Category: The Citizen

Cairo. African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has marked the end of Prof Benedict Okey Oramah’s tenure as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors with a legacy conference celebrating his decade of leadership and impact on intra-African trade and investment.

The farewell event, held at the Bank’s headquarters in Cairo, brought together more than 2,000 guests, including heads of state and government, former leaders, African and Caribbean dignitaries, business executives, all former Afreximbank Presidents, the President-designate, members of the Board, shareholders, staff, and friends of the Bank. Prof Oramah, who assumed office in September 2015, said he made the promotion of intra-African trade and investment the cornerstone of Afreximbank’s strategy, driven by the conviction that it was the only viable path to Africa’s development and economic emancipation.

“Our philosophy was borne out of the conviction that the only viable path forward for Africa’s development and economic emancipation was one that would aggressively reverse-engineer the colonial strategy of ‘divide and rule’ that had, for decades, pinned Africa and people of African descent down in the dustbin of despair,” he said. He added that Africa’s growth must be driven from within, noting that external interests had historically been “predatory and parasitic, unless engaged from a position of strength and purpose.

” Reflecting on his tenure, Prof Oramah said Afreximbank’s broad interventions had produced tangible results. “We can now point to those things that exist today new institutional arrangements and interventions that have become formidable forces in Africa’s fight towards true self-determination many of which were mere aspirations ten years ago,” he said.

Legacy of growth and innovation During Prof Oramah’s 10-year leadership, Afreximbank’s balance sheet and guarantees grew nearly eight-fold, from $6 billion in 2015 to about $44 billion by September 2025. He spearheaded numerous initiatives addressing the continent’s trade and industrial challenges, positioning Afreximbank as Africa’s leading trade finance institution. Among these were the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), backed by a $3 billion facility, which now operates in 20 countries and enables cross-border trade in local currencies.

The AfCFTA Adjustment Fund, established with a $1 billion commitment in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, supports member states to adapt to the new trading regime. Launched in 2018, the Intra-African Trade Fair has attracted over $170 billion in trade and investment deals across four editions, drawing 180,000 participants.

The Africa Trade Gateway, a digital platform, and Afreximbank Africa Trade Centres are further breaking information barriers and facilitating investment across the continent. The Bank also led efforts to harmonise over 500 standards in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and automotive industries, while expanding certification and testing centres across Africa.

Through collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat and COMESA, Afreximbank launched the African Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme, supported by $1 billion in guarantee limits, to ease the movement of goods across borders. Additionally, Afreximbank has supported industrialisation by investing in special economic zones and major projects such as Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, while strengthening socio-economic and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean through CARICOM partnerships.

Under Prof Oramah’s leadership, Afreximbank disbursed over US$10 billion to help African economies withstand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a US$2 billion facility to secure vaccines for Africa and the Caribbean. The Bank also launched the African Trade and Distribution Company (ATDC) to overcome logistical barriers in cross-border trade and initiated the African Medical Centre of Excellence to improve access to quality healthcare.

Praise from successor Afreximbank President-designate Dr George Elombi described Prof Oramah as “one of the few in the world the 0.8 per cent who combine vision and execution.

” “Under his leadership, Afreximbank and its partners have built a strong foundation for enhancing intra-African trade and industrial development. He turned decades-old political aspirations into tangible economic gains,” Dr Elombi said.

The legacy conference concluded with tributes from staff, business leaders, political figures, and members of the public whose lives and careers were touched by Prof Oramah’s work. .

Same. As Tanzanians prepare to head to the polls on Wednesday in another historic general election, Retired Prime Minister and First President John Malecela has called on citizens to uphold peace and unity before, during and after voting.

On that day, Tanzanians from the Mainland and Zanzibar will vote for the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Vice President, the President of Zanzibar, Members of Parliament and members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives. As in past elections, this year’s campaign season has been marked by political tension and intense online debate.

Ahead of the 2025 polls, there have been reports of planned demonstrations on Election Day, while others are mobilising citizens to vote. Competing slogans such as “October We Tick” and “October We Leave” have flooded social media, prompting government, religious and civic leaders to stress the importance of maintaining peace.

The Police Force has warned it will curb any form of crime or disturbance on Election Day. Speaking to elders from Same District, Mr Malecela said no treasure in the world is more valuable than peace.

“There is nothing more valuable in any nation than peace. It determines the country’s development and the welfare of families,” he said.

“Some people are trying to drive us into conflict and chaos, but Tanzanians and their government have always rejected such efforts.” He also urged citizens to continue placing their trust in CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing progress in the economy and development projects under her leadership.

President Samia was endorsed by the CCM National Congress to seek re-election with Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi as her running mate. The 2025 General Election features 18 political parties and 17 presidential candidates, including Samia and Dr Nchimbi (CCM), Salum Jumaa Mwalimu and Devotha Minja (Chaumma), Yustas Rwamugira and Amana Suleiman Mzee (TLP), Abdul Mluya and Sadoun Abrahman Khatib (DP) and Saum Hussein Rashid and Juma Khamisi Faki (UDP), among others.

Mr Malecela said that since before Tanganyika’s independence and the birth of Tanzania, peace had always been the nation’s greatest priority. He urged both citizens and security organs to protect it, condemning individuals promoting voter apathy or planning election-day protests.

“On election day, I urge family heads to wake up early and take their families to vote first. By doing so, we fulfil a key civic duty that helps sustain peace,” he said.

“Your right to be governed lies in electing your leaders. Any Tanzanian who fails to vote has not done justice to their country.

” Why Samia deserves recognition Mr Malecela praised President Samia’s leadership, describing the progress under her tenure as inspiring. He highlighted major projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Dar es Salaam.

He also commended the expansion of tarmacked roads linking regions, construction of health centres and schools and agricultural transformation through subsidies including improved seeds and modern tools. At 91, Mr Malecela recalled his tenure as Prime Minister under the late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, when the country transitioned to a multiparty system.

“If you get the chance, travel to Dar es Salaam, take the SGR to Dodoma, then return to Same by bus and you will see how much Tanzania has transformed,” he said. He said the 2,115-megawatt JNHPP project had turned part of the Rufiji River basin into a vast water body, a source of national pride.

On the BRT system, he acknowledged challenges but noted government efforts to improve urban transport. “Recently, some hooligans threw stones at BRT buses.

Such behaviour is destructive, not constructive,” he said. He also highlighted improvements in healthcare, noting that Same East Constituency now has more than four health centres compared to one previously.

“When we speak of these achievements, it doesn’t mean President Samia has solved all problems. It means we should appreciate and honour her efforts,” he said.

He called on citizens to act, saying: “The election is near. Let every Tanzanian sing one song: ‘On October 29, what are we doing?’ And the answer should be, ‘We’re ticking.

‘” Addressing youth unemployment Mr Malecela said unemployment is a global challenge, affecting developed and developing nations alike. “Even in the UK and the US, young people face the same challenge.

Here in Africa, it’s similar, only the scale differs,” he said, urging youth to be patient and value progress. He added that Tanzania has made significant strides in development: “We’ve come a long way from deep poverty.

Today, development is visible. Did we once have buses with toilets? No.

Today we do — that’s progress we should celebrate.” The next five years Mr Malecela said Tanzanians’ first duty is to elect the President and MPs, preferably from CCM.

“Once elected, the President will outline her priorities for the first 100 days. She has toured the country listening to citizens’ concerns.

We must give her room to lead,” he said. He predicted that Tanzania will make major strides over the next five years: “God has blessed us with vast resources.

Every region now has gold deposits. Gold has strengthened our economy.

In five years, Tanzania will have advanced further than many of our neighbours.” He concluded that Tanzania is on track to become one of the region’s strongest economies, with no neighbouring country likely to match its pace of growth and development.

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Dar es Salaam. More than 2,000 startup founders, investors, policymakers and innovation leaders are expected to converge in Dar es Salaam from December 1 to 5, for the 2025 edition of Tanzania Startup Week, as the country positions itself at the forefront of Africa’s innovation landscape.

The five-day event, themed “Positioning Startups for Dira 2050 Unleashing Innovation, Inclusion and Economic Transformation in Africa”, will align Tanzania’s growing startup ecosystem with regional and global markets in support of the nation’s Vision 2050 target of building a $1 trillion economy. This year’s edition marks a strategic partnership between the event organisers and Africa Business Connex, the MICE arm of Africa Business Inc, which joins as co-host.

Tanzania Startup Week 2025 Co-Chairperson Edwin Bruno said the collaboration aims to elevate the event’s programming for a broader continental audience. “We saw an opportunity to leverage their capability in developing well-curated conference content for the African audience and we believe this will amplify the impact of the work we are already doing,” he said.

Mr Bruno added that the opening day will focus on translating Tanzania’s Vision 2050 into actionable strategies for startups and innovators–initiatives he said are vital to driving economic growth and creating jobs for young people. “The day will focus on turning long-term policy frameworks into practical pathways for growth, scaling ventures effectively and expanding employment opportunities for the youth,” he noted.

Africa Business Connex Managing Director and Africa Business Inc Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Ms Lebohang Noruwana-Mkhize, said the event’s timing–coming soon after the G20 Summit in South Africa–was intentional. “We intend to extend the conversations from the Startup20 engagement group into this important event.

This will give Tanzania’s startup ecosystem a platform to engage on the five SU20 priority areas: Foundation and Alliance, Finance and Investment, Inclusion and Sustainability, Market Access and Township and Rural Entrepreneurship,” she said. A high-profile line-up of speakers is expected, including Timpledge.

org CEO Matteo Rizzi, Global Policy House chief HRH Michelle Chivunga, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Skills Audit and Development Prof Varuyayi Mavima, Ghana FinTech and Payments Association President Martin Kwame Awagah, Sahara Ventures CEO Jumanne Mtambalike and Credable Group CEO Nadeem Juma. Mr Bruno said the conference themes and speaker selections were carefully curated to stimulate innovation, inclusion and economic transformation across Africa.

Each day of the week will spotlight key pillars of innovation and growth. Sessions on investment and deal flow will feature a Fintech Futures Roundtable exploring how Africa can tap into the continent’s estimated $3 trillion digital economy.

Other discussions will focus on the role of universities in commercialising research, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting academic startups, alongside panels on smart cities and artificial intelligence. The event will conclude with a gala recognising outstanding ecosystem partners and unveiling the roadmap for Tanzania Startup Week 2026. Launched in 2024, Tanzania Startup Week has become the country’s leading platform for aligning innovation policy, investment capital and market access to drive national economic transformation.

Organisers say the 2025 edition will deepen Pan-African collaboration and accelerate Tanzania’s ambition to build a competitive, inclusive and innovation-driven economy–bringing the country closer to its Vision 2050 goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s sugar producers are projecting a surge in output with a firm commitment to long-term market stability, pledging to maintain sufficient domestic supply while aggressively expanding into regional export markets.

The Tanzania Sugar Producers Association (TSPA) has projected cumulative sugar availability of at least 350,000 tonnes by the end of the 2025/26 season, a robust forecast that the industry believes is more than enough to meet national demand and ensure price control. In an interview with The Citizen, TSPA executive secretary Mr Kennedy Rwehumbiza, said seven active producers–TPC Moshi, Kagera Sugar Limited, Mtibwa Sugar Estate, Kilombero Sugar Company, Bagamoyo Sugar Limited, Manyara Sugar Company and Mkulazi Holding Company–collectively supplied over 340,000 tonnes of brown sugar from May to September 2025. “This figure represents 147 percent of the estimated national demand for the first five months, which stands at approximately 230,000 tonnes.

Compared to the same period last season, this marks a 54 percent increase, underscoring the sector’s robust recovery and operational efficiency,” he said. The production performance, he said, had an immediate stabilising impact on sugar prices which now ranges between Sh2,600 and Sh3,000 per kilogramme.

“With 80 percent of the sugar sold locally, consumers are benefiting from consistent availability and fair pricing. This stability reflects improved coordination across the value chain and a commitment to market responsiveness by producers,” said Mr Rwehumbiza.

On the export front, the industry is making significant strides in regional markets. By mid-October 2025, Tanzania had exported approximately 85,000 tonnes of sugar, generating over $72 million in foreign exchange earnings.

Producers eye to expand exportation of sugar to regional markets of Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda among others. Producers say these exports reflect growing competitiveness and alignment with Tanzania’s industrialization agenda — positioning sugar not only as a food commodity but as a strategic export earner.

The growth is underpinned by aggressive strategic investments from existing and new producers, cementing the sector’s resilience and future capacity. According to TSPA data, Kilombero Sugar Company is moving forward with its ambitious K4 project, which will ultimately add 144,000 tonnes annually.

Once completed, Kilombero’s total output will exceed 270,000 tonnes, making it a cornerstone of the domestic supply chain. Meanwhile, Kagera Sugar Limited is scaling up its operations through major investments in sugarcane cultivation and process optimization.

The company aims to more than double its current output of 140,000 tonnes by the 2029/30 season, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity in rural communities. Other major producers, including Mtibwa, Bagamoyo and Mkulazi, are also investing heavily in their expansion projects to guarantee increased supply and diversification.

Mr Rwehumbiza said this trend of expansion is attracting new capital as the industry has seen the entry of four new players–Golden Sugar, Lake Agro, Mufindi Paper and Eagle-Agrotech –signaling growing investor confidence in the sector’s regulatory environment. “Their emergence reflects growing investor confidence and the effectiveness of government policies in fostering a competitive and sustainable agribusiness environment,” he said.

Beyond raw sugar, Mr Rwehumbiza noted the industry is also evolving into higher-value products, with investments in refining, ethanol and Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) which are aligning with TSPA’s strategic vision for a more integrated and sustainable sugar value chain. He said these developments promise to enhance profitability, reduce waste and support Tanzania’s transition to a greener economy.

TSPA underscores that the industry’s success rests on a strong partnership with out-grower farmers and public institutions. Reforms in payment systems, digital monitoring tools and extension support have ensured timely cane delivery and equitable revenue sharing, keeping mills at full operational capacity.

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She is a healer, curator, educator and farmer. Rehema Remi, who prefers to identify as Remi, is proud of what they have achieved at Offbabylon, a place of organic farming and community building, where they farm and cook plant-based food, including ugali, pounded young papaya salad, smoked plantain and sweet potatoes.

Remi is proud to be back in Tanzania. The mother of two gorgeous children is German-educated and raised, still with strong ties to the country, but she describes being in Tanzania as “freedom”.

Asked why she relocated, her answer was simple: “Home is beautiful.” She has fully immersed herself in art and culture, working as an arts, culture and education consultant for institutions, having worked with the French cultural centre ‘Alliance Franaaise de Dar es Salaam’.

In addition, she is exploring her cultural heritage and studying traditional African healing practices, among many other endeavours she has her hands and mind in. She is thankful for the Tanzanian societal way of life, where close family members, friends and neighbours all take part in raising children, something that is uniquely African.

She has not witnessed that within Western culture. In Tanzania, children can freely play outside without any worries; in Germany, most parents would not dare do that.

“Here you can tell your kids to go eat at your neighbours and have my neighbours’ kids come to my place, without being scared,” she added. That’s why she is puzzled as to why so many African youth are hell-bent on reaching Europe.

“People do not realise how much freedom we have in Tanzania compared to other countries, even in Germany, I found it restrictive,” she said. She said, unlike Tanzania.

In Germany, the work-life balance restricts you. Life is monotonous and repetitive.

Even the work you can do there is limited, while in Tanzania, she is free to explore and unleash her creativity. Remi has her own description of the word ‘Freedom’ for her; even the type of food one chooses to eat is freedom.

As an organic farmer practicing permaculture at Offbabylon, Remi recognises the privilege of accessing fresh vegetables, fruits and grains in Tanzania–food that would be expensive in Europe She also values the kindness and warmth of Tanzanian people, who openly welcome friends and neighbours who arrive unexpectedly. “In Europe, you can’t just show up at someone’s door unannounced,” she quipped.

The social freedom Remi has experienced in Tanzania has been refreshing, she points out to the influx of European tourists coming to Tanzania for vacation as vivid evidence to the liberty of life in Tanzania. “I can decide where to go, I can go to the beach today and decide to go anywhere in Tanzania, boundless,” she attested.

The simple act of moving around the her motherland might seem insignificant to some Tanzanians who are accustomed to it hence take it for granted but Remi has seen the other side of restrictive movement to people who look like her. “Some people and politicians in German have on several occasions boldly stated publicly that they do not want to see black people in public” she said.

Europe’s high-pressure work culture, driven by high living costs and widespread debt, often traps people in a relentless cycle of labour and repayment. Remi detested that, “That’s no way for one to live,” she chimed in.

Savouring her freedom in Tanzania, she named her pet dog ‘Freedom’. Being a generation whose parents witnessed Tanzania’s early years after gaining its independence, she cherishes every aspect of it.

Scores of young Africans have in recent years risked their lives to cross turbulent oceans to go to Europe, thousands have drowned, perished and countless others remain unaccounted for, lost in the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea. Remi said, unlike Tanzania that enjoys peace, some of these Africans run away from internal conflicts and wars, so she can’t put herself in their shoes, “Tanzania we are not there as a country, where our people would be forced to seek asylum,” she explained.

Under the same breath, she points out the life in Europe that is being sold to Africans, which is contrary to reality. Most of these Africans fall for a mirage and the allure of European life, which is most likely unattainable for them, even if they make it to European shores.

“It’s just a picture perpetuating the modern world in Europe, but we all know that is not the life for black people,” she said. She pointed to the rise of right-wing politics across America and Europe.

“Every day they kill black children, you see the black lives matter movement, the incarceration of black men,” she said. The Alternative fur Deutschland has been gaining political muscle in Germany, the Far-right to right-wing populist, anti-immigration, nationalist has been vocal in their racist rhetoric.

Remi noted that she went to Europe for her studies; others like her choose to stay, either for love or to start a new life. But that worked well in the 90s and early 2000s; the politics have changed.

After her studies in the country, she got a nice job there, but the systemic racism was just growing bolder and bolder, where people started publicly voicing their bigotry. That drove her to be politically active in Germany, joining other human rights activists there and confronting everyday racism, which she admits was very exhausting.

Africa, Tanzania included, is no paradise, but she said, at least here she is not being judged for the colour of her skin. Though black people have excelled in so many fields and have done amazing things, in Western countries, they have to constantly seek the approval of other people and have to work much harder just to silence the doubters.

“The image they portray of black people in Europe is so negative and black people have always had to prove them wrong; it’s exhausting and many of us have committed suicide because of it,” she said. She has also been blessed to see the positive side of the country that offered her the vital education, she has friends and a community that supported her.

“I sometimes mean being able to make the quick food from the cans, cooking beans in Tanzania takes half a day,” she laughed. She also enjoyed the infrastructure in Europe; being able to take a train and travel to France in a short time was convenient.

“I wish we had that kind of transportation from Dar to Mwanza or Bukoba,” she quipped. Most of her German friends have visited her in Tanzania.

In a global world, all her friends from across the world have been to Tanzania and have been amazed by its beauty. She emphasised that she doesn’t want to discourage young Africans from pursuing their dreams to go to Europe, but Africans have to be pragmatic to the reality that comes with their decision to pursue their Western dreams.

“If you have the opportunity and the visa, you can go and be smart,” she said. “Be a quick learner, pick up things fast and learn to adapt,” she advised.

The job opportunities are not equally distributed to the unskilled, even the skilled African; some end up picking odd jobs just to get by. “Success doesn’t come overnight; patience and hard work are vital,” she added.

“Most importantly, do not forget home,” she insisted. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s business community has voiced optimism about maintaining operations amid heightened security for Wednesday’s General Election, echoing assurances from the Police Force that the vote will proceed peacefully without disrupting economic activities.

Police said in a statement yesterday that they have bolstered security measures nationwide ahead of the elections during which citizens will elect the President, lawmakers and councillors. Police spokesperson David Misime, speaking from headquarters in Dodoma, emphasised that the country remains calm, with no credible threats and urged high voter turnout without fear.

“The security situation in the country is very calm and there is no security threat that could prevent this activity from taking place peacefully,” he said. Mr Misime added that strict legal actions would target anyone breaching the peace, with preparations in place to safeguard areas before, during and after the vote.

Business leaders, particularly in key commercial hubs, welcomed the pledges, predicting minimal interruptions to trade and daily commerce. The Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), which represents the nation’s key commercial interest,s stressed that the country’s economic momentum would not be sacrificed for political volatility.

TNBC executive secretary Godwill Wanga encouraged entrepreneurs to vote and resume routines, stressing that no true Tanzanian would forsake civic duty for unrest “I don’t see any problem for businesses during the election period. Business owners should be peaceful.

They should vote and if they feel like opening, they should continue with their schedules as usual,” he said. Dr Wanga underscored that historical precedent supports this view, noting that in “previous elections, businesses continued as usual.

” He stressed that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward any activity that could be construed as economic sabotage. “The government under Samia has already said it will not allow anyone to tamper with the economy and it has a long arm, so anyone who breaks the law will be caught,” Dr Wanga affirmed, projecting confidence in the state’s capacity to contain any isolated incidents.

He further suggested that the global perception of the country’s stability is often underestimated. “People don’t know how well Tanzania’s business and economy are doing globally,” he said, alluding to the relative stability compared to heavily indebted nations.

The confidence is shared at the grassroots level of the commercial capital. Kariakoo Traders Association chairperson Severine Mushi said that local traders are ready for minimal disruption.

He expressed faith in the security framework, anticipating a quick return to normalcy post-voting. “We trust the security of our businesses during the election and they have assured us of safety and peace,” Mr Mushi said.

Since Wednesday will be a public holiday, he added that he expects morning voters to swiftly resume work. “It will be public holiday, so we expect in the morning people will return and continue with their usual duties.

We have no doubt and we have faith that people will return to their things without causing violence after voting.” Police urged members of the public to avoid inflammatory actions, reinforcing that the focus should remain on peaceful participation.

With no major incidents reported in prior polls under the current administration, business groups appear aligned in prioritizing continuity over caution. .

Dodoma. The Tanzania Police Force has assured citizens and visitors of peace and security across the country ahead of the General Election scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. In a statement issued on Sunday, October 26, 2025 by Police Headquarters in Dodoma, the Force said the nation remains calm and that there are no threats to public security as voters prepare to elect leaders at the presidential, parliamentary, and ward levels.

“The Police Force wishes to assure citizens and visitors that the situation across the country is stable, and there are no security threats that could disrupt the voting exercise,” the statement read in part. “We urge all voters to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes peacefully as they registered.

” The statement further noted that adequate security measures have been put in place to prevent any acts aimed at disrupting the electoral process. It reminded the public that any attempts to breach the peace or engage in unlawful conduct would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The Force has taken sufficient measures to identify and control anyone intending to disturb public order,” it added. “Anyone found violating the law will face appropriate legal action.

” The Police also called on Tanzanians to maintain calm and cooperate with security officers during and after the polls, stressing that peace and unity are essential for the democratic process. The statement was signed by the Police Spokesperson at the Force Headquarters in Dodoma.

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Kigali. Tanzanian-based communications and technology company, Serengeti Bytes, has officially expanded its footprint to Rwanda, marking a bold step in its vision to become one of the most disruptive and innovative Pan-African firms shaping the continent’s digital future.

Known for its pioneering approach in helping global brands establish and grow in African markets, and for driving homegrown brands to new levels of creativity and competitiveness, Serengeti Bytes is now positioning itself within Rwanda’s fast-evolving innovation ecosystem. At the heart of Rwanda’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem — Norrsken Kigali House in Nyarugenge District — the company received its official seal of approval through registration.

Speaking from Kigali, Kennedy Mmari, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Serengeti Bytes, stated that the company’s entry into Rwanda reflects its long-term ambition to shape Africa’s digital narrative through creativity, technology, and purpose-driven communication. “Rwanda represents the kind of ecosystem we’ve always dreamed of being part of — one where innovation is not just encouraged but institutionalised.

Our expansion here is both strategic and symbolic; it’s about joining hands with a country that has made innovation a national identity,” said Mr Mmari. “This move allows us to collaborate more closely with partners and innovators who share our belief that Africa’s future can and should be shaped by Africans, through creativity, design, and technology.

” Additionally, Michael Mallya, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, noted that the Kigali presence serves as a launchpad for Serengeti Bytes’ broader continental mission. “We see Rwanda as the perfect home for bold ideas — and that aligns with who we are.

Our entry here is not just an expansion; it’s an experiment in building the Africa we imagine: innovative, connected, and self-reliant. This is the first of many steps toward reimagining how communication and technology can accelerate Africa’s transformation,” Mr Mallya said.

Serengeti Bytes’ work has already made an imprint across East Africa through strategic campaigns for multinational companies and homegrown enterprises alike. The company also spearheads two of Tanzania’s most influential innovation-driven initiatives — The Tanzania Digital Awards and The Tanzania Changemakers Magazine — both platforms celebrating and amplifying African talent, creativity, and impact.

Its move into Rwanda is timely and well-aligned with the country’s Vision 2050 blueprint and its continued investment in positioning itself as Africa’s innovation capital. With a presence at Norrsken — one of the continent’s largest hubs for tech and impact-driven startups — Serengeti Bytes is poised to contribute to Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a knowledge-based economy.

As Mr Mmari put it, “Our story is about Africa telling its own story — boldly, intelligently, and on its own terms. Rwanda gives us the perfect stage for that.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has dismissed a report by Amnesty International accusing Tanzanian authorities of human rights violations and political repression ahead of the 2025 General Election, describing the allegations as “unsubstantiated and misleading.

” On October 20, 2025, Amnesty International released a report titled “Unopposed, Unchecked, Unjust: ‘Wave of Terror’ Sweeps Tanzania Ahead of 2025 Vote,” claiming that authorities had created a climate of fear by intensifying crackdowns on opposition politicians, journalists, civil society groups and human rights defenders. The report alleged that the government was deliberately using fear to suppress civic participation and strengthen its hold on power.

Amnesty said it interviewed 43 individuals, including victims, witnesses, relatives, lawyers and civil society members, while verifying cases through multiple independent sources. Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said opposition politicians had faced politically motivated charges and were being denied the right to contest elections.

“The upcoming general election is expected to be dominated by Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), with two key opposition presidential hopefuls blocked from running. Last month, Luhaga Mpina was disqualified again, while Chadema’s Tundu Lissu remains in custody on treason charges,” he said.

The organisation urged authorities to end the suppression of dissenting voices and release all those detained for political or religious reasons, including Lissu. It also cited reports of enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings, saying the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) had documented 83 cases of missing persons as of August 2024. Amnesty called for immediate investigations into all reported incidents and accountability for perpetrators.

It further accused the government of disrupting opposition rallies and imposing strict travel restrictions on political leaders and activists. However, the government, through Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa, rejected the allegations, saying Tanzania was not given the right to respond before the report was published.

“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania received with deep regret the brief report issued by Amnesty International and expresses grave concern over its content and the bias reflected in its conclusions,” said Mr Msigwa in a statement. He reaffirmed Tanzania’s strong commitment to protecting and promoting human rights as enshrined in the 1977 Constitution and under international and regional treaties, including the ICCPR, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Convention Against Torture.

Mr Msigwa said Amnesty’s report undermined objectivity and mutual respect expected in international human rights dialogue. He dismissed claims of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and suppression of freedoms as “inconsistent with Tanzania’s institutional and legal reality.

” “Tanzania upholds a zero-tolerance policy on torture and all forms of cruel or degrading punishment. Allegations of such acts are investigated by relevant authorities such as the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the judiciary,” he said.

The spokesperson added that freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and access to information are constitutionally guaranteed and regulated under laws such as the Media Services Act, the Access to Information Act, and the Online Content Regulations. These, he said, are implemented in line with Article 19(3) of the ICCPR, which allows limited restrictions to protect national security, public order and the rights of others.

On the electoral process, Mr Msigwa said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates independently as guaranteed by the Constitution, adding that Tanzania continues to promote transparency, impartiality and equal participation in politics while allowing election observation. “The government of Tanzania does not condone enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings.

Each case reported is thoroughly investigated, and legal action is taken where appropriate. The judiciary remains independent, ensuring justice for all,” he said.

Mr Msigwa reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and the protection of human rights before, during and after the 2025 General Election, urging institutions to engage directly with relevant authorities before publishing reports that could mislead the public. .

Dar es Salaam. A delegation of parliamentarians from the Great Lakes Region arrived in Tanzania today to observe next week’s General Election, urging all political actors and electoral authorities to safeguard peace, transparency, and integrity as the country heads to the polls.

The mission, operating under the Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), is led by former President of Burundi, Domitien Ndayizeye. It seeks to assess whether the October 29, 2025 elections are conducted fairly and transparently, in line with regional and international standards.

“We are honoured to stand with the people of Tanzania at this crucial moment. These elections should reflect the true will of the citizens,” said Mr Ndayizeye, adding that the Great Lakes Region places high expectations on Tanzania’s continued democratic leadership.

“Tanzania remains a key pillar of stability in our region, and we expect this election to further strengthen that legacy,” he noted. The delegation, comprising 23 lawmakers and election experts from Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, will remain in the country from October 23 to 31, 2025. Members will be deployed across Dar es Salaam, the Coast Region, and Unguja in Zanzibar.

According to Mr Ndayizeye, the mission will assess the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), while also monitoring inclusivity in the electoral process. “Young people, women, and persons with disabilities must have equal opportunities to participate freely and without intimidation,” he emphasised.

The team will also examine media freedom, campaign conduct, security, and respect for human rights during the election period to ensure that voters can express their will peacefully and without interference. Mr Ndayizeye explained that the mission operates under established regional frameworks, including the ICGLR Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

“Our role is to observe and report independently, while encouraging improvements where needed,” he said, stressing that transparency, professionalism, and neutrality from all stakeholders are vital for maintaining public trust. “We urge all actors to uphold the law and prioritise the interests of Tanzanians.

A peaceful election is a shared responsibility,” he concluded. Tanzanians will head to the polls on Wednesday to elect the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors, marking the country’s sixth multi-party General Election since the reintroduction of political pluralism in 1992. The FP-ICGLR mission is expected to release its preliminary findings on October 31, 2025 in Dar es Salaam.

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