Category: The Citizen

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. .

Arusha. The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) has formally withdrawn a public notice it issued earlier this week about alleged flooding in Serengeti National Park and apologised to the government, tourism stakeholders and international visitors.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Tato chairman Wilbard George Chambulo acknowledged that the association had overstepped its mandate by issuing the notice on March 9, 2026, warning about a reported flood situation in the iconic wildlife reserve. “On behalf of Tato, I humbly and sincerely convey our apology to the Government of Tanzania, our valued international visitors, tourism partners, development partners, stakeholders and the general public,” Mr Chambulo said.

The association admitted that matters relating to national disaster situations, public safety alerts and official public communication fall under the jurisdiction of the government, particularly the country’s disaster management authorities. Tato said it recognises that such responsibilities lie with government institutions, including the National Disaster Management Committee, which coordinates national responses to emergencies and public safety concerns.

“We acknowledge that issuing such a public notice was beyond the mandate and capacity of the association,” Mr Chambulo said. “We did not intend to cause tension, interfere or assume responsibilities that fall under the government.

” The organisation described the earlier notice as an “error in judgment” and confirmed that the statement has now been formally withdrawn. Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations and a cornerstone of Tanzania’s tourism industry.

The park attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year, many drawn by the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras across the vast savannah. Tourism remains one of Tanzania’s leading sources of foreign exchange and employment, making public communication about safety or environmental conditions in key destinations particularly sensitive.

Industry analysts say inaccurate or premature alerts can quickly spread across global travel networks and potentially influence travel decisions. In its statement, Tato reaffirmed its respect for government institutions and pledged that future issues related to disaster alerts, public safety or national advisories would be handled by the relevant authorities.

The association said it remains committed to working closely with the government to support the growth of Tanzania’s tourism sector in a responsible and coordinated manner. “We reaffirm our respect for the Government and our continued commitment to supporting national tourism development,” Mr Chambulo said.

Tato represents a large network of tour operators that market and organise travel experiences across Tanzania’s major wildlife destinations, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro. The organisation said it hopes the clarification will reassure visitors and partners while reinforcing the importance of coordinated communication within the tourism industry.

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Tarangire. Construction of the Mamire entrance gate at Tarangire National Park is nearing completion, a move expected to ease tourist access to the park through Babati District and expand entry routes to the conservation area.

The project is also expected to stimulate tourism and create economic opportunities for communities living near the park. Speaking on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during an inspection tour of the project, the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, Timotheo Mnzava, said the new entrance would make it easier for tourists travelling from different parts of the country to access the park.

He said visitors travelling from Dar es Salaam could take the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Dodoma and then continue by road to Tarangire through Babati instead of passing through Arusha as was previously the case. Mr Mnzava commended the government for initiating the project and urged authorities to ensure the construction is completed on schedule so that surrounding communities can begin benefiting from increased tourist traffic.

“We commend the government for the decision to open the Mamire gate because it will improve and increase tourism in Tarangire National Park by making access easier for visitors. We expect the construction to be completed by April as promised so that the gate can start operations,” he said.

The Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, said the government is committed to ensuring the project is completed within the planned timeframe. He noted that once completed, the gate will expand entry points to the park and create more opportunities for tourists and nearby communities to benefit from tourism activities.

“This project will be completed on time and will bring significant benefits to residents of Babati and Tanzania as a whole,” he said. Earlier, the project manager, Mr Seleman Ntemi, said the government, through the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), allocated more than Sh3.9 billion for the project.

He said construction began on March 10, 2023, and is expected to be completed on April 14, 2026. So far, the project has reached 98 per cent completion. The project includes construction of the main entrance gate building, visitor washrooms, houses for officers and rangers, and parking areas.

The entrance section will accommodate up to 56 vehicles at a time, while the exit section will handle up to 28 vehicles simultaneously. Other components include drilling a borehole, installation of electricity, provision of office furniture and establishment of resting areas for visitors.

A member of the committee and Special Seats MP for Arusha Region, Chiku Issa, urged Babati residents to take advantage of the new infrastructure by launching economic activities such as selling local products and investing in accommodation services for tourists. “This is a great opportunity for Babati residents.

When we receive infrastructure like this, it means the government is giving us a chance to increase our incomes. I expect women to bring their products here, and I also call on investors to increase accommodation facilities, as Tanzania still has a shortage of lodging,” she said.

Mamire Ward councillor Agustino Susia said residents are optimistic that the project will improve infrastructure, including roads, and increase the number of visitors to the park. “This gate has brought great hope to the people of Mamire because it is expected to increase tourist arrivals and stimulate the local economy,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Water shortages reported in several parts of Dar es Salaam are largely the result of a widening gap between water production capacity and the rapidly growing demand in the city and neighbouring Coast Region, the Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Dawasa) has said.

The authority says it is currently producing about 558 million litres of water per day from its treatment plants, while the combined demand in the areas it serves has risen to approximately 732 million litres per day. Dawasa Head of Communications, Ms Everlasting Lyaro, told The Citizen that the production shortfall has made it difficult to maintain a stable supply across all neighbourhoods.

“The biggest challenge at the moment is that our water production does not fully meet the demand in the areas we serve, in Dar es Salaam city and the Coast Region,” she said. According to Ms Lyaro, the utility is implementing several short-term measures to improve supply, including installing additional pumps that have already been procured.

“We have ordered additional pumps, which have already arrived and will soon be installed to help improve water distribution and increase supply in affected areas,” she said. In the longer term, she said the government is investing in large-scale water infrastructure projects aimed at significantly increasing production capacity.

Among them is the Rufiji Water Supply Project, which she said is expected to produce more than 1.5 billion litres of water per day once completed, helping to meet growing demand and support the city’s expanding population.

“The project will substantially address water shortages by meeting current demand and providing additional capacity for future growth,” Ms Lyaro said. She added that Dawasa is also implementing the Lower Ruvu expansion project, which is expected to increase water production capacity by an additional 90,000 litres per day.

Since the rainy season last month, The Citizen has been analysing complaints from residents over the limited supply of water. Many Dar es Salaam residents have taken to social media to complain about dry taps in their neighbourhoods, particularly in areas such as Tegeta, Mbezi, Goba, Kimara, and parts of Kinondoni.

One resident from Tegeta wrote that there was no water at all in the area, saying households were struggling to carry out basic daily activities. Another commenter said residents in Mbezi had also gone several days without water, forcing many families to buy water from vendors.

Residents from Goba reported that supply had become irregular, saying water sometimes flows only briefly before stopping again. Others from Kimara said they had experienced an inconsistent supply for several days.

Some users also called on the utility to improve communication during supply interruptions. “Please provide early notice whenever there are maintenance works or supply disruptions,” one resident wrote, saying households need advance information in order to plan.

Several commenters questioned why shortages were occurring even though the city is currently experiencing seasonal rains. “It is raining, but water is still not coming out of the taps.

What is the problem?” Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital, has long struggled with water supply challenges as rapid population growth continues to place pressure on infrastructure. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the city remains one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Africa, with expanding suburbs increasing demand for basic services such as water and sanitation.

While large-scale projects such as the Rufiji water scheme are expected to significantly improve supply in the future, residents say clearer communication and predictable distribution schedules would help households cope better during periods of limited water availability. .

Dar es Salaam. International human rights organisations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have acknowledged that their reports on alleged human rights violations surrounding Tanzania’s General Election on 29 October 2025 did not fully capture all relevant perspectives, particularly those of the government and its institutions.

The acknowledgement emerged during a side event held on March 12, 2026, on the margins of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, according to a statement that was availed to the media in Dar es Salaam on Friday. The session was organised by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International and moderated by Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Lucy MacKernan.

Participants included representatives from United Nations member states, the European Union, international non-governmental organisations and various human rights experts who discussed events surrounding 2025 Tanzanian general election. During the discussions, it was indicated that the reports presented on Tanzania relied largely on interviews, documents and other materials reflecting one side of the events under review.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero said several methods were used in compiling the findings, including interviews and reviews of existing reports before the conclusions were published. Presentations during the session were delivered by Senior Researcher for Africa at Human Rights Watch, Oryem Nyeko; a lawyer at the Centre for Strategic Litigation, Tito Magoti and a researcher at Amnesty International, Sikula Oniala.

The speakers outlined issues they had identified regarding unrest linked to the October 2025 elections, largely reflecting positions contained in earlier reports by the two organisations. However, discussions that followed revealed that the organisations had not conducted substantive engagement with respondents to the allegations–namely the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and its institutions–before finalising their reports.

It was explained that although letters requesting interviews had been sent, responses were delayed and the reports were therefore prepared and released without fully incorporating the government’s perspective. Several participants, including representatives from Zimbabwe and Germany, raised concerns over reliance on reports that did not reflect the views of all relevant parties.

In their interventions, they emphasised the importance of awaiting findings from a Commission of Inquiry established by the President of Tanzania, which is currently engaging a wide range of stakeholders and receiving evidence, views and recommendations through multiple channels, including online submissions. Participants also discussed the broader context of the incidents, including risks of property destruction and loss of life during the unrest.

It was noted that governments have a responsibility to take lawful measures to restore order and protect citizens and property in such circumstances. At the same time, contributors stressed that accountability should apply to all parties, including individuals inside and outside Tanzania who used inflammatory language before and after the elections.

The representative from Germany also cautioned that actors promoting inflammatory rhetoric in East African countries–including Uganda and Kenya–should be closely monitored ahead of 2027 Kenyangeneral election to prevent situations that could threaten peace and stability in the region. The discussion underscored the importance of ensuring investigative reports incorporate perspectives from all relevant parties in order to enhance balance, factual accuracy and credibility.

Authorities in Tanzania continue to emphasise the need for due process, balanced inquiry and evidence-based accountability, with the broader objective of safeguarding peace, stability and the rule of law. .

By Arpna Aggarwal Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s drive to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in public hospitals faces risks, with cybersecurity experts warning that most facilities lack basic digital protections to safeguard patient records.

IT auditors who have reviewed the country’s healthcare digital infrastructure say a ransomware attack on a single hospital could paralyse critical systems for days, exposing thousands of patient records and endangering lives. “Imagine Muhimbili or Mbeya Referral Hospital being locked out of patient records, lab results and radiology systems because hackers demand payment,” said an international cybersecurity expert Arpna Aggarwal.

“This is happening globally, even in hospitals with stronger security than ours.” The warning comes as the government accelerates its Digital Health Strategy 20252030, aiming to deploy AI-powered diagnostic tools across public hospitals.

Yet many facilities still share passwords, lack encryption and have no backup plans in case of system failure. Weak passwords, big risks Recent inspections reveal gaps.

Staff at several public hospitals share login credentials, making it impossible to track access. Some facilities have not updated software for years, leaving known vulnerabilities exposed.

Under the Personal Data Protection Act 2022, hospitals must protect patient information. Enforcement is weak and cybersecurity is often treated as an optional IT expense rather than a legal requirement.

Exposed medical records can have lasting consequences. Unlike stolen credit cards, patient data, including diagnoses and mental health history, cannot simply be replaced.

It can lead to job loss, discrimination and loss of trust in the health system. Global wake-up call Healthcare has become a key target for cybercriminals worldwide.

Last year, ransomware disrupted hospitals in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria, delaying surgeries, diverting emergencies and forcing staff back to paper records. Tanzania’s hospitals are especially vulnerable because AI systems rely on cloud services, mobile apps and third-party vendors, each creating potential entry points.

“AI increases efficiency, but without security controls, it also increases exposure,” said a digital health advocate, Dr James Kimaro. “We’re opening more doors before installing proper locks.

” No clear leadership Sources say governance gaps are at the heart of the problem. Digital health programmes are funded quickly, but security assessments and staff training are delayed or skipped.

Hospital boards rarely assign cybersecurity responsibility and risk registers and vendor contracts often fail to clarify breach protocols. AI systems making diagnostic or treatment recommendations also cannot always explain their reasoning.

Misdiagnoses could create liability issues without proper audits or human oversight. Steps needed Experts call for a National Health Cybersecurity Baseline to set minimum standards before deploying AI.

This should include multi-factor authentication, encryption, annual testing, secure backups and mandatory Data Protection Impact Assessments. Training is crucial.

Tanzania faces a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, leaving even well-designed systems poorly maintained. Continuous education for ICT teams and clinical staff can prevent common attacks such as phishing.

“With digital health accelerating, the window for safeguards is narrowing,” said Dr Kimaro. “Patients deserve healthcare that is both modern and secure.

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Dar es Salaam. Women entrepreneurs in Tanzania continue to face major obstacles in accessing government procurement opportunities reserved for special groups, despite an existing legal framework intended to increase their participation, a new study has revealed.

The study, conducted by Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), shows that many women-owned businesses are unable to benefit from the government’s preferential procurement system due to limited awareness, digital barriers and difficulties meeting formal business requirements. The findings were presented during a validation meeting held in Dar es Salaam on March 12, 2026 in collaboration with the Women Directors Forum.

Under the Public Procurement Act No.10 of 2023 and its regulations, public institutions are required to allocate at least 30 percent of their annual procurement budgets to special groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities and the elderly.

However, the study indicates that many of the intended beneficiaries are still unable to access these opportunities. According to the report, “of the 69 women entrepreneurs interviewed, only four reported having participated in government tendering processes,” highlighting a significant gap between policy provisions and actual participation.

Researchers found that although many women entrepreneurs are generally aware that public procurement opportunities exist, most lack adequate knowledge about the procedures required to benefit from the preferential system. The study notes that women entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises demonstrate general awareness of public procurement opportunities, but with limited understanding of preferential procurement procedures.

Digital barriers were also identified as a major challenge, particularly when using the government’s electronic procurement platform, the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST). Many participants reported difficulties navigating the system due to low digital literacy, limited access to devices and challenges associated with using English-language interfaces.

The report states that slow internet connectivity and high data costs further discourage women entrepreneurs from participating in government tenders. Some participants said they are forced to pay intermediaries up to Sh100,000 to help them submit tender applications through the system.

Formal business requirements also emerged as a key obstacle. Many women operate in informal sectors such as markets, fisheries and forestry, where they rely on sector-based permits rather than formal business registration.

However, participation in public procurement requires businesses to be formally registered and to possess documents such as business licences, Tax Identification Numbers and tax clearance certificates. The study notes that although formalisation is necessary, some women entrepreneurs fear registering their businesses due to potential tax liabilities.

Limited access to finance was another challenge highlighted in the research. While several government and institutional initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs exist, many of the women interviewed said they had not benefited from such programmes.

Instead, most rely on community savings groups, commonly known as VICOBA, to finance their businesses. The research adopted a qualitative exploratory approach, including policy reviews, consultations and questionnaires with women entrepreneurs.

Fieldwork was conducted in Kinondoni and Ilala districts in Dar es Salaam and involved 90 participants, including 69 women entrepreneurs and 21 members of the Women Directors Forum. According to the report, public procurement has the potential to play a critical role in promoting inclusive economic development if the barriers facing women entrepreneurs are addressed.

The study describes public procurement as both a government purchasing mechanism and a tool for achieving social justice, with the potential to support small businesses and promote gender equality. Researchers conclude that while Tanzania already has a strong legal framework supporting preferential procurement, implementation challenges continue to limit its effectiveness.

“The framework offers strong potential for women’s economic empowerment, but the main challenge lies in implementation rather than the legal and policy environment,” the report states. To address these gaps, the study recommends increasing awareness campaigns, simplifying procurement procedures and introducing a Kiswahili interface on the NeST platform to make it more accessible to entrepreneurs.

Other recommendations include strengthening coordination between government institutions, improving access to finance and providing training programmes on digital procurement systems, financial literacy and business development. The researchers also call for stronger collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations and women entrepreneurs to ensure the preferential procurement system achieves its goal of expanding economic opportunities for women.

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By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Two special commissions appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan have recommended a comprehensive legal overhaul to address shortcomings in the voluntary relocation of residents from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, warning that weaknesses in existing laws have undermined the government’s efforts.

But receiving the reports at Chamwino State House in Dodoma yesterday, President Hassan assured the public that the government will carefully review and implement the recommendations provided by the two commissions. She directed Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka to supervise the implementation of the reports.

“I wish to assure Ngorongoro residents that the government will continue working with them for the best interests of the country and the world at large. Ngorongoro is our heritage and the country’s precious material,” she said.

The commissions assessed land disputes and the relocation programme to Msomera in Tanga Region. Their findings point to legal and procedural gaps that must be urgently addressed to make the relocation exercise workable and sustainable.

The review comes after the relocation programme fell far short of expectations. Out of an estimated 23,000 households targeted for voluntary relocation from Ngorongoro, only 1,678 households have moved to the designated settlement area.

Presenting the report on land issues in the conservation area, commission chairperson Dr Gerald Ndike said the legal framework guiding human settlement and grazing activities in Ngorongoro is inadequate and requires a comprehensive review. Dr Ndike said the growing population in the conservation area has intensified pressure on land and wildlife resources, making reforms necessary to ensure effective management.

According to the commission’s findings, the Ngorongoro population stood at about 8,000 people in 1960 but increased dramatically over the decades. By 2022, the population had grown significantly and projections from the 2022 Population and Housing Census indicate it could reach about 276,651 by 2050. He said the current laws do not sufficiently regulate human activities such as settlement and livestock grazing in the conservation area, a situation that complicates both conservation efforts and community livelihoods.

“The legal framework governing the entire process of accommodating residents and their grazing land is not conducive. Our recommendation is a comprehensive review of the law to ensure better control of human activities,” Dr Ndike said.

Meanwhile, the commission tasked with reviewing the voluntary relocation process identified multiple structural and policy failures that contributed to the slow progress of the programme. Presenting the second report, commission chairperson Mussa Iyombe said the relocation exercise faced at least five major challenges, including limited community involvement, gaps in laws and regulations, cultural incompatibilities in housing arrangements, declining incentives for those willing to move and the use of persuasion rather than genuine voluntary participation.

Mr Iyombe who is the retired Chief Secretary said these issues contributed to the low number of households that relocated. “Your Excellency, the exercise did not succeed as expected.

Only 1,678 households have relocated out of the 23,000 households living in Ngorongoro,” he said. He added that despite the slow uptake, more than Sh212.35 billion has already been allocated for constructing houses for residents who opt to relocate voluntarily.

The commission noted that 1,559 houses have already been built in Msomera, but many remain unoccupied. One of the reasons cited is the cultural structure of Maasai families, particularly polygamous households, where one house per family arrangement has created disputes over which wife should occupy the house.

To address this challenge, the commission recommended that the government stop constructing houses for relocating residents and instead provide funds to allow families to build homes that reflect their cultural norms and family structures. The commission also proposed establishing a special coordinating authority to oversee the relocation process instead of the current administrative arrangement.

Another key recommendation concerns reform of laws governing the conservation area. Mr Iyombe said the current legal framework recognises only the Maasai community, yet other ethnic groups also live in the area, a situation the commission described as discriminatory.

The commission further highlighted grievances from both sides of the relocation programme. Residents who remained in Ngorongoro complained of deteriorating access to basic social services, while those who relocated reported difficulties adapting to the new environment.

Host communities in Msomera have also raised concerns, alleging that their land has been taken and allocated to incoming residents. Despite these challenges, the commission acknowledged some positive outcomes from the relocation programme.

These include improved housing conditions and better access to social services for those who have moved, as well as opportunities for expanded agricultural activities. The commission’s report runs several pages and contains detailed recommendations on how to restructure the programme.

The two commissions were appointed in December 2024 following growing tensions over land use and relocation plans in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They were officially inaugurated in February 2025 and comprised eight members each.

For more than a century, Maasai pastoralists have coexisted with wildlife in the conservation area, which is globally recognised as a World Heritage Site. However, rapid population growth and competing land demands have intensified debate over how to balance conservation goals with the livelihoods of local communities.

The government has argued that voluntary relocation is necessary to protect the fragile ecosystem while improving living conditions for residents. However, the programme has faced resistance and criticism from activists and community leaders, who have raised concerns over land rights, access to services and the handling of the relocation process.

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