Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Analysts have defended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s assertion that Tanzania does not align itself with competing geopolitical blocs, saying her recent state visit to Russia is consistent with the country’s long-established foreign policy of non-alignment and pragmatic engagement.

However, they have cautioned that Tanzania must carefully navigate an increasingly complex international environment as major powers intensify competition for influence across the globe. President Hassan made the remarks during an interview with Tanzanian journalists on the sidelines of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) on Friday, June 5.

She dismissed suggestions that her state visit to Russia signalled a shift in Tanzania’s foreign policy orientation, maintaining that the country remains committed to working with all nations in pursuit of its development objectives. “We work with everyone.

We don’t choose who to work with. By coming to Russia, we are simply expanding the scope of those with whom we closely cooperate,” she said.

Her comments followed speculation that selecting Russia for her first state visit after re-election indicated a move away from Western partners towards Eastern powers. President Hassan rejected that interpretation, arguing that Russia is not a new partner but one of Tanzania’s oldest diplomatic allies.

A political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Salbinus David, said Tanzania’s engagement with Russia should be viewed within the broader context of the country’s longstanding diplomatic principles. “Tanzania has historically maintained a non-aligned and pragmatic foreign policy posture.

The country has never subscribed to choosing friends or partners based on global power rivalries. What matters is whether a partnership advances national interests and contributes to economic development,” he said.

According to Mr David, Tanzania’s approach has traditionally centred on maintaining constructive relations with a wide range of countries while safeguarding its sovereignty and development priorities. For his part, a political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Ali Makame Ussi, said the current global environment requires countries such as Tanzania to place greater emphasis on economic diplomacy rather than geopolitical alignments.

“The focus should be on expanding opportunities for trade, investment, technology transfer and industrial development. Any country that presents such opportunities should be considered a potential partner.

Tanzania should not sideline any nation simply because of the strategic interests or preferences of other powers,” he said. He added that developing economies increasingly need diversified partnerships to support growth, attract investment and enhance competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.

A political scientist from the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie, said broadening international partnerships was important, but warned that Tanzania must remain alert to evolving geopolitical realities. “The world is becoming increasingly complex, with major powers competing for influence across different regions.

Tanzania must continue engaging strategically, guided by its development priorities rather than ideological camps,” he said. “The key is to cooperate with partners based on mutual benefit and national interests, not on who is aligned with whom in global politics.

” President Hassan noted that relations between Tanzania and Russia date back to the country’s independence struggle and the liberation movements that helped shape Africa’s political history. She said the former Soviet Union recognised Tanganyika’s independence in 1961 and became the first country to recognise the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar that created the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964. “Russia is not a new friend.

It is a traditional friend that has stood with Tanzania for many years,” she said. The President reiterated that Tanzania’s foreign policy remains rooted in non-alignment and constructive engagement with all nations, regardless of geopolitical divisions.

To illustrate the country’s balanced diplomatic approach, she cited China’s contribution to infrastructure development, India’s position as one of Tanzania’s leading trade and investment partners, and ongoing cooperation with Japan, Europe and the United States across various sectors. “Europe remains a major source of investment capital, while the United States is our leading source of tourists and development support,” she said.

She added that strategic projects such as the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project and major mining investments involve partners from Europe and the United States. “When we talk about LNG and natural gas, we are working with Europe and America.

Kabanga Nickel also involves American investment,” she said. President Hassan was in Russia for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the visit, she held bilateral talks with President Putin, received an honorary doctorate from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) and addressed investors at SPIEF 2026, where she promoted Tanzania’s investment opportunities. She also attended the Tanzania-Russia Business Forum and urged investors to support Tanzania’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy under Vision 2050. Despite growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries, trade volumes remain relatively modest.

Official figures indicate that bilateral trade increased from $178.8 million in 2020 to approximately $307.5 million in 2025. Tanzania’s exports to Russia also rose from $7.5 million to $29.5 million during the same period. Russia’s largest investment in Tanzania remains the $1.2 billion Mkuju River Uranium Project in Ruvuma Region.

The project is being developed by Mantra Tanzania Ltd, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom. Analysts say the growing relationship demonstrates Tanzania’s determination to diversify its international partnerships while maintaining a foreign policy that prioritises national development interests over geopolitical alignments.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national golf team produced an impressive performance to finish joint third at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship held at Tamarina Golf Club in Mauritius.

The result ranks among Tanzania’s best performances at the regional event, which attracted some of East and Southern Africa’s emerging golf nations, including hosts Mauritius, Kenya, Seychelles, Reunion Island and Burundi. The Tanzanian team, comprising Jumanne Mohamed, Isiaka Dunia, Enoshi Wanyeche and Victor Mbunda, displayed consistency and determination throughout the three-day tournament to finish tied for third place on 39-over-par.

Hosts Mauritius emerged champions after posting a winning score of one-over-par, while Kenya finished second on 32-over-par. Tanzania shared third place with Seychelles and Reunion Island in a tightly contested championship.

Played over 54 holes in a stroke-play format across three rounds, the tournament tested both individual skill and team depth, with each country fielding four golfers. Tanzania head coach Fadhyl Nkya praised his players for their resilience and commitment, saying they had done the country proud by competing strongly against some of the region’s leading golfers.

“The players made the country proud by finishing third. They showed resilience, determination and professionalism throughout the week.

I am very pleased with the way they conducted themselves both on and off the course,” said Nkya. He attributed the achievement to thorough preparations spearheaded by the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), including a pre-tournament training camp at Kili Golf Club in Arusha.

According to Nkya, the camp played a key role in helping the golfers fine-tune their game, strengthen team chemistry and prepare mentally for the championship. “The preparations were excellent.

TGU organised a camp for us at Kili Golf Club in Arusha and the hard work we put in there has paid off. The players remained focused throughout the competition and the results speak for themselves,” he said.

Nkya also extended his appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the team’s campaign. “A special thank you to the Chairman of the Tanzania Golf Union, Gilman Kasiga, the executive committee, our sponsors, supporters, team management and everyone who made this journey possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, TGU Chairman Gilman Kasiga has congratulated the national golf team for bringing pride and recognition to Tanzania through their impressive performance. Kasiga said that thorough preparations, the players’ experience, and quality coaching were the key factors behind the team’s success.

He added that the results have inspired both the players and officials, expressing confidence that Tanzania will one day become champions in international golf competitions. “This team could do even better and we shall consistently keep the team competing in various tournaments to keep improving and bring trophies,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania recorded a sharp increase in cross-border mobile money inflows in 2025, with the value of incoming transactions rising by 33.45 percent to Sh698 billion, in the wake of growing digital payments in regional trade and remittance flows.

According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the volume of incoming cross-border mobile money transactions also increased by 32.76 percent to 5.73 million transactions, signalling greater reliance on mobile platforms for international money transfers within the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond.

BoT Governor, Emmanuel Tutuba, attributed the growth to the continued expansion of the country’s digital payments ecosystem, driven by new market entrants, product innovation and a supportive regulatory environment. “The payment ecosystem continued to expand with the entry of new participants and innovative products, supported by a conducive regulatory and operating environment,” he said.

Mr Tutuba noted that the central bank had strengthened oversight through enhanced surveillance systems, improved risk management frameworks and closer engagement with industry players to safeguard financial system stability. He added that Tanzania was working closely with EAC and SADC member states to harmonise regulatory frameworks and deepen regional integration of payment systems.

While inbound transactions recorded strong growth, outgoing payments presented a mixed picture. The volume of outward transactions rose by 13.77 percent to 2.

52 million, but their value fell by 19.17 percent to Sh275.19 billion from Sh340.45 billion in 2024, suggesting a decline in average transaction sizes. The widening gap between inflows and outflows points to changing usage patterns, with mobile money increasingly being used for high-frequency, low-value cross-border payments, informal trade settlements and remittances.

“The trend reflects the increasing importance of mobile payments in facilitating cross-border payments within the EAC and SADC regions,” the central bank said in its National Payment Systems Annual Report 2025. The growth comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to modernise its payments infrastructure and align with the G20 roadmap aimed at making cross-border payments faster, cheaper, more transparent and more accessible. The roadmap seeks to address longstanding challenges that have made international money transfers costly and slow, particularly for individuals and small businesses.

Under the framework, countries are targeting a reduction in the average cost of cross-border remittances to between one and three percent by 2027, while ensuring that at least 75 percent of transactions are credited within one hour and that fee structures and foreign exchange rates are more transparent. Although Tanzania has made progress in expanding digital payment infrastructure, the report notes that improvements for end users remain uneven, highlighting the need for further reforms to meet the 2027 targets.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has identified harmonised data standards, stronger interoperability and broader access models as key enablers of more efficient cross-border payment systems. To accelerate progress, Tanzania has stepped up collaboration with regional partners through the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan 2025, which aims to lower transaction costs, promote settlements in local currencies and improve real-time interoperability among member states.

The BoT has also continued to strengthen cross-border payment capabilities through the Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS), which enables seamless transfers between banks, mobile money operators and other financial service providers. TIPS complements regional payment platforms such as the East African Payment System (EAPS) and the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement (SADC-RTGS) system, both of which facilitate cross-border transactions among participating countries.

In addition, Tanzania is progressively adopting the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a continental platform designed to support intra-African trade by enabling transactions in local currencies. The system is expected to reduce reliance on offshore correspondent banking arrangements, which often increase transaction costs and settlement times.

The expansion of cross-border mobile money services is a key driver of regional trade, labour mobility, particularly in EAC. .

This is a continuation from last week’s article, which shone a light on outside interference that undermines the authority of those put in charge of state-owned enterprises. When these firms are regarded as departments within ministries, it gives certain individuals within the government a sense of entitlement and the mistaken belief that they can freely expend the resources of these entities.

A former colleague once shared that the entity he led had purchased vehicles for essential service delivery to customers, only to be asked by the ministry to provide two cars from the purchase for its own use. He was bold enough and declined.

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. Despite the need for these entities to deliver vital services to customers, they are routinely asked to let go of their vehicles as though they are redundant.

When managements send inquiries about these requests to higher authorities, they are sometimes told that the individuals making such demands were not even authorised to do so. It is crucial to establish a law that explicitly states that these entities are independent and governed by their respective boards of directors.

To enable these entities to compete effectively, it is essential to empower those responsible with the ability to act without interference. The government should ensure that state-owned enterprises operate without unnecessary encumbrances.

Issues concerning shareholders should be addressed during annual general meeting. If the results are unsatisfactory, the board, chairperson, or managing director can be replaced.

Constant interference flies in the face of the principle of good governance and undermines managements and boards, which are ultimately responsible and accountable for running these institutions. Another aspect that adversely affects performance is the procurement process.

Many state-owned enterprises are subjected to the same procurement procedures as those followed by other government departments despite facing stiff competition. Their competitors, on the other hand, finalise decisions swiftly and start offering services without delay.

In some cases, tender advertising alone can take up to two months, followed by tender board meetings, approvals from commissions and contract vetting by the Office of the Attorney General. These processes come with costs and if the CEO is not bold enough, memos and external interferences can further complicate matters.

As a result, these entities experience delays in project implementation, which, in turn, increase costs. Another key factor is the appointment process for board chairpersons, members and CEOs of these organisations.

In most privately-owned firms, these appointments are made through competitive processes, which often involve headhunting a few qualified individuals and subjecting them to rigorous interviews conducted by industry experts. This process typically ensures that the best candidates are taken on board.

However, the procedures in state-owned enterprises are quite different. Appointments are often made without interviews or competition among candidates, which can undermine the selection of qualified individuals.

While it is understandable if an appointee comes from a similar position in another company, the lack of competition can hinder the on-boarding of the best possible candidates. If we want meaningful changes, we must replace the current appointment process with one that fosters competition.

Positions should be advertised, allowing individuals to apply, or in cases of headhunting/poaching, a few suitable candidates should be selected on meritocracy based on their qualifications and then subjected to rigorous interviews. These processes will ensure that these institutions are led by competent individuals.

By adopting such procedures, we can avoid situations where CEOs or board chairpersons are appointed without any industry knowledge or leadership experience. This approach will also help prevent the appointment of board members who lack industry expertise and leadership backgrounds, ensuring that those in decision-making roles are qualified and prepared for their responsibilities.

When it comes to budgeting, in private companies boards of directors typically have the final say on budget approvals, but in state-owned firms, final decisions often require ministerial approval. While the ministry represents the main shareholder, in this case the government, and appoints the board to safeguard its interest, it is the board’s role to oversee management, set targets through the budget and ensure management executes these budgets in the best interest of the shareholder.

Instead of interfering during the process, the main shareholder (government) should raise any concerns during the AGM, allowing the board and management to operate effectively and independently in the interim. In the next and the last instalment of this series, more will be shared with regard to those entrusted with running these institutions being reduced to mere figureheads and conclusions and recommendations for improvement will be provided.

Dr Muhsin Salim Masoud is a seasoned banker and academic, who has also served as managing director of the People’s Bank of Zanzibar and Amana Bank. [email protected] .

Though colonisation and slave trade are considered by some as things of the past, they remain subjects of conversation due to their impact on the continent of Africa. Africa as a whole was colonised by Western countries for over a century, though the slave trade had persisted for over four centuries.

Tanganyika was colonised by Germany from 1884 to 1919, and by Britain from 1919 to 1961. Zanzibar was colonised by the Portuguese from 1498 to 1698, then by the Omani Sultanate from 1868 to 1890, and by the British from 1890 to 1963. Colonisation impacted the entire societal life of African communities as it brought about not only new ways of doing things, but also of thinking, believing, and living. A large-scale impact on how people live is, in other words, an impact on their ‘culture’ which sociologists define as ‘a people’s way of life.

‘ The time of colonisation ‘proper’ spans a century, about three to four generations if we consider a generation to be 25 to 30 years. This period severely disrupted cultural continuity, creating a significant disconnect between pre-colonial ways of life and today’s traditions and history.

It has also only been 110 years since the abolition of slave trade in our land in 1916, just four generations before the young adults of today. Rather than assign blame, it is important to recognise that, continent-wide, the most distressing years in African history are the epochs of slavery and colonisation.

We can begin by critiquing the labelling of cultures as “primitive.” A saying goes, “If you want to kill a dog, give it a bad name!” This was exactly what happened.

Indigenous industries, artworks, artefacts, customs, beliefs, and languages were all labelled as “primitive”, meaning meaningless, “uncivilized,” and not worth anything. However, reason defeats such a position, as cultural worth is accorded equal dignity across cultures.

The measure of technological and social progress was what the colonisers had in Europe; it is a man-made ideal. Moreover, colonisation suppressed and devalued the already developed systems of knowledge, self-governance, religion, trade, law, and sustainability practices that had evolved over centuries and were deeply rooted in the communities in question.

Young people learnt the best trade secrets of their traditional communities, which in turn assured the community not only its sustenance, but its sustainability. In place of all these functional and systemic legacies, they (colonisers/colonialists) took it as their duty to “civilise” the African societies.

This disruption, among other things, has endured as a legacy of those complicated years, which have left only thin and weak threads linking the generation today with the historical, linguistic, artistic, and cultural corpus that existed among our people ten generations ago. The question now comes: Can the young generation today maintain the integrity of what they received in fragile parts, and hand it over as a meaningful legacy to those who are yet to come? When we look at African governance, despite its variety, we see one thing in common: instability and fragility.

Why is it this way? I believe it is because we are learning a new way to govern ourselves, a way that has no organic roots with who we are or with our cultures. This is not a justification of the chaotic socio-political state in most African countries, but a call for a deeper look into the fundamental causes of the chaos and an ‘almost-anarchy’ violent state of affairs all over the continent.

In history, monarchies thrived in African kingdoms, with some emerging even as threats to European kingdoms of the time. But the moment democracy was introduced, the chaos rather thrived, proving it to be a system that only works after a long time when the independence of the legal system has matured enough to safeguard the democratic principles chosen to guide the socio-political space without bias.

Even deeper questions can be asked regarding the authenticity of African states’ sovereignty as independent states that first manage their affairs for the good of their people, as their first priority. The wave of neo-colonialism embedded in the global economy hits hard on African states, making us not truly free due to debts, alliances, etc.

, without which our affairs in the global space can be even more complicated. The death of our cultural systems, be it organic or enforced, hits hard on society today, as we would be better off living in a framework engineered inside out by our ancestors, as such systems mature with time.

Today, most of our education excludes what we need to know about our roots; we tend to go more global. We use a curriculum built by people who do not even use the same one in their countries; a stumbling block many African countries will take time to surpass.

What changes a nation and brings genuine growth is the worldview of who they are as a people in the genuine sense, and that is impossible without a deeper grasp of history and rootedness in their cultural systems. Shimbo Pastory is an advocate for positive social transformation and a student of the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.

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Masasi. Six months ago, Mr Abdeleheman Saidi feared he would never be able to send his daughter, Safina, to college.

Today, as he walks through his five-acre family farm in Mipande Village, Masasi District, he is optimistic that a bumper sesame harvest will finally enable his daughter to pursue her dream of becoming an accountant. Mr Saidi is among more than 9,000 farmers in southern Tanzania who received improved sesame seeds distributed by the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) as part of efforts to boost productivity and improve farmers’ incomes.

The initiative saw COPRA distribute 13 tonnes of improved sesame seeds to farmers in Lindi, Mtwara and Ruvuma regions. Beneficiaries were selected from farmers who sold their produce through the digital auction system during the 2024/25 agricultural season.

The programme was accompanied by training on good agronomic practices aimed at helping farmers maximise yields and improve crop quality. For Mr Saidi, the support has brought renewed hope to his family.

His daughter Safina, the only girl among five children, was selected to join the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) after completing Form Four in 2024. However, financial constraints prevented her from enrolling. “I was heartbroken when I failed to take my daughter to college last year because of low yields caused by poor-quality seeds,” said Mr Saidi.

“After receiving the improved seeds, the crop has performed very well. The harvest looks promising and I am confident that when I take my produce to the auction, I will earn enough to pay for my daughter’s education.

” Mr Saidi expects to harvest up to two tonnes of sesame from four acres this season, a significant increase compared to the previous season when he harvested only 439 kilogrammes from one acre. Safina said the entire family had worked hard to ensure the farm succeeded and expressed gratitude for the support received through the programme.

“I thank COPRA for providing us with these improved seeds. They have given us hope,” she said.

“I would like to see the programme expanded so that more farmers can benefit. Higher productivity means higher incomes and better opportunities for families like ours,” she said.

Speaking during the distribution of the seeds six months ago, COPRA Director General Ms Irene Mlola said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods. She noted that collaboration between government institutions, regional administrations, local government authorities, agricultural extension officers and farmers had been instrumental in the programme’s success.

According to Ms Mlola, the initiative also supports implementation of Tanzania’s Agricultural Master Plan 2050, which seeks to modernise agriculture, increase productivity and improve incomes across the sector. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Rashid Mlegelo produced a dominant display to defeat Zambia’s Douglas “Bokya the Road Warrior” Chilufya in the first round of their featherweight contest at the ANZA MMA Pro 002 event in Kenya last Saturday.

Mlegelo secured victory via a rear-naked choke submission, forcing his opponent to tap out before the end of the opening round in a non-title bout contested at a weight limit of 66.5kg. The victory marked another important step in Mlegelo’s professional MMA career as he moves closer to a potential title shot.

According to his camp, two more victories could earn him an opportunity to challenge for the featherweight belt. The bout was sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation and attracted fighters from across the region.

Speaking after the contest, Mlegelo thanked God for the victory and revealed that he had been fully aware of the challenge posed by Chilufya, who boasts a strong background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “It was a tough fight because my opponent had extensive experience in Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

He has won multiple gold medals at the East African Open, so I knew I had to remain focused from the start,” said Mlegelo. Despite his opponent’s grappling credentials, the Tanzanian fighter remained composed and executed his game plan effectively to secure a convincing finish.

Mlegelo’s coach, Xavier Gerniers, praised the fighter’s performance, describing it as a proud moment for both the team and the country. “With his victory at ANZA MMA Pro 002, Rashid not only made his team proud but also represented Tanzania with distinction through a dominant performance,” said Gerniers.

The coach added that the victory carried special significance as it came during a week that marked the first anniversary of the passing of Coach Cole, a respected figure within the team. “In a week that marks one year since we lost Coach Cole, Rashid ensured that the legacy he left behind continues to thrive.

For that, the entire team is proud and grateful,” he said. The victory further strengthens Mlegelo’s growing reputation on the regional MMA circuit and underlines Tanzania’s rising presence in combat sports as local fighters continue to make their mark on international stages.

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Mara. What began as a simple request at a medical camp in northern Tanzania has grown into a remarkable story of compassion, resilience and global solidarity that is transforming the lives of vulnerable girls in Mara Region.

In January 2026, when the Give a Future Foundation was conducting one of its free medical outreach camps, representatives from the Hope for Girls Centre approached the organisers with a modest question. Could the girls at the shelter also receive medical services? For Rishen Patel, founder of Delaware Investments and the Give a Future Foundation, the answer was immediate.

“Bring everyone,” he said. At the time, few could have imagined that those two words would spark a partnership that would eventually attract international philanthropists, local volunteers, business leaders and conservation tourism operators, all rallying around a common cause: protecting girls from female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and other harmful practices.

Today, the Hope for Girls Centre in Mugumu is home to more than 100 girls who have escaped or are at risk of abuse. The centre provides shelter, education and emotional support, helping them rebuild lives that many feared would be defined by trauma.

Yet what struck Patel most during his first visit was not their hardship. “Despite everything they had been through, they were smiling, studying, dreaming and planning their futures,” he recalled.

“I left knowing we had a responsibility to do more.” As the centre’s reputation spread, more girls sought refuge there.

The growing numbers soon stretched the facility beyond its limits, with many girls living in crowded rented accommodation. The challenge was clear: the centre needed a permanent home.

A major breakthrough came in 2025 when renowned Indian actor and philanthropist Nagarjuna Akkineni learned about the project during a visit to the Serengeti. After meeting the girls and hearing their stories, he pledged to cover food costs for the entire centre for a year.

He later committed substantial financial support towards the construction of a permanent safe house complex. The planned Serengeti Safe House Complex is expected to provide far more than accommodation.

The facility will include modern dormitories, classrooms, vocational training workshops, a library, healthcare services, recreational facilities and agricultural projects aimed at improving food security and sustainability. For Hope for Girls and Women founder Rhobi Samwelly, herself a survivor of FGM, the project carries deep personal significance.

“I was cut because when I was a girl, no safe house existed for me to run to,” she said. “That pain is why I build safe houses today.

Because of the support we have received, construction of the modern Serengeti Safe House Complex will start soon.” She credits a growing network of supporters, including Mapito Safari Camp Serengeti, whose staff regularly volunteer at the centre, offering mentorship, life-skills training and practical support to the girls.

What makes the initiative unique is the diversity of people behind it. From local community members and tourism operators to international donors and philanthropists, the project has evolved into a global movement built on a shared belief that every girl deserves safety, dignity and opportunity.

In a region where harmful traditional practices continue to threaten the futures of many young girls, the Hope for Girls Centre stands as a powerful reminder that change often begins with a single act of kindness. And in this case, it all started with one simple request and one simple answer: “Bring everyone.

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Arusha. Young people from East and Central Africa have been urged to take the lead in combating drug abuse by educating communities, promoting prevention efforts, and actively participating in initiatives aimed at curbing the use and trafficking of illicit substances in their countries.

The call was made by Tanzania’s Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) Commissioner General, Mr Aretas Lyimo, during the closing of the three-day East African Youth Forum on Drugs 2026 (EAYFD), held in Arusha. Mr Lyimo challenged young people to reject any involvement in drug use and trafficking, stressing that their choices today will shape the future of their nations.

He said young people are a critical force in preventing drug abuse and should be regarded as partners in addressing a challenge that continues to affect communities and hinder economic development across the region. “You should not be seen only as beneficiaries of anti-drug programmes, but as key partners in designing and implementing sustainable solutions to this cross-border challenge,” said Mr Lyimo.

“From today, go back to your communities and become ambassadors in the fight against drugs. I believe you will be part of the solution to this problem,” he added.

He said drug abuse and trafficking remain serious threats to social welfare and economic growth across many African countries, calling for stronger cooperation among governments, institutions, and young people. Mr Lyimo also urged stakeholders to invest more in awareness and prevention programmes to protect the younger generation, which is expected to drive future development.

“Prevention remains the most effective way to reduce drug abuse. We must invest in life-skills education, strengthen family support systems, and create safe environments where young people can openly discuss the challenges they face without fear,” he said.

The forum, held under the theme “Accelerating Drug Demand Reduction among East African Youth,” brought together more than 200 youth leaders from Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Mauritania, and South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Forum Coordinator, Ms Halima Omar, said the event aimed to bring together youth leaders from institutions and organisations involved in drug control efforts to share experiences and discuss challenges in tackling drug abuse.

“We recognise that young people are among the most affected by drug abuse, yet they are also the generation we rely on to shape effective youth policies and secure the future of our nations. That is why we felt there was important work to be done,” she said.

Ms Omar said addressing drug abuse requires collective action and cross-border knowledge sharing. “This challenge cannot be solved in isolation.

That is why we organised this forum for the first time, bringing together young people from different countries to discuss how we can help youth break free from drug dependence, whether it is used as an escape from personal challenges or for recreation,” she said. A participant from Kenya, Mr George Ochieng, said the forum had strengthened young leaders by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to become agents of change at the community, national, and regional levels.

“We also had the opportunity to discuss youth leadership, mental health, advocacy, and youth participation in policy-making processes within our respective countries,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania continues to invest heavily in expanding access to education, attention is increasingly turning to a critical question: how can teachers be supported to deliver quality learning in the classroom? The answer was at the centre of the National Teaching Skills Competition awards ceremony held in Dar es Salaam on May 6, 2026, where 35 teachers from pre-primary, primary and secondary schools were recognised for excellence and innovation in teaching.

The winners will receive plots of land near their workplaces as part of a government effort to motivate teachers and encourage professional excellence. Speaking during the event, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said teachers remain the backbone of national development because they shape the knowledge, skills and values of future generations.

He urged teachers across the country to continue embracing innovative teaching methods and modern technologies to help learners develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills needed in the 21st century. “The government will continue to value teachers’ contributions by improving working conditions and providing incentives that enhance teaching and learning,” he said.

The competition comes at a time when Tanzania is implementing major education reforms under the Education Sector Development Plan and the new competency-based curriculum, both of which place greater emphasis on learner-centred teaching, digital skills and improved learning outcomes. Education experts say rewarding teachers for excellence is increasingly important as the country seeks to address persistent learning challenges, particularly in foundational literacy and numeracy.

According to the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), the 2026 competition focused on strengthening teaching competencies in reading, writing and arithmetic, commonly known as the 3Rs. For pre-primary education, special attention was placed on helping children master letter sounds, an area that has been identified as a challenge for many learners.

TIE Director General Dr Aneth Komba said the competition aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of ensuring that every child can read fluently by the time they reach Standard Three. “The aim is to improve teaching and learning of foundational skills so that children acquire the competencies needed for future learning,” she said.

Dr Komba noted that preparations for the competition involved analysing learner performance data from the National Examinations Council of Tanzania and reviewing new curriculum requirements to identify priority areas for improvement. A total of 3,153 teachers registered for the competition through a digital platform known as the National Teaching Skills Competition System.

Of those, 1,263 uploaded lesson videos for assessment. The competition was conducted at council, regional and national levels, with judges evaluating lesson planning, content delivery, learner participation, use of ICT, teaching aids, continuous assessment and the promotion of 21st-century skills.

The initiative reflects a growing shift towards professional development that recognises classroom practice rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications. Education analyst and lecturer, Dr Thomas Jabir, said teacher motivation remains one of the most important factors influencing learning outcomes.

“When teachers are recognised for good performance, it boosts morale and encourages others to improve. Such programmes also create opportunities for sharing best practices across schools and regions,” he said.

He added that as Tanzania expands school infrastructure and enrolment, equal attention must be paid to classroom instruction because learning outcomes depend largely on teacher effectiveness. Data from government education reports show that Tanzania has made significant progress in increasing school enrolment over the past decade.

However, education stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to the need for stronger teacher support systems, including continuous professional development, mentorship and access to digital teaching resources. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Sports, Husna Sekiboko, said improving education requires collaboration among teachers, parents, learners and community leaders.

She noted that ongoing reforms in education governance and management are intended to strengthen service delivery and improve student learning outcomes nationwide. .