Category: The Citizen

Police in Mtwara Region, through the Cybercrime Unit, have arrested four suspects accused of involvement in fraud and other cyber offences across 11 regions of the country.

Mtwara Regional Police Commander Issa Suleiman told journalists on Saturday, June 4, 2026, that the suspects had been entering Mtwara at different times, where they allegedly committed fraud targeting financial service providers before relocating to other parts of the country.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) has donated medical equipment to the Neonatal Unit at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, reaffirming its commitment to community welfare through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Receiving the donation, Medical Officer in Charge Dr Alfred Mwakalebela said the hospital continues to care for a growing number of premature babies but still faces critical challenges that require support from the government and development partners.

Private school owners have been urged to reduce their reliance on tuition fees and diversify income sources to remain financially resilient amid an increasingly challenging economic environment at present.

The call was made on Saturday, July 4, 2026, by SSC Group chief executive officer Salum Awadh, who said schools that have developed multiple revenue streams are better positioned to survive financial shocks, expand operations, and improve the quality of education they offer.

Speaking ahead of a specialised training on operating profitable learning institutions scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Mr Awadh said school owners must embrace business-oriented strategies if they want their institutions to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

“Depending solely on school fees is no longer the best option. School owners need to think beyond traditional models and establish alternative sources of income that can support the growth and sustainability of their institutions,” he said.

He noted that private schools should also explore diverse financing options to fund expansion and improve cash flow management.

“Schools need to consider financing mechanisms such as venture capital, capital markets, impact investors, angel investors, private credit and other innovative funding sources to finance their growth and transformation,” he said.

The training will bring together private school owners, investors, board members, finance managers, and school administrators to discuss practical approaches to improving financial sustainability and profitability.

According to him, many private schools continue to face financial difficulties despite increasing demand for quality education, largely because of weak business models, poor cash flow management, and heavy dependence on costly borrowing.

“As an advisory firm, we have conducted assessments in a number of schools and learning institutions and found that many face similar financial and operational challenges. This training is designed to provide practical, tailor-made solutions to address those challenges,” he said.

He said participants are expected to leave with actionable strategies that will enable them to strengthen their financial management, improve profitability, and build resilient institutions capable of sustaining long-term growth.

The programme will cover topics including alternative financing options, profitability diagnosis, financial management, business challenges facing private schools, and case studies of successful education enterprises.

SSC Capital, which operates in three countries, provides advisory services in strategy, corporate finance, capital raising, asset management, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and credit rating.

A fire that broke out at around 1:30am on July 3, 2026, in cosmetics shops located in the Lumumba area of Mwanza City has been successfully contained and extinguished after more than five hours of intensive firefighting operations.

Authorities have indicated that the suspected cause of the blaze is an electrical fault, although a full investigation is still underway.

Speaking at the scene, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda confirmed that no fatalities had been reported by midnight, though significant damage had already been recorded.

He said several shops were destroyed in the incident, alongside one building that was severely affected by the fire.

Mr Mtanda further noted that security was swiftly reinforced from the onset of the incident, with officers from the Tanzania Police Force and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force ensuring that public property remained secure and that no cases of theft were reported.

However, he observed that some residents and traders moved their belongings out of panic, despite assurances that the situation was under control.

‘I received a call from a resident reporting that they had seen fire, and I immediately contacted the fire and rescue services… they responded promptly and managed to prevent the fire from spreading,’ said Mr Mtanda.

He added that emergency services had been strengthened at the scene, including the deployment of ambulances to assist any members of the public who might have suffered shock or blood pressure-related complications as a result of the incident. He also assured that the government would meet affected traders to discuss the next steps for recovery and support.

Nyamagana Member of Parliament John Nzilanyingi said the incident highlighted the urgent need for continued investment in modern firefighting equipment, noting that the situation could have been far worse without the resources currently in place.

He commended the cooperation shown by members of the public, saying some residents actively participated in rescue efforts, including breaking shop doors and assisting in directing water during the operation.

He also urged residents and business owners to adhere strictly to urban planning regulations when constructing buildings, warning that narrow access routes had, in some areas, hindered fire engines from reaching the scene with ease.

A witness, Emmanuel Mushi, described the incident as distressing, noting that the situation could have resulted in greater losses had security teams not acted swiftly, especially as cosmetics such as perfumes were exploding due to the heat.

‘What happened today is heartbreaking… we commend the rescue services and the regional government. They should continue standing with us in such disasters whenever they occur,’ he said.

More than eight fire engines took part in the operation, including those from the Fire and Rescue Force, the Tanzania Police Force, and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, jointly managing to bring the blaze under control and prevent further destruction.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RG) has said the adoption of technology in the cooperative sector will enhance transparency, accountability and financial inclusion, following the signing of a partnership agreement between Mixx by Yas and the Zanzibar Department of Cooperative Development.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as part of International Day of Cooperatives celebrations, the Minister of State in the Office of the Second Vice-President (Policy, Coordination, House of Representatives and Union Affairs), Mr Hamza Hassan, said the partnership aligns with the government’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and equipping cooperative societies with modern, secure, and efficient systems.

‘Digital transformation in the cooperative sector will strengthen transparency, enhance accountability and provide citizens with better financial services. Collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential in driving inclusive development and building a modern economy that benefits every citizen,’ he said.

The partnership is expected to benefit thousands of cooperative society members, community groups and entrepreneurs across Zanzibar by enabling digital financial management, improving transaction security and expanding access to financial services.

Mixx by Yas director of compliance, Mr Abdallah Nguba, said the collaboration lays the foundation for transformative reforms that will improve how cooperative societies manage their finances and deliver services to members through technology.

‘This partnership marks the beginning of significant reforms in the cooperative sector by improving financial management, enhancing transparency, and simplifying service delivery through technology.

Through Mixx Kikoba, members will be able to save, contribute to group funds, make payments, purchase shares, receive dividends and even apply for loans directly from their mobile phones,’ he said.

He added that cooperative societies remain a key pillar of the economy, bringing together farmers, fishers, livestock keepers and entrepreneurs, while technology will promote accountability, improve financial record-keeping, and provide reliable data to support more effective government planning and decision-making.

The agreement is also expected to accelerate the formalisation of community groups and cooperative societies, reduce reliance on cash transactions, and strengthen members’ confidence through secure and transparent digital systems.

The initiative further reinforces Mixx’s role as a strategic government partner in advancing financial inclusion and accelerating the digital economy, enabling citizens to participate more actively in Zanzibar and Tanzania’s economic development.

Shareholders of Tanzania Breweries Plc (TBL) have approved the company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, after the brewer reported strong growth in revenue and profitability.

The approvals were made during the company’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, July 2, with shareholders also participating through an online platform.

During the meeting, shareholders adopted the directors’ report, auditors’ report and audited financial statements for the 2025 financial year. They also ratified the interim dividend paid during the year and approved the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as external auditors for the financial year ending December 31, 2026.

According to the company, revenue increased by 13 percent in 2025, while operating profit rose by 35 percent, driven by strong demand for beer and spirits products, disciplined cost management, continued investment in brands and improved market execution.

The interim chairman of TBL’s board of directors, Ambassador Ami R. Mpungwe, said the AGM reaffirmed the company’s commitment to good governance, shareholder confidence and long-term value creation.

“The Annual General Meeting remains an important accountability platform for TBL. It gives shareholders a clear view of the company’s performance, governance and future direction,” he said.

He said the board remained focused on providing oversight, protecting shareholder value and supporting management as the company continues to grow while contributing to Tanzania’s economy.

TBL managing director Michelle N. Kilpin attributed the company’s performance to the strength of its brands, employees, customers and business partners across the value chain.

“Our 2025 performance was driven by strong brands, disciplined execution and the continued trust of our consumers, customers and shareholders,” she said.

She added that the company would continue investing in its brands, strengthening digital platforms, supporting local sourcing and improving operational efficiency.

Beyond its financial performance, TBL said it had continued to strengthen local value chains through increased investment in domestic production and agriculture.

The company said 2025 marked the first full year of operations at its Kilimanjaro malting plant, which has an annual capacity of 8,000 metric tonnes and supports increased use of locally sourced barley.

TBL also expanded its digital ordering systems, strengthened retailer engagement and continued supporting smallholder farmers involved in barley and sorghum production.

The company said sustainability remained central to its long-term strategy, noting that 92 percent of its packaging was either returnable or predominantly made from recycled materials during 2025.

It added that water efficiency remained at approximately 2.55 hectolitres per hectolitre of production, while efforts to promote responsible consumption and support retailer development also continued.

The board and management thanked shareholders for their continued support and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, strong brands and long-term value creation.

The AGM was held following the death of former board chairman Leonard C. Mususa on May 30, 2026. During the AGM programme, the company held a special session to honour his contribution to TBL, while Ambassador Ami R. Mpungwe continues to serve as interim board chairman.

Founded in 1933 as Tanganyika Breweries, TBL is Tanzania’s oldest brewery and currently operates breweries in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Mbeya, as well as a distillery in Dar es Salaam, a malting facility in Kilimanjaro and seven depots across the country.

African countries are set to benefit from improved health financing, stronger governance systems and better use of technology in healthcare following the launch of a new centre aimed at strengthening health systems and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) has launched the African Centre of Excellence in Health Economics and Governance (AfriCHEG), which will focus on strengthening health economics, leadership and governance through evidence-based policymaking, applied research, leadership training and modern technology.

Tanzania and Mozambique have called on African countries to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and pursue economic liberation through industrialisation, trade and investment, arguing that political independence alone is no longer enough to secure the continent’s future.

The call was made on July 3, 2026 as President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Francisco Chapo, officially opened the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, at the Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds.

The 2026 National Athletics Championships get underway today at the Filbert Bayi Grounds in Kibaha, Pwani Region, with more than 300 athletes expected to compete in one of the country’s biggest track and field events.

The two-day championships, which conclude tomorrow, will bring together athletes from all 31 regions of Mainland Tanzania as well as Zanzibar to compete in a wide range of events, including sprints, middle and long-distance races, jumps and throws.

The competition was originally scheduled for May 29 to 31 but was postponed due to logistical and administrative reasons before Athletics Tanzania (AT) announced the new dates.

Organisers say the championships will provide a platform to identify the country’s top athletics talent ahead of regional and international competitions while also promoting grassroots athletics development. Athletics Tanzania president Rogath John Stephen said preparations had been completed and expressed confidence that the host region is ready to stage a successful event.

He said the federation selected Pwani after assessing its organisational capacity, growing commitment to athletics development and ability to meet the required technical standards.

“The federation has great confidence in the athletics leadership of the Coastal Region.

Working closely with the regional sports committee and other stakeholders, we believe this year’s national championships will be staged successfully and to the required standards,” said Stephen.

This marks the second time Pwani has hosted the National Athletics Championships. The region previously staged the event in 2015 at the same Filbert Bayi Grounds.

Residents in Tanzania may soon reduce trips to health facilities for preliminary urinary tract infection (UTI) screening following the introduction of a portable home-testing kit into the local market.

The product, known as Checkfor UTI Test (pictured), is designed to enable individuals to conduct preliminary screening at home and encourage early medical intervention.