Category: The Citizen

Durban. The Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has launched a new framework to guide countries in establishing or strengthening their National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs).

These institutions are vital for preparing nations to respond effectively to health emergencies, applying lessons from past outbreaks, and building resilient health systems. The framework provides step-by-step guidance to help countries navigate the practical and political challenges of setting up such institutes.

Africa CDC Acting Deputy Director, Dr Tajudeen Raji, said that out of 55 African countries, only 25 currently have fully operational NPHIs. Experience from the COVID-19 pandemic shows that countries with these institutes responded more efficiently and in real time to public health threats.

“For countries still establishing their institutions, the framework offers crucial support to navigate obstacles such as funding, infrastructure, and political commitment,” he said. Tanzania is among African countries actively working to establish a National Public Health Institute, a move experts say will strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to epidemics and other health emergencies.

The Principal Epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology and Disease Control Section, Dr Rogath Kishimba, said: “Tanzania is one of 19 countries in Africa currently in the process of establishing a National Public Health Institute.” He said the institute’s importance lies in coordinating scattered public health functions within the Ministry and across sectors.

“Currently, during an epidemic, multiple departments, surveillance, laboratories, and rapid response teams are involved, but they often work independently,” said Dr Kishimba. He added that a national public health institute will streamline core public health functions, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and enhance national capacity to address pressing health issues while ensuring national health security.

This will improve efficiency and effectiveness in responding to outbreaks and pandemics. Beyond coordination, the NPHI is expected to consolidate resources.

Mr Kishimba noted that fragmented departments often maintain separate budgets for similar outbreak responses, which can be costly. “With one institute supervising epidemics and outbreaks nationwide, we can consolidate resources and reduce unnecessary expenses,” he said.

While the institute is still being established, Dr Kishimba emphasised that Tanzania has laid the legal groundwork through the Public Health Act, CAP 99 of 2009, which covers most NPHI functions. “We are reviewing the Act and aim to include provisions to formally establish the National Public Health Institute.

This approach will create the institute without enacting a completely new law, moving Tanzania closer to a resilient public health system.” The World Health Organization (WHO) African Regional Director, Prof Mohamed Janabi, called for increased investment in primary healthcare and closer collaboration across African regions to address health challenges, following principles of universal coverage, health security, sustainable financing, and innovation.

“Primary healthcare is not a fiction; if invested in, it can be a major solution for our continent, where health coverage and preparedness meet,” he said. The Regional Director for Southern Africa at the Africa CDC, Dr Lul Riek, stressed that establishing NPHIs across Africa is critical for strengthening health systems and ensuring rapid, effective responses to public health emergencies.

“The framework is designed to guide all countries in establishing NPHIs. It provides a structured approach, building on past lessons and challenges, to ensure these institutions are robust and well-functioning,” he said.

Countries without these institutions face higher risks during outbreaks, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have observed that countries with NPHIs respond better and faster to health events because these institutions prepare the country for any health emergency.

NPHIs serve as the eyes of the country, enabling early detection and swift response to outbreaks, ultimately saving lives and resources.” Despite their importance, political and financial challenges have slowed NPHI’s establishment in some nations.

Health experts emphasise that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Acting as the “eye” of the country, these institutions focus on preventing outbreaks rather than merely responding, an approach that is more cost-effective and life-saving.

The Africa CDC framework arrives at a critical moment, providing a timely blueprint for nations to safeguard populations’ health and strengthen public health preparedness across the continent .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court’s Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry has rejected a report on the authenticity of a video clip featuring Chadema National Chairman Tundu Lissu, who faces a treason charge for allegedly making seditious remarks.

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the prosecution, through its third witness, asked the court to admit the report as evidence in the case. However, Mr Lissu objected, arguing that the witness lacked legal authority to prepare or present the report in court, as he was not a certified cybercrime expert.

The prosecution opposed the objection, claiming it lacked a legal basis. However, the court, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, October 23, 2025, agreed with Mr Lissu and rejected the report.

In Criminal Case No. 19605 of 2025, Mr Lissu faces a treason charge for allegedly uttering words threatening the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, contrary to section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

He is accused of having, on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, made statements threatening the government and expressing that intent by publishing them on social media, saying: “If they say this position indicates rebellion, it’s true because we are saying we’ll stop the election, we’ll mobilise rebellion. That’s how you bring change so we are going to cause chaos We’ll really disrupt this election We’ll make it very messy.

” The case is being heard by a three-judge panel led by the Resident Judge of the Iringa High Court Sub-Registry, Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, sitting with Justices James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde. The court is currently hearing the prosecution’s evidence, now at its third witness.

The third witness, Police Inspector Samweli Eribariki Kaaya (39), a photography expert from the Forensic Science Investigation Commission at Police Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, told the court that on April 8, 2025, he received a flash disk and a memory card containing the video from the Office of the Regional Crime Officer, Dar es Salaam, for verification. He said his forensic analysis established that the video was genuine and had not been tampered with, after which he prepared a report on his findings.

On October 17, 2025, he asked the court to admit the flash disk and memory card as exhibits. Mr Lissu objected, and in a ruling on Wednesday, the court agreed, rejecting the two data storage devices.

Following that decision, the prosecution requested the court to admit the authenticity report prepared by the same witness, but Mr Lissu objected again. Mr Lissu argued that, according to the witness’s own testimony, he was a still-photography expert under section 202(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), Revised Edition 2022, now section 216(1) following the 2023 revision, which applies to certificates submitted by still-photography experts, not reports.

He explained that a report is prepared and issued by a cybercrime or digital forensics expert, and that a video clip does not fall under the definition of a still photograph. “My Lords, the ink has barely dried since your ruling rejecting the exhibits, where you clearly stated that this witness is an expert in still photography, not video,” Mr Lissu submitted.

He also noted that the witness told the court he was appointed and gazetted through Government Notice No. 799 of 2020, issued by the Attorney General (AG), not the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), as required by law.

Mr Lissu argued that since the appointment came from the AG instead of the DPP, the witness was not legally authorised to prepare or submit the report. “One item having been rejected, another that depends on it cannot stand on its own.

Its admissibility is contingent on the admission of what it analyses, the flash disk and memory card already rejected by the court,” said Mr Lissu. He stressed that the report did not comply with section 216 and, therefore, could not be submitted or accepted by the court.

For his part, Principal State Attorney Job Mrema asked the court to dismiss all of Mr Lissu’s objections and admit the witness’s report, arguing that it was distinct from the rejected exhibits. Mr Mrema said the witness had the necessary qualifications to present the document in court, adding that the report should be treated as independent evidence.

Court’s ruling In a ruling delivered by Justice Karayemaha, the court agreed with Mr Lissu that the witness lacked authority to prepare or submit the report because he was an expert in still photography, not video analysis. “The witness was appointed to handle still images and, therefore, should have prepared a certificate, not a report,” said Justice Karayemaha.

He added that the law was clear, and the court would not contravene it. Even if the flash disk and memory card had been admitted, the report, if prepared as a certificate, would still have no relevance.

“Therefore, we find that this witness is not competent to submit a report, only a certificate under section 216(1) of the CPA. We are satisfied that the accused’s objection has merit, and we shall not admit the report,” Justice Karayemaha ruled .

Dar es Salaam. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) directive allowing voters to use National IDs, passports or driver’s licenses is fully lawful under the National Elections Act [Cap 343 R.

E. 2023], which empowers the Director of Elections to accept other official proof of identity.

On Tuesday, October 21, the Returning Officer for Mbeya Urban and Uyole constituencies, Anamary Mbunga, announced that voters whose names appear in the Permanent Voters’ Register (PVR) will be permitted to vote using a driver’s license, National ID (NIDA), or passport — provided that the name on the alternative document matches exactly with the one on the register. The clarification, issued under the authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was meant to ease anxiety among voters who lost their cards.

But it has instead sparked debate about the legal basis of the directive and whether it aligns with Tanzania’s electoral law. While some have expressed confusion, questioning whether this move aligns with electoral laws, The Citizen’s close examination of Tanzania’s legal framework reveals that the directive is not only permissible but firmly rooted in statute.

The specific section of The National Elections Act [Cap. 343 R.

E. 2023] that allows a voter to use alternative identification (such as a NIDA card, passport, or driver’s license) if they have lost their voter’s card is: Section 19(2) –which states “a presiding officer or polling assistant at any polling station shall not permit any person to vote at that polling station unless such person satisfies the presiding officer or as the case may be, a polling assistant, that he is the voter he claims to be by producing the voters card issued to such person or such other proof of identity as the Director of Elections may for the time being direct to be sufficient proof of identity of the person claiming to be entitled to vote.

The default ID for voting is the voter’s card. However, the law empowers the Director of Elections (NEC) to issue a directive allowing “other proof of identity” — meaning official documents such as: National ID (NIDA) Passport Driver’s License Or any other NEC-approved identification Similarly, Section 78(3) (a) reinforces this during the voting procedure: “every voter who wishes to vote shall present himself at the polling station allotted to him in the polling district for which he is registered, and shall satisfy the presiding officer or a polling assistant at such polling station that he is the voter he claims to be and that he has not voted already at such polling station or elsewhere and such person may satisfy the presiding officer or a polling assistant that he is the voter he claims to be by producing to that officer or a polling assistant a voter’s card or any other documentary evidence as the Director of Elections may direct; Here, the emphasis on “any other documentary evidence” directed by INEC directly supports alternatives like NIDA cards, passports, or driver’s licenses.

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The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, held in England between August 22 and September 27, will be among the most influential sporting events of the decade. As the spotlight is on the world’s greatest women’s teams, its influence is already being felt across East Africa — Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in particular.

The visibility of the event is generating new levels of engagement, fostering more robust grassroots programs, and involving partnerships far more extensive than the rugby field. In Tanzania, football fans are turning away from football in droves to seek out new arenas of excitement and community involvement.

Concurrent with this growth is the growth of digital casino entertainment, wherein football fans redirect themselves to gambling platforms as an alternative form of competition. The gambling feature of Melbet casino has been extremely appealing to Tanzanian audiences, who enjoy gambling with luck in the aftermath of global competitions.

In the face of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, it’s not only players preparing for competition — fans are finding new ways of participating in the sporting experience. Rising Awareness And Domestic Participation The Women’s Rugby World Cup is a reflection of East African nations, both their growing ambition and areas to be invested in.

Kenya and Uganda have already built solid women’s rugby infrastructures, while Tanzania is now making steady progress through youth programs and regional championships. Global events’ economic and cultural reach also lies in the entertainment sectors, where gaming and betting are interlinked with sports watching.

Local audience-serving website Melbet Ethiopia casino has picked up pace as fans celebrate tournaments with online gambling. This fusion between international sport and local online casino sites demonstrates the way global events can stimulate entire industries at the same time — from media and hospitality to advertising and online gaming.

The competition in women’s rugby has encouraged federations to come together in cross-border deals and exchange programs. Tanzanian players, once limited to local leagues, now aspire to play in regional tournaments and even international camps, inspired by the exposure and professionalism showcased in stage events such as the Rugby World Cup.

Economic And Developmental Benefits The impact of international sporting events on scale is not just athletic competition — it has a profound reach into economies. Tanzania indirectly benefits from tourism, television coverage, and additional sponsorship along with the event.

Local businesses, ranging from sportswear companies to broadcasters, are seeing the potential of aligning with the growing popularity of women’s rugby. Moreover, increased investment in training facilities and coaches also results in job creation and social development.

With increased emphasis on women’s sport, the private sector anticipates an opportunity to access various markets. Schools and clubs are also being supported by international NGOs interested in promoting inclusiveness and empowerment through sport.

The following table shows the interconnected nature of these industries and the diverse range of benefits emanating from a single global event. Cultural And Social Transformation Beyond the economy, the Women’s Rugby World Cup is shifting social narratives.

African women athletes are increasingly breaking stereotypes and inserting themselves into professional sports. In Tanzania, women’s rugby is becoming a source of national pride, speaking to leadership and resilience.

Local communities also shift perception towards women in sport. Parents, once hesitant to allow daughters to play, now have role models who instill confidence.

Coaches report growing interest at the school level, and women’s participation in rugby clinics is at a record high. The focus on inclusion by the World Cup serves as a reminder that sport can be a source of unity, encouraging diversity and equality.

Why This Time Is Important For Tanzania The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is more than an international competition — it’s a catalyst for regional development. Tanzania and the surrounding region are riding the event’s wave to enhance infrastructure, empower women players, and elevate their approach to sports management.

Below are key reasons why this time is important: Inspiration Young Sportsmen: Global exposure of heroes encourages young men and women to take up rugby and other sports. Stimulation Economic: Associated industries — from the media to hotels — gain speed from increased popular demand.

Women’s Sports Development: The success of the Rugby World Cup serves to emphasize the value of plowing money into women’s leagues. National Unity: Sports events generate national pride and bring people together across social class lines.

This is the moment when Tanzania’s sporting hopes align with global trends towards professionalism, inclusivity, and commercial viability. From Global Fields To Local Dreams The Women’s Rugby World Cup and Tanzania’s involvement an indicators of a nation that wishes to open up and engage with the world.

Greater involvement will really shape the East African sporting landscape. Building up local competition and education of the young will ensure the women’s program in England will benefit Tanzania long after the final whistle has been blown.

Investment in community sporting programs is a lasting legacy that will follow the regional audience’s passion for the competition. The opportunity to engage in the sport and the community, and the celebration of women in rugby, presents an East African defining moment.

For the first time, sport, opportunity, and empowerment are together for the East African community. .

Dar es Salaam. Just a week before Tanzanians head to the polls, rights bodies have urged the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to take urgent steps to ensure security, safeguard democracy, protect media freedom and promote national dialogue ahead of the 2025 General Election and beyond.

The call came during a high-level meeting between CCM officials and civil society representatives, led by THRDC National Coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa, who said the proposals were submitted to CCM as it is the ruling party forming the government. A coalition of ten rights organisations formally submitted detailed proposals to CCM, including THRDC, Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (Tawla), Tanzania Media Women Association (Tamwa), Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Shiviawata, Youth Participation Consortium (YPC), Tanzania Constitution Forum (Jukata), Nguruka Development Organisation and Tanzania NGO Network (Tango).

Responding to the proposals, CCM Deputy Secretary-General John Mongella acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised, noting that the concerns were both well-founded and in the national interest. “After receiving recommendations from civil society organisations, CCM has reviewed them and integrated over 80 percent into its 20252030 manifesto,” Mr Mongella said, highlighting the importance of maintaining cooperation and mutual understanding between the party and rights organisations, even when viewpoints differ.

“There are times when parties may seem to speak differently on an issue, but this should not be mistaken for fundamental disagreement,” he added. Mr Mongella also reaffirmed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to the 4R principles (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild), stressing that these would be pursued vigorously even after the elections.

On abductions, he revealed that the President had directed security agencies to act decisively. CCM’s then Secretary-General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, now the party’s running mate, had similarly emphasised that such incidents undermine public trust in the party.

“We are committed to ending these acts and ensuring that peace and stability prevail,” Mr Mongella said, noting that mental health factors sometimes contribute to disappearances. “The community may still perceive the person as fully capable, but underlying conditions can lead to tragic outcomes,” he explained.

He pledged to forward to the party’s leadership the civil society’s idea of forming independent commissions for actionable outcomes. “The government has previously established similar commissions, which proved very effective in addressing key issues.

I will ensure this proposal is presented in the party’s senior meetings so that concrete steps can be taken to implement it,” he said. On constitutional reform, Mr Mongella reiterated CCM’s commitment to creating a fair and impartial legal framework that transcends partisan politics, enhances national security and strengthens long-term stability.

Presenting the coalition’s concerns, Mr Olengurumwa stressed the critical role of dialogue in addressing governance and human rights issues, noting that few meaningful discussions have taken place to date. “Despite sustained advocacy and with elections approaching, no meaningful national dialogue has been held to address citizens’ grievances or promote reconciliation,” he said.

Rights bodies highlighted the rising trend in abductions and enforced disappearances, affecting journalists, human rights defenders, online activists, religious leaders, opposition politicians and other critics. “Between 2023 and 2025, nearly 100 cases of abductions and enforced disappearances were reported, many of which remain unresolved,” Mr Olengurumwa noted, adding that children’s cases are under-reported.

Official police records show 73 children went missing in 2023, while 20162019 data indicate 86 abductions, including 23 children. Unofficial estimates suggest that at least 256 people, including 96 children, were abducted or disappeared between 2016 and 2025. The coalition called on the government, CCM and security agencies to protect all citizens, particularly those exercising constitutional rights to free expression, assembly and political participation.

“We urge the creation of an independent commission to investigate all abductions and enforced disappearances and to hold perpetrators accountable,” Mr Olengurumwa said. “We also appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ratify international conventions against enforced disappearances and torture.

” Rights organisations also warned that democracy and media freedom remain under pressure in Tanzania. Despite constitutional guarantees, restrictive laws, government controls and widespread fear continue to limit citizen participation.

Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2025, over 120 journalists faced arrest or prosecution over alleged violations related to online content or licensing, with at least 30 arrests recorded in JanuarySeptember 2025 alone. The meeting further emphasised the need for inclusive national dialogue to address electoral reforms, human rights and constitutional issues.

“CCM has incorporated constitutional reform into its manifesto, which is a positive step, but the process must be transparent and inclusive,” Mr Olengurumwa said. “Lessons from Uganda, South Africa and Kenya show that constitutional reform succeeds only when the process is open, inclusive and backed by genuine political will.

” He stressed that dialogue should involve political parties, civil society and all social groups to comprehensively address grievances and achieve national reconciliation. “Our visit highlights the urgent need to address enforced disappearances, threats to democracy and the protection of media freedoms,” Mr Olengurumwa said.

“We remain committed to promoting dialogue, citizen participation and national reconciliation to safeguard Tanzania’s democratic foundations.” .

Dar es Salaam. Charles M’Mombwa has quickly established himself as one of Tanzania’s most exciting football talents.

Born 27-years-ago in DR Congo and raised in Tanzania, the dynamic midfielder has developed into a key figure for the Taifa Stars, blending energy, tactical intelligence, and composure on the ball. His club career has taken him from the youth set-ups in Tanzania to Australia’s A-League with Macarthur FC, where he impressed with his vision and box-to-box dynamism, before moving to Europe.

Looking ahead to Caf Afcon 2025, M’Mombwa shared his excitement with CafOnline for the tournament and the privilege of representing his country. “Yeah, I think the tournament is going to be good.

You know, when the African Cup of Nations comes around, it’s always an exciting time for every nation in Africa. And us as Taifa Stars, we are very excited to be able to be participating in another one again.

So, yeah, I think it’s going to be another great tournament”, said M’Mombwa. “The preparations are going good.

I can say we’ve already started our preparations. We’ve been preparing even throughout the World Cup qualifications.

And I think we’ve been able to work together as a team and we are coming together very well. I think we’re going to be, you know, a surprise, another surprise nation in this Afcon coming up,” said M’Mombwa.

Reflecting on the personal significance of national team call-ups, he explained: “Yeah, it’s always a great privilege, first of all, to be called into your national team. Every time I get called to the Taifa Stars it’s always a special thing for myself and my family.

So it’s very important. It’s very important for us players to be able to represent our country, you know, in front of the world.

So, yeah, I’m always grateful and very excited for the next one.” With his growth evident at both club and international levels, M’Mombwa is expected to play a pivotal role in Tanzania’s Afcon campaign.

The East African nation has been drawn in an interesting Group C consisting of African powerhouse Nigeria, former champions Tunisia as well as neighbours, Uganda. They will open their Caf Afcon campaign with a crucial clash against Nigeria on December 23 in Fes.

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Tanzania’s football landscape is abuzz with new vigor as national and club teams keep pushing the boundaries in international matches. From Taifa Stars’ qualifiers from Africa to Simba SC’s and Young Africans’ CAF Champions League campaigns, Tanzanian football is in the news for being competitive, tactically sound, and fan-initiated.

Every game is adding to the growing profile of a nation that had been finding it difficult to attract continental notice but is now one of East African football’s emerging powers. The excitement is not on the field alone.

Players in the area are finding new means to get involved in the culture of competition, both in real-time games and online gaming sites. Tabletop interactive experiences in casino Zambia are mirrors of the unpredictability and thrill of the sport, with glimmers of luck and maneuver.

With Tanzanian supporters cheering on their teams, they also have games of slots and cards, balancing risk and enjoyment into one thrilling experience. Taifa Stars: Competitive Edge In African Qualifiers The Tanzanian national team, the Taifa Stars, has registered impressive performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AFCON group stages.

Adel Amrouche’s team has focused on structure, discipline, and consistency. Uganda, Niger, and Algeria games have reflected both the promise and the ongoing challenges facing Tanzania’s defense, with flashes of resilience despite narrow defeats.

Attacking leaders like Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva continue to deliver key moments, even in tough outings. Simultaneously with the growing football activity, the usage of gambling and casino websites online has also seen massive growth in East Africa.

Viewers utilize them to enrich the experience of watching, bridging sports passion with gaming delight. Tanzanian players, preferring easy mobile access to sports betting and casino games through Betika APK have become popular among active gambler communities.

These games combine analytical thrill in awaiting outcomes with entertainment-oriented design — just like strategic expectation in football planning. With the national team expecting upcoming matches at the beginning of 2025, optimism runs high.

Although Tanzania fell 01 to Niger and 23 to Algeria in recent qualifiers, their organized play and sharper transitions have encouraged optimism that qualification for future tournaments remains possible. Club Football: Simba SC And Yanga SC Lead The Charge Local clubs continue to excel internationally.

Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC) have both defended Tanzania’s honor in African tournaments. While Simba SC was fighting through the early rounds in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League and winning against AS Vita Club and Al-Merreikh, and was able to convince all with their strong performances, it was their attack, headed by Clatous Chama and Saidi Ntibazonkiza, that was recognized for its strong performances.

However, it was Yanga SC that shone the most in the CAF Confederation Cup, with their strong performances. The combination of the team’s strong cohesion and the sometimes outrageous dedication of their fans is able to turn their matches into some of the most captivating events in the region.

The very fact that these two clubs have such a strong rivalry is indicative of the increasing quality of Tanzanian football on the African continent. All these results indicate the level at which Tanzania’s football infrastructure has evolved, with the clubs being capable of competing with well-established African giants.

Youth Development And International Exposure Tanzania football development is not just senior teams — it’s also fueled by youth academies and development programs for talent. Efforts like Azam Academy and Serengeti Lite Youth League have become nurseries for future heroes.

Increased numbers of under-20 and under-17 teams participating in international competitions have opened doors for young players to gain international exposure and confidence. The Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) has also put money into coach courses and data programs to improve training.

European club partnerships keep coming up, with prospects for Tanzanian talent to get training overseas. All these strategic investments tell a long-term story: creating a football nation that not only competes but endures success over generations.

Why International Matches Matter For Tanzania The effects of international games go beyond sporting results. They create tourism, sponsorships, and national unity.

The Dar es Salaam and Mwanza stadiums now witness record attendance during home matches, and merchandise sales and online engagement boost. Economic Development: Games create tourism, hotel bookings, and local business.

Player Improvement: Playing against foreign teams improves tactical awareness and durability. Brand Growth: National teams and clubs attract regional sponsors and global visibility.

Fan Connection: Growing access to digital portals allows fans to connect with the sport globally. The development of Tanzanian football shows that every victory, however small, has a snowball effect on industries and society.

From Regional Pride To Continental Ambition Tanzanian football has entered a defining moment. The union of indigenous skills, professional management, and fan culture has set the stage for even greater triumph.

Whether it be the Taifa Stars in qualification years or Simba SC glittering on the CAF stage, the national football culture is getting stronger by the season. When Tanzanian teams continue making their next steps onto international platforms, they take with them the ego of millions of fans — proof that commitment, training, and determination can raise a nation’s game to world-class standards.

The dream is no longer something imagined; it’s underway, game by game. .

Nairobi. A wave of mergers and acquisitions is redrawing Africa’s mineral economy, boosting its scale, strategy and fiscal resilience.

The mining industry in Africa is entering a new phase of consolidation that could redefine who controls and profits from the continent’s most valuable resources. Mergers and acquisitions are shifting ownership while introducing new capital into the region’s mineral economy.

Analysts say the ongoing wave of mergers marks more than just corporate reshuffling; it reflects a recalibration of strategy across Africa’s mining value chain. According to Joel Amutola, a senior researcher at the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre, the rate and intentionality of mining MandA in Africa this year is “indicative of a realignment between opportunistic deals and structural consolidation.

” He adds that “a tougher capital focus on long-term assets is bolstering fiscal stability and industrial transformation.” Data from DealMakers AFRICA shows that total mining transactions in Africa reached about $4.7 billion in the first half of 2025, largely driven by gold and critical minerals.

Although the number of deals dipped slightly from last year, their size and strategic depth expanded significantly. “The pattern points to a maturing market where companies are pursuing efficiency, scale and diversification over rapid expansion,” Amutola noted in a call.

Nowhere is this clearer than in West Africa’s gold sector, which has emerged as the continent’s epicentre of mining MandA activity. In one of the largest transactions this year, Australia-based Predictive Discovery signed a $1.55 billion all-share deal with Canada’s Robex Resources to combine their neighbouring Bankan and Kiniero projects in Guinea.

The merged entity is expected to produce an estimated 400,000 ounces of gold annually by 2029 and hold combined mineral resources of about 9.5 million ounces.

The deal will create a mid-tier gold producer and mark a strategic consolidation of two of West Africa’s most advanced gold development assets. “The PredictiveRobex deal is a strong signal of the direction the sector is taking,” Amutola noted.

“Companies are not only pursuing scale but also seeking operational synergies and financing leverage, which are crucial for resilience in volatile commodity cycles.” Further north, U.

S.-based Flagship Gold Corp entered Mali through a partnership with state-owned Morila SA to operate the Morila gold mine, which holds an estimated 2.

5 million ounces in reserves. It represents one of the first significant U.

S. mining investments under Mali’s revised mining code.

In Ca’te d’Ivoire, Barrick Gold has recently agreed to sell its Tongon gold mine and adjoining exploration properties to the Atlantic Group for up to $305 million, marking one of the most significant local ownership transitions in the country’s mining sector. The deal includes $192 million in cash, covering a shareholder loan repayment and up to US$113 million in contingent payments linked to gold prices and resource conversion over the next five years.

For Atlantic Group, a 48-year-old Ivorian conglomerate with interests spanning finance, agriculture and industry, the acquisition represents both an expansion into resource extraction and a rare instance of an African-owned firm taking over a major international asset. Beyond West Africa’s gold rush, Southern Africa’s mining majors are reconfiguring portfolios around future-facing minerals.

In South Africa, Exxaro Resources, historically a coal producer, agreed to acquire four manganese mines from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OM Holdings for approximately ZAR 11.7 billion (around $630 million). At the same time, Harmony Gold expanded into copper by acquiring Macarthur Minerals’ CSA copper mine for $1 billion.

The transaction offsets Harmony’s gold exposure and positions the company to capitalise on rising demand for copper in electric vehicle manufacturing. Asian investors, particularly from China, continue to shape the continent’s consolidation story, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In October, Chengtun Mining Group completed a $190 million takeover of Loncor Gold to acquire the Imbo project, which contains 1.9 million ounces of gold resources.

Earlier in the year, state-owned Norinco Group struck a $1.4 billion deal to buy copper-cobalt assets from Chemaf SA, including the Mutoshi and Etoile mines. While the overall deal volume in Africa’s mining sector fell by roughly 21 percent year-on-year in early 2025, the quality, value and strategic alignment of transactions have markedly improved.

West Africa led in gold-focused deals, while Southern Africa showed greater diversification into manganese and copper. The DRC remains the centre of gravity for critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium.

“At the policy level, these structural shifts could also strengthen fiscal resilience,” Amutola explained. “When mining becomes more efficient, tax collection becomes more predictable,” he added.

“That’s how mineral wealth translates into fiscal strength.” The South African Revenue Service estimates that mining accounts for about 60 percent of the country’s merchandise exports and plays a critical role in its US$101 billion tax revenue base for FY2024/25. The global push for scale, efficiency and portfolio focus is redrawing the boundaries of African mining.

The pending $53 billion merger between Anglo American and Teck Resources, announced in September 2025, underscores how deeply the continent’s mining trajectory is now linked to global capital realignment. The all-share merger will create one of the world’s largest copper producers, with Anglo American shareholders holding 62.4 percent of the combined company and Teck investors owning 37.6 percent.

The new entity, to be called Anglo Teck, will be headquartered in Vancouver and listed in London, Johannesburg, New York and Vancouver. (bird story agency) Copper will account for more than 70 percent of the merged company’s earnings by 2027, positioning it at the centre of the global energy transition supply chain.

The deal follows Anglo’s rejection of a $38.8 billion bid from BHP last year and Teck’s earlier rebuff of Glencore’s $22.5 billion offer. Anglo American operates heavily in Africa, especially in South Africa, where it is a major producer of iron ore through its subsidiary Kumba Iron Ore.

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Geneva. The Secretary-General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), Dr Deo Mwapinga, has urged global parliamentary leaders to renew their commitment to humanitarian principles, solidarity and inclusive leadership amid global crises.

Speaking at the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr Mwapinga addressed the theme “Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis.” He reminded delegates that in times of conflict and disaster, “parliaments are not bystanders but first responders who legislate to protect, allocating budgets to save lives and hold governments accountable.

” Representing 12 Great Lakes Region parliaments, from Angola to Kenya and Tanzania to Zambia, Dr Mwapinga said Africa’s experience offers lessons for the world. “Our region has endured cycles of conflict and recovery.

Through the ICGLR Pact on Peace, Security and Development, we are advancing an agenda grounded in justice, peace and human dignity,” he said. He noted that humanitarian crises do not respect borders and that African nations have shown solidarity as a source of strength.

He called for global support that empowers local leadership, saying, “Humanitarian leadership must be home-grown and people-centred, but globally supported.” Dr Mwapinga urged the international community to reject double standards in humanitarian responses.

“We cannot allow humanitarianism to be selective. Every life, whether in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine or Eastern DRC, has equal worth and the right to protection,” he said.

He warned against politicising conflicts and urged lawmakers to choose “justice over impunity and cooperation over isolation.” Calling the moment “defining for humanity,” he challenged parliaments to ensure their laws and budgets reflect compassion that protects civilians and supports humanitarian workers.

“The strength of humanitarian norms lies not in treaties but in the courage of our actions,” he said. He reaffirmed FP-ICGLR’s partnership with the IPU, the African Union, and the United Nations in promoting humanitarian governance and peacebuilding.

“From the Great Lakes Region to every corner of the world, let us reaffirm that solidarity is stronger than conflict, and that parliamentary diplomacy can turn compassion into action,” Dr Mwapinga said. The FP-ICGLR unites parliaments from 12 member states of Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia to promote peace, security, democracy and human rights through regional cooperation .

Dar es Salaam. A coalition of civil society organisations advocating for women, children, youth, and other special groups has urged women across Tanzania to turn out and vote in the October 29 elections, stressing the importance of women’s participation in politics and leadership.

Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa) founder, Rose Haji Mwalimu, said women’s involvement in politics remains a priority for gender-focused groups. “When women hold leadership positions, they drive progress in improving incomes, livelihoods, and development outcomes,” she said.

She reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to exercising its constitutional duty to vote and urged all women to do the same, ensuring elected leaders address the needs of women and girls nationwide. Mwalimu noted that Tanzania is among a few African nations that have made notable strides in women’s political participation.

“For the first time, our nation is led by a woman, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is contesting the presidency under the CCM ticket,” she said. This year’s election also features female presidential candidates Saumu Rashid (UDP) and Mwajuma Mirambo (UMD), while several parties have nominated women as vice-presidential running mates, including Eveline Wilbard Munis (NCCR), Husna Mohamed Abdallah (CUF), Aziza Haji Selemani (Demokrasia MAKINI), Amani Selemani Mzee (TLP), Chausiku Khatibu Mohamed (NLD), Sakia Mussa Debwa (SAU), Chuma Juma Abdallah, and Devotha Minja (CHAUMA).

“Leadership should be judged by competence, integrity, and vision–not gender. Women’s leadership strengthens inclusive democracy that listens, acts, and serves,” Mwalimu said.

She called on political parties and media platforms to promote respectful, issue-based campaigns free from sexist language or behaviour. “Female candidates must not face insults, humiliation, or discrimination.

Any action undermining women’s dignity must be condemned,” she said. The coalition emphasised that research consistently shows women leaders enhance accountability, transparency, and social wellbeing, often prioritising education, health, and economic equity.

“We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all stakeholders to ensure a safe, inclusive environment free from intimidation or gender-based violence,” Mwalimu added. Generation Action Africa Programme Lead, Annarose Ungele, said leadership should not be defined by gender.

“Women and men alike have the right to participate equally in leadership. The focus should be on principles, policies, and the rule of law,” she said.

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