Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. In the world of insurance and risk management, where decisions can shape livelihoods and corporate reputations alike, firmness and fairness must walk hand in hand.

For Coltide Luhwago, a seasoned Claims Manager at Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited, with more than 15 years of experience, that delicate balance has defined both her profession and her personal philosophy. Her journey from a temporary operations clerk to a respected leader in claims and compliance is a testament to resilience, integrity and the belief that, as she puts it, “when you give your time, your knowledge and your support to others, you also gain growth for yourself.

” When Coltide joined her company in March 2007, she did so as a temporary operations clerk. At the time, she held only a higher secondary education qualification.

“Those early days as a period of quiet learning. “I was determined to observe, to listen and to understand how the organisation worked.

Within a year, she secured permanent employment, yet she knew that job security alone was not enough,” she recall. Recognising the importance of education, she enrolled at university and pursued a bachelor’s degree in Insurance and Risk Management between 2009 and 2012. Balancing work and studies demanded discipline, sacrifice and patience.

“There were evenings when I was exhausted, but I kept reminding myself that education would open doors,” she says. That decision proved pivotal.

Armed with academic knowledge to complement her practical experience, new opportunities began to emerge,” she says. In 2015, she moved into the Finance Department as a Claims Officer.

The role placed her at the centre of evaluating company liability, coordinating with legal teams and ensuring that both insurance and non-insurance claims were handled fairly. By 2017, she was appointed Acting Claims Manager, and once again she returned to university, this time to pursue a master’s degree in Insurance and Actuarial Science, she believed she had to grow academically if she wanted to lead professionally.

Her commitment bore fruit in 2018 when she became a full Claims Manager. Today, Coltide oversees complex claims processes, nurtures strong client relationships and safeguards the company’s reputation.

According g her, leadership is rooted in responsibility. A claim is not just paperwork, it is someone’s loss, someone’s hardship, must treat it with care and honesty.

Over the years, certain experiences have shaped her professional journey. She has led complex investigations, especially those involving litigation and significant financial losses.

These cases required meticulous attention to detail and close collaboration with legal firms and finance teams. “Working across departments helped me see how risk and compliance are not obstacles to business, but foundations of it.

One of the turning points in her career was introducing claims automation within her organisation. By streamlining processes and improving accuracy, she reduced claims cycle times significantly.

“Technology did not replace people; it empowered us to work better and serve clients faster. The transformation strengthened both organisational performance and her confidence as a leader,” she says.

Claims management demands both firmness and empathy and believes empathy does not mean agreeing with every claimant. “Empathy means listening and explaining clearly, even when the outcome is not favourable,” she explains.

Coltide emphasises on consistent application of policies to ensure fairness adding that if one applies rules differently, it creates distrust. Consistency protects both the customer and the company.

Her leadership style is principled and transparent. She leads with clarity, setting expectations early and explaining decisions carefully.

Within her team, she encourages compassion, active listening and continuous learning. “A good leader equips her team with knowledge and confidence, not fear,” she says.

In high-pressure situations, she models calm decision-making, believing that composure inspires confidence. There are principles she refuses to compromise.

Integrity stands above all. “Every claim must be handled honestly, with no shortcuts or favouritism,” she insists.

Fairness follows closely, requiring equal treatment regardless of the claimant’s status. Transparency in documentation ensures accountability, while respect remains essential even when claims must be denied.

“You can say no with dignity,” she adds. Coltide believes more women are needed in claims, compliance and risk management roles.

She argues that women bring diverse perspectives and strengthen ethical decision-making. “Women often balance risk with empathy, and that combination is powerful in these fields,” she says.

Increasing representation, she believes, ensures that leadership reflects the diversity of the workforce and the clients served. She admits that being a woman has sometimes influenced how her authority was perceived.

“There were moments when my expertise was questioned more than my male colleagues’,” she says calmly. Instead of reacting defensively, she relied on professionalism and results.

“I focused on doing my job well, communicating clearly and delivering outcomes. Respect followed.

” Maintaining integrity in high-stakes claims cases is a daily commitment. She adheres strictly to ethical standards and ensures decisions are evidence-based.

“Transparency builds trust. When people understand why a decision is made, they accept it more easily,” she says.

Clear documentation and open communication protect both the claimant and the company. Beyond her formal role, Coltide has mentored women within her organisation.

She provides guidance, advocates for their ideas and encourages them to take on challenging assignments. “Sometimes women doubt their readiness, so I remind them that growth happens outside comfort zones,” she says.

By creating safe spaces for dialogue, she helps them build confidence and visibility. Her company has introduced programmes to support women’s leadership, including training, networking and inclusive recruitment policies.

Flexible working arrangements have also helped women balance professional and personal responsibilities. “Policies matter, but real change comes when leaders actively support women’s progress,” she says.

To reduce claims cycle times while maintaining customer satisfaction, Coltide streamlined workflows, introduced technology and improved communication with stakeholders. Proactive case management and early resolution of issues have shortened turnaround times.

Yet she insists that efficiency must not overshadow empathy. “Clients must feel informed and respected throughout the process,” she says.

For women aspiring to enter insurance, compliance or risk management, her advice is practical. Build technical expertise, pursue continuous learning and seek mentors.

“Confidence grows from knowledge and preparation,” she says. Networking, she adds, opens doors and offers guidance through challenges.

“Trust your voice and never underestimate your potential.” Looking ahead, Coltide envisions stronger representation of women in corporate risk and decision-making spaces.

She advocates mentorship programmes, inclusive hiring and leadership development opportunities. “When women are present at decision-making tables, organisations become more balanced and resilient,” she says.

Her story reflects the spirit of “Give to Gain, Elevate Her Rise.” By investing in education, mentoring others and upholding fairness and transparency, she has shown that leadership is not about personal recognition alone.

“When one woman rises, she must lift others with her,” she says with conviction. From a temporary clerk to a trusted Claims Manager, Coltide journey is proof that persistence, integrity and generosity of spirit can transform both a career and a community.

In lifting others, she continues to rise and her rise lights the path for many more women to follow. .

Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank has launched a promotional campaign dubbed “Fainali Ndo Mpango na TemboCard Visa”, through which 10 lucky winners will receive tickets to travel and watch matches of the FIFA World Cup in the United States and Canada.

The World Cup tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Speaking during the launch of the campaign today, March 13, 2026, CRDB Bank Director of Retail Banking, Bonaventura Paul said customers only need to make at least 30 transactions using a TemboCard Visa to qualify for the promotional draw.

He explained that customers can use TemboCard Visa debit, prepaid, or credit cards to pay for goods and services, and each transaction automatically enters them into the draw. According to Bonaventura, among the 10 winners, four will travel to the United States to watch the World Cup final, while six will go to Canada to watch group stage matches.

CRDB Bank will cover all travel expenses for the winners, including travel arrangements. In addition to the grand prizes, another 10 participants will win an 85-inch modern television set and a decoder.

Three draws will be conducted during the campaign. The first draw on April 4 will select four winners for the final match trip and three winners of the 85-inch televisions and decoder prizes.

The second draw on May 12 will produce three winners for the trip to the Canada group stage and three television prize winners. The final draw on June 11 will select three additional winners for the Canada trip and four television prize winners.

Paul said the campaign aims to encourage customers to increase the use of TemboCard Visa for digital payments. He noted that football brings people together around the world regardless of nationality, language, or culture, and the bank wanted to give its customers an opportunity to be part of the global excitement of the world’s most popular sport.

Bonaventura added that as the world increasingly shifts toward digital payment systems, Tanzanians should embrace the change to benefit from opportunities in global trade. Meanwhile, Visa Regional Director for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda Victor Makere said the partnership with CRDB Bank aims to integrate Tanzanians into digital payment systems and make online transactions easier.

He noted that the global reliance on cash is decreasing and that the partnership is providing customers with a secure, convenient, and more efficient way to make payments both in person and online. .

Dar es Salaam. The College of Business Education (CBE) is set to expand its student intake as its new ten-storey Weights and Measures building nears completion, with the facility now 93 percent finished.

The announcement came during an inspection by Deodatus Mwanyika, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock, on 12 March 2026. He praised the pace of construction, citing strong supervision and professionalism. “The new building will significantly increase the college’s capacity to accommodate the growing number of students,” Mr Mwanyika said.

He also urged the college to strengthen programmes in entrepreneurship and business-related fields, describing them as critical for graduates entering the self-employment market. Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dennis Londo, noted that the project is funded under the 2025/26 government budget and will host more than 4,000 students at a time once completed.

He added that the facility will serve as a specialised centre for training in marketing and other commercial disciplines vital to Tanzania’s industrial development. CBE Rector, Prof Edda Lwoga, said the project, launched on 25 May 2023, has already transformed academic delivery at the college.

“The building will expand admission opportunities for students in business and entrepreneurship programmes, including short professional courses that are currently in high demand by the private sector,” she said. The new facility marks a major milestone in CBE’s drive to modernise business education and provide practical training that prepares graduates for both local and international markets.

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Dar es Salaam. Weeks after calling for stronger youth participation in environmental action, Tanzanian rapper and ecosystem restoration advocate Frida Amani has taken her message directly to students, launching a secondary school outreach programme that blends music mentorship with environmental education.

The initiative comes as a continuation of her recent push for youth-led environmental engagement, following discussions with government leaders on empowering young people to take an active role in restoring ecosystems and protecting natural resources. “Young people are not just the future but are active agents of change today, and empowering them with knowledge and creativity is key to restoring and protecting our environment,” said Frida Amani during her visit to Abbas Tarimba secondary school in Kinondoni yesterday.

Now, the artiste is translating those conversations into grassroots action. Earlier this year, Frida Amani emphasised that young people are not only the future but a present force capable of driving environmental change, highlighting the need for increased awareness among children and youth.

Her latest school tour reflects that vision in practice. Visiting secondary schools across the country, the rapper engages students through interactive sessions that combine live performances, creative workshops and discussions about climate responsibility.

The programme encourages students to see creativity and environmental stewardship as interconnected forms of expression and leadership. Students are invited to participate in music showcases, freestyle sessions and spoken-word performances, many centred around themes of environmental conservation, community responsibility and sustainability.

Beyond awareness, the outreach also serves as a talent discovery platform. The Hiphop artiste and her team are identifying promising young artistes while simultaneously selecting “environment champions” students who demonstrate leadership in promoting eco-friendly practices within their respective schools.

Participants are encouraged to initiate environmental clubs, tree-planting activities and recycling campaigns, reinforcing the idea that change can begin within school communities. During a recent visit to Abbas Tarimba Secondary School in Kinondoni District, the artiste carried out both environmental and creative activities with students.

In collaboration with The Amani Foundation and Live to Save Foundation, Frida Amani planted 50 trees and provided education on the importance of protecting the environment. “We also selected young talents to collaborate with me on an environmental song and identified five environment champions who will serve as ambassadors within the school.

” The initiative aligns with the broader mission of the Amani Foundation, which the artiste introduced earlier as part of her efforts to mobilise youth around environmental restoration and awareness programmes. Frida Amani’s school outreach highlights a growing shift within Tanzania’s creative industry, where artistes are increasingly using their platforms to address social and environmental challenges.

By stepping into classrooms rather than concert stages alone, as first-ever Advocate for Ecosystem Restoration by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Hiphop artiste is positioning music as both inspiration and education, a tool capable of shaping attitudes and empowering young voices. For many students, the visits represent more than entertainment, they offer mentorship, exposure and a reminder that artistic talent can coexist with social responsibility.

As the tour continues, the initiative is expected to expand to more regions, potentially uncovering the next generation of musicians while nurturing environmentally conscious youth leaders and turning advocacy into action, one school at a time. .

Mbeya. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has warned fishers operating along the shores of Lake Nyasa to take precautionary measures following forecasts of thunderstorms and strong winds that could cause accidents or capsize fishing vessels.

The warning was issued by the authority’s Southern Highlands Zone, which also urged residents living in low-lying areas to remain vigilant as continuous rainfall increases the risk of flooding. Speaking on Friday, March 13, 2026, the zone manager, Elius Lipiki, said the ongoing late-season rains may intensify over the weekend.

“Forecasts show that heavy rains are expected towards the end of the week, particularly on Sunday, before easing on Monday, March 16. However, we urge residents in low-lying areas and fishers to take necessary precautions,” he said. Mr Lipiki said that persistent rains have made the lake waters rough and muddy, conditions that pose a threat to fishing activities.

“The lake has become turbulent due to strong winds and thunderstorms, which could lead to accidents or the capsizing of fishing vessels,” he said. He said that rivers flowing into the lake are carrying large volumes of muddy water, making the lake turbid and affecting fish availability and fishing operations.

The official also cautioned parents against allowing children under the age of five to cross risky areas such as streams, drainage channels and large rivers during the rainy period. “We call upon parents to ensure children are safely escorted to school or helped to cross hazardous areas during this rainy season,” he said.

At the same time, Mr Lipiki encouraged farmers to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions to tend to their crops, although he noted that the construction sector has been affected, with some projects slowing down due to the rains. Fish prices rise Meanwhile, fishers at Matema area in Kyela District say the situation on the lake has disrupted fishing activities and driven up the price of sardines (dagaa).

One of the fishers, Festo Wille, said muddy waters have made it difficult to catch fish and dagaa. “Right now the situation is bad.

Fish products are hardly available because of the dirty water conditions, which has led to a rise in prices,” he said. He noted that the price of dagaa packed in a 20-litre plastic container has increased from Sh20,000 to Sh50,000, while supplies have become scarce.

“Fishers with modern boats are the ones managing to operate. Those of us using traditional canoes are facing serious economic difficulties,” he said.

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Kigoma. Six health workers from the Health Department of the Kigoma District Council have died after the boat in which they were travelling capsised on Lake Tanganyika.

The workers were travelling from Kigoma Town to Kagunga Village to provide vaccination services when the accident occurred. Reports indicate that the boat overturned after strong winds generated large waves on the lake.

Speaking at the scene on Friday, March 13, 2026, Kigoma Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Mr Michael Maganga said the incident occurred at around 8am near Kalalangabo Village in Kigoma District. Mr Maganga said six people had been confirmed dead and their bodies recovered, while three others who were on board the vessel remained missing.

Search operations were still under way. He said that nine other passengers were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at Maweni Regional Referral Hospital in Kigoma.

According to Mr Maganga, strong winds that generated large waves caused the boat to overturn. An eyewitness who participated in the rescue effort, Mr Habibu Ibrahim, said they saw the vessel being pushed by strong winds before it capsised.

Mr Ibrahim said that at the time of the incident they had just left the mosque and were sitting outside when they noticed the boat approaching that part of the lake while attempting to escape the strong winds. “After a short while we saw it capsise and sink.

We took nearby canoes and rushed about 40 metres from the shore to begin rescuing those who were on board,” said Mr Ibrahim, who is the chairman of Ziwani Sub-village. He said that some of the victims were trapped inside the boat and were unable to escape quickly because of the tarpaulin covering the vessel, while many of them did not know how to swim.

Kigoma Regional Commissioner Mr Simon Sirro visited the scene and conveyed his condolences to the leadership of the Kigoma District Council and the families of the deceased. He said the government stands with those affected by the tragedy and will provide the necessary assistance, while stressing the importance of observing weather forecasts and ensuring the safety of vessels operating on the lake.

Mr Sirro said the incident should serve as a lesson to all stakeholders to strengthen safety measures along the Lake Tanganyika basin. .

A man likes it in the bar because it’s the place he can play the boss, even when he’s generally mtu wa vivi hivi like Wa Muyanza. For many among us, wives have stopped being wives, they’ve become mere partners, equal partners.

Or even superior partners in the ndoa union. Our forefathers were considered demigods by our mothers, the kind of wives who’d say sorry even when it’s her baba watoto who has made a fool of himself.

When the husband breaks a cup because his hand is shaking since he hasn’t recovered from the effects of last night’s overindulgence in beer, the wife rushes to pick up the pieces, saying, ‘Samahani, mume wangu!’ But that’s the wife from yesteryear, Mwaka wa 47. The type whose sweet behaviour would motivate the husband to rush home to enjoy their solace and comfort after a day of slaving for an overdemanding, thankless boss. Or colleagues who dismiss your commitment to hard work as nothing but uchawa! Kitojo, or Kito, to his close associates, is a frequent drinking buddy of mine.

Kito says he prefers to spend his free hours in bars because wahudumu are friendly and courteous. “The wahudumu are a far cry from the overbearing wives of ours”, he says.

He admits that he loves the treatment he receives from his favourite mhudumu at Family Lightness, who refers to him as “baby”, “husband” and other endearing names that make him feel like “a real man”. “Why don’t you ask your legally married wife to call you such sweet names?” You ask Kito.

He says he has appealed to her to do that, but she has rubbished him, arguing that they are too grown-up to call each other silly things like ‘darling’, ‘honey’ or ‘baby’. “When I call my wife ‘honey’, she retorts, ‘Acha ujinga!'” Kito hails Lightness, who is a short distance from us, so she can bring us a round in reciprocation to the beer I ordered him after he joined me.

When I advise him to give his order to Mercy, who has been attending to me ahead of his arrival, he says no. “Only lightness serves me properly here,” Kito insists.

“Hello, my darling husband. What can I do for you?” ‘Lightness’, says coyly, parting Kito softly on the shoulder.

Responds Kito while looking at Lightness straight in the eye, “Get us one-one, and of course, you may have one also.” The girl is soon back with our drinks, including a Fanta for herself.

“Hey, baby, aren’t you having a beer?” “No, honey; but I would like to eat somethingis it okay, honey?” “Anything you want, Lightnessanything,” says Kito. Kito says he feels good when a woman treats him like a king.

“That’s not possible from the kind of wives we have today,” he asserts. “But”, I say to my friend, “today’s woman is liberatedshe’s as educated as any man around, and there are even those who’ve more money than their husbandswhat do you say about that?” According to Kito, it doesn’t matter how much a woman is educated or how much money she has.

“A husband must remain the boss; he must be respected in total by his wife, no matter what!” Ha! Ha! Ha! .

Dar es Salaam. As the world marks World Sleep Day on March 13, 2026, health experts and researchers are urging people to recognise the importance of quality sleep for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Specialists say sleep is a fundamental component of human life, comparable to proper nutrition and regular physical exercise. However, many people around the world continue to neglect sleep despite its crucial role in maintaining health and productivity.

Global statistics indicate that between 50 million and 70 million people suffer from some form of sleep disorder. Among the most common conditions are insomnia and sleep apnoea.

Sleep deprivation may occur due to pain, illness, environmental factors or self-imposed habits such as staying up late using mobile phones or engaging in other activities. According to health experts, insufficient sleep can impair brain function, reduce the ability to think clearly and make decisions, and increase the risk of several health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

It may also lead to reduced productivity at work and memory loss. Studies further show that long-term sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood of becoming overweight and weaken the body’s immune system.

Health specialists recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. During sleep, the body undergoes important restorative processes, including repairing cells, restoring energy and helping the brain organise memories and information gathered throughout the day.

Deep sleep also allows the brain to remove metabolic waste that may be linked to neurological conditions such as memory loss. Given the importance of sleep, experts advise the public to adopt good sleep hygiene practices to ensure adequate rest.

Recommended measures include maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule, engaging in physical exercise during the day, limiting caffeine intake before bedtime and creating a comfortable sleeping environment. However, global research–including a 2024 systematic review published on PubMed–indicates that approximately 16.2 percent of adults worldwide suffer from insomnia, representing more than 852 million people.

A study conducted by the US-based company Amerisleep shows that 70 percent of Generation Z youths experience sleep difficulties, largely due to financial uncertainty, rising living costs and economic instability. Many young people report feeling overwhelmed by financial planning, budgeting and saving.

Concerns about paying rent, meeting daily expenses and maintaining job security often contribute to anxiety that interferes with sleep. Instead of resting, some spend long hours on their phones or watching television in an attempt to distract themselves from stress, which ultimately worsens sleep problems.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that about one-third of adults do not get sufficient sleep, a situation linked to higher risks of obesity, heart disease, depression, accidents and injuries. Speaking to The Citizen, Sebastian Manase, a resident of Dodoma, said relationship challenges and financial difficulties have affected his sleep.

“I have spent about a month going to bed around 2am or 3am thinking about my relationship problems and lack of a stable income,” he said. Similarly, Amina Mbwambo from Dar es Salaam said she often spends hours online, especially on TikTok, scrolling through videos–particularly when she has no classes the following day.

“Sometimes I end up sleeping at 1am or 2am. When I wake up, I often have headaches and it becomes difficult to wake up early if I have something to do,” she said.

A study published in the journal Neurology found that chronic insomnia may increase the risk of memory problems and accelerate brain ageing by approximately 3.5 years.

Another study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed that using phones or other screens in bed increases the risk of insomnia by 59 percent and reduces overall sleep duration. Medical practitioner from Zanzibar, Dr Daudi Emmanuel said sleep loss may be caused by a range of factors including illness, academic pressure, financial stress or bereavement.

“The approach to helping someone experiencing stress is different from treating someone with a medical condition or someone who stays awake late using a mobile phone,” he said. He advised people experiencing persistent thoughts at night to improve their sleeping environment by keeping bedrooms clean, quiet and properly lit, and by adopting relaxing routines such as reading before bedtime.

“Those whose sleep problems are caused by stress should seek help from psychologists, while individuals suffering from pain or illness should consult medical professionals,” he added. According to the World Sleep Society, World Sleep Day is observed in more than 70 countries through conferences, public awareness campaigns and educational activities aimed at promoting sleep health.

The event provides health professionals, researchers and communities with an opportunity to discuss sleep challenges and explore solutions to sleep-related problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Experts advise individuals who experience long-term sleep problems to seek medical consultation for proper diagnosis and treatment.

They also recommend limiting the use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, televisions and computers at least one hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle. Neurosurgeon Dr Mugisha Clement from Aga Khan Hospital said adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, noting that modern lifestyles and stress are among the leading causes of sleep deprivation.

“People who drink coffee or tea before bedtime may find it difficult to fall asleep. Likewise, those who spend late hours using phones or watching films may struggle to sleep,” he said.

“When a person sleeps, the brain rests. Upon waking, they are able to think clearly and remain active at work.

Lack of sleep, however, leads to fatigue, headaches, reduced concentration and poor work performance.” He urged individuals experiencing persistent sleep problems to consult a doctor or psychologist for professional guidance and support.

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Paris Fashion Week 20262027 arrives with its usual fanfare, drawing designers, celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. This season, Tanzania’s renowned Bongo Flava artiste Nandy makes waves at the event, captivating global audiences with her unique blend of music and fashion.

Wearing Emanuel Ungaro’s designs, the African Princess shares that attending the fashion week fulfils a long-time dream. “Emanuel Ungaro has already said I’m the one! My dream of wearing his designs has come true! “Classic brand for classic people,” she says.

Her outfits, carefully curated from international designers, demonstrate her keen eye for style and her ability to make a statement without words. Nandy shares her excitement with fans, writing, ‘We are breaking through.

My first ever runway show I attend, I leave like this.” She also recalls the thrilling moment when one of Paris’ top designers personally asked to dress her for runway shows, asking fans, “One of the top designers in Paris is assigned to dress me for my runway shows.

Which one do you think I chose? Her posts capture not just glamour, but also the sense of achievement and pride that comes with representing African talent on a global stage. Born Faustina Charles Mfinanga, Nandy has built a formidable career in East African music over the past decade.

She rose to prominence with chart-topping hits such as “Aibu”, “Kivuruge”, and “Ninogeshe”, cementing her status as one of Tanzania’s most influential musical talents. In recent years, she has collaborated with top regional artistes, releasing tracks like “Dah!” featuring Alikiba, “Sweety” with Jux, and her 2026 single “Asante”, praised for its fusion of traditional Bongo Flava rhythms with modern pop sensibilities.

Nandy’s music, like her fashion, reflects a balance of cultural pride and contemporary appeal, resonating with audiences across Africa and beyond. Her presence at Paris Fashion Week underscores the growing influence of African artists on global entertainment and fashion.

Historically, African representation in major fashion capitals has been limited, but stars like Nandy are changing that narrative. Fans flock to her social media pages to share their admiration.

One fan writes, “No matter where you are from, your dream is valid, and you can sit among the stars. I am very happy for you, Nandy.

” Another says, “Nandy, you make us proud. Everything you do is fabulous, glamorous, and chic.

I love every part of you. A round of applause for you.

” Yet another comments, “Congratulations, Madam Nandy. We are proud to be represented by Tanzania.

Attending a fashion show in Paris is a great achievement.” The French capital continues to cement its reputation as the ultimate stage for creativity, where tradition meets innovation and every runway tells a story.

The week opens with a spectacular mix of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and avant-garde collections. Celebrities and global influencers grace the front rows, adding glamour and international attention.

Stars like Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, South Africa’s Tyla, and Nandy turn heads in statement pieces, often highlighting designers who push cultural and stylistic boundaries. This year Tyla turns heads with a one-of-a-kind top by designer Simon Carle.

“It is a temporary tattoo, so it will peel off like a snake sheds its skin,” the designer explains. The ephemeral look is a labour of love.

Tyla shares behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, showing Carle applying the snakeskin temporary tattoo to her torso and trimming it to perfection. She pairs the custom backless mock-neck with ultra-low-rise unbuttoned skinny jeans, a pair of brown and electric blue DSquared2 sandals, complemented by a chevron Valentino bag.

Among the standout presentations, Chanel, led by Matthieu Blazy, delivers a collection that fuses heritage with modernity. Stella McCartney celebrates 25 years in fashion as the week closes, Louis Vuitton captivates audiences with its alpine-inspired “Super Nature” collection, while Miu Miu offers minimalist, forest-floor aesthetics and generational casting.

Other iconic houses, including Saint Laurent, Dior, Balmain, Tom Ford, Hermas, McQueen, Chloe, and Alaaa, present collections that blend heritage with bold, forward-thinking design. This season’s star-studded attendees include Zendaya, Oprah Winfrey, Tyla, Amy Adams, Bella Hadid, Elizabeth Olsen, Paris Jackson, Kid Cudi, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Rodrigo, demonstrating how film, music, and fashion converge on the Parisian runways.

The 20262027 Paris Fashion Week is a milestone for Nandy, solidifying her status not just as a music icon but as a global fashion influencer. Through her social media presence, and interactions with industry leaders, she demonstrates that the African creative industry is vibrant, diverse, and trendsetting, ready to take its place on the world stage.

Her Paris Fashion Week journey affirms the growing global footprint of African artistes, proving that talent, style, and cultural pride know no boundaries. With every appearance, Nandy continues to define what it means to be the African Princess that’s bold, creative, and unapologetically herself.

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Dar es Salaam. The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has unveiled a busy competitions calendar for 2026, with six regional tournaments scheduled across different categories.

Among the key highlights is the decision to award Tanzania hosting rights for two major competitions, underlining the country’s growing reputation as a reliable venue for regional football events. According to the calendar, Tanzania will host the CECAFA U-17 Girls Championship from May 30 to June 14, 2026, bringing together the region’s top young female talents.

The tournament is expected to play an important role in promoting women’s football development across East and Central Africa while giving young players a platform to showcase their abilities at the regional level. Later in the year, Tanzania will also stage the CAF U-20 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, scheduled from August 22 to September 6, 2026. The competition will determine which teams from the CECAFA region qualify for the continental youth championship.

With several strong youth teams emerging from the region, the qualifiers are expected to be highly competitive. The announcement means Tanzania will host two of the most important youth tournaments in the CECAFA zone in 2026. Football stakeholders believe the events will not only boost youth development but also provide valuable experience for the country’s sports infrastructure and event organization.

Meanwhile, Rwanda will play a central role in the regional calendar by hosting several competitions, including the prestigious CECAFA Kagame Cup. The club tournament will take place from July 18 to August 9, 2026, marking the first time Rwanda hosts a CECAFA event in five years.

The Kagame Cup traditionally attracts top clubs from across the region and serves as a vital preparation platform for teams aiming to compete in continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. Regional clubs often use the tournament to fine-tune their squads ahead of the demanding African club season.

Rwanda will also host the African Schools Football Championship (CECAFA Zone) from July 22 to July 25, as well as the Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers from August 22 to September 6. Later in the year, the country will stage the CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers scheduled for October 10 to October 25. Despite the already packed schedule, CECAFA officials revealed that discussions are ongoing with sponsors and development partners to possibly add two more competitions to the calendar.

These include the CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship and the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, which remains the region’s flagship national team tournament. If additional sponsorship is secured, these tournaments could further expand the region’s football calendar and provide more competitive opportunities for national teams and clubs.

With Tanzania hosting two major youth competitions and Rwanda staging several key tournaments, the 2026 CECAFA season promises to be one of the busiest and most exciting in recent years, offering a significant boost to football development across East and Central Africa. .