Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Today, April 26, 2026, the United Republic of Tanzania is commemorating a unique journey of 62 years since two independent nations, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, decided to unite and form one state.

This Union, formally established through the agreements of April 22, 1964, and ratified on April 26, 1964, under the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume, has continued to be among the unions that have endured for the longest time on the African continent. Throughout this period, statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), government reports, and international institutions clearly show the journey of this nation from political foundations to social and economic transformations, together with future expectations towards the year 2050. Union matters The foundation of this Union was built through the Union Instruments of the year 1964, which initially outlined 11 Union matters assigned to the Union government.

Those matters involved sensitive areas such as the Constitution, foreign affairs, defence, police, citizenship, immigration, finance, and external trade. However, as the nation grew, that list expanded and reached 22 matters according to the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977. This increase resulted from new economic and political needs, including sectors such as currency and banking, higher education, oil and gas, and the registration of political parties.

These changes occur through a special procedure that requires two-thirds of Members of Parliament from Mainland Tanzania and two-thirds from Zanzibar, a situation that demonstrates the weight of protecting the balance within the Union. Population, settlement From the population perspective, statistics show major growth in this nation.

According to the census of the year 1967, Tanzania had a population of only 12.3 million people. But, according to the Population and Housing Census of the year 2022, released by NBS, that number has increased to 61.74 million people.

Among them, Mainland Tanzania has a population of 59.85 million, while Zanzibar has 1.89 million people.

This means that within a period of 55 years, the population has increased more than fivefold. Furthermore, the rate of population growth has increased from 2.

7 percent between 2002 and 2012 to 3.2 percent per year between 2012 and 2022, a situation that continues to place pressure on social services and resources.

Likewise, the “Population Dynamics” report of NBS shows that the population could reach 118 million people by the year 2050. Alongside that population increase, there have been major changes in settlement patterns. In the year 1967, only 5.

7 percent of Tanzanians were living in urban areas. But, by the year 2022, 34.9 percent of people live in urban areas.

Zanzibar has shown a faster rate of urban growth, where 49 percent of its residents now live in urban areas. The Dar es Salaam Region leads in population size, having more than 5.

3 million people, equivalent to nearly 9 percent of all Tanzanians. These statistics indicate that by the year 2050, more than half of Tanzanians will live in urban areas, a situation that will require major investment in infrastructure and social services.

Governance, democracy, and economy In the field of governance and democracy, the Union has continued to strengthen by enhancing representation. During the period from 1967 to 1970, the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania operated under the Interim Constitution of 1964, having a structure of representation from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Although there are no official statistics of representatives during the Union period, the election of 1970 showed a total of 237 Members of Parliament. Among them, Mainland Tanzania had approximately 159 Members of Parliament, including constituency representatives, those appointed by the President, and members holding ex officio positions.

Zanzibar had approximately 67 Members of Parliament, many of them drawn from the Revolutionary Council and presidential appointments. That system gave Zanzibar special representation to protect political balance within the Union.

At present, the Parliament of the United Republic has a total of 393 seats according to statistics from the election of the year 2025, where electoral constituencies numbered 264. Among those, 214 are from Mainland Tanzania, and 50 are from Zanzibar. According to statistics for the year 2024/25, women Members of Parliament number 148 out of 392, equivalent to 37.8 percent.

This shows that Tanzania has surpassed the minimum threshold of 30 percent representation of women, a step interpreted as the success of gender equality policies. Economically, the Union has enabled the existence of one market and one currency system.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) was established in the year 1965 and began official operations in the year 1966, replacing the system of the East African Currency Board. That system has ensured financial stability and simplified economic activities between the two sides of the Union.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached approximately $60.5 billion (Sh151.3 trillion) in the year 2021, while various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and services contributed significantly. Statistics also show growth in non-government sectors.

By the year 2022, Tanzania had more than 17,500 non-government organisations, which have been contributing to social and economic development in collaboration with the government. However, despite these achievements, statistics show challenges emerging as the nation grows.

The “Population Dynamics” report of NBS shows that the population could reach 118 million people by the year 2050. This increase carries major implications for key sectors. In health, demand for dispensaries is expected to increase from 7,734 in the year 2022 to more than 26,500 in the year 2050, while demand for nurses will increase more than twofold.

Operating costs of the health sector are expected to rise from Sh7.2 trillion to more than Sh36 trillion per year. In education, demand for teachers will rise sharply.

The number of primary school teachers is projected to increase from 175,687 to more than 341,000 by 2050, while secondary school teachers are expected to exceed 200,000. This means substantial investment will be required to meet the needs of the next generation. In the land and agriculture sector, the challenge appears more clearly through the distribution of resources.

In the year 2022, the average cultivable land per person was 0.70 hectares, but it is expected to decline to 0.

37 hectares by the year 2050 due to population increase. At the same time, crop production must increase nearly twofold in order to meet food demand.

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Dar es Salaam. The Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar has already reached six decades.

If it were a working person, he would have spent two years at home after retirement. Despite that longevity, there is still debate about the Union’s strength, sustainability, and structure.

At times, this debate emerges alongside others, such as the new Constitution, the distribution of powers, and economic and political questions about how the two sides of the Union cooperate. Some see the Union as a rare example of success on the African continent, emphasising that it has withstood political turbulence, economic changes, and differences in outlook for several decades.

However, others argue that any institution that lasts for a long time requires self-assessment, self-correction, and improvement in order to match new environments. According to law, history, and Union affairs analysts, debate should not be guided by emotions, but by logic, evidence, and national evaluation.

Tanganyika and Zanzibar united on April 26, 1964, under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, on the side of Tanganyika, and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume for Zanzibar. Reforms are not breaking; they are strengthening Legal and constitutional expert, Prof Adrian Mrosso, says the question of Union reforms should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness of the Union itself.

He says all constitutional systems in the world evolve through regular improvements, and the Union should not be different. Prof Mrosso sees the major question not as whether reforms are needed, but which areas require adjustment.

“The two-government system has shown great historical strength, but that strength does not remove the need to review it whenever there are operational challenges. Reforms are not breaking the Union, they are strengthening the Union,” he says.

Some areas that can be examined, he says, include transparency in the distribution of authority, management of Union matters, and resolution of recurring challenges regarding the interpretation of authority between the two sides. He warns that the debate on a three-government system should not be adopted as a quick solution before assessing whether existing challenges originate from structural defects or from the implementation of the current structure.

“Not every Union challenge requires changing the system. Others require better management, clear laws, and stronger institutions,” he stresses.

Three governments not a threat On her part, political and governance analyst, Dr Helena Rutabana says the debate on three governments should not be seen as an argument to disrupt stability, but as a structural discussion deserving careful examination. She says those who support that system often build arguments that it can provide broader distribution of authority and reduce operational conflicts that may arise within the two-government system.

“Three governments is not a concept of breaking the Union. For some analysts, it is a proposal to reorganise authority so that each side feels it has sufficient space within the shared structure,” she says.

However, she says that debate must be guided by analysis of costs, administrative efficiency, and impact on national cohesion, noting that without doing so, the discussion may remain theoretical without practical answers. She says the nation can open a professional debate about both systems without turning it into an agenda of division.

“What is important is not fearing debate, but ensuring debate produces knowledge, not panic,” she says. Researcher in political history, Prof Leonard Chavula, says the experience of many political systems worldwide shows that institutions endure not by remaining as originally established, but by their ability to adapt.

He says the Union has passed through different political and economic periods, a situation that demonstrates its capacity to endure. But the analyst says such endurance should not be taken as a reason to avoid opening debate on improvements.

“History teaches that systems which refuse to evaluate themselves begin to face internal conflicts that are not seen early. Self-evaluation is protection, not weakness,” he says.

In his view, the reform debate could begin with an assessment of Union matters, how they are reduced or retained, and whether existing mechanisms for addressing them are sufficient. He also says the younger generation needs to be involved in that debate, because many did not participate in the history of establishing the Union, but are the ones who will carry it into the future.

“A country cannot conduct tomorrow’s debate using yesterday’s language alone. History must meet expectations of the younger generation,” he stresses.

On the other hand, policy analyst, Dr Samuel Nkwabi, says the debate on two or three governments is often given greater weight than the fundamental question of institutional strength. He says a country can operate under any system, but if institutions responsible for coordination, accountability, and management are weak, challenges will persist regardless of the number of governments.

“Frequently, we discuss structure before discussing institutional capacity. That is where the debate loses professional weight,” he says.

In his view, the first reforms likely to yield results include strengthening cooperation systems, improving transparency in decisions on Union matters, and establishing strong mechanisms for resolving differences before they escalate into conflicts. He adds that the reform debate should not be reduced to a choice between two or three governments, but should instead be a broader discussion about the quality of governance.

“If you build weak institutions within three governments, you will get the same challenges. If you build strong institutions even within two governments, you can get a lasting solution,” he says.

Reforms should include the Union economy Political economy analyst, Dr Miriam Kasesela, says the Union debate often remains focused on politics and the Constitution, while overlooking the economic foundation. She says one of the key questions is whether the existing system matches the current needs of economic cooperation, trade, taxation, investment, and management of resources.

“Union reforms should not remain only in constitutional texts. They should also examine whether ordinary citizens see its benefits in their daily lives,” she says.

Therefore, she says the debate on two or three governments cannot be complete without measuring financial implications. Three governments, for example, may raise questions about operating costs, while improvements within the current system may carry lower costs.

But she says even if the current system continues, there is a need to strengthen areas of economic cooperation so that the Union is seen more as an instrument of development. “A lasting Union does not depend on history alone, but one that is seen to deliver value for citizens of today,” she says.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s professional boxer Ibrahim Mgenda, popularly known as “Class”, has delivered a career-defining performance after defeating Thailand’s Kritiphak Duangnut to claim two major World Boxing Council (WBC) titles in Bangkok.

Class secured the WBC International Silver Belt and the WBC International Gold Belt in the super featherweight division following a commanding victory in their bout held on April 25, 2026. The Tanzanian fighter controlled the contest with discipline and composure, ultimately forcing a technical knockout in the fifth round after a dominant display that left his opponent struggling to cope with sustained pressure. The win marks a major milestone in Class’s career and strengthens his standing on the international boxing stage after adding two recognised WBC belts to his record.

Following the victory, the National Sports Council of Tanzania (BMT) congratulated the boxer on his achievement, praising him for lifting Tanzania’s flag high in the global boxing arena. BMT said Class’s success reflects both individual dedication and the growing competitiveness of Tanzanian boxing on the international scene, especially in competitions sanctioned by the World Boxing Council.

The latest triumph also avenges a previous draw between the two fighters in an earlier encounter, underlining Class’s improved form and tactical maturity in the ring. With the double-title victory, Class further cements his reputation as one of Tanzania’s leading professional boxers and a rising force in the super featherweight division.

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Arusha. While the opposition party Chadema has announced the expulsion of its member, Charles Odero, the member says he is unaware of the decision and that he has seen the letter online and will contact his lawyer to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

Earlier, Chadema in the Northern Zone had suspended Mr Odero, who was the Secretary of the party’s Legal and Human Rights Committee, to allow investigations into allegations against him. Mr Odero was the party’s chairmanship candidate in the election held on January 21, 2025, competing with former chairman Freeman Mbowe and incumbent chair Mr Tundu Lissu.

In that election, Mr Odero garnered one vote. The expulsion notice was issued through a letter with reference number CDM/ARM/OLO/ODERO/03, dated April 23, 2026, and signed by the Olosiva branch secretary located in Olorien Ward in Arumeru West Constituency.

According to the letter, Mr Odero’s membership number is stated as CDME457264. The letter cites the party’s 2006 constitution, 2019 edition, specifically Article 7.2.

11(e) together with Article 5.4.

3. It claims that Mr Odero was given letters with reference numbers CDM/ARM/OLO/ODERO/01 and CDM/ARM/OLO/ODERO/02 informing him of the allegations against him and requesting his cooperation; however, he failed to do so.

“A lawful branch meeting, after considering the provisions of the Constitution and Regulation 6.5.

1 (a-c), has found that you have gone against Articles 5.3.

3 and 5.3.

4 of the Chadema constitution,” reads part of the letter. “By the authority of Article 7.

2.11(e) and in accordance with Article 5.

4.3, the Branch officially resolves to expel you from Chadema effective from the date of this letter.

You have the right to appeal in accordance with Article 5.4.

3 of the Chadema Constitution,” the letter concludes, a copy of which was sent to the Olorien Ward Secretary and the Constituency Secretary. Odero responds Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Mr Odero claimed he knows nothing about the letter and that he saw it online and cannot respond to something he has only seen.

“I saw that document just as you have seen it online and since today is not a working day, I will contact my lawyer to report the matter to the relevant authorities,” he said. “Because in this country we have enacted a Personal Data Protection law, now when you wake up in the morning and find information that resembles yours in terms of names and political party membership card number, I have to report it,” he explained.

He said the second thing he will do is write a letter to the Chadema Secretary for Arumeru West Constituency to confirm whether the letter circulating online bearing the party’s logo originated from their office with his name and details. “Since I have only seen it online and do not know its source, and I do not like to accuse anyone or respond to something I have only seen, the relevant authorities will have answers after conducting investigations and satisfying themselves who circulated the information that contains details similar to mine,” he said.

Earlier decisions Earlier, the announcement of Mr Odero’s suspension within Chadema Northern Zone was issued on July 30, 2025, by the then Northern Zone Secretary, Mr Ndonde Totinan, after receiving allegations against the cadre of unsatisfactory conduct. “Due to the seriousness of the allegations made against him and in ensuring justice is done to both sides, Mr Odero Odero will step aside as Secretary of the Legal and Human Rights Committee to allow a athorough investigation into the allegations facing him,” the party stated in a letter.

On August 13, 2025, Mr Odero complained about delays in the decision regarding the allegations against him, while the leadership said it would complete the task within that month. In his complaint, he said if the leadership continues to remain silent, he will decide to fight against injustice, oppression, humiliation, and the ongoing decision.

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By Omar Ahmed Guest Columnist Zanzibar’s investment story over the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable–and the numbers now firmly back that narrative. The archipelago, long known for its rich cultural heritage and pristine beaches, is rapidly positioning itself as a serious player in the global investment landscape.

Data from the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority shows that by early 2026, cumulative registered investments had surpassed $14.4 billion (about Sh37.4 trillion) across 1,351 projects (The Citizen). This is not incremental growth–it is a surge that signals a structural shift in Zanzibar’s economic trajectory.

A closer look at the figures reveals just how steep this upward curve has been. Between November 2020 and September 2024 alone, more than 350 high-value projects were registered, with a combined value of between $5.5 billion and $6.9 billion.

Even in the immediate post-2020 period, momentum was clear: 181 projects worth $3.056 billion were recorded between 2021 and 2022. The pace has not slowed. In just the first 100 days of 2026, 45 new projects were registered–an indication that investor appetite remains strong.

This growth is underpinned by a deliberate policy shift toward the Blue Economy, with targeted expansion in tourism, marine transport, manufacturing, and real estate, and an ambition to register at least 150 projects annually. Importantly, the benefits are tangible.

The investment boom is estimated to have generated between 20,000 and 28,000 jobs, while also boosting government revenues and enabling improvements in infrastructure and social services–from roads to schools and healthcare facilities. The property and hospitality sectors, in particular, have been at the forefront, attracting globally recognised brands and developers eager to secure a foothold in what is increasingly seen as the “next frontier” for luxury tourism and real estate.

Yet beneath this impressive growth lies a structural weakness that threatens to undermine Zanzibar’s momentum: persistent delays and inconsistencies in the issuance of permits. For investors, time is not just money, it is value.

Every delayed permit translates into escalating project costs, missed market opportunities, and, in some cases, diminished investor confidence. This is not a trivial bureaucratic inconvenience.

It is a systemic risk. When investors commit millions–sometimes hundreds of millions–of dollars into projects, predictability and regulatory clarity are non-negotiable.

Without them, even a destination with $14.4 billion in committed investments can quickly lose its competitive edge. There are lessons Zanzibar can draw from peers who have faced similar challenges and successfully addressed them.

Take Rwanda, for instance. Over the past two decades, it has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most efficient investment destinations.

A key pillar of this success has been the streamlined, one-stop investment framework under the Rwanda Development Board, where investors can secure key approvals within days–not months–and with assurance that those approvals are final. Island economies offer even more relevant parallels.

Mauritius has long demonstrated how regulatory efficiency can drive high-value investment. Through institutions such as the Economic Development Board, the country has centralised approvals, minimised red tape, and ensured legal certainty–factors that have been critical in attracting global real estate and hospitality capital.

Similarly, Seychelles has adopted coordinated regulatory frameworks suited to its island economy, emphasising inter-agency collaboration, digitalisation, and clear approval timelines. The result is a system where investors are not trapped in bureaucratic limbo.

The common thread across these examples is not just efficiency, but coordination. Investors are not forced to navigate competing authorities with overlapping mandates.

Governments speak with one voice, backed by clear and enforceable institutional frameworks. Zanzibar, with its current trajectory need this clarity.

The inflow of capital, the rise in registered projects, and the continued interest from global investors all point to immense potential. But potential alone is not enough.

Without urgent reforms to address permit delays the very growth Zanzibar celebrates today could begin to slow. What is needed is not a reinvention of the wheel, but a deliberate alignment of systems.

A strengthened one-stop investment centre with binding authority, clearer delineation of roles among regulatory bodies, and strict timelines for approvals would go a long way in restoring investor confidence. Digital tracking systems could further enhance transparency and accountability, reducing opportunities for arbitrary delays.

Ultimately, the question is simple: can Zanzibar match its investment ambition with regulatory efficiency? If it can, the islands are well on their way to becoming a leading investment hub in the Indian Ocean. If it cannot, investors–who always have options–may look elsewhere.

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Kishapu. In a move to curb predatory loans extended to citizens by microfinance lenders in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, councillors have resolved to investigate the institutions.

The probe will involve establishing charged interest rates and assessing compliance with financial regulations. The move aims to make lending terms fair and affordable for citizens, with the broader goal of increasing financial inclusivity among Tanzanians.

Speaking on Friday, April 24, 2026, during the council session, several councillors, including Special Seats Councillor from Sekebugoro Ward Ajihath Kasenene, emphasised the need for the council to closely examine and regulate interest rates imposed by microfinance institutions. “To ensure financial laws are followed, the council must monitor and investigate interest rates charged by microfinance lenders, especially those considered exploitative, and ensure they are friendly to citizens rather than economically oppressive,” said Ms Kasenene.

Councilors during a council meeting held at Kishapu District Council in Shinyanga Region. Following the discussions, the council, chaired by Kishapu District Council Chairman Josephat Limbe, resolved to proceed with investigations and oversight of microfinance institutions to safeguard citizens’ interests in line with financial laws.

Mr Limbe also stressed the importance of completing development projects on time, particularly in the education sector. He noted that this would support students in Grades Five and Six to graduate together by 2027 as the country prepares to commence the double cohort under broader education reforms.

“The council has directed the executive director and management to ensure all education projects are completed by May 25, 2026 as part of implementing the 2023 education policy aimed at improving the education system, including enabling Grade Five and Six pupils to graduate together by 2027,” he said. Meanwhile, Kishapu Township Authority Chairman, Mr Fabiani Makongo, commended the councillors for standing firm in defending citizens’ interests, especially those of small-scale traders.

He said the move brings renewed hope and strengthens public trust in leadership. “This stance encourages citizens to actively participate in economic and development activities, while safeguarding the interests of small-scale entrepreneurs as an essential pillar for local economic growth,” said Mr Makongo.

The district’s transport officer, Mr Ezra Leonard, said that leadership that listens to and cares for its people is key to sustainable development. He emphasised the need to continue such efforts to build a prosperous, cohesive society with equal opportunities for all.

On revenue collection, the council directed that by June 30, 2026, the district should achieve 100 percent of its internal revenue target. It also approved the formation of a special committee to address student absenteeism and teenage pregnancies, measures aimed at improving education standards in the district.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s growing success in curbing drug trafficking and abuse has earned international recognition, with the Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) receiving state-of-the-art laboratory equipment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to a DCEA statement, UNODC’s Regional Representative for Eastern Africa, Ali El-Bereir, commended the country for its sustained efforts to combat illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. Mr El-Bereir said the equipment has been provided under the global Port Security and Safety of Navigation Programme (EU PSP), an initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity to tackle transnational drug trafficking and related crimes.

“The new machines are capable of rapidly detecting a wide range of narcotic drugs and controlled substances, even when concealed within sealed packages, thereby significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of investigations,” he said. “The boost is expected to enhance DCEA’s operational effectiveness and reinforce Tanzania’s position in regional and international anti-narcotics efforts,” reads another part of the statement.

UNODC further pledged continued collaboration with Tanzania, including specialised training programmes designed to build the capacity of DCEA officers and sustain the country’s momentum in the fight against drugs. .

Dar es Salaam. Rising fuel prices are rapidly reshaping the country’s transport energy mix, triggering a surge in demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) and opening fresh investment opportunities across the value chain as consumers and businesses seek more affordable and predictable energy options.

As of April 2026, petrol is retailed at about Sh3,820 per litre and diesel at Sh3,806 per litre in Dar es Salaam, following a sharp increase in the latest monthly price cap. The surge in global fuel prices has been driven partly by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The situation has created supply uncertainties in global oil markets, especially in the Middle East, a key region producing a significant share of the world’s crude oil. For many motorists and businesses, the spike has translated into higher operating costs, prompting a shift towards alternative fuels that offer greater stability and affordability.

It is within this context that CNG is gaining rapid traction. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, officials from Gas Company Limited (GASCO), which operates the CNG mother station along Sam Nujoma Road said the widening price gap between conventional fuels and gas is now driving behavioural change in the market.

GASCO senior mechanical engineer, Ms Flora Benedicto, said the company is witnessing a notable increase in new customers converting their vehicles to run on gas, with many citing recent fuel price hikes as the main trigger. GASCO is a subsidiary company of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

“In the CNG business, it is easy to distinguish between existing and new customers. Recently, we have seen a significant increase in new users who have converted their vehicles, and many of them tell us they made the switch shortly after fuel prices went up,” she said.

She added that the affordability of CNG, currently retailing at around Sh1,550 per kilogramme, is proving to be a major attraction compared to petrol and diesel, which are both hovering at about Sh3,800 per litre. Ms Benedicto said the growing demand is clearly reflected in station data.

On April 1, the station served 492 vehicles, 1,200 tricycles and 37 buses. By April 23, the numbers had risen to more than 700 vehicles, 1,223 tricycles and over 55 buses daily, including those operating under the Dar Rapid Transit (Dart) system.

She said the figures reflect only one station, meaning national uptake is likely higher as more CNG stations are established and supply reliability improves. The surge in demand is also attracting investor interest in CNG infrastructure and services.

BQ Contractors Limited chief executive officer, Mr John Bura, said his company has recorded a growing number of inquiries from individuals and firms interested in investing in CNG stations. “We are receiving many inquiries from investors who want to understand how to establish CNG stations and the requirements involved.

This clearly indicates strong demand and viable business opportunities,” he said. Mr Bura said uncertainty over future fuel prices is reinforcing the case for long-term investment in gas as a more stable and locally available energy source.

“Even if fuel prices go down, they are unlikely to fall significantly. That makes CNG not just a temporary alternative, but a sustainable long-term solution,” he said.

He added that Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves provide a strong foundation for expansion, although challenges remain, particularly high upfront conversion costs and limited access to financing. He further noted that countries such as Rwanda have already adopted strong policies promoting alternative energy, including a target of ensuring that at least 30 percent of vehicles use electricity.

He said such measures help countries cushion themselves from global fuel price shocks. .

Africa stands at a rare moment in its economic and environmental history, the rise of the Dangote Refinery. Operating at full capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day with its growing exports across the continent, this signals an industrial milestone.

It represents the early foundations of Africa beginning to supply itself. Early shipments, estimated at 456,000 tonnes (about 608 million litres), have already reached countries including Tanzania, Ghana, Ca’te d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Togo.

Additional demand from South Africa and Kenya underscore a rapidly shifting dynamic. For a continent that has long exported crude oil only to re-import expensive refined products, this is a structural break from the past.

But beyond economics and geopolitics, this transformation carries deep environmental implications, and if managed wisely, it could become one of Africa’s most important unifying forces. For decades, Africa has suffered from a paradox: it produces vast amounts of crude oil, yet lacks sufficient refining capacity.

As a result, the continent has depended heavily on imports from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This has meant long supply chains, higher costs, and increased carbon emissions associated with transporting fuel across oceans.

The emergence of a major refining hub within Africa changes this equation. Regional exports (now estimated at roughly 90,000 barrels per day) are beginning to reduce reliance on distant markets.

This is not yet full self-sufficiency, but it is a decisive first step toward energy sovereignty. From an environmental standpoint, shorter supply chains translate into reduced maritime emissions, lower risk of oil spills during long-distance transport and environmental compliance.

Refining fuel closer to where it is consumed reduces the continent’s carbon footprint per litre of fuel delivered. It may seem counter-intuitive for an environmentalist to celebrate fossil fuel infrastructure.

But the reality is nuanced. Africa’s immediate development needs still depend significantly on petroleum products especially for transport, industry, and energy stability.

The key question is not whether fossil fuels are used, but how efficiently and responsibly they are managed. The Dangote Refinery introduces several environmental advantages: 1.

Cleaner fuel standards: Modern refineries are capable of producing low-sulphur fuels, which significantly reduce air pollution. Many imported fuels historically used in Africa have been of lower quality, contributing to urban air crises.

Cleaner fuels mean less respiratory diseases and lower particulate emissions, hence improved urban environmental health. 2.

Reduced waste and inefficiency: Local refining minimises the inefficiencies of exporting crude and re-importing refined products, a process that has historically wasted both energy and resources. 3.

Opportunity for regulatory control: African governments now have greater leverage to enforce environmental compliance, emissions standards oil and petrol-waste management protocols. However, without strong governance, the environmental benefits could be undermined by poor oversight and pollution.

Perhaps the most powerful implication of this development is political and economic rather than industrial. Energy has always been a unifying force in regional blocs.

Europe’s integration, for example, was built in part on shared energy systems. The current model (where many shipments are still sold to international traders rather than directly between African states) limits this potential.

It keeps Africa within a global system where value chains are externally controlled. To transform this into a true continental advantage, Africa should prioritise state-to-state energy agreements, strengthen regional trade under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and develop shared infrastructure corridors for fuel distribution.

Without these steps, Africa risks remaining a supplier within global systems, rather than becoming a fully integrated energy market. A call to the African Union and governments If this moment is to become a true turning point, coordinated action is essential.

1. Build a continental energy strategy: The African Union must lead in developing a unified framework that aligns refining, distribution, and environmental standards.

AU must lead in encouraging intra-African trade in refined products and reduces reliance on external intermediaries. 2.

Invest in green refining and transition technologies: Africa must not repeat the environmental mistakes of industrialised nations. Governments should incentivise cleaner refining technologies and integrate renewable energy into refining operations.

3. Strengthen environmental regulation: Refining expansion must be matched with strict emissions controls, transparent environmental monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent pollution 4.

Develop regional infrastructure: Pipelines, storage facilities, and transport networks must be expanded to reduce inefficiencies, lower costs and minimise environmental risks. The choice, as always, is Africa’s to make.

Toshi Bwana is the Founding Trustee of Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT) .

Being at the pub isn’t just about having a drink and exchanging ideas with others. It’s also about watching things happen, things that can be most interesting.

Real life drama. Isn’t it real-life drama when you see a man in his right senses ordering 15 beers at a go? And that, when no announcement has been made to the effect that stocks will run out in the next five minutes! You aver that it’s all in the name of showing it to all and sundry that yuko na pesa! Whoever told him other people care whether he has lots of dosh or not? Kwani, nani hana zake? However, if that’s something that makes him feel happy, let it be.

It’s entertaining to watch such kind of nonsense! There’s this other occasion when an old pal arrives at an open-air bar where you’ve been having a beer in the company of Uncle Kich, your mum’s kid bro to whom another name for beer is Safari Lager. It’s clear the guy has just dropped off a daladala at a nearby bus stop.

We ask him to take a seat and he says thank you. Even before he’s fully settled down in his plastic chair, he starts to lament how today’s mechanics are unreliable.

“Imagine; it’s three days since I left my car with my fundi, one of the most accomplished vehicle mechanics in Dar, but as we sit here, I can’t be sure I’ll be able to collect my vehicle tomorrowdamn him!” he tells us all that, much as we haven’t asked him anything about his car. We aren’t interested in his broken car, nor are we keen on whether he came by daladala, bajaji or bodaboda, but he tells us of how much he’s spending on taxis.

He tells us he’s seriously considering buying a new car. When he goes to the loo, Uncle Kich whispers to you that actually, the guy doesn’t own a car any longer.

It means, no car of his is in any garage! “He sold his ramshackle of a car, a Toyota Corolla, two months ago for a song, and he has already eaten the money” says Uncle Kich. “So, why’s he telling us stories about his car in the hands of a mechanic?” you ask.

“I don’t knowmaybe the idea is to give us the impression he’s financially okayas if we care!” says Uncle. Then, there’s this incident when Lucia, the assistant akaunta at this pub whose identity will remain secret, faced a big test.

She’s at the counter chatting with Billy, a guy she had always considered hers and hers alone. She actually referred to him as “husband” and her fellow wahudumu called him shemeji.

Then, enter this tallish woman who had arrived in a bajaj, not a bodaboda, the dear-most mode of transport for our city girls. She walks straight to the counter where she’s received with a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

I can read the dismay on Lucia’s face. Billy holds his new “wife’s” hand and walks her to a table of their own away from the counter.

Since Lucia and you are familiar with each other, you ask her what’s happening. “That woman is trashBilly is still my husband no matter whatin any case those big bums she carries behind her are Turkish-made–fakes!” You’ve not sought all that information but there we are.

All this and more is the kind of real-life drama you encounter, making a beer at the pub worthwhile, a far cry from having it at home seated beside mama watoto as she watches Jua Kali. .