World Kiswahili Day should be a time for reflection, says EAC Kiswahili Commission Chief

The Executive Secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC), Dr Caroline Asiimwe, has called for World Kiswahili Day to be used as an opportunity to assess the progress of the language across East African Community (EAC) member states and the wider world.

Dr Asiimwe made the remarks on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, during the climax of the World Kiswahili Day celebrations held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

She said the adoption of Kiswahili as an official language of the East African Community had accelerated its growth and expanded its use across the region.

Dr Asiimwe noted that the theme linking Kiswahili with artificial intelligence and multilingualism aligns with the vision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), whose global agenda promotes peace, unity and cultural inclusion.

She also stressed the need to preserve and promote all African languages by integrating them into digital systems, enabling citizens to access global opportunities through technology.

Dr Asiimwe said the two-day International Kiswahili Conference in Bujumbura had generated key recommendations, including increasing youth participation in advancing the language.

She added that Kiswahili has continued to play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion and promoting peace among communities.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the East African Community Council of Ministers, Deng Kuol, urged regional leaders to lead by example by speaking Kiswahili at official forums.

He said leaders who abandon the habit of relying solely on English would encourage more people, particularly in countries where Kiswahili is not yet widely spoken, to learn and embrace the language.

Simbu, Geay and Shauri will miss Commonwealth Games

Tanzania will compete at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games without some of its most established distance runners after Alphonce Simbu, Gabriel Geay, Emmanuel Giniki and Magdalena Shauri were left out of the national athletics squad.

The four athletes, who have been among Tanzania’s leading performers on the international stage, will not be part of the team scheduled to depart for Scotland on July 20 ahead of the multi-sport event, which will run from July 23 to August 2.

The absence of Simbu and Geay will be a major blow to Tanzania’s hopes in long-distance events. Simbu won a silver medal in the marathon at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, while Geay has established himself as one of the world’s leading marathon runners.

Athletics Tanzania (AT) president Rogath Akhwari said the decision not to include the four athletes was influenced by their other international commitments.

‘Simbu, Geay, Giniki and Shauri have other international assignments, which made it impossible for them to be included in the Commonwealth Games squad,’ said Akhwari.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a reduced program, with organisers focusing on 10 sports across four main venues. Athletics events will be held at Scotstoun Stadium, while road races such as the marathon have been removed from the competition schedule.

With the absence of the experienced runners, Tanzania will rely on a new group of athletes to carry the country’s hopes in Scotland.

In the women’s category, Cecilia Panga will compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m races, while Hamida Nassoro will participate in the 1,500m and 5,000m events. Winfrida Makenji will represent Tanzania in the 100m and 200m sprints.

The men’s team will include Daniel Sinda, who will compete in the one-mile race, Benjamin Fernandi Ratsim, who will take part in the 10,000m, and Josephat Gisemo, who will compete in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events.

The selected athletes are currently attending a residential training camp in Arusha. Despite missing some of its biggest names, Tanzania Athletics believes the Commonwealth Games will provide an important platform for the selected runners to gain international exposure and continue building experience at the highest level.

The Glasgow Games will mark another opportunity for Tanzanian athletes to compete against some of the best performers from Commonwealth nations, with the team aiming to improve on previous performances and strengthen the country’s reputation in athletics.

How Choplife Gaming is leading the way in tax compliance

When the President’s Best Taxpayer Award was presented to Choplife Gaming Tanzania, it was more than just a recognition of tax compliance.

It was an acknowledgment of a corporate culture built on integrity, transparency, and accountability, values that continue to shape the company’s contribution to Tanzania’s economic development.

For Choplife Gaming Tanzania, the prestigious award represents years of commitment to doing business responsibly while supporting the country’s growth through consistent tax compliance.

Speaking after receiving the award, Choplife Gaming Tanzania Managing Director Loyce Oluoch described the recognition as both humbling and inspiring.

“We are truly honoured and proud. This award is a testament to our commitment to tax compliance and responsible business practices. We owe it to Her Excellency, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for setting conducive investment landscape from which we thrived in,’ Ms Oluoch said.

The President’s Best Taxpayer Award is among the highest forms of recognition for businesses that consistently meet their tax obligations while contributing significantly to national development.

For Choplife Gaming, the recognition reflects not only financial discipline but also the company’s broader philosophy of operating with integrity in every aspect of its business.

A recognition shared by the entire team

While the award bears the company’s name, Ms Oluoch believes it belongs to every employee who has contributed to building a culture of accountability.

“It is a great achievement that motivates our team to continue working with integrity, excellence, and accountability,” Ms Oluoch said.

The recognition serves as a reminder that responsible corporate governance is a collective effort. From leadership to operational teams, every department plays a role in ensuring that the company meets its legal and ethical obligations.

The award has also strengthened employee pride, reinforcing the belief that excellence is achieved through consistency, professionalism, and adherence to established standards.

Building success through responsible business practices

According to Ms Oluoch, the company’s success did not happen by chance. It is the result of deliberate investments in systems, leadership, and a corporate culture that prioritizes compliance.

“Strong leadership, transparency, compliance with tax laws, and the dedication of our employees have all contributed to this achievement,” Ms Oluoch explained.

These pillars have enabled Choplife Gaming to establish itself as a trusted corporate citizen in Tanzania’s growing gaming industry.

The company has invested in sound financial management practices and internal controls that ensure accuracy, accountability, and full compliance with the country’s tax regulations.

By embedding compliance into its day-to-day operations, the company has demonstrated that responsible business practices and commercial success can go hand in hand.

Taxes as a driver of national development

For Ms Oluoch, paying taxes extends beyond fulfilling a legal obligation. It represents a meaningful contribution to Tanzania’s social and economic transformation.

“Paying taxes is a civic responsibility that supports national development,” Ms Oluoch said, adding, “Tax compliance also builds trust and credibility.”

Taxes finance critical public services including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security-services that create an enabling environment for businesses and communities alike.

Ms Oluoch encouraged other businesses to view tax compliance not as a burden, but as an investment in the country’s future.

Responsible taxpayers, Ms Oluoch noted, strengthen public confidence while helping build a more sustainable economy capable of supporting long-term private sector growth.

Raising the bar even higher

Rather than viewing the award as the culmination of its efforts, Choplife Gaming considers it the beginning of an even greater responsibility.

“This recognition encourages us to maintain the highest standards of compliance and continue improving our services,” Ms Oluoch said.

The company intends to build on this achievement by strengthening operational excellence, investing in innovation, and continuously improving customer experience while maintaining full compliance with regulatory requirements.

The recognition has become both a milestone and a benchmark against which future performance will be measured.

Investing in Tanzania’s future

Looking ahead, Choplife Gaming remains committed to contributing meaningfully to Tanzania’s economic development.

“We will continue investing in the country, creating employment opportunities, paying taxes responsibly, and supporting economic growth,” Ms Oluoch affirmed.

Beyond its tax contributions, the company sees itself as an active participant in Tanzania’s development journey by generating employment, supporting local economic activity, and contributing to government revenues that finance public development programmes.

This long-term commitment reflects the company’s confidence in Tanzania’s investment environment and its determination to remain a reliable corporate partner.

A culture of accountability

Maintaining leadership in tax compliance requires more than meeting annual obligations. It demands strong governance systems and a culture where accountability is embedded throughout the organization.

According to Ms Oluoch, Choplife Gaming has positioned itself for continued success by maintaining robust financial controls, strictly adhering to tax regulations, and promoting accountability across every level of the business.

This disciplined approach has enabled the company to earn the trust of regulators, stakeholders, customers, and business partners alike.

As Tanzania continues strengthening its business environment, companies that prioritize transparency and compliance will play an increasingly important role in driving sustainable economic growth.

A token of appreciation

Ms Oluoch concluded by expressing sincere appreciation to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Government of Tanzania for recognizing businesses that consistently fulfill their tax obligations.

“We sincerely thank them for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to remaining a responsible and compliant corporate partner in Tanzania,” she said.

For Choplife Gaming, the President’s Best Taxpayer Award is more than a trophy. It is a symbol of responsible corporate citizenship and a reminder that sustainable business success is built on integrity, compliance, and a genuine commitment to national development.

As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on creating value not only for its customers and employees but also for the country whose growth it continues to support through responsible investment, job creation, and unwavering tax compliance.

TSA unveils 33 swimmers for Africa Zone 3 Championships in Uganda

The Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) has announced a national squad of 33 swimmers who will represent the country at the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships 2026, featuring a blend of young talents and experienced competitors selected to challenge some of the strongest swimming nations in the region.

TSA secretary General Inviolata Itatiro confirmed the team selection, saying the swimmers were picked based on criteria established by the association’s technical committee after assessing their performances and development progress.

The squad features swimmers across four age categories, namely 12 years and under, 13-14 years, 15-16 years, and 17 years and above, reflecting Tanzania’s continued focus on nurturing young talent while maintaining competitiveness at senior level.

In the 12 years and under female category, Tanzania will be represented by Ruby Stanley, Iris Mattaka, Camilla Kyenekiki, Ithra Kahemele and Celine Matembo, while the male team comprises Arthur Mushi, Oscar Liebchen, William Ng’wandu, Konhelli Mhella and Mikhail Mangush. The 13-14 years category will see Nicolene Viljoen, Heydleen Magashi, Imani Kimario, Leyna Borega and Lorita Borega compete in the female category, while the male swimmers are Ethan Makalla, Max Missokia, Ibrahim Igoro, Fidel Kavishe, Alberto Itatiro and Nabil Ahmed.In the 15-16 years category, Tanzania’s female representatives are Crissa Dillip and Abigail Matungwa, while the male contingent includes Julius Missokia, Shuneal Bharwani, Kabeer Lakhani, Luke Okore and Zac Okumu.

The senior category of 17 years and above features Cathleen Maokola and Filbertha Demello in the women’s competition, while the men’s team includes Abbas Abdulila, Austin Okore and Michael Joseph.

Inviolata said the championships will provide an important platform for Tanzanian swimmers to measure their progress against some of the best competitors from the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 region.

‘The swimmers have been selected according to the criteria set by our technical committee. We believe this is a strong team capable of representing Tanzania well,’ said Inviolata.

The Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships 2026 are expected to attract leading swimming nations from East and Central Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan and hosts Uganda, creating a highly competitive environment for both individual and relay events.

Tanzania’s delegation will be led by team manager Hadija Shebe, who will be supported by an experienced coaching team comprising lead Coach Radhia Shaban, team coach Samweli Mtupo and team coach Rashid Juma Kipipa.

The selection comes as Tanzania continues to invest in swimming development through national championships, youth programs and talent identification initiatives aimed at improving the country’s competitiveness in regional and international competitions.

In recent years, the TSA has increased efforts to develop a strong swimming pipeline by introducing more structured competitions for young swimmers and providing opportunities for athletes to gain international exposure.

The Zone 3 Championships are expected to feature intense battles, particularly among East African countries that have traditionally produced closely contested races in individual events and relay competitions.

TSA officials expressed confidence that the selected swimmers, together with their coaches and support staff, will help Tanzania make a strong impact at the regional championship as they compete against some of Africa’s emerging swimming talents.

Tanzania’s Finance minister pushes for industrial reforms to drive Africa’s growth

African countries need to implement stronger policy and tax measures to enable the industrial sector to contribute more significantly to economic growth, job creation, increased production and export expansion, Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar has said.

Mr Omar made the remarks during a discussion on the role of industrial development in driving economic growth in Africa, held on the sidelines of the 2026 African Caucus Meeting at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara (SDKJ) International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia.

Mr Omar said Tanzania has continued to implement policy and tax measures aimed at encouraging investment, supporting local industries, increasing production and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

He said Tanzania has started implementing the National Development Vision 2050, which targets transforming the country into a $1 trillion economy by 2050, with the private sector expected to contribute about 70 percent of that target through industrial production and other economic activities.

The minister identified limited access to capital, inadequate markets, infrastructure gaps, including energy and transport, as well as shortages of skilled human resources as some of the major challenges slowing industrial growth in many African countries, including Tanzania.

He said addressing these challenges would accelerate industrial transformation and enable African economies to move towards value addition and increased competitiveness in global markets.

Mr Omar said the government was strengthening special investment areas and providing incentives to investors and young entrepreneurs starting businesses.

He said young entrepreneurs are being supported through tax relief measures, including a one-year exemption period that allows them to build their capital base before beginning tax payments.

‘All these efforts can achieve greater success through strong cooperation between the public and private sectors, where both sides sit together and discuss issues that can improve the business environment,’ he said.

The minister also called on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase support for African countries in implementing strategic infrastructure projects that promote economic transformation through value chains.

Speaking during the discussion, World Bank Director responsible for Group One African countries, Dr Zarau Wenderine Kibwe, said the institution was ready to work with African countries by supporting industrial infrastructure development.

He said such investments would help boost employment, increase production and expand domestic and international trade through value addition of agricultural products and other goods.

The Tanzanian delegation at the meeting is led by Mr Omar and includes Zanzibar Minister for Finance and Planning Dr Juma Malik Akil, Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Governor Emmanuel Tutuba and Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, who also oversees diplomatic affairs in The Gambia, Ambassador Selestine Kakele.

Where do participants of top programmes live – with a host family, in an apartment, a hostel, or on a farm?

Work and Travel remains one of the most popular programmes for students. It is chosen for the chance to spend summer in the US, earn money, improve English, and explore the country. But work is only half the story – the other half is living independently, which many participants are experiencing for the first time.

There is no single accommodation scenario in this programme – it really depends on the employer, the city, and the season. In some cases, participants are helped with finding a place to stay, while in other cases, they are left to sort it out themselves. The most common options are rooms, flats, houses, or dormitories shared with other students.

This format has an obvious advantage: it quickly immerses participants in real adult life. They share expenses, divide household responsibilities, negotiate with one another, learn to budget, and handle everyday matters in a foreign language. For many, this becomes an experience just as valuable as the work itself.

An added privilege is the international environment. Neighbours are often students from different countries, and it is the shared daily life that makes the programme especially vibrant: people cook together, go on trips at weekends, help each other out, and quickly build a social circle. In resort towns, accommodation is often located close to work, shops, and transport, making everyday life more convenient.

Comfort levels can vary, so it is important to check the details before travelling: how many people share a room, what is included in the price, whether appliances are provided, and how far the accommodation is from work. Ultimately, Work and Travel is valued precisely for its combination of freedom, flexibility, and the experience of independent living within an international student community.

Au Pair: life with a host family and gentle adaptation

The Au Pair programme works differently. Here, participants do not simply work abroad – they live within a host family, help with children, and become part of the household’s everyday routine. This is precisely why the living arrangements tend to be simpler and less stressful here than in other programmes.

Generally, participants are given their own room and meals. They do not need to search for a place to live, sign a rent contract, pay separately for utilities, or set up a household from scratch. From day one, there is a stable setting, a fixed address, a daily routine, and people to interact with on a regular basis. For those travelling abroad for the first time, this often turns out to be one of the most comfortable scenarios.

Another important benefit is immersion in the language and culture through everyday life. Here, language is not confined to lessons – it is spoken over breakfast, in conversations with the kids, at the shops, on family trips, and during household chores. As a result, adaptation often occurs with greater ease and speed.

Much of the success of this programme depends on whether the host family is a good fit. That is why prior discussion of the terms is key: schedule, responsibilities, days off, personal space, and everyday habits. But if expectations align, Au Pair offers not just a place to stay abroad, but a genuine immersion in another culture from the inside.

Alabuga Start: structured living arrangements and clear terms

Alabuga Start is a Russian employment programme. It differs from most programmes in that accommodation does not need to be found independently – it is built into the system from the start. For many participants, this is one of the main advantages, as it reduces the level of uncertainty right at the beginning.

The programme accepts only young women aged 18 to 22. They are placed in corporate hostels equipped with furniture, appliances, fitted kitchens, and bathrooms. One apartment with two rooms typically accommodates eight people. This format does not offer complete privacy, but it provides a valuable sense of structure: the living arrangements are clearly defined before you arrive, and adaptation takes place within a more organised environment.

Special attention is given to safety within the programme. The living spaces are located on secured premises, with Face ID access control and CCTV monitoring. For participants and their families, this is a strong argument in favour of the programme, especially when it comes to the first move to another country.

An added benefit is the clear and predictable cost of living – around $44. Since accommodation and all related expenses are already included in the programme from the beginning, participants can easily manage their budget and stay focused on work and adapting, rather than on hunting for a place to live in an unfamiliar country.

In particular, this programme is aimed at people who want more than just a job – it’s for anyone looking to build a solid profession and secure a stable income within a few years. Participants can choose from eight fields – from Construction, Installation, and Finishing works to Catering, Service and hospitality, and Logistics.

Starting salaries are around $706, and for many, that’s more than just a pay check – it’s a real chance to gain hands-on experience over two or four years in a field with real prospects.

WWOOF: down-to-earth living and life away from big cities

WWOOF is a programme for those who want to stay on an organic farm and take part in rural life. Participants help with daily tasks for a few hours a day and receive accommodation and meals in return. Living conditions here can be noticeably more basic than in city-based programmes, but that is exactly what this experience is all about.

Living conditions depend on the specific farm – it could be a room in the main house, a small separate house, a trailer, or other modest accommodation. This option is rarely associated with standard urban comfort, but for many, it becomes a way to experience a different pace of life – slower, calmer, and closely connected to nature.

Instead of urban infrastructure, what matters here are different things: peace and quiet, fresh air, organic food, physical work, and being part of the local environment. Participants often choose WWOOF precisely for this experience – as a chance to step out of their usual routine for a while and live in a simpler, more mindful way.

Another advantage of the programme is that it is budget-friendly. Accommodation and meals are usually already included, so participants do not need to cover significant living expenses. However, before travelling, it is important to read the farm description and reviews carefully: comfort levels, working conditions, and the overall atmosphere can vary considerably.

Different programmes, different approaches to comfort

Comparing these formats shows that there is no perfect option for everyone. Each programme has its own approach to comfort and its own way of organising daily life.

Work and Travel is a good fit for those who are ready for independence and want to live in an international student environment.

Au Pair suits those who value a stable daily routine, family life, and a gentler adaptation process.

Alabuga Start is for those who value structured living arrangements, clear rules, and safety precautions. The programme also offers the chance to gain a new profession.

WWOOF is for those who are ready for a more basic way of life in exchange for the experience of living in nature, away from urban life.

When choosing a programme like this, don’t just look at the country, the salary, or what you see at first glance. But it’s equally important to think about where you’ll live, if that lifestyle fits you, and what comfort means to you. At the end of the day, it’s the everyday life that will decide whether the experience feels like a challenge or a success.

Halotel unveils digital solutions at Sabasaba as MD reaffirms innovation drive

Halotel Tanzania has stepped up its push to expand digital connectivity by showcasing its latest telecommunications and financial technology solutions at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), as the company’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to investing in innovation.

The firm’s Managing Direcor, Mr Bui Van Thang, visited the Halotel exhibition stand on July 8, 2026 where he inspected a range of services on display, including the company’s 5G network, Halotel Fibre home internet and HaloPesa mobile financial platform.

Accompanied by Halotel Tanzania Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tran Thi Thuy Dung, the Managing Director toured the stand with Halotel Tanzania Commercial Director, Mr Abdallah Salum, who briefed the executives on the company’s showcase and customer engagement activities during the annual trade fair.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the company’s top leadership to interact with customers and frontline staff, with Mr Bui commending employees for their efforts in delivering customer service throughout the exhibition.

Speaking after the tour, Halotel Tanzania Managing Director, Mr Bui Van Thang, said the company would continue investing in technology and innovation to deliver reliable digital services that respond to the growing demand for connectivity across Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Halotel Tanzania Marketing Manager, Ms Aidat Lwiza, said the exhibition provides an opportunity for customers to engage directly with the company’s experts, learn about emerging technologies and benefit from promotional offers available during the fair.

The 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, popularly known as Sabasaba, continues until July 13, attracting hundreds of exhibitors from Tanzania and abroad as companies showcase new products, services and technologies.

Burundi rugby tournament boosts Tanzanian players

The Tanzania Men’s and Women’s National Rugby Teams have returned from Burundi after competing in a regional international tournament that also featured hosts Burundi, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gaining valuable experience as they continue preparations for future competitions.

The tour marked a significant milestone for Tanzanian rugby, as it was the first time that both the men’s and women’s national teams travelled together to represent the country at the same international tournament.

Beyond the results, the competition offered an important platform for the players to test themselves against strong regional opponents and build experience at the continental level.

The women’s team faced Burundi and Uganda in the group stage but was unable to register a victory, finishing third in the standings. Despite the outcome, the players benefited from valuable competitive exposure that is expected to contribute to the team’s long-term development.

The men’s side also endured a challenging campaign, opening with a hard-fought goalless draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo before suffering defeats to Uganda and Burundi. The results saw Tanzania finish third in its group without recording a victory.

Although both teams fell short of progressing beyond the group stage, they displayed determination, discipline and resilience throughout the tournament.

Tanzania Rugby Union believes the experience will play an important role in the continued growth of both national teams as they prepare for upcoming regional and continental assignments.

On their return journey, the Tanzanian delegation paid a courtesy visit to the country’s Ambassador to Burundi, where they briefed him on the progress of rugby in Tanzania and the steady development of both the men’s and women’s programmes. As a token of appreciation, the delegation presented the Ambassador with an official Tanzania Rugby jersey.

The Ambassador welcomed the players and officials, commending the progress the sport has made in Tanzania and encouraging the teams to continue representing the country with pride while raising its profile on the international stage.

Tanzania Rugby Union said the Burundi tour has laid another important foundation in its long-term development strategy.

The Union reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening both national teams, increasing international exposure for players, and improving performances as Tanzania seeks to establish a stronger presence in African rugby.

Government orders railways authority to fix SGR ticketing system over empty seats

Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, has directed the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to improve its ticketing systems to ensure passengers are not told that trains are full while some seats remain unoccupied on certain Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) trips.

He said that the ticketing system is a key area that needs improvement to ensure citizens access services easily, without facing challenges of being told that trains are full while there are still available seats.

Kihenzile said the challenge is one of the areas that needs improvement to enhance service efficiency, noting that the country’s rail transport system is growing rapidly and must align with public expectations.

He made the remarks today, July 6, 2027, while visiting the TRC pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), where he also praised the corporation’s leadership for improving rail transport services.

Kihenzile said the ticketing system is a crucial area that must be strengthened to ensure citizens receive services easily, without facing challenges of being unable to secure seats while trains appear to have capacity.

‘SGR has been widely embraced by citizens, and many Tanzanians are enjoying this new service that enables easy and fast travel. Therefore, ensure such challenges are addressed,’ he said.

He said the service has brought major changes in rail transport in the country, citing routes such as Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, Mwanza, and Kigoma as among the most frequently used by passengers.

Kihenzile praised TRC for implementing the major national project, saying it is one of the model projects in Africa due to its infrastructure quality and management. He added that Tanzanians value the service so much that some have even suggested fare adjustments to ensure sustainability, a sign of how well the SGR has been received.

He also emphasized the need to continue improving service quality, particularly ensuring trains depart on schedule and addressing minor operational challenges.

‘The goal is to ensure this service remains sustainable and of high quality. These are improvements, not opposition to the project,’ he said.

He noted that Tanzania is currently among a few African countries with a modern railway system, making the SGR a strategic national development project.

Kihenzile called on railway sector officials to continue improving their systems, pledging that the government will continue to support all improvements aimed at enhancing services for citizens.

Responding to the issue, TRC Chief Communications Officer Athuman Idd said that some coaches appearing empty is due to many passengers who have purchased tickets but do not show up for the journey.

‘The train is indeed full as reflected in the system, and it is not that coaches are empty.

The issue is that many passengers in business class and Royal class are government officials and businesspeople, and many of them miss the train due to changes in their schedules,’ he said.

This situation makes coaches appear empty even though the system shows they are fully booked, adding that the seats have been paid for and TRC does not incur any loss.

Kapinga urges Tanzanians to visit Sabasaba as locally made products continue to improve

Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga (MP), has urged Tanzanians to continue visiting the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), saying this year’s exhibition has showcased major milestones in industrial development, technological innovation and the quality of locally manufactured products.

Speaking on July 8, 2026, after touring various exhibition stands, Ms Kapinga said public response to the fair has been overwhelming, prompting the Government to consider extending the exhibition by one more day to allow more people to participate and give traders additional time to conduct business.

She said the scale of the exhibition requires repeated visits, as it is impossible to explore all the stands in a single day, adding that she was impressed by exhibitors’ preparations and the quality of products on display.

Ms Kapinga said the 2026 exhibition has featured a wide range of modern technologies, including electric vehicles, hybrid cars, fully compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles, as well as advanced electric-powered machinery, reflecting the growth of Tanzania’s industrial sector and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.

She added that locally manufactured products have continued to improve in quality, particularly in terms of value addition and packaging, demonstrating the impact of Government efforts to empower citizens economically and promote domestic production.

‘Citizens should continue turning up to visit Sabasaba. There are more opportunities available this year, making it the right time to learn, do business and witness the progress being made by Tanzania’s industries,’ Ms Kapinga said.

She further explained that if the decision to extend the exhibition by one day is approved, it would provide more opportunities for citizens, especially those who are occupied with work on regular weekdays, to visit the fair and benefit from various business and investment opportunities.