Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The government, through the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, has announced a new minimum wage for the private sector, increasing it from Sh275,060 to Sh358,322 — a rise of 33.4 percent.

The revised wage will take effect on January 1, 2026 and will apply across multiple sectors, including agriculture, health, communications, transport, hospitality, mining, commerce, and manufacturing. It also covers private schools, security services, energy, fishing and maritime services, sports and culture, and other general services.

Earlier this year, on May 1, 2025 the government raised the minimum wage for public servants by 35.1 percent. Announcing the new wage on Friday, October 17, 2025 the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities), Ridhiwani Kikwete, emphasised that the increase is a legal requirement.

“The last official announcement on minimum wage was made in 2022, and the law requires a review every three years. I urge all private sector employers to comply fully with this directive, as failure to do so will result in legal action,” Kikwete said.

He added that his office would closely monitor compliance, provide guidance to employers and workers, and conduct regular evaluations to ensure full implementation. Following the announcement, the Association of Tanzanian Employers (ATE) welcomed the new wage, noting that it aligns with a joint assessment involving government, trade unions, and employers.

ATE Chief Executive Suzanne Ndomba encouraged businesses to begin internal consultations ahead of implementation to adjust salary structures accordingly. “As an association, we will continue supporting employers to implement the directive, ensuring they remain on the right side of the law,” Ndomba said.

Deputy Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), Ms Rehema Ludanga described the new wage as a significant step forward for private sector workers, while urging employers to comply fully. “This minimum wage sets the baseline.

Employers who already pay above it should not reduce salaries. Adjustments may be made based on sector productivity, but no employee should earn below this threshold,” Ludanga explained.

Independent analyst Christopher Makombe highlighted the broader economic benefits of the increase, noting it could improve living standards, stimulate spending, boost business growth, enhance productivity, reduce income inequality, and contribute to sustainable development. “Higher wages are likely to drive greater household expenditure, which in turn fuels economic activity and increases government revenue through taxation,” he said .

Dar es Salaam. The widow of the late Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, delivered a moving tribute to her husband at his State Funeral in Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 reflecting on their 52 years of marriage and a life dedicated to Kenya.

She recounted meeting Raila in the early 1970s and marrying him in 1973, describing him as a man of principle, intellect, and unwavering resilience, whose life was defined by political activism and service to the nation. “I first met Raila in the early 70s, and we married in 1973. For that reason, I lived with this remarkable man for 52 years.

Many of the people in this stadium could easily be our children; no wonder he is fondly called Baba,” she said. Ida Odinga also reflected on the significance of naming their four children after figures who inspired them.

“Our first child, Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga, was named after a man he admired deeply. Our second, Rosemary, combines the names of my mother and his mother.

The third, Raila Oginga Odinga Junior, honours his best friend and cousin. When our fourth was born, I had been watching the television as Nelson Mandela emerged from prison.

We decided to name him Nelson if a boy, or Winnie if a girl,” she recalled. She emphasised that Raila’s lifelong message to Kenyans was one of unity and peace.

“He constantly reminded me that we must encourage Kenyans to live harmoniously, to reject dishonesty and greed, which breed corruption,” she said. Ida Odinga candidly acknowledged that their life together was not without challenges.

“Our journey had its ups and downs, but through it all, we learned to cope by embracing our strengths and weaknesses, speaking the truth, forgiving, and moving forward. Let us not carry grudges from one generation to another or across communities.

Forgiveness must be our guiding principle,” she urged .

Dar es Salaam. Jubilee Health Insurance Tanzania has partnered with Medikea Clinic for a prigramme that seek to transform healthcare service delivery accross the country.

The Chronic Condition Management Programme, branded as Smart Health Journey, alongside a new Telemedicine service, seeks to enhance health outcomes through a technology-driven approach. By integrating the services with its existing drug delivery system, the insurer aims to make healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Representing the Jubilee Health Insurance Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer Shaban Salehe said the initiatives mark a major step towards improving the lives of Tanzanians. “This effort aims to make quality healthcare more accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all,” said Mr Salehe.

He explained that the pilot phase, which runs from October 2025 to January 2026, will focus on two of the most common chronic conditions in Tanzania–hypertension and diabetes. Through the programme, members will receive personalised health coaching, continuous health monitoring, and teleconsultations with healthcare professionals.

According to him, the services will initially be available through the Medikea Clinic and Telemedicine App and later be fully integrated into the Maisha Fiti App after the pilot phase. Head of Wellness and Corporate Relations at Medikea Health, Dr Lilian Valerian, described the programme as a healthcare revolution.

“We are shifting from a system that waits for illness to one that walks with people through every step of their health journey,” she said. “Our vision is simple but powerful–to make healthcare accessible, continuous, and compassionate,” she said.

Dr Valerian said the Smart Health Journey and Telemedicine platform, developed in collaboration with Jubilee Health Insurance, aim to eliminate barriers of distance and time by providing instant access to qualified doctors and specialists, regardless of location. “Telemedicine is how we democratise healthcare, reaching people who were once out of reach,” she said.

She noted that the platform supports continuous care for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It was designed in collaboration with patients, clinicians, and care teams to address real-life challenges such as treatment adherence, emotional support, and quality of life.

Looking ahead, she said the Smart Health Journey aims to enrol over one million subscribers in its chronic disease management programme by 2030. The initiative combines data, digital infrastructure, and human connection to create a healthcare system. Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (TANCDA) health and fitness expert Dr Waziri Ndonde commended the partnership for the programme.

He noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer remain leading causes of premature death in Tanzania. “This initiative strengthens our primary health care and digital health strategies by promoting integrated, person-centred care for all Tanzanians,” he said.

“We must stop seeing people only as patients. They are fathers, mothers, professionals, and leaders who need strong health to fulfil their purpose,” he said.

He added that by integrating lifestyle coaching, digital follow-ups, peer support, and mental wellness, the initiative extends healthcare beyond hospitals into homes, workplaces, and communities. .

Dar es Salaam. Equity Bank Tanzania on Thursday, October 16, held a farewell event for a group of women entrepreneurs set to travel to China for a business training tour and to participate in the prestigious Canton Fair, one of the largest international trade exhibitions in the world.

The initiative is part of the bank’s “Mwanamke Plus” programme, under its Women and Youth Banking Unit, which aims to economically empower women and youth through access to finance, business training and international exposure. Speaking during the send-off ceremony in Dar es Salaam, the head of the Women and Youth Banking Unit, Ms Jacqueline Temu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women and youth in overcoming barriers to financial inclusion.

“Research continues to show that a significant number of Tanzanians, particularly women, remain underserved by formal financial services,” she said.”This is largely due to challenges such as limited financial literacy, restrictive cultural norms, and stringent conditions imposed by many financial institutions.

” Ms Temu said the Mwanamke Plus window offers tailored financial solutions to women, including free training on financial literacy and investment, entrepreneurship support, and affordable loans to help grow their businesses. She noted that the programme is also designed to integrate women’s business capital into the formal financial system, enabling long-term growth and stability.

As part of these efforts, Equity Bank partnered with the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) to facilitate the participation of several women at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China. The trade fair will provide the women with an opportunity to network, explore new markets, identify international suppliers, and learn about modern production technologies.

“We are confident that this trip will expand their understanding of global trade opportunities and bring about meaningful change in their businesses and communities,” she said. Equity Bank is calling on more women across the country to join the Mwanamke Plus programme in order to benefit from financial services, entrepreneurship training, and access to both local and global business opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, TWCC Mwanza regional secretary Ms Jane Ndeto thanked Equity Bank for its continued support, describing the opportunity as a game-changer for women entrepreneurs in Tanzania. “This is not just a trade fair visit.

It is a chance for our members to gain international exposure, visit factories, and learn about new technologies that will help improve the quality and competitiveness of their products,” she said. Ms Ndeto also expressed appreciation for the financial education and practical business guidance provided by the bank, which she said had helped many women build sustainable businesses.

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The East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) on Thursday held a special sitting in honour of Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday in India, where he had been receiving treatment. When he rose to pay his tribute, Tanzania’s longest-serving Eala MP, Makame Usi, recalled how Odinga obtained his very first passport not from Kenya, but from neighbouring Tanzania.

He narrated that in 1962, a young Odinga was issued with a Tanganyika passport, which he used to travel to East Germany — a document he retained throughout his years in Europe until Kenya gained independence. “His relations with Tanzania began way back in 1962, when Mwalimu Julius Nyerere issued him with a Tanzanian passport, which he used to travel to East Germany,” Mr Usi told the Assembly.

At the time, Tanganyika and Zanzibar had not yet unified to form the United Republic of Tanzania. This occurred in 1964. Odinga had previously spoken publicly about this act of solidarity from Tanzania.

“My relationship with Tanzania began way back when I was around 16 years old. My dad wanted me to travel to Europe, but he was denied a passport by the colonial government.

My dad used to travel with a Ghanaian passport given by President Kwame Nkrumah, and an Egyptian passport from President (Gamal Abdel) Nasser,” he once recalled during a wedding in Dar es Salaam. “And so, Mzee Jaramogi sent me to Tanzania.

I boarded a bus from Nairobi and travelled by road through Namanga, Arusha, Moshi, Korogwe, and Morogoro, all the way to Dar es Salaam — a journey of more than 24 hours. We were taken to the office of the Tanganyika African National Union (Tanu), where the then secretary-general, Oscar Kambona, welcomed us.

He later took us to President Julius Nyerere. He received us warmly, adopted me as his son, and directed that I be issued with a passport.

I’m also a Tanzanian,” Odinga said. From Dar es Salaam, the young Odinga flew through Nairobi to Cairo, and then onwards to Europe.

“I stayed and lived in Europe on a Tanzanian passport. Upon my return to Kenya in 1965, I was issued with a Kenyan passport,” he said.

Kenya gained independence in 1963. Mr Makame described Odinga as “a true pan-Africanist.” “That he travelled on a Tanzanian passport was a measure of how Raila valued other African countries,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. The Government of Tanzania has earmarked Sh10 billion for the Tanzania Biotech Products Limited (TBPL) factory in Kibaha, Coast Region, to support the development and production of various pesticides and related chemicals in the 2025/2026 financial year.

The announcement was made on October 17, 2025 by the Government Chief Pharmacist, Mr Daud Masasi, during the launch of the factory’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Operated under the National Development Corporation (NDC), TBPL is the only facility of its kind in Africa and among the few globally dedicated to the production of biological pesticides.

Mr Masasi underlined the factory’s strategic importance to public health and economic development, citing these factors as the reason for the substantial increase in government funding. He noted that under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan (20212025), the government has allocated a total of Sh11.5 billion to the facility–an exponential rise compared to the first six years of its operation, when it received less than Sh1.5 billion in total.

“This is a unique and strategic factory. The government recognises its significance, which is why this year’s allocation alone amounts to Sh10 billion, covering 100 per cent of the requested budget,” said Mr Masasi.

He added that alongside increased funding, the government is investing in local capacity building by transferring technical knowledge and expertise to Tanzanian professionals–a move already yielding results in the fight against malaria. Mr Masasi highlighted that malaria prevalence has fallen from 14 per cent in 2014 to 8 per cent currently, largely due to the use of pesticides produced at the Kibaha factory.

He noted that all 184 local government authorities across the country have received the products and urged local leaders to ensure their proper and effective use. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr Abdallah Hashil, described TBPL as a model factory, having successfully developed and produced more than three types of health and agricultural products.

“The government’s commitment to supporting this factory is evident. Its aim is to enhance pesticide production and expand into other health-related biotechnology products.

These environmentally friendly products are significantly improving the lives of Tanzanians,” said Dr Hashil. He added that the factory contributes not only to public health but also to the national economy through exports.

Approximately 25 per cent of TBPL’s output is exported to countries including Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola and Niger, helping Tanzania earn valuable foreign exchange. The Managing Director of the NDC, Dr Nicolaus Shombe, also addressed the event, highlighting the factory’s collaboration with Cuban experts and affirming that all products are manufactured entirely in Tanzania by Tanzanian professionals.

In addition to larvicides, Dr Shombe noted that the factory produces organic, chemical-free fertilisers to support sustainable agriculture. “This is a factory built by Tanzanians, for Tanzanians.

It stands as a symbol of self-reliance and innovation in biotechnology,” he said .

More than half of Tanzania’s current population was born after the death of its Founding Father. Mwalimu Nyerere will remain a polarising figure in the country he led to its independence.

It’s been more than two decades since he passed away, and millions of visitors from around the world have flocked to his ancestral home in Butiama, where a museum dedicated to his lifetime and achievements is situated. The museum plays a key role in the influx of international and domestic tourism in the area, much to the delight of the surrounding communities.

To older Tanzanians, the boomers and millennials, they got to witness Nyerere’s charisma. His intellect and sense of humour remained evident even after he stepped down and retired.

The younger generations weren’t so lucky; their account of the founding father came from parents, school lessons, and social media clips. The custodians of the history of Tanzania, the National Museum and House of Culture, have, over the years, diligently used all means at their disposal to attract young Tanzanians to visit their numerous centres in hopes of keeping the history of the nation alive among the youth.

On Nyerere Day, their headquarters on Shaaban Roberts Street in Posta city centre, Dar es Salaam, held a special Nyerere Exhibition that attracted hundreds of students. Their aim is to remind them of this leader who united the nation a long time ago, before they were even born.

Ms Eva Satiel, a curator at the museum, was at the helm, guiding groups of these children as they were making their rounds around the museum. from the vehicles he used during his quest for independence to the last car that drove him to the airport as he headed to London for treatment.

Ms Eva spoke on the importance of making sure the children understand Nyerere’s principles of unity, love, and peace, and why it’s now more important than ever to instil that mindset in children. Though the museum is an old tourist attraction that used to predominantly receive international visitors, for years now, they have deliberately aimed at the domestic population with successful community outreach programmes and special-priced visits for local schools.

“This generation that came after Mwalimu was gone should know of the sacrifice and the efforts of the previous generation that have made them live in the current peaceful and free atmosphere,” she said. She said the reason the National Museum and House of Culture is celebrating Mwalimu’s life is to serve as a show of appreciation for his selfless acts, in hopes that the children will learn that serving their nation selflessly is a calling for all Tanzanians.

“They should learn to serve their nation and leave a legacy, and we teach them that early on,” she added. The museum-going culture among Tanzanians is still not at the desirable level.

They are now investing in publicity and marketing to attract as many Tanzanians as possible. “A young Tanzanian once came here and was surprised to not have known of our presence when she was a student at IFM, which is just next door,” she mentioned.

Their school outreach initiative has been a huge success. They visit these schools to showcase what they have to offer; often, they have fun activities to keep the young students fully engaged and excited to look forward to visiting the museum.

From cutting raw meat using the Stone Age tools to singing patriotic songs. They are fully committed to connecting with these students who, in decades to come, will be tasked with keeping the history alive for their offspring.

‘The outreaches are aimed to showcase in brief what they will learn in length when they come to visit us at the museum,’ she explained. Some of these young Tanzanians who visit the National Museum don’t fully grasp how life was before independence and the magnitude of how Nyerere and his peers had to outmanoeuvre the colonial administration to gain independence.

Eva has constantly been asked by the children about life before independence, with many thinking, even before Nyerere, there were presidents and elections were regularly held, like what they see now. It is that kind of assumption that makes the museum curator work extra hard to ensure that history is ceaselessly taught to every young Tanzanian.

One cannot assume every Tanzanians know our history. Every day the country is moving further and further from the times of emancipation of the country.

The further we go, the more effort has to be invested in teaching the generation that is far removed from those times. The National Museum and House of Culture in Dar es Salaam possesses just a portion of the pictures and artefacts showcasing his life and times.

From a collection of pictures, from when he landed at Dar es Salaam airport coming from a UN general assembly meeting demanding Tanzania’s independence to his time as a family man tapping a drum sitting next to his young son, Madaraka. These pictures have always fascinated international tourists visiting the museum.

But to young Tanzanian students, this is vivid evidence of a man they have known as the father of the nation but have never seen in person or walked the earth at the same time he did. As Mwalimu Nyerere stood for peace, the museum curators teach the children about the importance of keeping the peace, and responsibility doesn’t only lie with the leaders, but it’s for every Tanzanian.

The new generation requires a new approach; employing multimedia exhibition, social media interaction, and presence has been key to relating with the youth. The National Museum has done just that.

The National Museum has also recruited young Tanzanians to introduce fresh perspectives. The government that has, of recent times, invested heavily in tourism has also had a portion of it reserved for the National Museum, which has been crucial to expand their activities, including the school outreach programmes.

“For the students who are far from the museums, we have books on Nyerere and frequent social media posts on our founding fathers that we share with them,” she said. Acting Director General and Director of Museums and Antiquities, Ms Adelaide Salema, has thrown her weight behind these vital initiatives aiming to educate the young generation.

As Mwalimu Nyerere remains an attraction to international tourists, scholars, and researchers extra effort is dedicated towards Tanzanian children whose future holds. Will a day ever come when children in Tanzania will forget about Nyerere? Well, it’s 26 years now, but his presence is ever evident.

But it is through intentional and coordinated efforts that his memories are alive. That should not be taken for granted, and efforts should not be relaxed.

“They were born when he was not here, but they know of him, so they will also teach their children and grandchildren in the future,” she said. .

Language is a people’s property, and the people have the freedom to use it the way they like. Which is why, those amongst us who consider themselves puritans, are have simply sit back, shut up gnash their teeth as language owners speak in “reckless manner”.

But that’s being casual, something that cannot be acceptable if you’re a professional working for, say, mainstream media. Or, if you’re a classroom teacher.

When you aren’t just a man on the street, you must adhere to what’s standard. It disappoints when a well-educated person calls me “uncle” yet he’s my mother’s brother.

It’s I who should correctly call him uncle, in Kiswahili, mjomba. He needs to call me back, “nephew”, or mpwa in Kiswahili.

The sister to my father (my aunt) would be wrong to call me “aunt” (in Kiswahili shangazi) instead of “nephew”. My sister is our aunt’s niece, but expect to hear the latter addressing the former as “aunt”.

Ridiculous, but there we are! The hoi polloi’s Kiswahili has increasingly influenced our kind of English in ways it shouldn’t. Having thus lectured (bah!), let’s now move to this column’s fundamental task, i.

e. which is, dishing out linguistic gems picked up over the recent past.

Here we go We start by looking at Page 3 of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet (Sunday, September 29 edition). In it, there’s a story entitled, ‘Parents URGED to prioritise child safety,’ and its intro reads: “The officer commanding for Bukoba Districthas appealed to parents to KEEP CLOSE SUPERVISION of their children, especially during election CAMPAIGN.

” Let’s ask: why say to “keep close supervision of” instead of, simply, “closely supervise?” This would mean dropping the word “keep” and hence, subscribing to word economy principle, which is what journalese is all about. When one word can do, so goes our maxim don’t use two! And, needless to say, the scribbler meant to write, “election CAMPAIGNS” (not just, campaign).

On the same page, there’s a story whose headline reads, ‘Journalists URGED to uphold integrity during election.’ Note the use of the verb “urged” twice on the same page.

And, as if that wasn’t monotonous enough, the same verb reappears immediately on top of Page 3! Writes the sub: ‘Clerics URGED to promote law, peace ahead of poll.’ Connoisseurs of our English press will agree that the verb “urge” is a cliche–quite tiresome.

That, when there’re many other words that are synonyms to this word. Check that out before you succumb to the “urge” lure! Back to Page 2 where we read a story with the headline, ‘Rugambwa to be laid to rest in Bukoba tomorrow.

‘ In this one, the scribbler writes in Para 2: “Other prominent clerics BURIED at the same BURIAL ground include the late Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa and Bishop Nestorius Timanywa.” How about dropping one “bury” and have this: “Other prominent clerics INTERRED (or LAID TO REST) at the same BURIAL ground include” And now, as our scribblers endeavour to cover the ongoing General Election campaigns, any move to ban the use of the verb “pledge” could render them speechless, we fear! Let’s give a look at Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet of Monday, September 29: On Page 1, the intro for the lead story reads: CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has PLEDGED to transform Port; Page 2 has story with the headline: CCM PLEDGES to address Dar transport challenges; Still on Page 2, there’s this headline: Othman PLEDGES to boost education and Samia PLEDGES to transform southern zone into business hub While we won’t doubt the efficacy of the verb “pledge” in the context of our politicians’ effort to lure voters, surely more creativity and intellectual energy should be marshalled to put into our pages other words which mean more or less the same thing as the hackneyed word! Ah, this treacherous language called English! Send your photos and linguistic gems to email [email protected] or WhatsApp on Tel No 0688315580 .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has opened a public tender worth at least S62.4 billion for the sale of non-GMO grains, as the country positions itself to benefit from strong regional demand for cereals.

The October 2025 tender covers a total of 534,000 tonnes of grain, including 500,000 tonnes of maize priced at a minimum of Sh850,000 per tonne, and 34,000 tonnes of paddy rice set at Sh1.1 million per tonne. According to a statement by the agency, submissions are open until December 30, 2025, and the offer targets both local millers and international buyers.

If sold at the minimum floor prices, the NFRA could raise more than S25 billion from maize sales and Sh37.4 billion from rice, equivalent to S62.4 billion in total. NFRA’s chief executive officer Dr Andrew Komba, said the sale is part of the agency’s regular market operations aimed at maintaining the quality of its reserves and ensuring continued liquidity for future purchases.

“It’s a normal practice for us to sell because when grain stocks sit in storage for too long, they risk spoilage,” Dr. Komba told The Citizen.

“We must therefore sell and replenish with new stock. Tanzania currently has abundant grain supplies, which allows us to manage this process confidently,” he said.

Dr Komba added: “This year, we plan to purchase about 300,000 tonnes of new grain from farmers, and next year that volume could rise to over 600,000 tonnes, depending on the harvest and market conditions”. “Our sales cover both domestic and export markets.

External demand continues to grow. For instance, last year, when we sold about 300,000 tonnes, nearly 250,000 tonnes were bought by foreign buyers, while 50,000 tonnes were absorbed locally.

We expect this trend to continue as regional demand strengthens — and we have enough food to supply both local and external markets.” The release follows a period of stable food supply and favorable harvests across major producing zones, including Rukwa, Ruvuma, and Songwe.

The agency’s large-scale tender also reflects confidence in the upcoming planting season, with the next harvest cycle expected to replenish national reserves by mid-2026. For local millers and traders, the offer provides a rare opportunity to access government stockpiles at predictable, transparent prices. For regional importers — particularly those facing grain shortfalls due to erratic weather patterns — Tanzania’s sale could offer much-needed relief.

Exporters are expected to show strong interest in the maize component, given the country’s proximity to deficit markets and the continuing ban on genetically modified grain imports in Kenya. While the tender is seen as a proactive market move, it also comes against a backdrop of Tanzania’s strong external trade performance.

According to the Bank of Tanzania’s Monthly Economic Report for September 2025, goods exports rose 22.7 percent year-on-year to $9.89 billion in the year ending August, driven largely by agricultural commodities. Cereal exports, including maize and rice, surged 95.4 percent to $341.2 million, up from $174.6 million a year earlier.

At the same time, traditional export crops such as coffee, tobacco, and cashew nuts grew 28.3 percent to $1.41 billion, reflecting continued recovery in agricultural production. Despite rising export demand and higher prices for key staples, headline inflation remained low at 3.

4 percent in August, comfortably within the central bank’s 35 percent target band. Food inflation edged up slightly to 7.

7 percent from 7.6 percent in July, driven by rice and finger millet, but policymakers attributed the moderation to “stable food supplies” and prudent fiscal management.

With the October tender, the NFRA appears to be betting that stability will continue. The agency’s willingness to offload more than half a million tonnes suggests confidence that domestic reserves are adequate to cushion against future shocks.

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Geita. The main opposition party, Chadema, yesterday suffered a major political blow after one of its senior leaders, Mr Ezekiah Wenje, defected to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), in a move that coincided with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s campaign tour in the mineral-rich Geita Region.

While in Geita, President Hassan unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the area into an industrial and economic powerhouse. Mr Wenje, a former Nyamagana MP and long-serving Lake Zone chairman for Chadema, announced his decision to cross over during a packed rally in Chato.

He was officially welcomed by CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, who handed him a membership card in front of thousands of jubilant supporters. “After 15 years in opposition politics, I have decided to join the ruling party.

It has been like playing in the first division — but now, I want to be in the premier league where I can contribute directly to building my country,” said Mr Wenje, moments after joining CCM. Mr Wenje said his defection was driven by what he described as CCM’s unmatched record in sustaining peace, stability, and development.

“The peace we enjoy is no small achievement,” he said. “If anyone doubts it, let them go to South Sudan or Somalia.

A time comes when a nation must be placed above personal interests.” The former opposition figure also took aim at those calling for anti-government demonstrations from abroad, comparing them to “Pastor Mackenzie of Kenya who told his followers to fast to reach heaven while he himself was eating.

” He added that Tanzania’s progress — especially in infrastructure — had convinced him that CCM’s policies were delivering tangible results. “I travelled from Mwanza to Chato today in two hours.

When I studied in Geita years ago, the same journey took nearly 10 hours,” he said. Mr Wenje dismissed claims that the opposition had been barred from participating in the upcoming general election.

“That’s false,” he said. “I sat in the Central Committee meeting in January 2025 that decided not to take part.

No one banned us — it was our own choice.” He emphasised that his new political path was about contributing positively to the country’s growth.

“Before I die, I want to use my potential to help my country,” he declared. Welcoming him to the ruling party, President Samia described Wenje’s defection as a symbol of growing national confidence in CCM’s leadership.

“I’m delighted to have reached this station and received such a wonderful gift — my young brother Wenje,” she said with a smile. “We welcome him home, to where he truly belongs.

” The defection, analysts say, reinforces CCM’s dominance in the Lake Zone and injects momentum into President Samia’s re-election campaign, especially as she continues to win support from the region’s small-scale miners, businesspeople, and farmers. During her Geita rallies at Nyawilimilwa and Geita Town, President Samia unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform Geita into one of Tanzania’s top industrial and commercial hubs, with the goal of raising the national industrial growth rate to nine percent by 2030, up from the current 4.

8 percent. “Geita is a young region, established only in 2012, but it has shown remarkable economic resilience,” she said.

“We want to make it a true centre of economic growth by empowering its people through mining, agriculture, and livestock industries.” Among the key initiatives she announced were the construction of three modern abattoirs in Nyawilimilwa, Nzera, and Kakubilo; new factories to process sunflower seeds and fruits; and a modern mineral testing laboratory to support small-scale miners.

“My government will provide capital to small miners so they can expand and operate sustainably,” she said, adding that land surveying and ownership programmes will be expanded to promote planned urban and rural development. On healthcare, President Samia revealed plans to establish a branch of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Geita, allowing residents to access heart treatment closer to home.

District hospitals will be upgraded with surgical theatres, mortuary facilities, and 12 new dispensaries. She also pledged to improve transport connectivity by constructing a new airport in Geita Town and upgrading the Chato Airport to enhance trade, tourism, and investment.

“Better roads and air transport mean faster business, easier movement of goods, and more opportunities for investors,” she told cheering crowds. Earlier, the President of the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA), Mr John Bina, declared the mining community’s strong backing for President Samia.

“She has created a friendly business environment for all miners,” he said. “In the past, families saw miners as lost souls, but today they are respected entrepreneurs.

She has earned our loyalty — we will protect her leadership like we protect our minerals.” As dusk fell over Geita, chants of “Mama wa maendeleo!” (Mother of development) echoed through the streets, capturing the spirit of both political renewal and economic ambition.

With Mr Wenje’s dramatic defection and Samia’s sweeping vision for Geita’s future, CCM’s campaign in the Lake Zone closed the day with renewed confidence — and a powerful message of unity, growth, and continuity. .