to the sun than at other times of the year,” TMA said in the advisory issued Thursday.

Morogoro reached 35.5C on November 20, which was 2.7C above normal.

Dar es Salaam recorded 33.2C on November 19 and 21, which was 1.6C above normal, with humidity making the conditions feel hotter than the measured temperature.

Coastal humidity, fuelled by warm ocean moisture, has pushed “feels-like” temperatures several degrees higher. In Shinyanga, the Ibadakuli station logged 33.6C on November 14, which was 2.

2C above normal, continuing a trend of abnormal heat across the Lake Zone and central regions. When asked by The Citizen, Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA)’s Manager of Forecasting Services, Dr Kantamla Mafuru, about the cause, he responded that the rainfall deficit this season is due to the presence of La Niaa conditions, which we predicted before the start of the season and which are expected to weaken towards January.

“This is compounded by sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the western Indian Ocean (along our coast) being average to below-average, compared to slightly above-average SSTs in the eastern Indian Ocean,” he said. Dr Mafuru added, “This configuration significantly reduces the amount of moist air moving from the sea inland to many parts of the country, thereby suppressing rainfall across a large number of areas nationwide, as was previously forecasted.

” Climate scientists warn that while the Zenith Sun is a natural phenomenon, the intensity and duration of heat spikes appear to be increasing, aligning with broader warming trends observed across East Africa. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) had also predicted that during November to December 2025, the entire East African region would experience warmer-than-usual conditions, expected over most parts of the region.

IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre provides climate services to East African countries, including seasonal forecasts, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. However, according to the TMA notice, relief may be coming soon.

The statement read, rainfall is expected to spread across most parts of the country in December, which should help moderate temperatures .

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has pushed the 8th Secretary General’s Forum to early 2026, from the originally planned dates of December 17 to 18 in Dar es Salaam, to allow for full regional preparedness.

In a notice to stakeholders, the Secretariat said “unavoidable circumstances” had forced the change. “Due to unavoidable circumstances, the 8th Secretary General’s Forum has been rescheduled to early 2026, with the new dates to be communicated in due course,” the letter reads in part.

Officials said the postponement is linked to ongoing preparations for the Ordinary Council of Ministers’ Meeting, the Infrastructure Retreat and the forthcoming Summit of EAC Heads of State. The forum, convened under the EAC’s Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF), is one of the bloc’s key platforms for structured engagement between Partner States, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the private sector.

The CDF provides space for continuous dialogue across political, economic, social, health, cultural, legal and security sectors. Stakeholders have expressed understanding, saying the additional time could help strengthen coordination and enhance the quality of regional deliberations.

The last forum, held in Nairobi in December 2024, brought together a wide range of actors who discussed issues of trade, governance, social development and regional peace and security. Ahead of the now-postponed 2025 forum, civil society organisations had already conducted national consultations across all eight Partner States.

Executive Director of the East Africa Civil Society Forum (EACSOF), Ms Lilian Alex, said she remains confident the rescheduled forum will be more impactful. “We remain hopeful that the forum will take place in January 2026, especially considering the possibility of a transition in the office of the EAC Secretary General,” she said.

Her views were echoed by CEO of the East Africa Law Society and Chair of the Regional Dialogue Committee, Mr David Sigano. “The technical groundwork is complete.

The postponement simply gives us more time to refine our engagements,” he noted. Private-sector actors have also signalled their readiness.

Acting Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC), Mr Adrian Njau, said the Council stands prepared once new dates are announced. The SG’s Forum draws its mandate from Articles 127(4) and 129(2) of the EAC Treaty, which require institutionalised participation of private sector bodies, CSOs and professional associations in shaping Community policies.

These provisions are operationalised through the CDF. .

Dar es Salaam. A fierce contest will unfold today to determine who advances in the race for mayoral positions in five Tanzanian cities which are under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), as party delegates prepare to cast their votes.

Apart from mayoral positions, delegates will also vote to select chairpersons for various district councils across the country, making it a crucial day in CCM’s internal electoral calendar. The announcement follows the CCM Central Committee’s completion of candidate vetting, releasing the official list of names eligible for member voting.

Some incumbent mayors have cleared the vetting process, while others were dropped from the list, reflecting the competitive nature of this year’s primaries. The party’s national chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan chaired the meeting.

This year’s contest has revealed intense competition, pitting sitting officeholders against challengers, with incumbents assessed on their past performance and ability to deliver development. Speaking to the media in Kisiwandui, Zanzibar, CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Kenani Kihongosi, confirmed the final list after vetting 1,067 applicants.

“This large number demonstrates CCM’s size and internal democracy. Among the applicants, 76 vied for city mayoral positions and 137 for municipal mayor posts,” he said.

Kihongosi added that 83 candidates applied for town council chairmanships, and 729 for district council chairmanships across mainland Tanzania. In Zanzibar, one candidate applied for city mayor, 34 for municipal mayors, and seven for town council chairmanships.

Key city contests In Dar es Salaam, three candidates cleared the vetting: Omar Kumbilamoto, defending his post, will face Nurdin Juma (Shetta), Saad Kimji and Robert Banangwa. Kumbilamoto is seeking a third term; he previously served as Ilala Mayor before Ilala was turned into the Dar es Salaam City Council.

Shetta, a popular musician, is a seasoned CCM figure. In Mbeya, former City Mayor Dormohamed Issa returns to defend his seat against Itiji Ward Councillor, Godwine Mwakyusa and Benjamin Mwandete of Uyole.

Issa served five years previously and is expected to leverage his economic clout, experience and track record. Godwine Mwakyusa, a lawyer by profession, is serving his second term as a councillor and is considered one of the politically influential CCM cadres in Mbeya.

Benjamin Mwandete of Uyole Ward is contesting the position for the first time, and his economic and political standing may give him the confidence he needs to seek the support of councillors. Dodoma’s contest may be less intense, with former Mayor Prof David Mwamfupe facing Hamza Makamba and newcomer Almon Chaula from Makutupora.

However, local campaigning dynamics could still produce unexpected outcomes. In Mwanza, Sima Constantine Sima and Happynes Steven Ibasa will vie for the mayoral seat.

Arusha will see three candidates, Maxmilliam Iranghe, Matuyani Laizer, and Credo Kifukwe, compete. In Zanzibar, Kamal Abdulsatar Haji was nominated after former mayor Mahmoud Mohammed Mussa failed to qualify.

CCM delegates will cast their votes across the country, determining not only the mayoral candidates but also who will lead district councils, setting the stage for the next phase of local government elections. .

Should the Tanzanian diaspora community put on a united front and heal the country’s image abroad, where they have influence and firsthand interaction with the outside world, who would be keen to know their opinion on the shocking videos that have ceaselessly been playing on international media outlets? Unless one is living under a rock, the images of the mayhem in the election-related violence have shattered the once harmonious view the world had of Tanzania. Tanzanian countrymen who would have been at the forefront of restoring the nation’s reputation have themselves been at odds, even before the period of unrest.

If anything, the chaos has only exacerbated the already fractured cohesion among Tanzanians in the diaspora. Who, after the reported loss of lives during the demonstrations, have presented different reactions in regard to the way forward.

Accountability and reconciliation have all been tabled. But fractures within their communities have stalled the united response.

Already, rumours of an upcoming vigil to remember those who lost their lives have been planned, allegedly in Washington, DC, close to Tanzania’s embassy. Social media, especially WhatsApp groups, has always been the preferred battleground, because people abroad have a sense of more freedom to express political views that presumably would have otherwise been suppressed, and disagreements become sharper and more personal.

A popular Tanzanian podcaster, Amini, who hosts his Kidodi Podcast, recently posted a thought-provoking video that still resonates with the present circumstances, where James Mdoe, popularly known as ‘Teacher’, spoke on the fragmentation within the Tanzanian diaspora community that highlights why, even weeks after the chaos, most of them are still divided on what they should do. James Mdoe, as a master of ceremonies in a past ‘Tanzania Sharing Association’ event held in Houston, Texas, in the United States, said, “We need to respect, acknowledge, love and work with each other.

” Understanding that there is life in the US and life after, where some of them would desire to relocate back to Tanzania. Urging them to build a life there but also build a life in Tanzania, their motherland.

Working together was the only way they could fully attain their full potential and seize all opportunities available in the country where they are currently residing. The strength of one’s youth will eventually fade, but the network of friends and associates will always be there.

Building a united Tanzanian community involves availing opportunities to fellow countrymen and lifting each other up instead of seeing each other as competitors. “Building truth is crucial; we can disagree amicably and still respect each other,” said Mdoe.

noting that online disputes do not mean real-life conflicts but a clash of opinions that is normal in a civilised society. Still, it is disadvantageous in the long term to the unity of the diaspora community.

The tradition of meeting each other only during bereavement has become an undesired trend. Tanzanians would meet at funerals or fundraising events to send the deceased to be buried back in Tanzania.

Though DICOTA, the Diaspora Council of Tanzanians in America, and other Tanzanian community organisations have organised get-togethers during happier times, like Thanksgiving, Eid and other festivals. Some Tanzanians still choose self-isolation.

That automatically becomes a disservice in times like after election-related violence. When interaction and bonding would have helped build unison and a better understanding of each other and come together with a united voice.

The community is still reeling from the unprecedented violent crackdown. Some of the most vocal diaspora members are reluctant to ‘move on’; they feel like there is so much healing to be done internally and questions to be answered.

In one of the diaspora WhatsApp groups, they repeatedly shared an image of a mother attending a graduation ceremony in place of her son, who was supposedly gunned down during the demonstration. Its postings/online status posts like these reveal the standpoints of some in the diaspora.

On the contrary, some members in the diaspora have vehemently come to the defence of the Tanzanian government. Doubting the expose broadcast by one of the international media that compiled mobile phone footage taken during demonstrations, Adveline Minja, a Tanzanian-born educator from Montgomery, Alabama, is of the opinion that the international news coverage was severely one-sided and even suggested the news network had sinister motives behind the expose.

Some in the diaspora communities are wary of the vulnerability the unrest puts Tanzania in. The weakness that might expose the natural resources-rich nation to the nations that would love to get their hands on the minerals and more, and they might do so at the expense of millions of lives that will be in harm’s way if the unrest resurges.

“Natural resources are not protected by armies and guns, but by educating the youth and the children; that is the root of elevating poverty and Africa’s self-reliance,” one member said. The recent coup and the supposed military coup d’etat on November 26, 2025, reiterate the need for political and civil harmony in Tanzania, which has always been the island of peace.

During a heated debate among the diaspora, a member pointed out the gluttony among African leaders and excessive corruption that alienates the common citizens who have no power and means to access better opportunities, leading to frustration. Indeed, the newly formed Tanzanian cabinet’s focus on youth inclusion as the country heals and advances forward was noted.

A prominent member of the diaspora suggested a pragmatic approach as the country forges a new path after the unrest. “After violent protests, a country should prioritise calming the situation and addressing the underlying issues,” he suggested.

Potential steps include establishing a dialogue where they would engage those who participated in the protests, civil society, and other stakeholders to understand their grievances and work towards a peaceful resolution. Restoring order, with more deployment of security forces to maintain law and order, while ensuring they act professionally and respect human rights, Investigate incidents by conducting impartial investigations into violent incidents, holding perpetrators accountable.

Addressing grievances by implementing reforms addressing the root causes of the protests, such as economic inequality, corruption, or social injustice. While providing support by offering assistance to those affected by the violence, including medical aid and compensation for damages.

Tanzania’s president, Dr Samia, has formed a commission to look into the demonstration. Time will reveal what other steps will be taken, but as for the diaspora community, their united stance is yet to be established, nor are there initiatives to restore the outside world’s faith in our stability and unity.

The ministry in charge of tourism has worked diligently to paint the picture of normalcy in the country. But many cases of cancellations and tourism operators taking a hit have been reported.

The diaspora community and burgeoning population could play a very important role at these worrying times by calming and assuring concerned investors and anxious visitors that Tanzania is indeed safe. Promoting a safe Tanzania is in no way downplaying the lives lost during the demonstration, but understanding that accountability, reconciliation and recovery can run parallel.

Whether the diaspora community will speak with one voice or not will manifest in the coming days, but as for now, the question remains: Is diaspora unity a hard pill to swallow? “This Thanksgiving finds many of us in difficult times, watching our homeland face uncertainty while we stand far away. Still, even in the storm, we take a moment today to say asante”, said one of the diaspora members living in the US.

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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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Dar es Salaam. The second edition of Tanzania Start-up Week opened in Dar es Salaam on December 1, 2025, bringing together leaders from government, industry, development institutions and the broader innovation ecosystem to chart a strategic course for strengthening the country’s start-up landscape.

Speaking during the opening session, Tanzania Start-up Association board member Mike Mushi said this year’s discussions are expected to provide essential guidance on how Tanzania can build a stronger entrepreneurial base and establish itself as a competitive player in the global digital economy. Mr Mushi noted that Tanzania’s youthful population, growing economy, strategic regional positioning and expanding digital infrastructure present significant opportunities for innovation.

However, he warned that several persistent challenges–including limited access to finance, regulatory hurdles and infrastructure gaps–continue to slow the growth of start-ups. He emphasised the need for strong and predictable policy, arguing that forward-looking government leadership, regulatory flexibility and national investment are crucial to enabling innovators to operate, compete and scale.

Mr Mushi also underscored the value of global and regional partnerships in embedding international standards, accelerating technology transfer and boosting the visibility of Tanzanian innovations. He further highlighted the role of human capital in enabling start-ups to design solutions with global relevance, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, health, finance, logistics, education and the creative industries, where technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital payments are rapidly gaining ground.

Mr Mushi commended the work of the Government Start-up Agency (GSA), saying its collaborations with ministries, regulators, development partners and corporate stakeholders have broadened access to expertise, infrastructure and global networks. Tanzania Start-up Week Co-chairperson and Country Manager Anabahati Mlay said this year’s event builds on sustained momentum to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.

She said the 2025 theme reflects both ambition and urgency as Tanzania aligns its innovation agenda with its long-term aspiration of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2050. “Start-ups play a decisive role in national development. They drive productivity, competitiveness and structural transformation by scaling technologies, attracting global capital, developing export markets and generating high-quality jobs,” Ms Mlay said.

She outlined the structure of this year’s programme, which centres on three core pillars needed to build an internationally competitive innovation ecosystem. The opening day focuses on ecosystem foundations, policy and human capital, with discussions highlighting the importance of intellectual credibility, institutional coordination and a highly skilled workforce.

Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Blandina Kilama, called for renewed commitment to strengthening the start-up sector, describing it as a central driver of Tanzania’s DIRA 2050 long-term development vision. “When we speak of innovation, we must approach it differently.

To implement DIRA 2050, we must create an ecosystem rooted in trust, governance, performance and national purpose,” Dr Kilama said. She stressed that training, though important, is not enough on its own.

She urged support organisations to assist entrepreneurs in securing contracts and real economic opportunities. She also highlighted the importance of investment readiness, calling for stronger collaboration to ensure start-ups are adequately prepared to attract financing.

Dr Kilama urged investors and development partners to diversify their financing models. “Grants alone will not suffice.

Once we are compliant, we must design alternative financing pathways. We want to operate as businesses–with access to banks, development finance institutions and other forms of support,” she said.

She closed by urging stakeholders to work collectively to strengthen partnerships, nurture innovation and unlock the immense potential of Tanzania’s young population. Dr Kilama said she believes the country’s start-up movement will be a key pillar in Tanzania’s journey towards attaining a trillion-dollar economy.

The opening of Tanzania Start-up Week 2025 sets the stage for a week of intensive dialogue, collaboration and strategic planning as the country positions itself more firmly within Africa’s innovation landscape .

Dar es Salaam. Chadema has accused prison authorities of blocking its senior leaders from visiting the party’s national chairman, Tundu Lissu, who is being held on remand at Ukonga Prison in Dar es Salaam.

But when contacted for comment, Tanzania Prisons Service spokesperson Elizabeth Mbezi said she had no information regarding any directive restricting Chadema officials from visiting Lissu. She also said she was unaware of reports that party leaders had attempted to visit the chairman and been turned away.

“I have no information about any restriction, and I have no information about leaders going to see him and being blocked,” she said. Lissu has spent nearly eight months in remand custody facing treason charges following his arrest in April 2025 during a party tour in the Ruvuma Region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 30, 2025, the party’s Director of Communication and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, said that several Chadema leaders had recently been denied entry to the prison despite following all required procedures. “In recent days, party leaders including Central Committee Member Godbless Lema and Secretary-General John Mnyika have been blocked from entering Ukonga Prison to visit Chairman Lissu,” the statement said.

According to the party, when Mnyika arrived at the prison on Sunday, officers told him that there were orders prohibiting any Chadema leader from meeting Lissu. “This action signifies an unusual restriction that violates the fundamental rights of a remand prisoner to be visited and seen by relatives and associates,” the statement reads in part.

Chadema said the alleged blockade constitutes a violation of the basic rights of prisoners and remandees, describing it as an abuse of state institutions aimed at harassing opposition figures. It has demanded that the Prisons Service clarify why its leaders are being denied access to Lissu.

The party further called on local and international stakeholders to monitor what it termed a dangerous development for democracy and for Lissu’s personal well-being. “Chadema informs its members and citizens that it will take legal, political, and diplomatic steps to ensure Lissu’s rights, and those of party leaders, are not violated,” the statement noted.

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