Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s beauty and fashion scene is set for a landmark moment as the inaugural Miss World Tanzania grand finale is scheduled to take place on April 19 at the Super Dome Tanzania.

The announcement was made by Mustafa Hassanali, Managing Director of 361 Degrees Africa and National Director of the pageant, during an interview with The Citizen. He described the event as a historic step forward in elevating Tanzania’s presence on the global beauty stage.

According to Hassanali, the competition will feature 20 contestants selected from eight key zones across the country. These include Northern, Eastern, Lake, Southern, Central, Higher Learning Institutions, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.

The inclusion of contestants from Zanzibar ensures what he described as a “Union face,” highlighting national unity through representation from both sides of the United Republic. Road to the crown begins nationwide The journey to the grand finale is already underway, with zonal selections playing a crucial role.

Hassanali revealed that representatives from the Northern, Lake, Southern, and Dar es Salaam zones will be determined on March 28. Meanwhile, other zones are expected to complete their selection processes ahead of the official residential camp, which begins on April 9. During the camp, contestants will undergo intensive training designed to prepare them for the demands of the pageant.

The program will include mentorship and coaching from professionals in various fields, ranging from runway and public speaking to personal development and social impact initiatives. “We are committed to delivering an event that will make history in this country,” said Hassanali.

“This is not just about beauty, but about purpose, discipline, and representing Tanzania on a global stage.” More than beauty: A platform for impact Hassanali emphasized that the selection criteria for Miss World Tanzania align with both national and international standards.

Contestants must be Tanzanian citizens aged 25 or below, and are expected to embody intelligence, confidence, and a commitment to social causes. He added that the pageant will embrace the globally recognized “Beauty With a Purpose” philosophy, encouraging participants to champion meaningful community initiatives.

Stakeholders and fans alike have been urged to prepare for a night that blends elegance, inspiration, and social impact. Eyes on the global stage The winner of Miss World Tanzania 2026 will go on to represent the country at the prestigious Miss World 75th Anniversary celebrations later in the year.

The global platform is expected to attract contestants from around the world, offering Tanzania a chance to showcase its culture, talent, and ambition. “This event is more than a pageant,” Hassanali noted.

“It is a celebration of confidence, purpose, and the power of Tanzanian women.” As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Dar es Salaam this April, where a new queen will be crowned in what promises to be a defining moment for the country’s pageantry industry.

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Dar es Salaam. Shandong Province has outlined four priority areas to deepen economic cooperation with Tanzania, as Chinese officials made fresh commitments during an investment tour led by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo.

The tour, which started on March 17 and runs until March 22, aims to explore investment opportunities and strengthen trade and industrial partnerships between Tanzania and one of China’s leading economic provinces. In a statement released on Thursday, March 19, officials said commitments were made during a meeting between Prof Mkumbo and the Director General of the Provincial Department of Commerce of Shandong, Wang Lei.

The meeting discussed a wide range of strategic issues, focusing onstrengthening bilateral economic cooperation. The two leaders emphasised the need to promote investment flows between Tanzania and Shandong, particularly in key development sectors.

Speaking on the second day of engagements, Ms Wang said Shandong would prioritise four areas of cooperation: expanding investment, boosting bilateral trade, strengthening infrastructure development, and enhancing institutional communication. “Shandong is willing to actively guide and support its enterprises to deepen investment cooperation with Tanzania, promote the implementation of more projects, and assist in enhancing industrial development to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes,” she said.

On investment, Ms Wang said the province would actively support its enterprises to expand operations in Tanzania. Shandong is home to more than 3,000 overseas-invested enterprises globally, with growing interest in Africa.

The move is expected to support Tanzania’s industrialisation drive and create employment opportunities. Trade expansion is another key pillar of the partnership.

In 2025, trade between Shandong and Tanzania reached 13.95 billion yuan, a 44.1 per cent increase year-on-year. Ms Wang said efforts would be made to promote Tanzanian exports such as coffee, cashew nuts and minerals, while increasing the presence of Chinese industrial goods in Tanzania.

In terms of outbound investment, by the end of 2025, Shandong had 22 enterprises operating in Tanzania, with a total accumulated direct investment stock of $150 million. These investments span multiple sectors, including machinery and equipment, auto parts, textiles and garments, commerce and logistics, as well as agricultural processing.

Among the flagship projects is the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre, developed by Weihai Huatan Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.

The facility has grown into Tanzania’s largest commercial complex integrating wholesale, retail, logistics and warehousing services. It has created approximately 15,000 local jobs and stands as a model of ChinaTanzania bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

“We will continue to organise enterprises to participate in trade fairs and create more platforms for Tanzanian products to enter the Chinese market,” she said, adding that Shandong plans to host targeted procurement events for Tanzanian businesses in China. A central platform in facilitating this trade is the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Centre, which integrates wholesale, retail, logistics and warehousing services.

The facility has already created thousands of jobs and will host exhibitions, procurement events and business forums to connect buyers and sellers. Infrastructure development forms the third pillar, with Shandong firms expected to expand participation in energy, transport and urban projects, especially as Tanzania prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027. The fourth area focuses on strengthening institutional ties through regular communication between authorities to improve coordination and implementation of joint projects.

Ms Wang proposed establishing a regular communication mechanism toenhance information sharing and explore new areas of cooperation. She emphasised that Shandong sees Tanzania as a key partner in Africa, citing strong economic complementarities and growing trade volumes.

“We look forward to deepening economic and trade ties and contributing to elevating ChinaTanzania cooperation to a new level,” she said. For his part, Prof Mkumbo said the visit is part of broader government efforts to attract international investment through strategic forums and engagements aimed at accelerating Tanzania’s economic growth.

Beyond official talks, Prof Mkumbo also held in-depth discussions with prospective investors interested in Tanzania. Among them were representatives from Anhui Conch Cement Co.

, Ltd., led by Terry Chu, who expressed strong interest in establishing operations in Tanzania as their first investment destination in Africa.

Prof Mkumbo endorsed a number of proposals and agreements presented by the Chinese side, including plans to establish and expand cooperation in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture and tourism–areas seen as critical to Tanzania’s long-term economic transformation. .

Tanga. The story of Paskazia Yohana, a resident of Mjesani Village in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, is a powerful and moving account of resilience, faith and determination in the face of adversity.

For years, Paskazia raised her physically disabled son, Jonathan Kilenga, under extremely difficult economic conditions, with little to no support from family or the community. Yet she refused to give up.

“I was fighting on my own, with my mind and with God. My relatives wanted to help, but everyone had their own situation,” she says quietly, reflecting on the hardships she endured.

Her struggles began even before her son was born. While she was pregnant, her husband was transferred to Zanzibar for work, leaving her in a state of uncertainty and loneliness.

After the child was born, the situation worsened when the father discovered the baby had a disability. “When I gave birth and showed him the child, that is when our relationship began to fall apart,” she recalls.

He later left completely, abandoning her to raise the child alone–marking the beginning of a long and difficult journey. Paskazia says the experience took a heavy psychological toll on her, at times causing sleepless nights as she worried about how to provide for her son.

Despite this, she held on to faith, believing that one day things would change. To make ends meet, she took on casual labour, working on other people’s farms for meagre pay just to secure food and basic needs.

Her priority was clear: ensuring her son’s survival and wellbeing. In his early years, she did not immediately enrol him in school.

Instead, she taught him at home using basic reading materials, dedicating her limited free time to his education. Her efforts paid off.

By the time he joined nursery school, he had already developed strong reading skills, even surprising many by being able to read newspapers. Teachers quickly recognised his academic potential, giving Paskazia renewed hope.

Although the community did not openly discriminate against her, she received little meaningful support, forcing her to rely on her own efforts. A turning point came with the establishment of the YDCP centre in Tanga, which helped inspire her to push further for her son’s education.

Even then, the journey was far from smooth. At one point, her son failed to secure a place in secondary school–a setback that deeply affected her.

But she refused to lose hope. She encouraged him to try again, and eventually he was admitted and began to perform well academically.

In order to give him the best possible care, Paskazia made the difficult decision not to have more children. “I did not want another child.

I saw that this one needed more attention,” she explains. When her son reached university level, financial challenges intensified.

Determined to see him succeed, she expanded her farming activities, growing and selling crops to raise money for tuition and daily expenses. “I sold produce and sent him money in instalments for fees and upkeep,” she says.

She also started a vegetable garden to supplement her income. During this period, well-wishers stepped in to support by covering a full year’s tuition–something she describes as a turning point.

“That is when I felt my prayers were finally being answered,” she says. Her perseverance eventually paid off.

Jonathan Kilenga graduated from university and later secured employment with a local council in Mbeya Region, transforming the family’s fortunes. Paskazia vividly recalls the moment she received the news.

“I was in the field guarding my crops when he called me. I raised my hands and thanked God.

I cried with joy, remembering everything I had gone through,” she says. Today, her life has significantly improved.

Her son now supports her and has even built the house she lives in–a symbol of the rewards of her years of sacrifice and resilience. Paskazia says her journey is proof that faith, determination and hard work can overcome even the toughest circumstances.

She urges society to stop stigmatising children with disabilities and instead support them through education. “These children are just as capable as others.

They only need opportunity and proper care,” she says. Her story stands as a testament to courage and perseverance–and a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable with unwavering determination.

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Dar es Salaam. Retired High Court judge Julie Manning, the first Tanzanian woman to hold the position, has died at the age of 87. According to the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Judge Manning passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Hitech Sai Health Centre in Upanga, Dar es Salaam, where she had been receiving treatment.

Family members are receiving mourners at her Oyster Bay residence in Kinondoni, as funeral arrangements continue. Trailblazer in legal profession Judge Manning is remembered as a pioneer who broke gender barriers in Tanzania’s legal profession and across East Africa.

Her academic journey began at Tabora Girls’ School before she made history in 1961 when she joined the Faculty of Law at the University of Dar es Salaam, then the first in East Africa. She was the only woman among the first cohort of 13 students, becoming the first woman from Tanganyika and the region to study law.

Upon graduating in 1963, she became the first Tanzanian woman to earn a law degree. She later joined the Attorney General’s Chambers as a legislative drafter, the first woman in the country to hold that position.

In 1973, she was appointed High Court judge by founding President Julius Nyerere, becoming the first woman in Tanzania and East Africa to serve in the role. Public service and leadership In 1975, Judge Manning was appointed a Member of Parliament and later served as Minister for Legal Affairs, making her among the first women to hold a full Cabinet position in Tanzania.

She served in the role until 1983, playing a key part in strengthening the rule of law during the country’s formative years. She later served as a commissioner with the National Electoral Commission and as a member of the Law Reform Commission.

In 2011, she was awarded a national medal by former President Jakaya Kikwete in recognition of her distinguished service. Tributes pour in Members of the legal fraternity have described her death as a great loss, noting her contribution to advancing women in law and public leadership.

Former Attorney General Andrew Chenge said Judge Manning will be remembered for her pioneering achievements, including being the first Tanzanian woman to obtain a law degree and to specialise in legislative drafting. He described her as a highly skilled legal drafter and a dedicated public servant.

“Julie Manning will be remembered for her immense contribution to the legal profession and for championing gender equality,” he said. Advocate Peter Madeleka said her legacy will endure through the many women she inspired to pursue legal careers.

“She paved the way for women in Tanzania to study and practise law with confidence,” he said. Human rights activist Dr Ananilea Nkya said Judge Manning was a courageous defender of justice who championed the rights of all people without discrimination.

“She loved her country and stood firmly for justice,” she said. Legal and Human Rights Centre executive director Dr Anna Henga said her passing leaves a significant gap in the justice sector.

“She broke gender barriers and demonstrated exceptional legal reasoning in her judgements,” she said. A lasting legacy Judge Manning is widely regarded as a symbol of integrity, professionalism and courage.

Her legacy, stakeholders say, will continue to inspire generations of women in Tanzania and beyond to pursue careers in law and leadership. .

Think of the person who wakes up at 4 am to work on a side business but tells colleagues they were just “sleeping in.” Think of the student who studies late into the night but pretends they “barely opened a book” before the exam.

Or the professional eyeing a leadership role yet acts completely indifferent when the topic of promotions comes up. In our communities, there is a strange, silent tension around effort.

We want the results, but we are terrified of the process being visible. Showing ambition publicly feels risky.

It’s the fear that if we try and fail, we will have nothing to hide behind, no mask of “effortless indifference” to protect us. We want to succeed, but we also want the safety of invisibility.

There is also the social pressure to conform to norms of humility and modesty. Pride is not always welcomed, and ambition must be hidden or carefully dressed.

People may avoid talking about their goals because they are concerned about envy, gossip, or being seen as “showing off.” Over time, this pressure shapes behaviour, making many of us experts at masking effort, at creating the illusion of ease while silently carrying long nights, extra work, and unspoken dreams.

The psychology of hidden effort Why do we treat our goals like classified secrets? The reasons often go beyond shyness or fear of embarrassment. They are rooted in how we protect our social image and ego.

Fear of evaluation: Public effort exposes us to judgment. Once we show that we are trying, others now have a measure of our performance.

If we fail, it is visible. If we succeed, it can trigger envy or criticism.

By hiding effort, we shield ourselves from both potential failure and social consequences.Cultural humility norms: Many of us are raised in environments where “kujionyesha” (showing off) is frowned upon.

There is a fine line between being proud of what you do and being labelled arrogant. Ambition often gets mistaken for ego, so we stay quiet to avoid social disapproval.

Ego protection: Hiding effort is a way to preserve self-esteem. If a project fails, we can say, “I wasn’t really trying anyway.

” It is a psychological safety net that allows us to maintain dignity even when our aspirations are not realised.Impression management: We want people to see the wins but not the struggle behind them.

Society rewards outcomes more than process, so we curate an image of “effortless success.” This can make our reality feel fragmented, as we work tirelessly but no one sees it, and the accomplishments never fully feel ours because they were hidden.

Over time, these habits shape identity. The mind starts associating public effort with risk, embarrassment, or social consequence.

Ambition becomes a secret, quietly pursued, and rarely celebrated. Ironically, hiding the work we do can make it harder to achieve because we deny ourselves the networks, mentorship, and resources that come with visible commitment.

Navigating the fear: How to step into the light Hiding your ambition may feel protective, but it often acts as a ceiling. It keeps you from receiving help, support, and opportunities that could accelerate your growth.

Here’s how to start showing effort without compromising safety or dignity. You do not need to announce your dreams to everyone. Share your progress selectively with “safe” people, mentors, colleagues, or friends who value growth over gossip.

They can provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement without judgment.Normalise effort: Effort is not a sign of weakness.

It is the price of entry. Everyone you admire, the entrepreneur, the leader, the creative professional, was once “seen trying,” often looking clumsy or uncertain.

The messy process is normal, not shameful.Separate pride from arrogance: Celebrating milestones or stating a goal is not boasting.

It is an act of honesty. Pride in effort allows you to acknowledge hard work while remaining humble.

Humility does not require hiding your progress; it requires owning it without diminishing others.Small visibility steps: Start with low-risk sharing.

Tell one trusted peer about a project, post a small achievement online, or casually mention progress in a meeting. These incremental steps build comfort with being seen trying, reducing the fear of judgment over time.

Surround yourself with encouragers: The people you spend time with shape what you feel is acceptable. If your social circle mocks ambition or dismisses effort, it reinforces hiding.

Seek peers who value progress and celebrate effort. In such an environment, effort is recognised rather than shamed.

The cost of concealed ambition Hiding effort is not harmless. It can stunt growth, limit opportunities, and create a persistent sense of dissatisfaction.

Mentors and sponsors cannot support you because they do not know you need it.Opportunities are missed because others are unaware of your capabilities.

Your self-perception becomes distorted, as you may undervalue your own accomplishments because they went unseen.Fear of exposure continues to shape decisions, creating patterns of avoidance rather than proactive growth.

The irony is that while hiding ambition is intended to protect us from judgment, it often isolates us from the very tools, relationships, and recognition we need to succeed. Ambition thrives in visibility, accountability, and honest acknowledgment of effort.

Final thoughts Ambition is not shameful. It is a vital engine for personal and professional growth.

Hiding your effort might feel safe, but it slows progress and keeps you small. Giving yourself permission to be “seen trying” opens doors to guidance, opportunities, and genuine connections.

You do not need to wait until you have “arrived” to share your journey. Effort is not arrogance, it is evidence of courage, curiosity, and commitment.

The only people who judge effort are often those too afraid to pursue their own goals. Choosing visibility is not recklessness; it is an act of self-advocacy.

Permission to pursue your goals openly is the first step toward achieving them, and the only way to truly measure your potential is to let the world see you striving. Haika Gerson is a writer and psychology student at the University of Derby, passionate about human behaviour and mental well-being.

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Dar es Salaam. When the spotlight hits the stage and the crowd erupts in laughter, Asmah Majed, better known by her stage name, Asmaah Jamida, stands at the centre of Tanzania’s rising comedy scene, turning ordinary life into unforgettable punchlines.

Her charm and wit have made her a standout in a space still emerging, especially for women. Her journey began in 2019 while she was still in university.

“You know, back then I was the student government education minister. During my speeches, I’d sneak in a few jokes, and the crowd loved it,” she recalls.

According to her, she further added that the reactions she got over time made her realise this was something she could pursue seriously. Despite her early popularity, breaking into stand-up comedy wasn’t easy.

While many students flocked to singing, acting, or dancing, Asmah decided to forge a different path. “I noticed the results of my jokes on people around me; it was powerful.

That feedback gave me courage,” she shares. She explains that carving out a unique lane in comedy helped her stand apart, even in a competitive talent-driven environment.

Being a young, beautiful woman in a male-dominated industry brought its own challenges. “People would comment that I should do something else.

Some would even attend shows just to look at me rather than hear my jokes,” she shares with a playful smile. Yet, instead of discouraging her, these reactions boosted her confidence.

Confidence, Asmah believes, is the key barrier for many women in comedy. “If women can shed their fears and embrace confidence, we would see many more talented female comedians,” she explains.

She further adds, once you give yourself that confidence, every aspect of performing, from timing to engaging the audience, becomes easier. For Asmah, the inspiration for her jokes comes from daily life.

According to her, about 80 per cent of her content comes from everyday experiences, and the remaining 20 per cent is personal life. She believes that ordinary moments are inherently funny, and audiences deserve to see them transformed into relatable humour.

Her success also reflects the growing opportunities for women in Tanzanian comedy. “There’s a lot of room for women in this field.

I encourage young women to step forward and showcase their talent,” she shares. And it’s not just about laughter; Asmah’s shows are lucrative, reportedly earning her up to five million Tanzanian shillings per performance.

Her growing popularity has also enabled her to venture into business. Asma Staples, her entrepreneurial project, complements her comedic career while providing engaging content for her followers.

“I’m grateful my business is thriving. It also adds another layer to my online content,” she says.

Asmah’s journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and self-belief. To aspiring female comedians, she offers this advice: “You, young woman, trust in your talent, embrace every challenge, and take action.

Confidence is the most important stage you’ll ever step on,” she shares. Her words resonate as both inspiration and a call to action for the next generation of performers.

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Across generations, across borders, and across genres, African women have not only contributed to the continent’s sound, they have defined it. From the golden era of Afro-jazz and soul to the current global explosion of Afrobeats, Amapiano and Bongo Flava, these artistes have carried culture, language and identity onto the world stage, often against the odds and always with unmistakable influence.

The global torchbearers Few names command as much global reverence as Angelique Kidjo. With a career spanning over four decades, Kidjo has become one of Africa’s most decorated musicians, earning multiple Grammy Awards while seamlessly blending traditional West African sounds with funk, jazz and Latin influences.

Beyond music, her advocacy for education and women’s empowerment has positioned her as both an artist and a global cultural force. In more recent years, the rise of Afrobeats has been impossible to ignore, and women have been central to its global takeover.

Tiwa Savage, often referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” helped bridge African pop with international markets, moving effortlessly between Lagos, London and Los Angeles. Her sound, equal parts Afrobeat, RandB and pop, opened doors for a new generation of female artistes.

Among those who walked through those doors is Tems. With her distinct, atmospheric sound, Tems has redefined what African music can feel like, introspective, alternative and globally resonant.

Her collaborations with global heavyweights and her Grammy success have solidified her as one of the most important voices of her generation. While West Africa often dominates global headlines, East Africa has quietly and powerfully built its own sonic revolution.

At the forefront of this new wave is Sofia Nzau, arguably Kenya’s most internationally recognized female artist right now. Nzau’s rise is anything but conventional.

She blends electronic dance music with indigenous Kikuyu language and folk elements, creating a sound that feels both ancestral and futuristic. Her performances at global stages like Tomorrowland and collaborations with top-tier DJs including Diplo, Tiasto and Steve Aoki have positioned her at the intersection of African identity and global electronic culture.

In many ways, she represents a new frontier, one where African languages are no longer confined to traditional genres but are thriving in global club spaces. Kenya’s influence does not stop there.

Victoria Kimani has long been a key figure in Afro-pop and RandB, helping shape the region’s contemporary sound with her bold, cosmopolitan style. Meanwhile, Amani remains a foundational figure whose early hits defined East African pop in the 2000s.

Uganda, too, has seen a surge of female talent redefining the narrative. Azawi stands out for her fusion of Afrobeat, soul and traditional Ugandan rhythms.

Her music often carries themes of resilience, independence and social consciousness, reflecting the realities of a new African generation. In Tanzania, female artistes have long played a pivotal role in shaping Bongo Flava, even when the industry tilted heavily male.

Lady JayDee remains one of the genre’s most enduring and respected voices. Her ability to blend RandB with Swahili lyricism has made her a household name for over two decades.

Alongside her, Ray C brought a bold, edgy energy to early Bongo Flava, influencing a generation of artists with her fearless persona and street anthems. These women did not just make hits, they created space.

Artistes like Nakaaya Sumari expanded the boundaries even further, incorporating Afro-pop with socially conscious storytelling. Commercial success reached new heights with Vanessa Mdee, who became one of Tanzania’s most recognizable global music exports before stepping away from the industry.

Her polished sound and crossover appeal helped bring Bongo Flava to wider audiences. Meanwhile, artistes like Mwasiti have maintained a strong presence through soulful, emotionally rich music, while alternative voices such as Witness Kibonge Mwepec are pushing creative boundaries through poetry, fusion and experimental sound.

The power of groups and collaboration Beyond solo acts, female groups have also played a crucial role in shaping African music culture. Uganda’s Blu3 became a regional sensation in the early 2000s, dominating charts and redefining what a girl group could achieve in East Africa.

Their success proved that collaboration among women could be both commercially viable and culturally impactful. The new guard, current voices shaping the future As African music continues its global ascent, a new generation of female artistes is emerging, bold, experimental and unapologetically African.

Artists like Ayra Starr are bringing youthful energy and fearless storytelling to Afrobeats, while Tyla is redefining global pop through the lens of Amapiano, earning international chart success and viral acclaim. Across the continent, more women are stepping into the spotlight and reshaping the narrative.

From rising alternative voices to mainstream chart-toppers, today’s female artistes are more visible, more diverse and more influential than ever before. What sets this new wave apart is not just talent, but autonomy.

Many of these artistes are taking control of their sound, image and storytelling, challenging industry norms that once limited female expression. They are experimenting with language, blending genres and collaborating across continents, proving that African music is not a monolith but a dynamic, evolving force.

As the industry continues to evolve, African women are not just participating in the music movement, they are leading it, redefining it and ensuring its future sounds as rich and diverse as the continent itself. .

Dar es Salaam. Columbia Sportswear has officially joined the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager International Marathon, marking the start of what is expected to be a long-term partnership with one of East Africa’s most prominent sporting events.

The brand, distributed in Tanzania by Hudson Group, will participate as an Official Supporting Sponsor for the 2026 edition of the race. Speaking on the development, Hudson Group’s Marketing Manager for Sports Brands, Nicola Balbo, said the decision to partner with the marathon was driven by its strong alignment with Columbia’s outdoor heritage and global positioning.

“We have strategically chosen to support the event together with Columbia, recognising its prestige, legacy and growing international recognition,” he said. He noted that the marathon has, over the years, built a reputation as one of the region’s most respected races, attracting participants from around the world while maintaining strong community engagement.

“Its iconic setting and international appeal make it a natural fit for a brand like Columbia, which is rooted in exploration and performance in challenging environments,” he added. Mr Balbo also commended the organisers for their professionalism, saying the experience so far has been seamless.

“The level of organisation, efficiency and coordination has been impressive. Their structured approach has ensured the partnership is well aligned from the outset,” he said.

As part of its involvement, Columbia will focus on enhancing brand visibility and contributing to the overall event experience. In a move aimed at creating a lasting connection with participants, all runners will receive Columbia-branded shoulder bags.

“This is about delivering value while building meaningful engagement with both local and international audiences,” Mr Balbo said. He described this year’s participation as a foundation for deeper engagement, noting that the company will assess opportunities to expand its role in future editions, potentially including technical sponsorship aligned with Columbia’s global focus on trail running.

The marathon, scheduled for March 22 in Moshi, continues to attract elite and amateur runners alike, many of whom undergo structured training programmes to prepare for the race. Organised annually by Kilimanjaro Marathon Company Limited, the event is supported by Wild Frontiers Events, which handles international marketing and travel logistics.

Columbia’s entry into the marathon underscores its commitment to promoting endurance, resilience and the spirit of exploration–values that remain central to the brand’s identity. .

Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania Premier League leaders Young Africans (Yanga) will look to striker Emmanuel Mwanengo to lead their attack when they face Mtibwa Sugar on March 21, 2026 at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 4pm, comes at a challenging moment for the Jangwani Street giants, who are grappling with a growing injury list that has sidelined several key players across the squad. Yanga’s attacking options have been severely weakened following confirmation that their dependable striker Prince Dube will miss the encounter.

The Zimbabwean forward sustained an injury during their previous league outing against TRA United at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium, a match that ended in a goalless draw. Dube’s absence compounds an already difficult situation in the striking department.

The team is also without Clement Mzize, who is currently recovering after undergoing surgery, while Laurindo “Depu” Aurelio remains sidelined after picking up an injury in the clash against Azam FC. With three recognised strikers unavailable, the responsibility now falls heavily on Mwanengo to deliver in front of goal as Yanga seek to maintain their position at the top of the league standings.

The injury concerns extend beyond the forward line, further complicating matters for the technical bench. Key defender Dickson Job has been ruled out for more than two months, dealing a significant blow to the team’s defensive stability.

Shadrack Boka is also unavailable and is expected to be out for at least two weeks as he continues his recovery. In addition, Israel Mwenda sustained an injury in the same match against TRA United, while Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad is nursing an injury picked up during the Azam FC encounter.

Edmund John also completes the list of unavailable players, leaving Yanga with limited options as they prepare for the crucial fixture. A source within the club admitted that the situation is far from ideal, especially given the demanding schedule the team has faced in recent weeks.

“It is a blow to us because all those players are part of the first-choice squad. However, we have no option but to continue with the league programme as scheduled,” the source said.

“We must maintain our standards despite the challenges. The players are also experiencing fatigue due to the tight fixture, but we believe those available will step up and deliver.

” Despite the setbacks, Yanga remain determined to secure maximum points against Mtibwa Sugar, a side known for its resilience and ability to frustrate bigger teams. The encounter is expected to test Yanga’s squad depth and character, with Mwanengo likely to play a pivotal role in leading the attack.

His performance could prove decisive as the defending champions aim to bounce back from their recent draw and strengthen their grip at the summit of the league table. With pressure mounting and options limited, all eyes will be on Mwanengo to inspire Yanga in what promises to be a crucial fixture in Dodoma.

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Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with private sector stakeholders to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.

Government Chief Medical Officer Grace Magembe made the remarks during an Iftar networking dinner organised by the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) in Dar es Salaam. The event brought together business leaders, policymakers and health stakeholders to discuss the private sector’s role in strengthening the national health system.

Dr Magembe said partnerships with the private sector are crucial for implementing the Universal Health Insurance Act and improving access to quality healthcare across the country. “The government is ready to work with the private sector through platforms such as CEOrt to ensure universal health insurance reaches every Tanzanian,” she added.

She outlined three key pillars of the universal health coverage agenda: expanding access to healthcare services, improving affordability and ensuring quality delivery. “Universal health insurance ensures that every Tanzanian can access healthcare without facing financial hardship.

While infrastructure and services are expanding, the insurance framework ensures affordability does not prevent care,” Dr Magembe explained. She noted that about 8085 percent of the population can now reach a health facility within five kilometres.

The government continues to invest in diagnostic technologies, emergency medical services and specialised medical training to strengthen healthcare capacity. Dr Magembe said that publicprivate partnerships are central to advancing health sector reforms and improving service delivery nationwide.

“The most important resource any organisation has is its people. By investing in human capital and protecting the health of our workforce, we strengthen productivity, economic resilience and national development,” she said.

Keynote speaker, Group CEO of Strategis Insurance Tanzania Limited, Dr Flora Minja said strong health systems support social wellbeing, business continuity and economic growth. She added that companies benefit when employees are healthy, as workforce disruptions reduce output and affect retention.

Expanding health insurance coverage, she said, helps improve workforce stability and contributes to national development. Dr Minja also warned that healthcare costs are rising faster than general inflation, underlining the need for preventive systems and broader insurance coverage.

CEOrt Executive Director Santina Benson said the private sector is ready to support national health priorities through workplace programmes, insurance schemes and strategic partnerships. She noted that forums such as the Iftar engagement enable leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships and identify practical ways to improve health outcomes.

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