Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Construction at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is well underway, supported by $45.5 million (about Sh120 billion) under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, aiming to significantly expand infrastructure and modernise training for health professionals in Tanzania.

Speaking during a media briefing at Mloganzila yesterday, MUHAS Vice Chancellor Prof Appolinary Kamuhabwa said the World Bankfunded investment represents the university’s most substantial development commitment since its establishment. “This is the largest investment the university has ever received since its establishment as a medical school in 1963,” he said.

He said $30.5 million has been allocated to advance works at Mloganzila and the new Kigoma Campus. “Through the HEET Project, the university has received a total of $45.5 million, which is a concessional loan from the World Bank to the Government of Tanzania,” he explained.

Construction of the new College of Medicine at Mloganzila, which began in December 2024, has now reached 50 per cent completion. The works include major teaching and student facilities such as lecture theatres accommodating 1,400 students, an administration building with 450 offices, 21 teaching laboratories, an anatomy building for 300 users at a time, a 320-bed student hostel, and a dining hall serving 550 users simultaneously.

The project also comprises a new library and ICT centre, upgraded internal roads, and a football pitch. “Construction work is progressing rapidly and to satisfactory standards,” Prof Kamuhabwa noted, adding that completion is expected in June 2026. At Kigoma, where development has reached 35 per cent completion, the campus will host academic and administrative buildings, six laboratories, an anatomy block, and a 110-capacity student hostel.

Prof Kamuhabwa said the location is strategically positioned to serve the western zone. “This funding will support the establishment of a new health campus in the western zone, a region with geographical challenges and vulnerability to epidemic diseases,” he noted.

Prof Kamuhabwa said the expansion will significantly increase student intake and ease current infrastructure limitations. “For every 31 applicants, we can only enrol one student due to limited infrastructure,” he explained, citing last year’s figures where 31,026 qualified applicants competed for just 986 available places across MUHAS undergraduate programmes.

He further emphasised that curriculum reforms, enhanced research capacity, and job creation are key benefits already emerging from the project. “A total of 83 academic programmes have undergone major review and 23 new programmes have been introduced,” he said, noting that more than 300 jobs have already been created during construction and implementation.

The university also expects the modernised learning environment to attract international students and strengthen MUHAS’s position as a leading regional training centre. “Improved learning facilities will increase international student enrolment and enhance MUHAS’s status,” he said.

Prof Kamuhabwa expressed appreciation to the Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising investment in health and higher education. “We sincerely thank the Sixth Phase Government for continuing to make major investments in improving higher education infrastructure, especially at MUHAS,” he remarked.

He stressed that the project aligns with broader national development goals. “The construction of the College of Medicine at the Mloganzila Campus is part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring higher education drives economic, social and technological development,” he said.

Prof Kamuhabwa concluded by reaffirming the transformative impact of the ongoing project: “We believe that completion of this College will significantly increase both the number and quality of health professionals in the country, and ultimately improve healthcare services for all Tanzanians.” For his part, the HEET Coordinator and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration at MUHAS, Prof Erasto Mbugi, said the project is progressing at an impressive pace.

“The construction is moving very quickly and according to plan,” he said. “When this project is finished, it will revolutionise health training and play a critical role in closing the existing gap in healthcare expertise,” Professor Mbugi added.

Meanwhile, Mloganzila street chairman, Ahmad Ladack described the project as a blessing for the local community, highlighting the opportunities it has already created for young residents. “This project has been a true blessing for our ward because many of our youth are already employed on the construction site,” he said.

“By the time the project is completed, it will have benefited our local people considerably,” he added. He revealed that the construction has already increased demand for local services and materials, and this will continue, bringing long-term advantages to the residents.

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Mwanza. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially brought her campaign to a close with a passionate appeal to Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes peacefully in Wednesday’s general election.

Addressing thousands of supporters at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, President Hassan said the country’s destiny lies in the hands of voters, urging them not to leave the decision to others or waste the opportunity to shape Tanzania’s future. “It is not enough to attend campaign rallies in large numbers.

What matters most is showing up tomorrow to vote,” she declared. “Do not stay online complaining or blaming others — those who make decisions about our country’s direction are the ones who vote, not those who grumble on social media.

Complaints don’t elect leaders — votes do.” She reminded Tanzanians that the government had declared October 29 a public holiday to ensure all eligible citizens have enough time to participate in the polls.

“This is a right you get only once every five years — use it, don’t let it slip away,” she said. “Our security and defence agencies have assured us that the election period will remain calm and peaceful.

So, let’s go out in large numbers, encourage one another, and vote.” As she wrapped up her month-long campaign trail across the country, President Hassan reaffirmed that if CCM is re-elected, her administration will place special emphasis on the fight against corruption, good governance, reconciliation, and constitutional reform.

“If you entrust us again, we will continue to strengthen the fight against corruption. Tanzania has made progress in curbing corruption — our international reputation is improving, and we intend to push this further,” she said.

She also underscored her commitment to inclusive development and national unity, saying reconciliation will remain at the heart of her next administration. “The inclusive development we seek must go hand in hand with reconciliation,” she said.

“We are determined to establish a National Reconciliation Commission that will build a solid foundation for unity. We ask for your trust so that we can repay it with integrity, efficiency, and commitment to serve all Tanzanians.

” President Hassan took time to commend political parties for conducting peaceful and issue-based campaigns, noting that this election season had demonstrated Tanzania’s growing political maturity. “I thank all political parties for running civilised campaigns and focusing on policy debates instead of insults.

This shows how far our democracy has come,” she remarked. “Now, let us allow citizens to make their choice through the ballot box.

That is their right, and it must be respected.” Her running mate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, also spoke at the event, expressing his full confidence in Samia’s leadership and pledging to work tirelessly to help realise her vision.

“The best way I can repay the trust you’ve placed in me is by dedicating all my strength, intellect, and honesty to support your vision and the implementation of CCM’s manifesto,” said Dr Nchimbi. “From what we have seen on the ground, Tanzanians are satisfied with the work you’ve done.

The gift they are preparing for you is a resounding victory.” CCM Vice-Chairman (Mainland), Stephen Wasira, praised President Samia as a resilient leader who steered the nation through some of its toughest moments.

“She became President at a time of crisis — when the nation and the world were battling Covid-19 and mourning the loss of the late President John Magufuli,” Mr Wasira said. “Samia led us through that period, revived the economy, and restored confidence.

” CCM Secretary-General, Ambassador Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, hailed the President as a ‘trailblazer and a role model for women in leadership’, linking her journey to the vision of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. “From Kizimkazi to international stages, we are witnessing the realisation of Mwalimu Nyerere’s dream of gender equality,” said Dr Migiro.

“President Samia has broken barriers and opened doors of opportunity for both women and men, proving that leadership knows no gender.” As the sun set over Mwanza, President Hassan waved to the crowd one last time, closing her campaign with a message of unity, peace, and hope — calling on every Tanzanian to rise early the next day and exercise their democratic right.

“Let us all vote peacefully,” she concluded. “Let us show the world that Tanzania remains a beacon of democracy and stability.

Together, we can continue building the nation we all love.” .

Dar es Salaam. Local company Smart Pika plans to reach 500,000 Tanzanians next year by providing modern, energy-efficient electric stoves through an affordable instalment payment system, in support of the national clean cooking agenda.

The initiative, led by Smart Pika founder Mr Andron Mendes, aims to make clean cooking accessible to low-income households across Tanzania. Under the model, customers can receive a stove immediately and pay in small instalments via mobile money similar to the country’s prepaid electricity system until the balance is cleared.

“We realised that our technology can be expensive for low-income earners, so we introduced a pay-in-instalments system linked to mobile phones to make it easier for customers to manage their payments,” said Mr Mendes. The initiative supports the government’s goal of ensuring that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking solutions by 2034, helping to reduce both environmental degradation and health problems caused by traditional cooking methods.

Mr Mendes said the company visited Kibasila Primary School yesterday, where it donated modern stoves and school bags to pupils and teachers, as part of efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy. “This is the second time we have visited this school.

We installed a modern stove that helps reduce cooking costs, and pupils now get their meals on time,” he added. Smart Pika has set a long-term goal of reaching five million households, or about 20 million people, by 2034. The company expects to sell at least 5,000 stoves by the end of this year through the instalment plan, citing strong demand and positive feedback from early users.

Charles Barnaba, programme representative for Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) under the United Kingdom High Commission in Tanzania, which is financing the initiative, said electric stoves are not only affordable but also help reduce deforestation and air pollution. “The project implemented by Smart Pika will make these stoves accessible to many Tanzanians through small instalments, accelerating the national clean cooking agenda and reducing environmental pollution,” he said.

Kibasila Primary School head teacher, Ms Halima Hassan, said the stoves have significantly reduced operational costs and improved working conditions for cooks. “Previously, we spent about Sh20,000 daily on firewood for cooking.

After receiving these modern electric stoves, our daily cost has dropped to Sh5,000, and our students now get their meals on time. We encourage other schools to follow this example,” she said.

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By Doreen Kwayu Football in Tanzania is more than a sport it is culture, passion, and increasing big business. The unveiling of Young Africans record Sh21.75 billion sponsorship deal with SportPesa in August sparked conversations far beyond stadium walls.

From Kariakoo streets to national radio call-ins, the figure became a symbol of Tanzanian football’s rise. It also underscored how sponsorships are now shaping the economic fabric of our national game.

This is a turning point. Tanzanian football is no longer operating in the margins; it is becoming an industry with tangible economic weight, social influence, and continental ambition.

For us SportPesa, this partnership reaffirms our belief that investing in football means investing in people, opportunity, and national pride. Challenges facing Tanzanian football Even as the excitement builds, we must face the realities that continue to limit progress.

Many clubs still rely heavily on short-term revenues and gate collections, leaving little room for long-term investment. Infrastructure from training grounds to medical facilities and stadium maintenance requires more sustained funding than most clubs can currently provide.

The development pipeline also needs reinforcement. Youth academies lack resources to fully nurture emerging players, while women’s football, though steadily growing, continues to face challenges of funding and recognition.

Fans, the beating heart of the game, often face frustrations ranging from poor stadium logistics to unreliable live broadcasts. CAF licensing now compels clubs to invest in administration, facilities, and community development, a standard that Tanzania must meet not just to comply, but to compete.

This is the moment to act decisively, not cautiously. Turning challenges into opportunities Our partnership shows what is possible when ambition meets investment.

Beyond performance enhancement, the funds are enabling professional structures, better player welfare, improved training environments, advanced scouting, and modern matchday experiences. True growth, however, lies in how these resources transform the wider ecosystem from youth academies and women’s football to healthcare, fan safety, and career pathways for players.

The aim is not simply to fund football, but to professionalise it from the ground up, ensuring that the progress we celebrate today can be sustained tomorrow. Fans should feel the impact For us at SportPesa, the real success of any sponsorship is measured by the fan experience.

A deal of this scale must translate into smoother stadium access, cleaner stands, improved sound systems, and consistent matchday coverage. Fans deserve quality football both on the pitch and in how it’s presented.

Equally, investment must empower young players to rise through the ranks and ensure women’s football is visible and celebrated. When supporters see these improvements, they will know that every shilling invested is working to uplift the game they love.

Lessons from SportPesa’s regional footprint Our experience across the continent proves that meaningful partnerships drive transformation. The 2017 SportPesa Super Cup, which brought East African clubs together and led to Everton’s historic visit to Dar es Salaam, demonstrated Tanzania’s potential to command international attention.

In Kenya, our collaboration with the Football Federation fostered stability across grassroots and professional football. In South Africa, partnership with Varsity Football helped nurture university talent.

Globally, alliances with Everton, Hull City, and Arsenal have given East African football unprecedented visibility. The message is clear when investment is matched with vision and accountability, growth follows.

The power of partnerships No single player can transform Tanzanian football alone. Clubs must use sponsorship funds responsibly and transparently, ensuring they reach where impact is greatest.

Sponsors must go beyond branding to drive shared accountability and measurable outcomes. Government and regulators must strengthen infrastructure, policy, and governance.

And fans must remain engaged not only as spectators but as vital partners in progress. The SportPesa-Yanga partnership represents a model for how collaboration can reshape the football industry into one that is globally respected, locally empowering, and economically sustainable.

Aligning with national ambitions Sport is an essential pillar of Tanzania’s national development vision. With clubs like Yanga and Simba gaining continental recognition, and government support for professional leagues increasing, we stand at a pivotal moment.

Strategic sponsorships like this one don’t just benefit clubs they fuel youth employment, skills development, and national visibility. They also align with CAF’s call for African football to adopt sustainable, long-term models that secure the future of the sport.

Conclusion: Beyond the numbers The Sh21.75 billion headline made waves across Tanzania. But the real measure of success will be the transformation we see, in better football on the pitch, stronger infrastructure off it, more opportunities for youth and women, and richer fan experiences.

At SportPesa, we believe that sponsorship is not about ceremony; it’s about commitment, impact, and delivery. But this journey requires collective effort.

Clubs must manage resources wisely, government must continue to provide an enabling environment, and fans must stay engaged in holding all of us accountable to higher standards. The cheque has been signed, now it’s time for every stakeholder to step up.

Together, we can take Tanzanian football to the next level, professional, competitive, and truly world-class. Doreen Kwayu is Head of Operations, SportPesa Tanzania.

London. The Mall Galleries, one of Britain’s most prestigious art venues, has opened Whispers Under Wings: Global Conference of the Birds, a solo exhibition by Tanzanian artist Shafina Jaffer, marking a rare and significant moment for East African art on the London stage.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mbelwa Kairuki, who hailed Jaffer as a “cultural bridge-builder.” “Shafina’s talent and vision beautifully showcase the spirit of Tanzania on the global stage,” Kairuki said, adding, “Art is indeed a powerful tool of diplomacy and connection.

Hongera sana, Shafina! You make Tanzania proud.” Situated along The Mall, opposite Buckingham Palace, the Mall Galleries are a cornerstone of British artistic life.

Since their inauguration by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971, the venue has hosted major exhibitions ranging from the Royal Society of Portrait Painters to contemporary art shows addressing global causes. For Jaffer, exhibiting here is not merely a personal milestone but also a symbolic recognition of Tanzania’s artistic voice joining Britain’s cultural narrative.

Bark cloth and birds: A Tanzanian language of art Jaffer’s artistic signature lies in both her medium and method. She paints on bark cloth, an ancient, sustainably sourced material, and grinds her own pigments from Tanzanian soil, minerals, plants, and bone.

Each piece, she says, carries the “spirit of home.” In Whispers Under Wings, she depicts enlarged African birds on monumental bark cloth panels.

Her imagery draws inspiration from Farid ud-Din Attar’s 12th-century Persian poem The Conference of the Birds, in which birds seek their divine king only to discover that the truth lies within themselves. Critical and diplomatic acclaim The opening drew diplomats, collectors, and members of London’s Tanzanian diaspora.

Prominent art critic Tabish Khan praised Jaffer’s originality and emotional intelligence. Khan remarked, “pause, reflect, and look inward.

This is art that doesn’t just impress — it makes you think, and it makes you feel.” Many guests noted that her paintings touch the soul and invite reflection, not only on individual lives but also on shared responsibilities to the planet.

Jaffer’s rise to international recognition has been swift. Her painting was projected onto Windsor Castle during King Charles III’s Coronation Concert in 2023, an honour that introduced her work to a global audience.

Since then, her pieces have entered private and institutional collections worldwide, including cultural centres, hospitals, and schools promoting dialogue and peace. Most recently, she was featured in the August 2025 issue of Air Tanzania’s Twiga Magazine, highlighting her growing role as a cultural ambassador for the country.

She describes her art as secular yet spiritual, aimed at universal harmony: “My paintings are not bound by creed,” she said at the opening. “They are meant to speak to all — to awaken us to the beauty we are entrusted with, and to remind us of the balance we must restore with nature and with one another.

” For Tanzanians at home and abroad, this is a moment of pride — proof that the nation’s artistic voices can soar globally, carrying wisdom and beauty under their wings. .

Dar es Salaam. Trading activity at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) has slowed over the past two weeks as investors adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Market data show that total turnover for the week ending October 24, 2025, fell by 5.21 percent to Sh11.63 billion, down from Sh12.27 billion recorded the previous week.

This marks the second consecutive week of decline, following a 21.66 percent drop in the week ending October 17, when trading value fell from Sh15.66 billion to Sh12.27 billion. The slowdown coincides with a decrease in foreign investor participation during the third quarter of 2025, as global yields rose and the US Federal Reserve maintained elevated interest rates.

Figures show that offshore investors increased their stock sales by 41.9 percent, selling shares worth Sh114.9 billion between July and September, compared to Sh80.9 billion in the second quarter. DSE chief executive officer Peter Nalitolela was recently quoted as saying the increase in foreign sell-offs reflected portfolio rebalancing and broader global dynamics rather than declining confidence in Tanzania’s market.

“It reflects a combination of domestic market dynamics, macroeconomic adjustments, and global yield movements, rather than a loss of confidence in the Tanzanian market,” he said. Investor caution ahead of polls Market analysts say investor caution is typical during politically sensitive periods.

Zan Securities Limited CEO Raphael Masumbuko noted that the current slowdown may be linked to election-related uncertainty. “Things are not that bad, but investors may feel that with attention shifting towards elections, demand could dip and prices might fall.

That’s what could be happening now,” he said. However, he expressed optimism that trading activity would rebound after the polls.

“Investors remain hopeful that once the election period ends, things will return to normal,” he added. Analysts also believe that the ongoing release of financial statements by listed companies could help revive sentiment and stimulate market activity in the coming weeks.

Financial market expert Isaac Lubeja said the market is entering the third-quarter earnings season, a period typically marked by mild volatility. “Anticipation surrounding these results is already influencing investor sentiment, fuelling optimism that has lifted several counters in recent sessions,” he said.

“Nonetheless, trading volumes are expected to remain relatively subdued until the results are released and institutional investors can deploy larger capital flows.” He added that the Industrial and Allied and Commercial Services segments are expected to maintain their upward momentum, supported by renewed investor interest in firms demonstrating strong earnings resilience.

Banking stocks, which recorded sharp gains earlier in the year, may consolidate as investors rebalance their portfolios ahead of the results season. “Overall, the equity market retains a constructive tone, with expectations of further price appreciation in the coming weeks underpinned by improving liquidity conditions,” he said.

Fixed-income market In the bond market, yields have continued to decline across the curve, extending the downward trend seen in recent auctions. The long end of the curve is hovering near 13 percent, while short-dated papers have compressed further to around 11.512 percent.

The narrowing spread reflects a flattening yield curve, driven by strong demand for 10-year and 15-year Treasury bonds, both of which were heavily oversubscribed. Turnover and trading patterns Solomon Stockbrokers Ltd Chief Investment Officer Patrick James said equities turnover during the two weeks ending October 24 closed at Sh36.68 billion, a 12.28 percent drop from S1.82 billion recorded in the previous two weeks ending October 3.

“The drop was caused by an 11.09 percent decline in block trades, from Sh20.02 billion to Sh17.80 billion, while normal counter trades fell by 13.36 percent, from Sh21.80 billion to Sh18.88 billion,” he said. Mr James said the decline was likely part of short-term fluctuations rather than a reflection of weaker investor appetite, noting that the number of trades actually increased by 1.

41 percent. He added that fixed-income transactions in the secondary market surged to Sh705 billion during the two weeks ending October 24, a 225.27 percent increase from Sh216.89 billion recorded in the previous period, despite falling yields.

“This may indicate that investors are prioritising safer assets that guarantee steady returns, compared to the relatively riskier equities market, as we head towards the general election,” he said. Independent analyst Christopher Makombe said the decline in DSE activity was likely driven by election-related uncertainty, causing reduced foreign participation and cautious trading behaviour.

“With the general election approaching, investors appear to be in wait-and-see mode. Lower volumes and turnover suggest that many participants are staying on the sidelines,” he said.

“Market activity is likely to increase once the election concludes and government operations normalise under newly elected leadership.” .

Dar es Salaam. As campaigns for the General Election end today, various political parties have shared their assessments and differing views on the percentage of votes they expect to secure in Tanzania’s presidential race.

While some of the 17 parties that fielded presidential candidates remain confident of major victories, others insist that it is ultimately up to voters to determine the true outcome at the ballot box. The assessments come as election fever intensifies, with Tanzanians preparing to turn out in large numbers for the presidential vote, which is expected to shape the nation’s new political direction.

Besides the presidency, voters will also elect Members of Parliament and councillors tomorrow. Eighteen of the nineteen registered political parties are taking part, with the opposition party Chadema opting out.

The 17 parties contesting the presidency are: CCM (Samia Suluhu Hassan), Chaumma (Salum Jumaa Mwalim), DP (Abdul Mluya), TLP (Yustas Rwamugira), UDP (Saum Rashid), UMD (Mwajuma Mirambo), UPDP (Twalib Kadege), NRA (Hassan Almas), MAKINI (Coaster Kibonde), SAU (Majalio Kyara), NLD (Doyo Hassan), CCK (Daud Mwajojele), AAFP (Kunje Ngombale-Mwiru), NCCR-Mageuzi (Haji Ambar Khamis), CUF (Samandito Gombo), ADC (Wilson Peter) and ADA Tadea (Georges Busungu). According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a total of 37.6 million registered Tanzanians will decide who becomes councillor, MP and president for the next five years.

Party leaders, speaking separately, reflected on their 61 days of campaigning across different regions, highlighting their reach and public response. CCM Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training Kenan Kihongosi said the ruling party had set a new record for attendance during campaign rallies.

According to CCM’s data, over 25.3 million people attended public rallies, while 57.1 million followed the campaigns through the media and social platforms. “The CCM presidential candidate held 114 rallies across the country, attracting 164.9 million online interactions, demonstrating her acceptance and the popularity of the party,” said Mr Kihongosi.

AAFP Secretary-General Rashid Rai said his party conducted 67 rallies in 23 regions and reached about 77 million people through both traditional and digital media, claiming to have surpassed CCM in online engagement. He projected a 62 percent victory, although he cautioned that irregularities could affect the margin.

ADC’s presidential candidate, Mr Wilson Peter, said he held 91 rallies across 26 regions, reaching 30 million people directly and 45 million online. He estimated his winning margin at 55 percent.

DP Secretary-General Abdul Mluya reported conducting 105 rallies in 22 regions, expressing confidence of a 68 percent win “if fairness prevails.” UDP candidate Saum Rashid said her party expects an 88 percent victory, noting that they conducted 98 rallies across 28 regions and received overwhelming support from citizens.

Makini Party candidate Coaster Kibonde projected a 72 percent victory after what he described as extensive campaigning nationwide. UPDP candidate Twalib Kadege said he held rallies in 17 regions and anticipates a strong showing, though he left the final percentage “to the voters.

” TLP Secretary-General Bakari Makame expressed confidence that his party could win with 90 percent of the vote, citing positive public turnout in their 96 rallies. NRA candidate Hassan Almas said politics is “a matter of faith,” adding that he believes his victory will come through “the will of God and the voters.

” However, political analyst and University of Dar es Salaam lecturer, Prof George Kahangwa, dismissed the percentages cited by the parties as political rhetoric, saying that large crowds at rallies do not necessarily translate into votes. “Sometimes big turnouts don’t reflect actual votes–some attend for curiosity or encouragement, but vote differently,” he said.

“Crowds can be influenced by many factors, including transportation or local mobilisation.” He added that while large audiences may indicate popularity, “not everyone in attendance will necessarily vote for you; some may not even vote at all.

” Prof Kahangwa further observed that some parties relied heavily on social media metrics or market-based campaigns, which “inflate figures without corresponding realism.” “Claims of overwhelming victory are political statements.

Since they’re in a contest, they must project confidence–but our electoral environment still lacks transparency for precise predictions,” he noted. Political commentator Mr Abdulkarim Atiki agreed that figures can be disputed but argued that CCM faces “no real challenger” in this election.

“Results would only differ if citizens decided to turn against the ruling party–otherwise, CCM is like Yanga in the Premier League: dominant and unmatched,” he said. Mr Atiki added that CCM’s long tenure in power and delivery of public services give it a strong campaign narrative and a likely advantage at the polls.

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Dar es Salaam. The four Tanzanian clubs that have qualified for the group stage of CAF competitions will not face each other when the draws are conducted ahead of the new campaign scheduled to begin on November 21. Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga) and their arch rivals Simba SC have both advanced to the CAF Champions’ League group stage, while Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have secured their places in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

According to the latest CAF club rankings and competition regulations, teams placed in the same seeding pot cannot be drawn together in the same group. Based on current standings, both Yanga and Simba are expected to be placed in Pot 2 of the CAF Champions League draw, while Azam FC and Singida Black Stars are likely to find themselves together in Pot 4 of the Confederation Cup draw.

In the CAF Champions League, Pot 1 currently features some of the continent’s most dominant sides: Al Ahly (Egypt) with 78 CAF ranking points, Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) with 62 points, and Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) with 57 points. The fourth team expected to join Pot 1 is RS Berkane (Morocco), provided they qualify by eliminating Al Ahly Tripoli (Libya) in their second-leg tie scheduled for October 30 in Morocco.

RS Berkane drew 1-1 away to Al Ahly Tripoli in the first leg and will only need a goalless draw or a win at home to seal qualification. If Berkane advance, they will join Pot 1 since they currently have 52 CAF ranking points, which is higher than Simba’s 48 points.

That means both Yanga and Simba would be confirmed in Pot 2 of the draw. As per CAF draw procedures, teams placed in the same pot cannot face each other in the group stage.

Therefore, the two Tanzanian giants will not meet at this phase. However, being in Pot 2 means that both clubs could be drawn against one of Africa’s heavyweights from Pot 1 — namely Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance, or RS Berkane (if qualified).

Currently, the projected composition of Pot 2 includes Simba SC, Yanga SC, Al Hilal (Sudan), Pyramids FC (Egypt) (if they qualify), and possibly Petro de Luanda (Angola) if Pyramids will not qualify. Pot 3 is expected to feature AS FAR (Morocco), MC Alger (Algeria), Rivers United (Nigeria), JS Kabylie (Algeria), and Petro de Luanda depending on Pyramids’ fate.

Meanwhile, Pot 4 could consist of Saint Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo), Power Dynamos (Zambia), and two other teams namely JS Kabylie or Stade Malien (Mali). CAF Confederation Cup: Azam and Singida in Pot 4 In the CAF Confederation Cup, Tanzania’s representatives Azam FC and Singida Black Stars are both expected to be placed in Pot 4, meaning they will not meet in the group stage.

Other clubs projected to be in Pot 4 include Olympic Safi (Morocco) and Zesco United (Zambia). This positioning implies that Azam and Singida could face much stronger opponents from the higher pots.

Pot 1 in the Confederation Cup is expected to feature continental powerhouses such as Zamalek SC (Egypt), Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), USM Alger (Algeria), and CR Belouizdad (Algeria). Pot 2 will likely include Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), Al Masry (Egypt), Maniema Union (DR Congo), and Djoliba AC (Mali).

Meanwhile, Pot 3 may have teams like Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), JAS Otoho (Congo Brazzaville), San Pedro (Ivory Coast), and Nairobi United (Kenya). Given these possible seedlings, both Azam FC and Singida Black Stars will face tough challenges in their respective groups.

They could be drawn against some of the most experienced teams in African football, but their recent performances have raised optimism that Tanzanian clubs can continue making a mark on the continental stage. With the CAF group stage draw expected soon, excitement is building among Tanzanian football fans who will once again see four clubs flying the national flag across Africa — a milestone achievement that underlines the country’s growing football influence.

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Dar es Salaam. After 60 days of vigorous campaigns nationwide, Tanzanians are casting their ballots this Wednesday to choose the next President of the United Republic, Members of Parliament and councillors.

With 17 presidential candidates to pick from, the ballot paper represents a wide menu of visions and promises on the country’s future. As voters weigh their options, the spotlight falls on who these candidates are, what they have said on the campaign trail, and how they intend to reshape Tanzania if given the mandate.

Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has been asking voters to trust the continuity of her reform path. She has urged citizens to build on the momentum achieved since she took over leadership in 2021, saying her administration opened space for dialogue, strengthened diplomacy and restored confidence among development partners.

She said at one of her rallies, “Our work has only just begun. We must finish what we started, ensuring water, health, education and jobs reach every household.

” She has promised to employ thousands of teachers and medical workers within the first 100 days and complete the national health insurance rollout that protects vulnerable groups without discrimination. On governance, she has repeatedly said she believes in structured reconciliation, noting that “A nation moves forward when people talk, not when they shout at one another.

” Gombo Samandito Gombo of the Civic United Front (CUF) has taken a bold stance on social welfare and equality. He has insisted public resources must directly lift citizens out of hardship.

At a rally in Pemba, he proclaimed, “Education is a right, not a privilege. From nursery to university, every child will learn for free because Tanzania cannot afford to waste talent.

” His manifesto also announces universal free healthcare and a complete overhaul of the pension system. He calls the current formula punitive, telling supporters, “A retiree should enjoy dignity, not debt.

” Mr Gombo also proposes guaranteed employment opportunities or government-backed self-employment initiatives for youth, with a single digital tax to simplify compliance and reduce corruption. Kunje Ngombale Mwiru of AAFP emphasises constitutionalism and agricultural transformation.

He has framed governance failures as a problem of obedience rather than legal deficiency. “The Constitution is clear,” he said, “but leaders bend the law to suit themselves.

Under AAFP, government will obey the law without negotiation.” His agricultural plan includes mechanisation, ward-level laboratories and timely distribution of seeds and fertilisers to end unreliable harvests.

He stresses equal land rights and insists women must be central to rural development, saying, “When a woman owns land, the whole family rises.” NRA’ Hassan Almas of has kept a low-cost campaign centred on moral authority and peace.

He often reminds supporters that leadership must never come through chaos or intimidation. “God first, the people second, and the Commission third,” he stated after submitting his nomination papers.

Almas urges Tanzanians to prioritise harmony, adding, “No ambition is worth breaking this country’s peace.” Coaster Kibonde of Chama Makini appeals strongly to struggling youth and families.

His signature pledge, Care Makini, aims at universal health insurance fully funded by the State. During a rally in Tabora he said, “Healthcare must not depend on the weight of your wallet but the beating of your heart.

” He promises every young person five acres for mechanised agriculture and the means to cultivate it, aiming to turn rural Tanzania into a centre of profitable agribusiness. NLD’s Doyo Hassan Doyo has built his reputation as an austerity warrior.

He shocked many when he arrived to collect nomination forms in a bajaji, a symbolic gesture to reject state extravagance. “Leadership is not a luxury club,” he told supporters.

He plans to auction high-end government vehicles immediately and cap spending on officials’ cars at Sh30 million, including for the presidency. He also vows free maternal care and policy reform ensuring hospitals cannot retain bodies over unpaid bills.

His refrain has been, “Every shilling saved must go to the people.” Abdallah Kadege of UPDP has called land ownership the gateway to freedom and wealth, promising policies that enable every family to secure productive land.

He insists citizens cannot be empowered if bureaucracy or elites own everything. “The first capital of a poor person is land,” he said.

On media freedom, he added, “The press must reach and speak for those in the margins — even where there is no highway.” Majaliwa Kyara of SAU has urged voters to consider the link between farming practices and public health.

He has argued strongly against heavy chemical inputs, warning that “We are feeding diseases to our children.” Kyara also pushes for curriculum changes aligned to industrial employment and wants youth-driven industry clusters that supply national and regional markets.

David Mwaijojele of CCK has struck a chord among public servants with his pledge that all government workers should retire to the comfort of their own homes, financed through a combined contribution scheme. “A worker must leave service with dignity, not rent arrears,” he told a rally in Iringa.

He insists such a model will also free employment opportunities for younger Tanzanians waiting to enter the labour market. Mazrui Alfphan of UMD proposes deeper decentralisation of education management.

He advocates for regional governments to run nurseries, primary and secondary schools while the Union prioritises universities and national industries. Alfphan has said, “Regional empowerment means real accountability.

Services improve when those responsible live with the people they serve.” He imagines a revitalised National Service driving large-scale industrial production through youth skills programmes.

Wilson Elias Mulumbe of ADC has promised to restore public infrastructure and revive shuttered State industries that once powered the economy. “We are tired of investors who buy factories only to kill them,” he declared.

He pledges free healthcare, free electricity connections and a complete renovation of police housing facilities. His campaign is anchored in reversing what he sees as the damaging consequences of careless privatisation.

Haji Khamis of NCCR-Mageuzi has presented corruption as the single largest threat to Tanzania’s development. He has accused successive leaders of ignoring damning findings by the Controller and Auditor General.

On stage in Tanga, he said, “CAG reports are not fairy tales, they are confessions of theft. Under my leadership, those names will not collect pensions, they will collect charges.

” Additionally, pledged legal frameworks ensuring factories give employment priority to local youth. Salum Mwalimu of Chaumma speaks to workers who feel left behind by economic growth.

He has vowed to increase the net minimum wage to Sh800,000 and restore discipline in public service. “Tanzanians are tired of leaders who remember problems only when they want votes,” he told supporters.

His solution to food security is modernising agriculture and stabilising produce prices so farmers can earn predictably. Saum Hussein Rashid of UDP has adopted a simple message: citizens must have cash in their pockets.

She insists growth on paper does not change life unless wealth spreads to households. “Development must first be felt at home, in the money parents use to buy food and school items,” she said during a rally in Mbeya.

She promises rapid expansion of agro-processing regions to ensure farmers profit, not struggle. Yustas Mbatina Rwamugira of TLP focuses on economic reforms that make hospitals functional and sustainable.

He has argued that “A nation that cannot treat its sick cannot claim to be developing.” He also promises access to three daily meals for every citizen and affordable credit for small entrepreneurs to lift grassroots commerce.

Abdul Juma Mluya of DP campaigns on strong social sector reforms, promising free childbirth services in every health facility and curriculum modernisation that prepares youth for a technology-driven world. He insists, “The dignity of a nation begins with how it treats mothers and teachers.

” He has pledged better salaries and structured motivation for civil servants. George Bussungu of ADA-TADEA brands his campaign as a digital revolution, claiming Tanzania must become a producer, not merely a consumer, of new technologies.

He declared, “If data is the new gold, then every Tanzanian must have a mine.” He also pitches subsidised 20 kilogrammes of cooking gas per month for low-income families to cut household energy costs and protect forests.

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Unguja. Today, as Zanzibaris head to the polls, the 43-day campaign season officially comes to an end, closing the curtains for weeks of political activity that began with intra-party nominations, approval by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), and countrywide rallies that have shaped the mood ahead of this year’s decisive vote.

Out of the 17 political parties that initially collected nomination forms, only 11 were cleared by ZEC to field presidential candidates. Five parties failed to return their forms, while the Civic United Front (CUF) candidate, though he submitted his papers, was disqualified for not meeting all endorsement requirements.

The campaign period officially opened on 11 September 2025, with Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT-Wazalendo leading the way as the first two parties to launch their campaigns on 13 September–CCM at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Unguja and ACT-Wazalendo at Tibirinzi grounds in Pemba. CCM: Stability and inclusive growth CCM’s presidential candidate and incumbent, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, led six major public rallies alongside smaller meetings with youth, entrepreneurs, fishermen, tour guides, and religious leaders.

His campaign centred on peace, stability and the continuation of development projects initiated under his administration. Dr Mwinyi outlined 10 key priorities drawn from the CCM manifesto, including national unity, inclusive economic growth, and social welfare improvement.

Among his pledges were the creation of 350,000 jobs by 2030, food security through a national food reserve, economic empowerment via loans and vocational training, and the development of modern housing and smart cities. He also committed to strengthening the education, water, and electricity sectors, and creating a national oil reserve to cushion Zanzibar against global fuel price shocks.

ACT-Wazalendo: A Fairer Zanzibar ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate, Othman Masoud Othman, conducted an extensive campaign with 77 rallies across Unguja and Pemba. Masoud promised to build a “new Zanzibar” rooted in equality, justice, and indigenous empowerment–where locals benefit first from the islands’ natural wealth.

He pledged to overhaul the land system to prioritise Zanzibaris, ease tax burdens on businesses, tackle corruption and electoral malpractice, and restore citizens’ power through a new constitution. Other pledges included establishing a Zakat fund for the poor, introducing free education at all levels, reforming the commercial court to attract investors, and drafting new trade and arbitration laws.

UPDP: Factories and free marriages Hamad Mohamed Ibrahim of the UPDP said his administration would focus on industrialising the clove sector by establishing local processing factories. He added that the UPDP government would pay bride price (mahari) for young men and give women Sh1.5 million upon engagement to help them start life.

He further pledged to invest in nuclear energy to end power shortages and boost industrial productivity. Alliance for African Farmers Party (AAFP): Better prices and free ports The AAFP candidate, Said Soud Said, promised to raise the price of cloves to Sh50,000 per kilo and turn Zanzibar’s ports into duty-free Freeport zones to attract trade and investment.

He criticised a system where “clove buyers drive Prados while farmers cannot afford bicycles,” saying his government would ensure farmers benefit directly from their produce. Tanzania Labour Party (TLP): Youth and technology Running on the TLP ticket, Hussain Juma Salum, promised to sustain peace and democracy while modernising the economy through technology-driven growth.

He urged youth to take up productive work, promising agricultural inputs to farmers and job creation opportunities across key sectors. ADA-TADEA: Skills and connectivity The ADA-TADEA candidate, Juma Ali Khatib, said his party would prioritise technical and vocational education to equip the next generation with practical skills.

He also pledged investment in large fishing vessels, local manufacturing, technological innovation, and even building a bridge between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam to boost economic integration. NRA: Better pay for teachers Khamis Faki Mgau of the NRA vowed to improve civil servants’ welfare, promising a minimum teacher’s salary of Sh1.5 million and youth empowerment through small-scale development projects.

He said teachers deserve better pay to reflect their contribution to the nation’s human capital. ADC: Affordable food and tax cuts The ADC candidate, Hamad Rashid Mohammed, promised that within his first 100 days, the price of rice would not exceed Sh1,500 per kilo.

He said his administration would achieve this by reducing or removing taxes on food imports and providing farmers with free inputs to boost local production. Makini: Cash for citizens The Makini candidate, Ameir Hassan Ameir, made a bold pledge to give Sh500,000 to every Zanzibari by reducing government spending and fighting corruption.

He vowed to cap the presidential convoy at six vehicles and set a minimum wage of Sh1.5 million, while promising subsidies for institutions supporting orphans and people with special needs. NCCR-Mageuzi: Jobs and markets Laila Rajab Khamis of NCCR-Mageuzi pledged to tackle unemployment, improve healthcare, and boost trade.

She promised to raise public salaries by 80 percent, build a modern market in Kibandamaiti within 100 days, and restore access to affordable business loans. “This will mark the end of women’s economic struggles,” she said.

NLD: Unity and social justice The NLD candidate, Mfaume Khamis Hassan, outlined four priorities: uniting Zanzibaris, addressing gender-based violence, creating youth jobs, and improving education quality to meet global standards. “My first priority is unity–there’s too much division now,” he said.

As Zanzibaris cast their votes today, the campaigns of the past six weeks have set the stage for what could be one of the most competitive elections in the islands’ recent history .