Category: The Citizen

Thousands of Young Africans (Yanga) supporters lined the streets of Tanzania’s commercial capital on Saturday, July 4, 2026 as the club celebrated its record-extending 32nd Mainland Premier League title with a victory parade following a fifth consecutive league triumph.

Fans dressed in the club’s green and yellow colours gathered around Karume, near the headquarters of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), hours before the celebrations officially began.

Singing club songs, waving flags and chanting throughout the morning, supporters turned the city centre into a festive scene as they awaited the arrival of the champions.

Yanga were officially confirmed as league champions on June 30 after finishing the 2025-26 season with 75 points, two ahead of arch-rivals Simba SC, who ended the campaign on 73 points.

The title extended Yanga’s record haul to 32 league championships since the competition began in 1965 and completed a fifth straight league crown, underlining the club’s recent dominance of Tanzanian football.

Although the club had announced that festivities would begin earlier in the day, the parade eventually set off from Karume in the afternoon with players, coaching staff and club officials travelling aboard an open-top celebration vehicle through central Dar es Salaam.

Head coach Abdihamid Moallin, who guided the club to another league title in his first season in charge, received a warm reception from supporters lining the route.

The coach waved to fans alongside members of the title-winning squad, including midfielder Maxi Mpia Nzengeli, Mohamed Damaro and Kouassi Attohoula Yao.

The players celebrated by singing, dancing and displaying the league trophy while supporters followed the convoy on foot and motorcycles, creating long stretches of green and yellow through the city’s streets.

One of the most anticipated moments of the parade came when the convoy reached Msimbazi, home to Simba SC’s headquarters and a symbolic location in one of East Africa’s biggest football rivalries.

Yanga president Hersi Said emerged from the celebration vehicle carrying five league trophies, representing the club’s run of five successive championships. His appearance drew loud cheers from Yanga supporters, who responded with songs celebrating the club’s latest achievement.

Simba supporters also gathered along sections of the route and answered with their own chants and club songs, highlighting the fierce but deeply rooted rivalry between the country’s two most successful clubs.

The exchanges remained celebratory as both sets of fans created a lively atmosphere.

For Yanga supporters, the procession through Msimbazi has become a symbolic feature of recent championship celebrations, reflecting the club’s sustained success during a period in which it has won five consecutive league titles.

Saturday’s celebrations marked another milestone for the Dar es Salaam club, which has established itself as the dominant force in Tanzanian football over the past five seasons.

The latest championship not only extended Yanga’s league record but also reinforced the consistency that has seen the club remain ahead of its closest challengers in recent years.

The parade concluded with thousands of supporters continuing celebrations across the city, capping another successful season for a club that has continued to set the standard in Tanzanian domestic football.

Yanga’s latest triumph further strengthens its position as the country’s most decorated league club, with attention now expected to turn toward preparations for the new season and another campaign in continental competition.

As fuel costs continue to account for a substantial share of mining and construction expenditure, local heavy equipment importer and assembler GF Trucks and Equipment has unveiled a range of fuel efficient machinery designed to help businesses reduce operating costs while improving productivity.

Speaking on July 3, 2026 after the company was named the Overall Best Exhibitor at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), Commercial Director Mr Salman Karmali said customers are increasingly prioritising lifetime operating costs over the initial purchase price of heavy machinery.

Rising plastic waste is emerging as both an environmental challenge and an economic opportunity in Tanzania, with local innovators developing new ways to convert discarded materials into valuable industrial products.

One such innovation at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) is giving plastic waste a second life by transforming it into high-quality motorcycle and Bajaj three-wheeler spare parts, helping to reduce pollution while advancing the country’s circular economy.

In efforts to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs in the country, the Southern Zone of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) has seized 1,776 kilogrammes of cannabis and 250 grammes of heroin during various operations conducted in Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma regions.

The operations, carried out between May 2025 and May 2026 in collaboration with security and defence agencies, also led to the destruction of 156 hectares of cannabis farms.

The details were disclosed on Friday, July 3, 2026, by DCEA Assistant Commissioner, Mr John Katabi during the Southern Zone’s commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He added that 117 suspects, including 107 men and 10 women, were arrested during the operations.

Mr Katabi said all the suspects were arraigned before the courts, where 68 cases have already been concluded, with 52 people convicted, while 49 cases are still pending.

He said the achievements reflect the government’s commitment to continuing the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, stressing that every quantity of drugs seized represents an important step towards saving young people’s lives and safeguarding the future of society.

‘Apart from the operations, the DCEA has continued educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse, reaching more than 2.5 million people through public meetings, the media, educational institutions, places of worship, markets and other community gatherings,’ he said.

Speaking during the commemoration, Mtwara District Commissioner Abdallah Mwaipaya said illicit drugs are a major enemy of economic development because they deprive the nation of its workforce, particularly young people who should be producers, innovators, and pillars of community development.

He said many families have lost property and fallen into debt while caring for victims of drug abuse, a situation that fuels poverty, dependency and undermines social wellbeing.

‘At the national level, drug abuse reduces productivity, increases healthcare and crime-related costs, and forces the government to spend substantial resources on prevention, enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation of victims,’ said Mr Mwaipaya.

“Therefore, each one of us has a responsibility to say no to illicit drugs in order to protect the economies of our families and our nation,” he added.

However, he stressed that the fight against illicit drugs cannot be left to the government alone, but requires the active participation of parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, local government leaders, young people, and society at large.

For his part, a former drug addict, Mr Hamisi Said, thanked the government for providing him with assistance that enabled him to overcome addiction and return to a normal life.

He said the education, counselling and rehabilitation services he received helped him understand the dangers of drug abuse and gave him the strength to rebuild his life.

“I had lost hope and direction in life, but through the support I received I managed to quit drug abuse, return to work and participate in community development activities,” he said.

Telecommunications company YAS has invested more than Sh1 trillion in expanding and upgrading its network infrastructure across Tanzania, as demand for high-speed internet and digital services continues to surge.

The investment, which includes the rollout of more than 4,800 telecommunications towers nationwide, aligns with Tanzania’s accelerating digital transformation agenda, with businesses, public institutions and households increasingly relying on digital connectivity for commerce, financial services, education and communication.

Simba SC finally ended their four-season wait for silverware after edging Azam FC 1-0 to lift the CRDB Federation Cup at Gombani Stadium in Pemba on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The victory marked Simba’s first major domestic trophy since the 2021/22 season, bringing to an end a period in which arch-rivals Young Africans (Yanga) dominated the competition.

Yanga had won the Federation Cup for four consecutive seasons before their reign came to an end this year following a dramatic 3-2 semifinal defeat to Azam FC at CCM Kirumba Stadium on June 21.

With the defending champions out of the way, Simba seized their opportunity to reclaim silverware and cap off a season of resurgence.

The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute when Azam defender Yahya Zayd inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross delivered by Congolese winger Ellie Mpanzu. The own goal proved enough to separate the two sides in a tightly contested final.

Azam’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a major setback minutes later when midfielder Feisal Salum received a straight red card after elbowing Simba striker Libasse Gueye. Reduced to ten men, Azam found it increasingly difficult to create meaningful chances as Simba comfortably managed the closing stages.

The final had begun cautiously, with both teams showing defensive discipline in a physical first half that produced few clear-cut opportunities. Midfield battles dominated proceedings as neither side was willing to take unnecessary risks before the break.

However, Simba showed greater urgency after halftime, eventually forcing the mistake that handed them the breakthrough before maintaining their composure to secure the trophy.

The triumph represents a significant milestone for head coach Steve Barker, who has transformed the team’s fortunes since taking charge midway through the season.

Speaking after the match, Barker credited the club’s leadership for standing behind the team during a challenging campaign.

“I would like to thank our president Mohamed Dewji, the board and everyone at the club for the trust and support they have given us. This trophy is a reward for the hard work of the players, technical bench and the entire Simba family,” said Barker.

The title also provides Simba supporters with long-awaited celebrations after watching Yanga dominate domestic football over the past four years.

Beyond ending the trophy drought, the Federation Cup success restores belief within the Msimbazi Street club as it looks to build on the achievement heading into the 2026/27 season.

For Azam FC, the defeat will be difficult to accept after eliminating defending champions Yanga in the semifinals, only to fall at the final hurdle against a determined Simba side eager to bring silverware back to the club.

The East African Community (EAC) has urged citizens across the region to play an active role in advancing a new strategic direction introduced by the East African Kiswahili Commission (KAKAMA), aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of the Kiswahili language.

The Commission has adopted the new approach as part of efforts to drive innovation and strengthen the language through its Third International Kiswahili Conference, which begins on Sunday, July 5, 2026, ahead of the commemoration of World Kiswahili Language Day on July 7. Both events will be held in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Speaking to journalists in Bujumbura on Saturday, July 4, Executive Secretary Dr Caroline Asiimwe said all EAC partner states should participate fully in achieving the Commission’s vision of promoting Kiswahili through artificial intelligence and multilingual technologies, in line with this year’s theme.

She said the Commission’s new agenda prioritises investment, innovation and regional collaboration as the key drivers of Kiswahili’s future growth.

Dr Asiimwe called for increased investment in areas such as companies producing Kiswahili digital content powered by artificial intelligence, the development of innovative language technologies and stronger regional partnerships to accelerate innovation.

“I urge East Africans to contribute in every possible way, particularly through investment, innovation and collaboration,” she said.

She also called on policymakers across EAC member states to seize the opportunity by introducing and strengthening policies that promote the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in the development and use of Kiswahili.

Dr Asiimwe invited people from all sectors across the East African region to take part in the conference, either by attending the sessions in person or following the proceedings online.

She noted that the conference coincides with the 10th anniversary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, marking a decade since its establishment.

Dr Asiimwe further encouraged East Africans to celebrate the Commission’s achievements over the past ten years and to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Kiswahili as a language of regional integration, education, innovation and sustainable development.

More than 54 shops have been destroyed and 23 others saved after a major fire broke out in the Lumumba area of Mwanza City, burning for about 14 hours before being contained at around 4am.

Mwanza Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Elisa Mugisha, said on Saturday, July 4, 2026, that the fire started at about 7pm on Friday, July 3, 2026, and was brought under control in the early hours of Saturday, July 4, 2026.

He said two buildings housing a total of 77 shops were affected, with most of the businesses, particularly cosmetics outlets, heavily damaged.

‘The two buildings had about 77 shops, but 54 were destroyed, meaning about 23 shops were saved. Some were completely burnt, while others were partially damaged and traders managed to salvage some goods,’ he said.

Residents reported loud explosions throughout the night, thick smoke and a strong smell of burning cosmetics, which made firefighting operations more difficult and hazardous.

Mr Mugisha said firefighters had to proceed with extreme caution to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent structures.

‘We found the fire very intense. It had spread through the upper floors and even crossed to the next street, from Lumumba Street to Lwagasore Street. We first focused on preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings because they are interconnected and used for business,’ he said.

He said one of the major challenges was the structure of the buildings, as nearly all shops had upper floors used as storage areas where the fire spread unnoticed and continued burning.

‘Another challenge is that almost all shops have upper floors used as storage, and that is where the fire was most severe. Fighting a fire in such areas is very difficult,’ he said, adding that the type of goods stored worsened the situation.

‘Most of the products sold there, cosmetics such as perfumes, are highly flammable and can explode when exposed to heat, so there were many and very large explosions,’ he said.

Due to the explosions, firefighters would often contain one section only for the blaze to re-ignite elsewhere, prolonging the operation.

Despite the difficulties, fire and rescue teams working together with police and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) managed to save several nearby buildings.

‘We thank God that although the fire spread from one building to another, we managed to save about four neighbouring buildings that were at risk,’ he said.

No injuries or deaths were reported, with both firefighters and civilians involved in the operation escaping safely.

‘We are grateful that there were no human casualties, no injuries or deaths. Our firefighters and members of the public all came out safely,’ he said.

On security, Mr Mugisha said isolated incidents of theft were reported outside the main affected area.

‘We do not have many cases of theft. The few complaints are from those who had moved their goods outside,’ he said.

He added that investigations into the cause of the fire and the extent of losses were ongoing.

‘The fire lasted about 14 hours. After investigations, we will determine the cause and the total losses,’ he said.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said police had increased security in the area to prevent looting.

‘The security of people’s property and traders in this area is assured. Police officers are on patrol,’ he said.

He added that officers had been deployed across all affected zones to deter any attempted theft.

‘Those who may have intended to loot did not get the opportunity. We have ensured they are contained,’ he said.

Currently, traders are retrieving their goods from the affected buildings under police supervision, while those whose shops were not affected have been encouraged to continue normal business operations.

Mwanza Regional Traders Association Secretary Khamis Muhere said more than 30 traders were directly affected.

‘Our preliminary estimate is that over 30 traders have been affected. Their shops and all goods have been completely destroyed,’ he said.

An eyewitness, Mr Gerald Juma, said the fire was difficult to control because it continued burning beneath the shops.

‘The first building to catch fire was the initial one. Tanesco (The Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited) were called and came to switch off electricity and managed to control it briefly before leaving. The fire had already spread to goods stored below. When they left, it flared up again,’ he said.

One of the victims, Ms Mary Stephano, said the incident should serve as a lesson to traders and property owners on the importance of proper planning and insurance.

‘Property owners should consider proper building plans because business spaces here are very congested. People should also take insurance,’ she advised.

A growing push towards cleaner and more accessible urban transport is being accompanied by rapid expansion in asset financing, with Watu Credit Tanzania reporting that it has funded more than 13,000 gas-powered Tuktuks and introduced several hundred electric units in recent years.

The company says the financing model has enabled thousands of young Tanzanians to enter the transport sector, though it also reflects a broader shift towards income-generation lending tied to specific assets rather than traditional unsecured credit.

Speaking at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, Acting General Manager Seuri Kuoko said the firm’s strategy has centred on linking credit to productive tools such as motorcycles, three-wheelers and smartphones, which borrowers are expected to use to generate income while repaying loans.

‘We have spent the past five years focusing on solutions that create economic opportunities rather than simply providing loans,’ he said.

Mr Kuoko said Watu Credit has disbursed more than Sh700 billion over the period, financing over 30,000 motorcycles and Tuktuks in total, alongside smartphone loans aimed at expanding digital access.

He said more than 13,000 gas-powered Tuktuks have been financed to date, with between 400 and 500 electric three-wheelers introduced as part of an emerging shift towards cleaner transport, which the company says it intends to scale up.

The model allows customers to make an initial deposit before repaying the balance over time, after which ownership is transferred, a structure the company describes as central to its approach to financial inclusion.

However, the reliance on asset-backed lending also places borrowers in a position where income stability is closely tied to daily earnings from transport services, a sector often affected by fuel costs, maintenance expenses and fluctuating demand.

Mr Kuoko said the firm also provides support in cases where borrowers face disruption.

‘If a customer’s motorcycle is damaged, we assist them in getting it repaired so they can return to work and continue earning an income,’ he said.

Beyond financing, the company runs training programmes in financial literacy, credit management, road safety and responsible borrowing, aimed at improving repayment discipline and business sustainability among clients.

On the environmental front, Mr Kuoko said the introduction of electric Tuktuks aligns with broader national efforts to promote cleaner mobility, although the sector is still at an early stage of adoption compared to fuel-powered alternatives.

An exhibitor, Ali Mchongwe, said access to financing had enabled him to enter the transport business after lacking sufficient capital to purchase a vehicle outright.

‘I obtained a Tuktuks through Watu, and it has given me the opportunity to earn an income by providing transport services,’ he said.

He said the repayment structure allows individuals with limited savings to start small businesses, gradually working towards full ownership of the asset.

‘If you honour the loan agreement and complete your repayments, the vehicle becomes yours and you continue growing your business,’ he said.

As Tanzania continues to promote youth employment and cleaner transport solutions, the expansion of asset-based financing is likely to remain a key feature of the informal transport economy, even as questions persist around affordability, long-term sustainability and the resilience of borrowers in a volatile income sector.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has set aside Sh15 billion for the development of a cultural village, aimed at preserving and promoting the islands’ rich cultural heritage.

The project is expected to showcase Zanzibar’s traditional arts, music, architecture and cultural practices, while also strengthening cultural tourism and creating space for the growth of creative industries.

Speaking during the award night, the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture, Arts and Sports in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ), Dr. Riziki Pembe Juma, said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the cultural economy and expanding opportunities for artists, performers and cultural practitioners across the islands.

‘I had to confirm this so that you can see the light or a solution to the challenges of venues and our cultural activities,’ she said.

The cultural village will also serve as a venue for entertainment and cultural events, providing a dedicated space for performances, festivals, exhibitions and community gatherings.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to address long-standing challenges facing the cultural sector, including access to proper venues and infrastructure.

Dr. Juma further stressed the need for sustainable support systems for creatives beyond major events such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), noting that young filmmakers, scriptwriters and directors require continued engagement and opportunities.

‘ZIFF is very big and well-known, but these young artists, scriptwriters and film directors need ZIFF’s support beyond festival days. What you do during those five days is important, but then what? What’s there after ZIFF?’

Her remarks underscored the importance of strengthening year-round cultural platforms to ensure that festivals translate into long-term development for the creative industry in Zanzibar.