Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The government of Qatar has handed over 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

The donation was made free of charge and without conditions. Qatar’s ambassador to Tanzania, Fahad Rashid Al-Murikhi, presented the vehicles to the minister for Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, during a ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

Mr Kombo said the vehicles would improve the ministry’s operations, particularly for diplomatic missions, hosting international guests, and daily work. “We are grateful for this support.

The vehicles will help the ministry carry out its duties more effectively,” he said. Analysts said the donation strengthens Tanzania’s diplomatic capacity by providing reliable transport for overseas missions and government operations.

The ceremony was attended by senior ministry officials and representatives from the Qatari embassy. It is part of broader cooperation between Tanzania and Qatar in areas including energy, tourism, education, and employment.

.

There are few things in life that test your patience quite like a failed transaction. You stand at a till or stare at your mobile app, you authorize a payment, you wait for that familiar confirmation message and then.

nothing. No service.

No product. But the money? Gone.

Like it sprinted out of your account without even leaving a forwarding address. And to make things worse, you’re told the most infuriating sentence in modern-day customer service: “Please wait up to 72 hours for the reversal.

” Every time I hear that line, I feel like asking, “Why exactly am I the one being punished for something I didn’t cause?” Because let’s be honest the system didn’t fail them. It failed me.

I didn’t wake up and decide to make a phantom transaction just for fun. I did my part.

The bank or service provider is the one who dropped the ball. Yet somehow, I’m the one sent into financial limbo.

Imagine this, You’ve budgeted your week down to the last shilingi. Maybe you’re paying for fuel, buying groceries, settling a bill, or picking up a few things on the way home.

The money leaves your account, but the service says, “Oops, transaction failed.” And instead of instant correction, you’re given a digital version of “Go sit in the corner and wait.

” Three days. Seventy-two hours.

One weekend of stress, depending on the timing. We’re living in a world where payments happen in seconds.

You can send money across continents faster than it takes to toast bread. So why does a reversal need the patience of a monk? Why, in 2025, are we still accepting a timeline that feels like it was approved in the 1980s and never revised? Now let’s talk about that “72 hours.

” Because I have questions. Who set it? Is it based on actual processing timelines, or is it just one of those arbitrary customer-service phrases companies learned to throw around because nobody challenges them? “72 hours” sounds official.

It sounds technical. It sounds like someone in a suit once stood up in a meeting and said, “Let’s give ourselves three days, people won’t complain too much.

” Well, we’re complaining now. The truth is, there’s a power imbalance in how financial systems handle errors.

When you delay paying them, there are penalties. Late fees.

Interest. Warnings.

Your credit score crying in the corner. But when they delay giving you back your money, you’re expected to be calm, logical, and understanding.

It’s almost impressive how quickly the tone changes when the tables turn. Think about customer service lines too.

You call for help, already annoyed because your money is floating somewhere in the digital universe, and after a few mandatory “We apologize for the inconvenience” statements, the agent drops the 72-hour bomb on you with the confidence of someone handing out good news. Meanwhile, you’re calculating how many things you can’t do because your money is out there enjoying a 3-day vacation.

And here’s the funniest part: if the money had gone through by mistake like double charging, you would still be told to wait the same 72 hours. So no matter what direction the system fails in, their answer is always a waiting period long enough for someone to take a weekend trip to Zanzibar and come back refreshed.

At what point do financial institutions take accountability for the speed mismatch between taking money and returning it? Why is there no urgency on their side? Why is the consumer expected to absorb the inconvenience every single time? This isn’t even about being dramatic; it’s about fairness. We deserve systems that work consistently, and when they don’t, we deserve resolutions that don’t hold our money hostage.

Three days may not seem like much to a corporation, but to an actual human being navigating real life, 72 hours is a long time. Maybe it’s time we start asking harder questions.

Because if digital payments can happen in seconds, reversals shouldn’t need a whole mini-marathon. Until then here we are.

Annoyed, waiting, and wondering why our money seems to travel back slower than a daladala stuck in peak-hour traffic .

Dar es Salaam. The government has confirmed that freight haulage via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from the Dar es Salaam Port to Dodoma will officially begin in February 2026, marking a major turning point in efforts to modernise Tanzania’s transport and logistics systems.

The plan is expected to significantly increase cargo-handling capacity, strengthen the supply chain and support broader economic growth. Minister of Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa saod the phase of the project is especially crucial, as the Portlink section will connect containers straight from the port to the main SGR line, enabling seamless movement of goods to Dodoma and, eventually, other regions.

“The link serves as a vital missing piece, ensuring cargo can move directly from quayside operations onto the railway network without relying on the temporary measures currently in place,”he said. He made the remarks on Friday, November 28, 2025 when inspecting the ongoing works.

The SGR cannot yet move goods directly from the port to upcountry destinations. For now, consignments are handled through interim systems, including a 2.

5-metre gauge stretch that is approaching completion, alongside ongoing wiring and track stabilisation. Prof Mbarawa emphasised that once the Portlink becomes operational, the impact will be immediate.

Road congestion around the port is expected to ease significantly as more cargo shifts from lorries to the rail system. Extending the rail network deeper into the port area will also improve cargo flow and reduce turnaround times.

The broader economic gains are projected to be substantial. TRC revenues are set to rise once the system becomes fully functional, while improved efficiency at the port will allow ships to offload much faster, boosting earnings for the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) and reinforcing the national economy.

TRC Acting Director, Mr Mateshi Tito, confirmed that progress has accelerated under clear directives issued by Prof Mbarawa. “We are grateful to Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa for his guidance in ensuring the Portlink is completed and operations begin as instructed, either by late January or early February,” he said.

He added that the minister’s retention in the transport docket reflects President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s confidence in his leadership. Mr Tito explained that the Portlink spans four kilometres in total, with only 1.

5 kilometres still under construction. Stabilisation works are nearly complete, except for one remaining segment in Section three.

“As planned, we expect to finalise the outstanding works within the next two and a half months,” he said, noting that freight loading would start immediately once construction ends. “We will begin loading cargo directly from the port and transporting it straight to Dodoma,” he said.

.

Dar es Salaam. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase One services will resume tomorrow, 29 November 2025, the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) has announced.

The announcement comes nearly a month after key BRT infrastructure was severely damaged during unrest on election day, 29 October. Dart’s Head of Public Relations and Communication, Mr William Gatambi, said several stations were vandalised and the electronic fare collection system destroyed, halting services immediately after the incident.

“Although services will resume tomorrow, the impact of the damage will continue to affect full operations in some sections,” he said. Services will run along the main corridor from Ubungo Terminal to Kivukoni, including the GerezaniMuhimbili stretch.

However, the Morocco route will remain closed while critical electrical and ticketing infrastructure is repaired. We are restarting services partially,” Mr Gatambi said.

“Repairs in other areas are ongoing, and we expect to restore services across the entire Phase One system before the ten-day deadline issued by the Prime Minister.” He warned motorists, including boda boda riders, bajaj drivers and private car owners, against using dedicated BRT lanes, citing a rise in unauthorised access.

Mr Gatambi also expressed concern over traders occupying BRT stations, particularly in Kimara and urged them to vacate immediately. On the vandalism, he said safety assessments were conducted first to determine the extent of damage and the most effective restoration approach.

He said that passengers had faced significant transport challenges during the service disruption. He called on law-enforcement agencies to work closely with Dart, stressing that the infrastructure is meant solely to provide fast and reliable public transport .

Ifakara. Kilombero Sugar Company Ltd has entered into a three-year partnership with Ifakara Bakery and the Free Bread Initiative, donating more than 23 tonnes of sugar to support a community-led programme that provides free breakfast and bread to vulnerable groups.

The initiative targets food insecurity among schoolchildren and hospital patients undergoing treatment. The Free Bread Fund Initiative, launched in 2001 and managed by the Franciscan Sisters of Charity through the Upendo Sisters’ Bakery, has served communities in Kilombero District for more than 24 years.

It currently supports over 25 institutions, including orphanages, schools and hospitals, reaching adolescents, orphans and patients with diverse needs. Under the new collaboration, Kilombero Sugar has committed to donate 23 tonnes of sugar over three years.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Ifakara, Kilombero Sugar Corporate Affairs Director Derick Stanley said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves. “We are proud to join this initiative as it aligns with our corporate social responsibility to support the communities we serve.

The model adopted by Ifakara Bakery and the Free Bread Fund ensures transparency and measurable impact, making it easier to reach those who need it most,” he said. Mr Stanley added that the company would continue monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress, with plans to expand its reach to more schools in surrounding areas to further strengthen education and community welfare.

The project matron and head of the Catholic Sisters, Sr Senorina Lukwachala, expressed gratitude for the support. “Since its inception, this initiative has been a blessing.

Initially, the needs were modest and supported by families in England, but demand has grown significantly. We thank Kilombero Sugar Company for stepping in to support this noble cause,” she said.

Representing the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ifakara, Fr Ignas Kilolelo, the diocesan secretary commended the initiative, noting that it reflects a shared commitment to serving those most in need. He encouraged more stakeholders to collaborate with the Church on similar efforts.

Ifakara Town Council Director Pilly Kitwana, who represented the Kilombero District Commissioner, praised the partnership. “The government appreciates stakeholders who contribute to addressing community needs.

Today’s support from Kilombero Sugar demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling complex challenges,” she said. Receiving the first batch of 6,000kg of sugar, Nasra Juma from St Elite Day Care Centre said the donation had come at a critical moment.

“This donation came at the right time and will greatly help us create a conducive learning environment. We welcome similar initiatives from other stakeholders,” she said.

.

Dar es Salaam. Transport stakeholders are calling for improved connectivity systems to link commuters to rapid transit services, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

The call follows concern that, despite Tanzania’s significant progress in expanding modern transport infrastructure, major gaps remain in ensuring easy access to rapid transit stations. Prof Prosper Nyaki from the National Institute of Transport (NIT), made the remarks yesterday on the sidelines of the Sustainable Land Transport Week, held under the theme Clean Energy and Innovation in Transport.

The event takes place from November 24 to 29, 2025. “The government should establish alternative infrastructure that provides direct and seamless access to major public transport stations,” he said. Prof Nyaki noted that commuters often spend long hours travelling from their neighbourhoods just to reach rapid transit stations–a situation that undermines the very purpose of investing in fast and efficient transport systems.

According to him, the country needs a reliable and uninterrupted transport chain, beginning from residential streets all the way to large transit stations. “It is true that we have rapid buses and trains, which is a major achievement and has helped us greatly,” he said.

“However, the key challenge that remains is how to access the stations from our homes. Once you get to the station and board, the journey is quick, but reaching those stations is often difficult.

” He explained that many rapid transit stations are located far from residential areas, forcing commuters to take multiple daladala, use motorcycles or spend several hours navigating congested access routes before their actual journey begins. “For the future, we recommend creating alternative connecting infrastructure linking these stations to neighbourhood roads, similar to what is done in more developed countries,” he said.

Another transport stakeholder, Ms Neema Kiule, said the time lost trying to reach areas that should be accessible within minutes diminishes productivity and affects economic output. She emphasised the need for research and improved planning to strengthen neighbourhood-level infrastructure so commuters do not face unnecessary delays, especially in large cities.

“It is true that you may have a rapid-transit ticket and be required to arrive at the station very early, but challenges arise when, for example, it rains and the road from your home becomes impassable. Suddenly, the rapid bus service cannot help you,” she said.

“At times, people are forced to wake up in the middle of the night to find a daladala that will take up to three hours just to reach a BRT or rail station.” The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra), which is coordinating this year’s celebrations, says the event reflects its broader commitment to building safe, reliable, sustainable, inclusive and environmentally friendly land transport systems for all.

.

Dar es Salaam. The government has unveiled eight far-reaching strategies to stimulate investment in the 2025/2026 financial year, placing young people at the heart of the country’s new economic agenda.

The move signals a strong commitment to ensuring youth are not only beneficiaries of development but also key drivers of Tanzania’s industrialisation plans. To boost youth participation, the government plans to establish a Special Centre for Youth Investors and designate industrial zones across several regions exclusively for youth-led manufacturing projects.

The measures were announced today, Friday, 28 November, by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, during a meeting with domestic and foreign investors. The event also marked the inauguration of the board of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), as well as the launch of a new service charter for investors.

Prof Mkumbo said the new centre will equip young investors with training, technical support and the tools needed to navigate the increasingly competitive investment landscape. “The centre will be headquartered in Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, with representation across the country through Tiseza’s regional and zonal offices.

I expect to launch the centre before the end of this year,” he said. The initiative is part of a comprehensive programme expected to be launched by the end of the year alongside the Youth Empowerment Centre.

It will guide young people in registering companies, accessing capital, acquiring industrial equipment and setting up manufacturing plants. “We want these factories to be youth-owned so they can employ themselves and drive industrial growth.

In the next five to ten years, we want to see young industrial millionaires in Tanzania,” Prof Mkumbo said. Beyond youth-focused measures, the government aims to expand Tiseza’s reach to all regions by 2028, ensuring each region hosts a centre for investment facilitation, in collaboration with local government authorities.

Prof Mkumbo also announced joint ventures with the private sector to construct industrial sheds that will be leased at affordable rates. The plan is expected to reduce the cost of setting up industries and open the door for more Tanzanians, including young investors, to participate in the country’s economic transformation.

To further stimulate investor confidence, the government will introduce new investment incentives regularly and launch a quarterly investor forum beginning January 2026. The forum will convene key ministers, including Finance, Industry and Trade, to review investment challenges and take corrective action. “We will create attractive conditions for investments in products we import in large quantities and those we export, such as edible oil and wheat flour,” Prof Mkumbo said, stressing that the goal is to ensure investment growth translates into real improvements in citizens’ lives.

Private sector backing Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) Chairperson Angelina Ngalula commended the government for progress made in improving the business climate. “We will continue partnering with the government to achieve our Vision 2050 goal of a $1 trillion economy and the creation of eight million jobs,” she said.

Ms Ngalula urged the government to maintain predictable business policies and ensure that commitments are implemented swiftly. She also recommended that representatives from local government authorities be included in the new investor forums, given their critical role in supporting Tiseza’s operations .

Dar es Salaam. A day after the European Union (EU) adopted a resolution on 27 November 2025 to suspend 156 million Euros (about S00 billion aid funds intended for Tanzania in 2026, the government said it is closely monitoring the matter.

Tanzania’s ambassador attending the EU debate will submit a report, after which the government will issue an official statement. The minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said Tanzania’s ambassador to Belgium, Jestas Nyamanga, was participating in the talks.

“Once the discussions conclude and a decision is reached, Ambassador Nyamanga will submit his report and the government will then issue a statement on what was decided in the EU Parliament,” he said. Asked about the potential loss of EU funding, Ambassador Kombo said Tanzania would not face a crisis, noting the country has its own budget and other revenue sources.

“Follow the discussions online to see how much funding we might lose. Tanzanians will not go hungry because of this.

Compare the EU allocation with our annual budget and see what proportion it represents,” he said. Tanzania’s national budget for 2025/26 stands at Sh56.49 trillion, of which S0.47 trillion is expected from domestic revenue and Sh1.07 trillion from foreign grants, while Sh14.95 trillion will come from domestic and external loans.

Analysts warn that the cost of loans could rise significantly if the country turns to commercial borrowing due to stricter conditions from traditional development partners. The EU’s decision follows international concern over unrest and violence during and after the 29 October 2025 general election, which left several people dead in clashes with police and caused widespread property damage, including motorcycles, cars, petrol stations, private homes, government offices, rapid transit (BRT) stations and other infrastructure.

In its debate, the EU Parliament expressed regret over the killings and said the election was not fully democratic due to limited political competition. Opposition leader and Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges, which carry the death penalty if he is convicted.

The EU criticised the Tanzanian government for alleged human rights violations, including abductions, killings of government critics, and restrictions on media freedom. “All funds directed to public institutions should be suspended immediately.

The EU should not use its funds to support repression. Political prisoners must be released unconditionally, and an independent investigation into killings, abductions, and disappearances must be conducted,” the EU statement said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned on November 18 that the October 29 unrest could undermine confidence among development partners, signalling a likely shift to increased domestic resource mobilisation. “Previously, financing was readily available because there was trust.

What happened in our country has tainted our image, and this is likely to reduce our resource base. We must therefore use the resources we have to attract more funding so that promised projects are delivered with speed,” she said.

Speaking to editors on 25 November, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba did not disclose the number of fatalities but detailed the economic damage, describing it as economic sabotage. He said 756 government offices, 27 BRT stations, six buses, 273 private homes, 159 police posts, and 672 private fuel stations were damaged.

Additionally, 1,642 private vehicles, 2,268 private motorcycles, and 979 government vehicles were set ablaze. On Thursday, the EU Parliament adopted resolutions on human rights situations in Tanzania, Iran and Tunisia.

Regarding Tanzania, it condemned the use of violence by authorities after the October elections and called for dialogue with opposition parties, civil society and victims’ representatives to enable credible and transparent elections. MEPs denounced the arbitrary detention of Tundu Lissu and urged his immediate release, along with the abolition of the death penalty.

They also demanded investigations into killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other violations, emphasising the need for an African-led inquiry. The EU resolution calls for halting direct support to Tanzanian authorities, prioritising civil society, human rights defenders and journalists, and considering sanctions against those responsible.

The resolution was adopted by 539 votes in favour, none against, with 27 abstentions. MEPs also requested the Commission withdraw its draft decision on financing Tanzania under the EU’s Annual Action Plan for 2025, citing the country’s democratic and human rights deficiencies since the October elections.

.

Dar es Salaam. Vodacom Tanzania has officially launched its new international payments service, in a move expected to transform cross-border business transactions and enhance digital financial inclusion for customers and merchants across the country.

The service dubbed M-Pesa Global Payments was unveiled yesterday in Dar es Salaam, to enable global payments through partnerships with Visa, Alipay, Network International, Magnati and MTN Uganda. The new platform allows customers to make Tap and Pay transactions worldwide using the M-Pesa Visa digital card at payment terminals, pay merchants in China through Alipay via Thunes, process payments in Dubai with TerraPay-connected merchants, and make direct payments to merchants in Uganda through MTN MoMo.

All these services are accessible via the M-Pesa menu (15000#) or the M-Pesa Super App, the company said in a statement. The innovation responds to growing demand from Tanzanian consumers and travellers who make frequent transactions across East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and other regions, but often face high charges, delays or security concerns when using conventional payment channels.

M-Pesa director at Vodacom Tanzania, Mr Epimack Mbeteni, said the collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to building a robust and interconnected digital payments ecosystem. “Our partnerships with Visa, Alipay, Network International and MTN Uganda demonstrate our commitment to strengthening digital payments infrastructure.

Together, we are enabling customers and businesses to conduct transactions beyond Tanzania’s borders with the same ease, security and affordability as they would locally,” he said. “Through this collective effort, we are opening new business opportunities, reducing operational costs and giving customers greater freedom to participate in the global digital economy.

” Visa Tanzania Country Manager, Mr Victor Makere, said the partnership will allow millions of M-Pesa users to enjoy simple and secure digital payments wherever Visa is accepted. “This innovation supports Tanzania’s journey towards a fully digital payments economy,” he said.

Chief Revenue Officer at Thunes, Mr Andrew Stewart, said digital cross-border payment integration is essential for expanding access to financial services. “This new level of connectivity strengthens trust in mobile financial systems and unlocks new opportunities in global trade,” he said.

TerraPay Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Willie Kanyeki, said: “Our partnership with Vodacom expands safe and borderless business opportunities for Tanzanians who trade in Dubai, connecting African users with new global markets.” MTN Uganda’s Mobile Financial Services Director, Mr Richard Yego, said the partnership is a significant step towards seamless regional trade.

“Together with Vodacom, we are expanding financial access for thousands of merchants who operate between Uganda and Tanzania–particularly SMEs, which form the backbone of our economies,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. A day after the European Union (EU) adopted a resolution on 27 November 2025 to suspend 156 million Euros (about S00 billion aid funds intended for Tanzania in 2026, the government said it is closely monitoring the matter.

Tanzania’s ambassador attending the EU debate will submit a report, after which the government will issue an official statement. The minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said Tanzania’s ambassador to Belgium, Jestas Nyamanga, was participating in the talks.

“Once the discussions conclude and a decision is reached, Ambassador Nyamanga will submit his report and the government will then issue a statement on what was decided in the EU Parliament,” he said. Asked about the potential loss of EU funding, Ambassador Kombo said Tanzania would not face a crisis, noting the country has its own budget and other revenue sources.

“Follow the discussions online to see how much funding we might lose. Tanzanians will not go hungry because of this.

Compare the EU allocation with our annual budget and see what proportion it represents,” he said. Tanzania’s national budget for 2025/26 stands at Sh56.49 trillion, of which S0.47 trillion is expected from domestic revenue and Sh1.07 trillion from foreign grants, while Sh14.95 trillion will come from domestic and external loans.

Analysts warn that the cost of loans could rise significantly if the country turns to commercial borrowing due to stricter conditions from traditional development partners. The EU’s decision follows international concern over unrest and violence during and after the 29 October 2025 general election, which left several people dead in clashes with police and caused widespread property damage, including motorcycles, cars, petrol stations, private homes, government offices, rapid transit (BRT) stations and other infrastructure.

In its debate, the EU Parliament expressed regret over the killings and said the election was not fully democratic due to limited political competition. Opposition leader and Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges, which carry the death penalty if he is convicted.

The EU criticised the Tanzanian government for alleged human rights violations, including abductions, killings of government critics, and restrictions on media freedom. “All funds directed to public institutions should be suspended immediately.

The EU should not use its funds to support repression. Political prisoners must be released unconditionally, and an independent investigation into killings, abductions, and disappearances must be conducted,” the EU statement said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned on November 18 that the October 29 unrest could undermine confidence among development partners, signalling a likely shift to increased domestic resource mobilisation. “Previously, financing was readily available because there was trust.

What happened in our country has tainted our image, and this is likely to reduce our resource base. We must therefore use the resources we have to attract more funding so that promised projects are delivered with speed,” she said.

Speaking to editors on 25 November, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba did not disclose the number of fatalities but detailed the economic damage, describing it as economic sabotage. He said 756 government offices, 27 BRT stations, six buses, 273 private homes, 159 police posts, and 672 private fuel stations were damaged.

Additionally, 1,642 private vehicles, 2,268 private motorcycles, and 979 government vehicles were set ablaze. On Thursday, the EU Parliament adopted resolutions on human rights situations in Tanzania, Iran and Tunisia.

Regarding Tanzania, it condemned the use of violence by authorities after the October elections and called for dialogue with opposition parties, civil society and victims’ representatives to enable credible and transparent elections. MEPs denounced the arbitrary detention of Tundu Lissu and urged his immediate release, along with the abolition of the death penalty.

They also demanded investigations into killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other violations, emphasising the need for an African-led inquiry. The EU resolution calls for halting direct support to Tanzanian authorities, prioritising civil society, human rights defenders and journalists, and considering sanctions against those responsible.

The resolution was adopted by 539 votes in favour, none against, with 27 abstentions. MEPs also requested the Commission withdraw its draft decision on financing Tanzania under the EU’s Annual Action Plan for 2025, citing the country’s democratic and human rights deficiencies since the October elections.

.