Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. TPC Sugar has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager International Marathon, marking 16 years of partnership with the annual race held in Moshi.

The company, one of Tanzania’s oldest sugar producers, says the marathon has provided a valuable platform to enhance brand visibility while strengthening ties with employees, partners and the wider community. TPC Sugar Head of Sales and Marketing, Allen Maro, described the partnership as a rewarding journey, noting that the event’s international standards and organisation have helped elevate the company’s profile both along the race route and online.

“The marathon offers a unique opportunity for networking among employees and with other stakeholders. As one of the largest employers in the region, this platform is important for strengthening relationships and promoting our brand,” he said.

This year, the company plans to use the event to promote healthy lifestyles among its workforce, while reinforcing its position in the market under its “Home of Tanzania’s Sugar” identity. Mr Maro added that the marathon also aligns with the company’s broader corporate social responsibility agenda, including support for community initiatives through organisations such as the Friends of TPC (FTK), which focuses on development projects in Lower Moshi.

He noted that TPC’s association with the marathon also reflects its pride in supporting initiatives linked to Mount Kilimanjaro, a symbol of national heritage and tourism. Beyond the race, the company continues to invest in environmental sustainability.

Recently, it planted 400 trees within its estate as part of efforts to promote conservation. It is also adopting efficient irrigation systems, including overhead pivot and linear move technologies, to optimise water use in sugarcane farming.

For the 2026 edition, TPC Sugar will sponsor 400 employees to participate across all race categories–the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km) and 5km fun run–with additional teams competing in the corporate challenge. To support participants, the company has engaged a professional trainer registered under the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association (TAAA) to prepare employees and their families ahead of the race.

“We are covering entry fees, transport and providing a dedicated hospitality tent at the finish line where participants can relax and refresh,” Mr Maro said. Looking beyond the marathon, the company is also pursuing expansion projects, including the construction of a distillery to produce extra neutral alcohol (ENA) using molasses, a by-product of sugar production.

The project is expected to reduce imports while adding value through the production of organic fertiliser from by-products. In the energy sector, TPC is expanding its renewable power generation capacity.

In addition to its existing 17-megawatt plant powered by bagasse, a second plant with a capacity of six megawatts is under construction and is expected to be operational later this year. Mr Maro said the company will continue to invest in community development, particularly in education, healthcare, infrastructure and income-generating activities in surrounding areas.

He noted that participation in the marathon has also had a lasting impact on employees, inspiring the formation of jogging clubs and regular fitness activities within the TPC estate. On production, Mr Maro assured the public of adequate sugar supply, noting that the company has sufficient stock to meet market demand until June 2026, when production is expected to resume.

This year’s marathon features Kilimanjaro Premium Lager as the main sponsor of the 42.2km race, while YAS Tanzania backs the half marathon and CRDB Bank sponsors the 5km fun run. .

Dar es Salaam. The Mainland Tanzania Premier League title race has taken another twist after Simba SC and Azam FC both dropped crucial points, failing to close the gap on leaders Young Africans (Yanga).

Simba were held to a 1-1 draw by Pamba Jiji FC at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, while Azam FC settled for a goalless draw against Mashujaa FC at the Lake Tanganyika Stadium in Kigoma today on March 19, 2026.. Simba are now sit third with 28 points from 13 matches in the league standings.

The Msimbazi Street giants took the lead in the 33rd minute through Anicet Oura, who finished off a well-worked move initiated by Elie Mpanzu. However, their advantage lasted only three minutes as James Mwashinga struck a powerful free-kick to beat goalkeeper Djibrilla Kassali and restore parity for Pamba Jiji.

Despite creating several chances afterward, Simba failed to find a winner, a result that could prove costly in their pursuit of the title. Heading into the match, Simba had a realistic opportunity to narrow the gap to just one point if they won all their remaining first-round fixtures.

Instead, the draw has complicated their mission. Meanwhile, Azam FC’s stalemate against Mashujaa further eased the pressure on Yanga.

The Chamazi-based side struggled to break down a resilient Mashujaa defense, dropping two valuable points in a match where they were favorites. The result sees Azam complete the first round with 29 points, but without significantly tightening their grip on second place or mounting serious pressure on the leaders The combined outcomes have effectively handed Yanga a psychological advantage in the title race.

Even with matches in hand for Simba, the maximum points they can now reach at the end of the first round is 34. This means that Yanga, who had been under pressure, will still maintain at least a three-point cushion even if Simba win their remaining fixtures. This scenario allows Yanga to regain control of the title narrative, with their rivals missing key opportunities to capitalize.

As the league intensifies, the margin for error continues to shrink. With Yanga now enjoying a slight buffer at the top, the chasing pack must respond quickly or risk falling further behind in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested championship race.

The relegation battle in the Mainland Tanzania Premier League is beginning to take shape, with several teams at the bottom struggling to find consistency as the season progresses. Currently sitting 12th, Fountain Gate F.

C. appear to have a slight cushion compared to the rest, with 16 points from 16 matches.

However, their goal difference of -11 shows defensive frailties that could still drag them deeper into trouble if results don’t improve. Just below them, Coastal Union F.

C. are also on 15 points, but their inconsistency has been a major concern.

With only three wins in 16 matches, they must quickly rediscover form to avoid slipping further down the table. Mbeya City F.

C. and Tanzania Prisons F.

C. are tied on 13 points, firmly entrenched in the danger zone.

Both sides have struggled defensively, conceding more goals than they have scored, a trend that highlights their vulnerability under pressure. Prisons, having played an extra match, may feel added pressure as the margin for recovery narrows.

At the bottom, Kinondoni MC are in a critical position with just eight points from 16 games. With only two wins and a goal difference of -20, they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation unless a dramatic turnaround occurs.

Overall, the fight to survive is intensifying, and with matches running out, every point will be crucial. Teams must tighten their defenses and convert chances if they are to secure their top-flight status.

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Dar es Salaam. The government has moved to reassure farmers that Tanzania has sufficient fertiliser stocks to meet current needs despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has raised concerns over global supply disruptions.

The Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) said existing reserves are adequate to cover the ongoing farming season and extend into the next planting cycle, easing fears of an imminent shortage. Speaking to The Citizen, TFRA director of domestic production and joint procurement, Mr Louis Kasera, said the country currently holds more than 300,000 tonnes of fertiliser, which is expected to last through the current season ending in July and into the next season.

“We do not expect any disruption to fertiliser availability for now. Tanzania has sufficient stocks.

We are also taking steps to ensure continued supply if the situation persists ” he said. Mr Kasera noted that while the current situation remains stable, the government has already developed both short-term and long-term strategies to cushion the country against potential shocks should the conflict drag on.

He explained that Tanzania imports a significant portion of its fertiliser–particularly urea–from Middle Eastern countries, making global geopolitical developments a key factor in supply planning. “We import much of our fertiliser, especially urea, from Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar.

However, since the conflict is unlikely to end soon, we plan to shift to Russia as a short-term solution for imports during the August to October farming season,” he said. According to TFRA, about 84 percent of fertiliser used in Tanzania is imported, with roughly 40 percent originating from the Middle East.

National demand exceeds one million tonnes annually. Despite this reliance on imports, Mr Kasera said Tanzania has the capacity to produce more than 1.

2 million tonnes of fertiliser domestically, but uptake remains limited as many farmers continue to prefer imported products due to long-standing perceptions and habits. He said the government is intensifying awareness campaigns to encourage the use of locally produced fertiliser, with expectations that adoption will increase in the coming seasons as farmers gain confidence in its quality and effectiveness.

On long-term measures, Mr Kasera said the government is in discussions with two factories to begin producing fertiliser using natural gas, a move expected to provide a sustainable solution and significantly reduce dependence on imports. He noted that once operational, the initiative will help stabilise supply and prices, while enhancing the country’s resilience to global market shocks.

The reassurances come against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict involving Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, following joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel, triggering wider regional instability. The conflict has affected key energy-producing areas and major global shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over disruptions in oil and gas supply chains.

The situation has already pushed up global fuel prices and increased transportation and production costs, with potential knock-on effects on agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, which rely heavily on energy in their production and distribution. Despite the government’s assurances, fertiliser importers have cautioned that prolonged instability could lead to price increases, particularly for urea.

General manager of TriaChem Tanzania Limited which imports fertiliser, Mr Adrian Moss, said the company had secured sufficient stocks before the conflict began, but future imports could be affected by market uncertainty. “We imported seven containers of fertiliser before the conflict began, which are expected to last between six and seven months.

Although we had planned to import larger quantities, uncertainty in the market has limited our orders,” he said. Mr Moss warned that rising shipping costs and volatility in global markets are likely to push fertiliser prices higher if the conflict persists.

He said urea is expected to be the most affected due to its high demand among farmers, although other types of fertiliser may also see price increases, albeit to a lesser extent. Overall, Mr Kasera maintained that the government remains vigilant and prepared to act, emphasising that safeguarding fertiliser supply is critical to ensuring food security and agricultural productivity in the country.

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Dar es Salaam. Mary Stephen Mniwasa, the chief legal counsel at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) built her career line by line — through legal drafts, regulatory reviews and boardroom counsel.

She served as the acting CEO of the bourse for over two years (2022mid-2024), making history as the first woman to lead the exchange. She held the position until a substantive CEO was appointed in July 2024. Her appointment marked a historic milestone for Tanzania’s capital markets, but it was also the natural progression of a journey that had begun at the Exchange in 2007. Over the years, she had risen from Corporate Affairs Manager and Legal Counsel to Chief Legal Counsel, shaping the legal and regulatory architecture of the institution along the way.

A Bachelor of Laws and later a Master of Laws from the University of Dar es Salaam laid the intellectual scaffolding for a career that would span almost three decades. Called to the Bar in the late 1990s, she built early experience in corporate practice, statutory compliance and governance before moving into financial markets infrastructure.

At the DSE, the early years were technical and demanding. Listings, regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, dispute resolution, drafting and redrafting market rules — the work required precision and procedural discipline.

It also offered something rarer: a vantage point into how markets build or erode trust. “Those experience gave me a front-row seat to how capital markets function — and more importantly, how they build trust.

Handling complex issuer transactions and regulatory disputes sharpened my judgment and reinforced the importance of integrity and procedural discipline,” she said. Over time, her mandate expanded.

She oversaw multiple reviews and redrafts of the DSE Rules — 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2022 — shaping frameworks that govern issuers, brokers, investors and market conduct. Regulatory reform, she notes, is rarely theatrical.

“Redrafting the DSE Rules required patience because every amendment affects issuers, investors, brokers, and the broader market. Stakeholders naturally resist change when it disrupts familiarity.

I learned that listening carefully does not mean compromising principle; it means strengthening the final outcome,” says Ms Mniwasa. Her fingerprints are also visible in the introduction and refinement of Enterprise Growth Market (EGM) rules, in the Exchange’s demutualization into a public limited company, and in its eventual self-listing in 2016. She served on the National Demutualization Committee, helping to transition the Exchange from a member-owned institution into a shareholder-owned entity — a structural reform that fundamentally altered governance and accountability dynamics.

These were not merely legal exercises. They were institutional recalibrations.

The mindset shift The transition from Chief Legal Counsel to Acting CEO required more than a change in title. It required a philosophical shift.

She said, “As Chief Legal Counsel, my role was to interpret rules and ensure decisions are compliant. The focus was precision — protecting the institution by identifying what could go wrong”.

Ms Mniwasa added, “As a leader, the responsibility is broader. It is about setting vision, balancing regulation with growth, aligning people, managing stakeholders, and making decisions that carry strategic, financial, and reputational implications”.

Between May 2022 and July 2024, as Acting CEO, she was responsible for steering vision, overseeing governance and regulatory compliance, managing institutional resources and serving as Secretary to the Board. The responsibility was holistic.

“You move from advising on risk to owning the outcome,” she says. That ownership, she adds, rests on credibility and consistency rather than charisma.

Quiet discipline behind the public role Beyond the boardroom, Mary is deliberate about balance. Mornings begin in prayer and reflection — a ritual she credits with anchoring her before the day’s demands unfold.

Time is structured carefully. Delegation is intentional.

Emotional discipline is cultivated. “For me, longevity in leadership comes from consistency, balance, and staying grounded in purpose,” she said.

Her personal life is intentionally grounded. Gardening, reading, learning, watching movies and occasionally stepping back from the noise to reset and recharge.

“I am naturally introspective. I think deeply, I feel deeply, and I care deeply — about the work I do and the people I serve alongside.

Leadership can be demanding, so I’ve learned the importance of staying grounded in gratitude and humility,” she said. What guide her she says is faith, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.

“Titles come and go, but character, kindness, and integrity are what truly matter to me,” she said. Navigating invisible barriers Capital markets infrastructure across Africa has historically been male-led.

For women rising within it, the barriers are often subtle rather than explicit. She affirm that credibility and expectation are tested differently.

“In male-dominated spaces, I learned that preparation and consistency matter greatly. Competence, demonstrated over time, builds its own authority,” she said.

Mniwasa acknowledged that women also face the unspoken pressure to conform to certain leadership styles. “I overcame that by choosing authenticity over imitation.

Ultimately, I let discipline, integrity, and results speak — and over time, that reshapes perception more powerfully than resistance ever could,” she said. Her professional affiliations — from the Tanganyika Law Society and East African Law Society to the African Securities Exchanges Association Executive Committee — reflect regional and continental engagement.

International trainings with institutions including the U.S.

Securities and Exchange Commission, the World Bank and the London Stock Exchange Group Academy expanded her comparative outlook. Yet her narrative remains rooted locally — from Jangwani Girls to Tabora Girls Secondary School, institutions she credits with instilling early academic discipline.

She advises that girls should know ambition is not arrogance. It is clarity about impact.

“The journey to leadership at institutions such as the DSE is built on discipline, competence, and integrity. Success in law and capital markets is rarely dramatic — it is the result of preparation, consistency, and resilience,” she said.

Institutional reform as legacy Among her most technically significant contributions is rule-making. Few outside regulatory circles appreciate the complexity of drafting enforceable securities market rules that balance growth with protection.

She coordinated the development of International Securities Identification Numbers (ISINs) issuance at the DSE, helped draft 15 East African Community Capital Markets Council Directives, and played a central role in aligning DSE frameworks with international standards while retaining responsiveness to Tanzania’s context. She also led the Exchange’s engagement process with the World Federation of Exchanges during its inspection and eventual membership onboarding — an endorsement that elevated Tanzania’s exchange within global networks.

Her professional philosophy is clear: rules must outlive personalities. “If my name is associated with a period where market rules became clearer, stronger, and more aligned with international standards while remaining responsive to Tanzania’s realities, then I will consider that a meaningful and enduring legacy,” she says.

History and Intention When asked how she hopes history will remember this era, her answer returns to structure rather than spotlight. In becoming the first woman to act as CEO of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, Mary Mniwasa has already altered precedent.

But her aspiration is less about symbolism and more about systems. Institutions, she believes, are built patiently — through disciplined governance, principled leadership and the quiet architecture of reform.

In that architecture, her imprint is already embedded. .

Dar es Salaam. Smartphone users across the country are increasingly feeling the pinch when their devices break down.

Even when using low-cost, older models, or refurbished, repair bills often approach the price of a new phone, forcing many to seek independent technicians for more affordable fixes. The growing demand for smartphone repairs from screen replacements to battery and charging port issues, is being driven by widespread smartphone adoption.

However, for many users, the cost of professional repairs is becoming difficult to sustain. According to a university student, Ms Asha Juma, said at the moment she did not realise that even old models can cost more despite the fact that the phone has been in the industry for quite sometimes.

“I went to a big repair shop thinking they would be more reliable, but when they quoted the price, I couldn’t afford it. I had to look for another option.

” She said. She further added that she later had her phone repaired by an independent technician at nearly half the quoted price.

“Still, it made me realise that even simple devices can carry high repair costs,” she said. On the other hand, a small business owner, Mr Juma Samata, echoed this frustration: “I thought older or less expensive phones would be cheaper to fix, but that’s not the case.

Repairs can be nearly as costly as a new device, regardless of the phone’s original price.” He further added that independent technicians often charge less, but they sometimes use non-genuine parts.

“As long as the phone works, I am willing to accept that trade-off,” he said. For many consumers, this has become a harsh reality: repair costs do not necessarily correlate with the original price of the device.

After facing high bills at formal service centres, users are increasingly turning to independent technicians who can offer lower prices and faster service. Technicians explain that the cost is not only about the device itself, but also the difficulty of sourcing parts and the complexity of modern smartphones.

“People often assume low-cost phones are cheap to repair, but that’s not true,” said Mr John Komba, a technician in Kariakoo. “Even basic devices can require specific parts and we cannot always make repairs much cheaper.

” According to him, he shared that sometimes non-genuine parts are available, but they can cause problems or reduce performance. “Customers are surprised, but if they want a lower price, we accommodate it with what’s available,” he explained.

On the other hand, an independent technician in Mwenge, Mr Khasim Abdala, said that customers need to understand that the price is often unavoidable. “I repair dozens of mid-range phones every day.

Even for basic devices, certain repairs like motherboard or screen replacement, can cost nearly as much as the phone itself,” he said. Formal service centres stress that the challenge lies in the careful handling and expertise required for all repairs, not just the device’s value.

According to a specialist in premium devices, Mr Samuel Lucas, said that customers need to understand that even basic repairs can be expensive. “People need to understand that, it’s about the tools, the skill and the responsibility,” he said.

He further added, as the formal technician, they also provide warranties and quality assurance which is factored into the cost. Customers understand that lower-cost repairs come with trade-offs.

Unlike formal shops, independent technicians may not issue receipts or guarantees, meaning trust becomes key. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is stepping up its fight against cancer, a growing national crisis, through a strategic partnership that could redefine how the disease is detected, studied and treated in the country.

The new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and University of Oxford-London, places cancer care, research and innovation at the centre of collaboration. According to estimates from GLOBOCAN 2022, developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Cancer has increasingly become a major public health burden in Tanzania.

The report estimates that 40,000 to 45,000 new cases are recorded annually and nearly 30,000 deaths. Health experts say the situation is worsened by late diagnosis, limited screening services and a shortage of specialised personnel, leaving many patients with limited treatment options.

It is this reality that the MUHASOxford partnership seeks to confront. Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on clinical training and mentorship in oncology, strengthen research capacity and explore the use of data science and artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis.

The partnership, anchored under the Oxford Global Cancer Initiative, also aims to generate policy-relevant research aligned with Tanzania’s National Cancer Strategy. MUHAS Vice Chancellor Appolinary Kamuhabwa said the MoU is designed to move MUHAS beyond traditional teaching into a hub of solutions.

“These partnerships position MUHAS at the forefront of global health collaboration, enabling us to strengthen research, training and innovation to better serve our communities,” Prof Kamuhabwa said. For Tanzania, where more than 90 percent of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, experts say improving early detection is critical.

The introduction of advanced diagnostic tools and exposure to global best practices could significantly change patient outcomes. A public health expert based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Deus Lushiku, noted that collaboration with a globally recognised institution like Oxford provides access to systems that are otherwise difficult to build locally.

“Oxford brings experience in clinical trials, data systems and cancer research networks. This allows MUHAS to accelerate its capacity in ways that would take years if done independently,” he said.

Dr Lushiku added that cancer research increasingly depends on global collaboration, particularly in understanding how the disease behaves across different populations. “You need shared data, shared expertise and joint studies to develop effective interventions.

Partnerships like this make that possible.” Beyond research, the agreement is expected to influence training.

Through mentorship and exchange programmes, Tanzanian doctors and researchers will gain exposure to specialised oncology skills, helping to address the country’s shortage of experts. The partnership also comes at a time when Tanzania is facing a dual burden of disease, with non-communicable conditions like cancer rising alongside infectious diseases.

MUHAS internationalisation head Maryam Amour said the collaboration reflects a broader strategy of internationalisation. “This collaboration expands opportunities for our researchers while fostering innovation that directly addresses pressing health challenges in our country,” Dr Amour said.

Experts say such global linkages are no longer optional for universities seeking impact. “Internationalisation is not just about visibility, it is about relevance,” said Dr Lushiku.

“If MUHAS is to lead in cancer research, it must be part of global scientific conversations.” Currently, Tanzania is pushing to reduce cancer-related deaths and emphasising on research to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The country is committed to reducing cancer-related deaths by at least 30 and positioning itself as a vital centre for cancer research and treatment. Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, recently, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba urged the Health ministry to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce new cancer cases while citing WHO projections that cancer rates in Africa could increase by more than 60 percent by 2030. He emphasised that progress required joint efforts in research to identify potential causatives of cancer, but also feasible ways for prevention and control.

Dr Nchemba also announced a government allocation of Sh18.5 billion that was used for construction and the introduction of PET-CT scan and Cyclotron services. “This efforts will strengthen early diagnosis and treatment capacity,” he said, adding that they are a major step towards sustaining cancer services through domestic health financing.

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Dar es Salaam is set to host a major celebration of creativity as the Creative Arts Exhibition takes place on April 11, 2026, at the Kijitonyama Postal Grounds. Speaking to the media, the event coordinator and director of Benison Marketing Agency said the exhibition aims to bring together young creatives from across artistic disciplines to showcase their talent and innovation in shaping Africa’s creative future towards 2050. The exhibition forms part of the build-up to the 10th anniversary of the Sanaa Blast Festival, organised in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam Department of Creative Arts under the Creative Arts Initiative.

The partnership is driving a series of pre-events designed to lay the foundation for the milestone celebrations. Two earlier events, “Sanaa ni Dawa” and “Sanaa ni Biashara”, have already sparked conversations around the role of art in community well-being and the creative economy.

The upcoming exhibition is expected to be the largest yet, offering a dynamic platform for students, alumni, and emerging artists. Attendees can expect a wide range of artistic expressions, including fashion, film, visual arts, music, dance, theatre, and live performances such as painting and graffiti, as well as gaming showcases.

Outstanding participants will be recognised with special awards at the end of the event. A key highlight will be the official launch of an alumni documentary, celebrating graduates of the Department of Creative Arts who are now making significant contributions to Tanzania’s creative industry and beyond.

The event is also designed to foster unity among art students, with participants expected from various universities. A VIP section will also be available for stakeholders and art enthusiasts seeking a premium experience.

The exhibition has already attracted support from key partners, including CRDB Bank through its youth platform, along with stakeholders from the telecommunications, beverages, FMCG, and government sectors. Entertainment will run throughout the day, featuring performances from emerging artists and invited acts, with Tanzanian artist Dullah Makabila set to headline the event.

Originally scheduled for March 21, the event was moved to April 11 following an overwhelming response from artists and requests from students to hold it after the Eid and Easter holidays. Organisers are calling on private sector players and institutions to support the initiative, emphasising its role in providing a platform for young creatives and contributing to the growth of Tanzania’s creative economy.

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Dar es Salaam. More than 200 students are expected to participate in the Akili Alumni Marathon 2026, a unique event that will bring together Tanzanians who have studied at universities abroad to run with the goal of investing in the next generation.

The Director of Akili Education, Felician Chizelema, said the marathon, sponsored by CRDB Bank, aims to raise $1.2 million to fund 100 students to pursue modern, high-demand courses globally, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and Blockchain Technology. He said CRDB, through its youth banking unit (Youth Connect), has taken a further step by sponsoring 100 university students in Tanzania to participate in the Akili Alumni Marathon 2026. “CRDB Bank continues to prove through action that it is a leader in empowering Tanzanian youth, not just through words but through initiatives that bring real change.

Through Youth Connect, the bank has been opening financial access, knowledge and opportunities for thousands of young people, and this step further confirms its commitment to building a capable generation,” he said. He said that every $12,000 raised will sponsor one student for a period of four years, covering tuition, accommodation, meals as well as essential travel expenses.

“The goal is to equip Tanzanian youth with world-class technology education so that they can return and contribute to national development. We are focusing more on underprivileged students with aspirations of studying abroad,” he said.

Chizelema said the Akili Alumni Marathon will take place on April 6, 2026–Easter Monday–in Dar es Salaam under the theme ‘Run the Future: 100 Scholarships for Tech Leaders’. The guest of honour is expected to be the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda.

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Dar es Salaam. A child today can solve homework, translate languages or generate ideas with a single tap on a smartphone, tasks that once required hours of human effort.

But as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape how people learn, work and make decisions, experts warn that the next generation must develop strong human-centred skills to avoid overdependence on technology. What may appear as convenience, they say, could gradually weaken the ability to think independently if not balanced with critical skills.

According to a report by Bright Heart Education, key skills for the future include metacognition, creative problem-solving and emotional intelligence abilities expected to remain uniquely human in an increasingly automated world. Experts say these skills will not only help individuals adapt to technological change, but also enable them to interpret and question the vast amount of information generated by AI systems.

The report also suggests that while artificial intelligence is transforming the job market, many careers, especially those requiring creativity and human judgment, are less likely to be replaced. Professions such as choreography are projected to see strong growth, while roles like musicians, fine artists and artisans face relatively low risk of automation.

Similarly, fast-growing professions tend to show higher resistance to AI disruption. Fields such as big data analytics and cybersecurity also continue to rely heavily on human oversight, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking and decision-making skills.

According to Dr Ryan Stevenson, Co-founder and Director at Bright Heart Education, young people risk losing independent thinking if they rely too heavily on digital tools. “As AI handles more thinking tasks, children risk ‘outsourcing’ their cognition and simply accepting what tools tell them as truth,” he said.

He added that early exposure to critical thinking is essential in helping children question information, evaluate sources and develop confidence in their own reasoning. Building on this, AI expert Joseph Samwel said the growing influence of AI is changing not only how people access information, but also how they process it.

“AI is incredibly powerful at generating answers, but it does not always guarantee accuracy or context. Without critical thinking, users may accept outputs as facts without questioning how they were produced,” he said.

He further emphasised that as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the ability to question and interpret information will become increasingly important. “We are moving into an era where knowing how to ask the right question is just as important as knowing the answer,” he said.

“The real risk is not the technology itself, but how unprepared people may be to engage with it critically.” Human creativity From a creativity perspective, tech enthusiast Dominick Dismas said the rise of AI is increasing the value of human imagination rather than diminishing it.

“AI can analyse and combine existing information, but it cannot fully replace human creativity. Those who will stand out are individuals who can think differently and apply technology in innovative ways,” he shared.

He further added that the future will favor those who can combine human insight with digital tools. “It’s not about competing with machines, it’s about using them to expand what we are capable of doing,” he said.

Beyond thinking and creativity, experts also highlight emotional intelligence as a key skill in navigating both personal and professional life. As workplaces become more interconnected, the ability to understand emotions and build relationships is becoming increasingly important.

Psychologist Daniel Gidion noted that human connection remains central, even in a technology-driven world. “In a very real sense, we have two minds, one that thinks and one that feels,” he said.

“How we manage emotions, empathise with others and build relationships will continue to define effective leadership and collaboration.” As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, experts agree that the future will not be defined by technology alone, but by how well people can think, create and connect.

In that future, the most valuable skills may not be digital but deeply human. .

The love bug for Tanzania that bit Victoria Nguyen has left her deeply enamoured with the East African country along the Indian Ocean. The American lady has been to the country numerous times; she recently returned home and already she is planning on returning to the country again.

Even when her country, the United States, has imposed strict restrictions for Tanzanians to apply for a visa, that has not deterred her from still connecting with the people who have now become like a family to her. “I don’t understand why my friends can’t come visit me in the US but I can easily go to Tanzania; that is very unfortunate,” she questioned.

She explained the importance of travel: that people need to travel and know each other’s cultures, which brings more understanding and compassion for each other and makes more friends than enemies. As the world is chaotic with the conflicts that her country is embroiled in, she finds it necessary to extend love and friendship to show the world what ordinary Americans are really like–a contrasting view to the current administration that is waging a war.

Draped in a huge American flag next to her Tanzanian friend, who was similarly waving a Tanzanian flag, Victoria danced with children in Chanika on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam. “I felt so proud and honoured,” she said.

Seeing children waving American and Tanzanian flags in a time like this made her realize people’s love for each other goes beyond politics. She had made it a habit of reserving her safari visits to the country to spend time with local communities she befriended along the way.

For her, it is not a gimmick or short fascination with the people, but her strong desire to make friends and help the less privileged. Victoria insists she is in no way wealthy.

She describes herself as a hard worker; she works two jobs, even taking night shifts to earn a living, so when she gives, it comes from a place of compassion and not otherwise. While in Tanzania, she likes to unwind and take time for herself, visit Zanzibar and spend time in Stone Town, walking along Forodhani for street food–something she is into.

The other half of her time in Tanzania is spent visiting orphanages, schools and youth groups. She recently helped buy new roofing materials for an orphanage that was heavily leaking during the rainy season.

“I represent the person I am; I don’t represent my country. People see me as a human with a soul, not what my country is doing,” she said.

Indeed, there are many Americans who travel to Africa and their impact on the economies is noted, either through the dollars they spend as tourists or through their philanthropic work in Africa. It would be quite unfair to paint the people with one brush.

It is understandable to think the US’s involvement in the current Iran war would make people view Americans unfavourably, but she hopes people will judge Americans individually based on their characters and not what they see in the news. Victoria is delighted to be received with compassion and warmth in Tanzania just like she has been welcomed many times before and nothing has changed.

Recently, she met some youth in Dar es Salaam and had a memorable time. They held a small beauty pageant with a whole catwalk for the young men and women accompanied by fun activities.

“I wanted them to see the beauty they possess–something that goes beyond just mere looks, but one’s character, the spirit of loving each other and being confident,” she said. She wanted them to understand that in this world, one should be brave enough to pursue their dreams no matter their background or financial status.

At the end of the evening, the group of ten young Tanzanians who participated walked away with hundreds of dollars and barbershop equipment, among other things. For Victoria, she finds her safari to Tanzania a much-needed rejuvenating time in her extremely busy life; that does not negate her ability to take time to help others.

She noted that philanthropy is her life purpose. “That’s my passion and my dream,” she chimed in.

She spent time in Arusha, finding time to go to Serengeti for a game drive. In her true fashion, she also went to a nearby school and gave out books and other school supplies.

She is envisioning a more structured way to give back in Tanzania, looking for a community that she can channel her efforts toward to make a tangible impact as she keeps coming back to Tanzania. “My goal is to go back to Tanzania and open an entrepreneurial establishment for the people and they can use that money to spur their local economy,” she said.

She has been to several regions of Tanzania and she already has an idea of where she can work in collaboration with her Tanzanian friends. Her message to the world in these violent times is simple: respect for each other.

One doesn’t have to understand or agree with everyone or even love them, but respecting each other is key to harmony. Everyone has a right to build a life and a career that they dream of and no one person or country is more important than another.

“We are all equal in this world, whether you are an American, Tanzanian, or from any other country,” she insisted. Even on a personal level, she explained, while in pursuit of your goals, do not step on others and demean their goals and aspirations.

People can coexist while being ambitious in life. Children in schools she visited didn’t see an American amidst them; all they saw was a kind human who loves their company.

She spent two weeks in Tanzania, curating her time between the national parks, beaches and the communities, giving each location her full presence and attention. While in the national parks, she did let herself enjoy the world without survivor’s remorse or the guilt of her success and privilege.

And while at the orphanages, schools and hanging out with the locals, she understood the weight of other people’s challenges and respectfully offered her help. The two contrasting worlds are sobering to her, but so is life in general.

She understands being an American in this day and time carries a lot of conflicting responses from people around the world, but she hopes people will see American citizens for what they are and not tie them to political decisions made in Washington, DC. Before leaving Dar es Salaam, she ditched her hotel food and went to the streets of Sinza for some street food.

“As a multicultural person, I like to taste all types of cuisines; my taste buds are strong enough to adapt to any flavours,” she said. Plus, she enjoys the energy from people.

She observed that Tanzanians have very social communities and she is just in awe. “I highly recommend anyone who goes to Tanzania to try the street food; it has a lot of story behind it, plus you will directly be supporting the local business people,” she said.

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