Category: The Citizen

Songwe. Sauti ya Umma (SAU) presidential candidate Majalio Kyara has promised to prioritise education by creating fairness for both teachers and students if elected in the October 29 General Election.

Addressing a campaign rally in Mlowo Town, Songwe Region, Mr Kyara said Tanzania has yet to give sufficient priority to education, citing the shortage of teachers in many schools as a major challenge. He said a SAU-led government would ensure an ideal ratio of one teacher for every 20 to 29 students to improve learning outcomes, compared to the current situation where a single teacher handles about 53 pupils.

“When a teacher has fewer students, they can better understand their challenges, teach more effectively and help nurture future nation builders,” he said. “To achieve this, SAU will create sufficient employment opportunities for teachers to achieve the desired teacherstudent ratio.

We are ready to serve the people effectively.” During the rally, Mr Kyara also asked Tanzanians to pray for Standard Four pupils sitting for their national examinations, which began on Tuesday, October 22. He said his party’s manifesto also emphasises the need for a new constitution, noting that Tanzania must adapt to both domestic and international changes.

“If SAU wins, we will ensure the country gets a new constitution within 40 weeks, regardless of procedural hurdles,” he said. Mr Kyara further pledged to lead a corruption-free administration grounded in ethics and faith, saying only a God-fearing leadership can ensure justice and integrity.

“Corruption is the enemy of justice. We will strengthen the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau and ensure Tanzania becomes free from corruption.

I promise to lead with the fear of God and to prioritise national interests,” he said. Earlier, SAU national chairperson Shaban Kirita urged citizens to vote for Mr Kyara, describing him as a leader capable of addressing citizens’ concerns, including excessive school contributions and taxes.

Mr Kirita said despite many Tanzanians paying taxes faithfully, youth unemployment remains a pressing problem, forcing many educated young people to resort to operating motorcycle taxis for a living. “Small-scale traders work hard to educate their children, but after graduation, many remain jobless and idle at home or on the streets,” he said.

“The solution lies in electing Kyara, who will bring equality, justice and relief to every Tanzanian.” Meanwhile, a Mlowo resident, Jesca Mwashinga, commended the SAU candidate for visiting their town, saying not all presidential contenders have done so.

“Some candidates only passed through or stopped in neighbouring regions, but he came here to listen to us. We are grateful and pray for him,” she said.

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Dar es Salaam. An Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train operating on Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line was involved in an accident on Thursday, October 23, 2025, when it veered off the tracks at Ruvu–just minutes after leaving Dar es Salaam’s Magufuli Station.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m.

, was widely shared by passengers across various social media platforms, with photos and videos showing a section of the train derailed near a signal pole. One passenger, narrating events in a video circulating on WhatsApp, said: “We thank Almighty God, we’re safe.

The train derailed and had an accident. It was the morning train going to Morogoro.

The pole is what helped the train not to overturn. Some people have been injured, but not everyone.

The one you see over there is one of the wagons that has been detached from this one.” In a statement released later in the day, the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) confirmed the derailment, attributing it to operational failures.

The corporation said no fatalities had been recorded. “Emergency response and safety teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.

A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, the Managing Director of TRC, and the corporation’s Safety and Security Department, to establish the cause and ensure the swift restoration of normal services,” the statement read in part. TRC apologised for any inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety, transparency, and reliable service delivery.

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Dodoma. The fifth edition of the CRDB International Supa Cup has officially been launched, with this year’s tournament set to feature a total of 18 teams — 12 football teams, including one from Burundi, and six netball teams.

The announcement was made by CRDB Bank’s Director of Banking Operations, Adimini Mwansasu, during the official launch ceremony of the competition. Mwansasu said the tournament will be held over five days, with the grand finale scheduled to take place in December in Arusha Region.

He noted that apart from competing for the championship and various prizes, the tournament also aims to nurture talent and bring together employees from CRDB branches both within and outside Tanzania. “Through this competition, our goal is to promote the health and well-being of our staff, strengthen teamwork, and boost morale at the workplace.

Ultimately, all these efforts translate into improved efficiency and better service delivery for our customers,” said Mwansasu. On his part, CRDB’s Acting Director of Human Resources, Timothy Fasha, emphasized that the tournament is not only a sporting event but also an important platform for internal communication and institutional cohesion.

“These games greatly help to foster unity among our employees. It’s a rare opportunity to bond outside the office environment, to share experiences, and to learn from colleagues.

This camaraderie positively reflects in how we serve our clients,” he explained. One of the participants, Sela Benson from the Namanga Branch, expressed excitement about the inclusion of international teams, saying it has brought a fresh dynamic to the competition.

“It’s exciting to play against colleagues from other countries. We’re learning about different cultures while enjoying friendly competition.

Beyond the games, we’re building lasting friendships and a sense of togetherness that goes beyond the workplace,” said Benson. Benson added that the CRDB International Supa Cup has become a key part of the bank’s internal culture, offering staff a moment to unwind, reconnect, and compete in the spirit of unity and wellness.

The five-day competition is expected to conclude this week with a grand finale, as anticipation builds among the participating teams eager to lift this year’s championship trophy. .

Dar es Salaam. CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has outlined plans to transform Tanzania’s urban landscape through large-scale housing developments and continued investments in the country’s transport infrastructure.

She described these initiatives as central to promoting inclusive economic growth and improving business competitiveness across the country. Speaking at a campaign rally in Kinyerezi, Ilala District, yesterday, President Hassan said her government is focused on reducing the country’s housing deficit while expanding transport systems that support national productivity and trade.

“Tanzania currently faces a deficit of three million housing units each year. For too long, this gap has persisted.

That is why we are now concentrating our efforts on housing development,” she said. She cited the National Housing Corporation (NHC) as the government’s key implementing agency, noting that it has already completed several major projects and will scale up under the new ‘Samia Housing Scheme’, targeting 5,000 affordable homes nationwide.

Of these, 560 units have been completed in Kawe, while 400 more are under construction in Mtoni, both in Dar es Salaam. Another 1,000 homes are expected to begin construction soon — 200 in Urafiki (Dar es Salaam) and 800 in Dodoma.

In Ilala District, the commercial heart of the city, the President said new mixed-use residential and commercial developments are planned for the Kariakoo area through 16 public-private partnership projects between NHC and local traders. “These housing and market projects are part of a broader plan to modernise business environments in key trading zones like Kariakoo,” she said.

Beyond housing, President Hassan emphasised her administration’s focus on strengthening the transport sector, citing recent achievements and upcoming projects in ports, railways, aviation, and roads. In the maritime sector, she highlighted upgrades at the Dar es Salaam Port and ongoing works at the ports of Mtwara, Tanga, and the nearly completed Mbambabay Port, now 90 percent finished.

“These projects aim to improve regional trade efficiency and reinforce Tanzania’s role as a logistics hub for landlocked neighbours like Malawi and Mozambique,” she said. The President defended her government’s decision to invite private investment into port operations, saying improvements in performance and revenue demonstrate the benefits.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mussa Hassan Zungu, reported that container throughput at Dar es Salaam Port has increased from between 600,000 and 700,000 units to over 1.8 million units annually following the reforms.

“Before the investment, the Tanzania Revenue Authority collected about Sh10 trillion in customs revenues in 2022/23. That figure rose to Sh12 trillion in 2024/25,” Mr Zungu noted. Former Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda added that cargo handling capacity has improved significantly across the country’s main ports.

“Dar es Salaam Port’s capacity has risen from 18 million tonnes to 27 million tonnes, Mtwara from 590,000 tonnes to 2.5 million tonnes, and Tanga from 890,000 to 1.

3 million tonnes,” Mr Makonda said. “Port revenues have increased from Sh800 billion to over Sh2 trillion annually, and ship turnaround time has decreased from 15 days to five.

” On rail transport, President Hassan highlighted the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, which is operational, with construction continuing toward Uvinza and Kigoma. “By 2029, the Dar es SalaamKigoma line will be complete, while the BurundiDRC section is also progressing.

Under our manifesto, we plan two additional rail lines, from Tanga to Musoma and from Mtwara to Mbambabay, to simplify goods movement and strengthen domestic supply chains,” she explained. In aviation, President Hassan said her government has acquired several aircraft for Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) and plans to add eight more between 2025 and 2030 to expand regional routes.

She also noted that new airport terminals and runways have been built or upgraded nationwide to meet increasing passenger and cargo demand. As part of efforts to revitalise Dar es Salaam’s business environment, the President pledged to construct a modern marketplace at Jangwani for small-scale traders (machinga), alongside a new bridge to ease urban congestion.

She said the government had established a ‘National Tax Review Commission’ to examine taxation systems, including those affecting small businesses, in order to foster a fairer business environment. With the economy projected to grow between 6 and 6.

1 percent by 2026, up from around 3 percent in the post-Covid recovery period, CCM leaders say President Hassan’s record of development has strengthened public confidence ahead of the October 29 election. “Tanzania’s economy is on a steady growth path because of strategic decisions made,” Mr Makonda said.

President Hassan’s message to voters in Ilala was clear: housing, infrastructure, and business reforms remain the foundation of her economic agenda, calling on Tanzanians to support her for continued development. .

Dar es Salaam. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed two highly experienced referees to oversee the crucial second-leg matches in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, ensuring both Tanzanian clubs, Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC, face disciplined officiating in their respective fixtures.

For the fixture between Yanga and Malawian side Silver Strikers FC, CAF has named Benin referee Adissa Abdul Raphiou Ligali to take charge. The game is scheduled for Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, with kickoff set for 5pm.

Ligali is well-known for his strict approach to officiating, having issued 49 yellow cards across 12 matches, averaging 4.08 yellow yards per game.

His record underscores the importance for Yanga players to maintain focus and composure, as even a single red card could dramatically influence the outcome of this high-stakes encounter. Yanga enter the match with a clear objective.

The Tanzanian side must secure at least a two-goal victory to advance to the group stage of the CAF Champions League. A narrow 1-0 win will only see the tie decided through a penalty shootout, highlighting the critical role of discipline under Ligali’s watchful eye.

Players will need to adjust to his no-nonsense style while executing their tactical plan effectively. Ligali will be assisted by Lucien Todegnon Hontonnou of Benin as the first assistant referee and Lamien Dofinte Adolphe of Burkina Faso as the second assistant referee.

Dedjinnanchi Tanisla Ahomlanto Dedjinnanchi of Benin will serve as the fourth official, overseeing technical areas and ensuring smooth match operations. The match commissioner is Ahmad Nazeer Hossen Bowud of Mauritius, while Andriamparany Lova Rakotoarimanana of Madagascar has been appointed referee assessor, tasked with evaluating Ligali’s performance and maintaining CAF officiating standards.

Yanga’s players and technical staff are aware of the challenge ahead. They must combine tactical discipline with controlled aggression, avoiding reckless challenges and unnecessary fouls.

Ligali’s reputation for issuing multiple cards per game emphasizes the need for emotional control and careful decision-making if Yanga hopes to secure the required victory. Saturday’s fixture promises to be a thrilling and closely monitored encounter, where strategy, composure, and adherence to the rules may ultimately determine which team progresses.

Meanwhile, Nigerian referee Grema Mohamed has been appointed to officiate Simba SC’s crucial second-leg match against Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs, scheduled for Sunday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. This will be Mohamed’s 17th official CAF Champions League fixture.

He is widely respected across the continent for his strict officiating and ability to manage high-stakes club matches with authority and fairness. Mohamed will be assisted by three Nigerian officials: Teejir Basmat and Emmanuel Omala as assistant referees, with Abusalam Abiola serving as the fourth official.

Their combined experience is expected to ensure the match is conducted fairly, with close attention to on-field discipline. Simba enter the game with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, giving them a commanding position to progress to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

CAF’s appointments for both matches reflect the governing body’s commitment to high officiating standards and fair competition. Fans can expect fiercely contested fixtures where tactical execution, composure, and discipline under strict refereeing will play a decisive role in determining which teams advance to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

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Durban. The World Health Organization (WHO) Africa has urged African governments to invest substantially in young people as a key pillar for building a healthier, self-reliant, and resilient continent.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof Mohamed Janabi, issued the argument on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, during the official opening of the 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA). He said the continent’s greatest wealth lies in its people, particularly the youth, who constitute the majority of its population.

“By 2050, Africa will have 2.5 billion people, about 60 percent of whom will be the youth.

If we fail to invest in their health and well-being, they could become a liability rather than a dividend,” said Prof Janabi. He warned that without deliberate investment in education, healthcare, and job creation, Africa risks challenges such as early pregnancies, school dropouts, and substance abuse among young people.

Prof Janabi noted that countries such as Japan, despite their limited natural resources, have prospered by investing in human capital, a model Africa must emulate. “Japan doesn’t have natural resources, but it has invested in its people.

Africa must do the same, indeed, even better,” he emphasised. The four-day conference, themed ‘Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa’, is organised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union (AU), and the South African government.

Bringing together more than 800 scientists and researchers from around the world, the conference sets an African-led agenda anchored in continental ownership, leadership, and investment to reimagine the future of healthcare in Africa. The President of Evidence-Based Solutions, based in Cape Town, Prof Olive Shisana, said the meeting features eight thematic tracks: building Africa’s health security through local manufacturing of health products; innovative and sustainable health financing for universal health coverage; strengthening primary healthcare; and digital innovation and AI for a healthier Africa.

Other areas include climate change and One Health safeguarding health security; women and youth driving health and innovation; new horizons in disease response; and pandemic resilience and preparedness through optimised prevention, surveillance, and response. The Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr Sania Nishtar, announced a major shift in global health financing that will see 80 percent of the organisation’s resources channelled to Africa from January 2026. The head of Gavi said in her speech that the continent’s aspirations for self-sufficiency mark a true transformation in global health, noting that Africa’s determination to lead its own health agenda represents a radical change to save the lives of its most vulnerable populations.

“Gavi has already begun implementing its transformation agenda, known as the Gavi Leap, which aims to give African countries greater control over how resources are utilised,” she said. “The strategy focuses on national self-reliance, simplified country-facing processes, and increased investment through local systems,” added Dr Nishtar.

Key initiatives under this new approach include the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) and the MDB Multiplier, both designed to strengthen vaccine production, access to financing, and sustainable health systems across the continent. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants, Simba SC, have been shortlisted among ten elite clubs competing for the CAF Club of the Year Award, one of African football’s most prestigious accolades.

In addition to the club’s recognition, Shomari Kapombe of Simba has been listed among ten players nominated for CAF’s Interclub Player of the Year award. The list also includes former Young Africans (Yanga) striker Fiston Mayele of DR Congo, who now plays for Pyramids FC in Egypt.

Other nominees are Ismail Belkacemi, Blati Toure, Issoufou Dayo, Emam Ashour, Ibrahim Adel, Mohamed Hrimat, Mohamed Chibi, and Oussama Lamlioui. The date and venue for the award ceremony have yet to be announced.

Simba, who qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup last season, narrowly missed out on the trophy to Moroccan side RS Berkane, losing 3-1 on aggregate in the final. This marks the second time Simba has been shortlisted for the award, having first been recognized in 2024 alongside their traditional rivals, Young Africans (Yanga SC).

Yanga, who also missed out on the CAF Confederation Cup trophy in 2023, lost on away goals against USM Alger after a 2-1 home defeat at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and a 1-0 win in Algeria, highlighting the fine margins that define continental success. Other clubs shortlisted for this year’s CAF Club of the Year Award include CR Belouizdad and CS Constantine from Algeria, Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast, Pyramids FC from Egypt, RS Berkane of Morocco, and three South African clubs: Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC.

Sudanese giants Al Hilal complete the list. Notably absent this year is seven-time winner Al Ahly of Egypt, who have dominated the award in recent years, winning consecutively in 2023 and 2024. .

Arusha. The long-anticipated KenyaUganda Multinational Expressway project, stretching approximately 193 kilometres, is now ready for investment following confirmation of its technical and economic feasibility.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a Market Sounding Conference held in Kampala, Uganda, which brought together government leaders, development financiers and private sector representatives. The expressway, covering the KisumuKisianBusia and KakiraMalabaBusitema sections, has been identified as a flagship infrastructure priority for the East African region and is expected to significantly boost connectivity, trade and regional integration.

In 2023, the African Development Bank (AfDB), through its New Partnership for Africa’s Development Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF), approved a $1.4 million grant to the East African Community (EAC) to finance feasibility studies for the project. The expressway forms a critical part of the Northern Corridor, linking the port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan — handling the majority of cargo transported through Indian Ocean ports to inland EAC partner states.

Currently, sections of the corridor consist of dual and single carriageways that experience severe congestion due to growing freight and passenger traffic, resulting in long travel times and higher transport costs. Upgrading the route to expressway standards aims to reduce these inefficiencies, improve safety and enhance trade competitiveness across the region.

The feasibility study recommends major upgrades on both sides of the border. In Uganda, a 60-kilometre greenfield expressway will be constructed between Jinja and Busesa through a PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP), alongside the dualling of the BusesaMalaba and BusitemaBusia sections.

In Kenya, works will include dualling of the Kisumu Bypass and upgrading the KimaetiLwakhakha road to bitumen standards. Additionally, the One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) at Busia and Malaba will be rehabilitated to improve customs clearance and trade efficiency.

These interventions are expected to stimulate regional investment, open new economic opportunities and reinforce East Africa’s commitment to seamless cross-border mobility. Speaking at the Kampala forum, Uganda’s Minister for Works and Transport, Katumba Wamala, underscored the expressway’s significance to Uganda’s transport vision and the Great Lakes Region.

“The Northern Corridor is our main commercial artery linking Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC and South Sudan to the port of Mombasa. This expressway aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which seeks to modernise the country’s road network to world-class standards.

The active participation of the private sector through PPPs will be crucial,” he said. EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the project will contribute significantly to regional growth, revenue and trade facilitation.

In the first quarter of 2025, the EAC recorded a $0.8 billion trade surplus, a sharp turnaround from the $4.0 billion deficit during the same period in 2024. Exports surged by 47.3 percent to $17.7 billion, while imports grew modestly by 4.6 percent to $16.8 billion.

Analysts project that total EAC trade will rise to nearly $28 billion by the end of 2025 and reach about $34 billion by 2030 — driven largely by improved transport and logistics infrastructure. “Eighty percent of infrastructure projects fail at the preparation stage.

Thanks to the support of our development partners, the EAC has prepared high-quality, bankable regional projects that are now attracting both public and private financing,” Malueth said. Participants at the conference reviewed traffic forecasts, engineering designs and environmental and social assessments — all confirming the project’s strong technical and economic viability.

Engineer Charles Obuon, Director of PublicPrivate Partnerships at the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), described the expressway as a “catalyst for cross-border connectivity.” Engineer Charles Wani, Commissioner for National Roads in Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport, emphasised the need for blended financing models to deliver transformative regional projects.

The KenyaUganda Expressway is part of a wider network of multinational road corridors being developed across East Africa to enhance mobility, reduce transport costs and accelerate integration. These include the ArushaNamangaAthi River, VoiTavetaMoshiArusha, and MalindiTangaBagamoyo and MasakaMutukulaBugeneKyaka corridors, among others– collectively forming the backbone of the EAC’s infrastructure development agenda.

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Dar es Salaam. The High Court yesterday ruled in favour of opposition leader Tundu Lissu in his objection to the admission of video evidence presented by the prosecution in his ongoing treason case.

The video, contained in a flash drive and memory card, allegedly shows Mr Lissu making statements deemed seditious during a meeting with aspirants for various positions ahead of the 2025 General Election. The three-judge panel–comprising presiding judge Dunstan Ndunguru, sitting with judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde–agreed with one of the four grounds raised by Mr Lissu, ruling that the prosecution witness who sought to submit the exhibits lacked legal authority to do so.

“The court finds that the witness did not have the legal competence to tender such video evidence,” Judge Ndunguru said when delivering the decision yesterday. Mr Lissu, the national chairperson of the opposition party Chadema, faces a charge of treason under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code.

He is accused of uttering statements threatening the government of the United Republic of Tanzania and posting them on social media. Prosecutors allege that on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Mr Lissu said: “If they say this position signals rebellion, it’s true because we are saying we will stop the election, we will mobilise resistance we are going to disrupt this election badly.

” The case No. 19605 of 2025, is currently hearing prosecution witnesses.

The disputed witness, Police Inspector Samweli Eribariki Kaaya, a 39-year-old forensic image analyst with the Criminal Forensic Science Division, testified that he received the flash drive and memory card from the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Investigation Office on April 8, 2025, for verification. He told the court he examined the materials and confirmed that the video was authentic and had not been tampered with.

On October 17, he asked the court to admit the video files as prosecution exhibits. However, Mr Lissu objected, arguing that Inspector Kaaya was not legally qualified to submit the digital materials.

Citing Section 216(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA, Revised 2023), he said the witness had not been appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) or gazetted as an expert on moving images. He further argued that the witness was recognised only as an expert in still photography, not video analysis, and therefore lacked the mandate to present such evidence.

The prosecution, led by Principal State Attorney Nassoro Katuga, countered that the witness was competent and cited previous Court of Appeal rulings, but the judges disagreed. “The Gazette Notice No.

745 of 2022 appoints the witness as an expert in still photographs, not video footage,” said Judge Ndunguru. “This court finds that a moving image expert would have been the proper person to tender such exhibits.

” The court therefore rejected the video materials as evidence for the prosecution. Following the ruling, Inspector Kaaya sought to submit his forensic report on the video analysis, but Mr Lissu again objected, arguing that the same competence issue applied.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the case until today for a ruling on whether or not to admit the report, before proceeding with the witness’s testimony. .

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 .