Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. The number of Tanzanians using insurance services increased by 10.2 percent last year to 25.9 million, thanks to growing public trust and a wave of reforms across the sub sector.

Tanzania government targets to ensure at least 50 percent of the population uses insurance by 2030 and raise the contribution of the industry to the economy to reach at three percent. According to the latest annual report released by the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (Tira), 39.2 percent (25.9 million) of the total projected population of 66.3 million in Tanzania was covered by insurance services in 2024, compared to 37.7 percent (23.5 million) in 2023. The contribution of insurance to the gross domestic product also increased to 2.

08 percent in 2024, compared to 2.01 percent in 2023, stated a summary of the report launched on Friday in Dodoma.

The growth reflects about restoring public trust, introduction of accessible products, and investment that’s reshaping how Tanzanians protect what matters most, said Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Baghayo Saqware. “This positive trend is the result of strategic interventions to promote insurance literacy and make insurance more accessible to all Tanzanians,” he said during the presentation of the report.

In assessing market growth last year, one person spent Sh22,878 on insurance compared to Sh19,531 previously, he said. Dr Saqware said the jump reflects increased awareness, improved digital access, and reforms like the rollout of the Universal Health Insurance initiative, which bringing services even to previously underserved communities.

The report also indicates a 26.4 percent rise of the number of permanent jobs created by the insurance industry to 6,434 in 2024, up from 5,595 in 2023. The industry’s financial backbone is also strengthening. The Gross Written Premium (GWP) grew by 20.2 percent, reaching Sh1.52 trillion in 2024, up from Sh1.24 trillion the previous year.

“We are committed to sustaining this momentum,” said Dr Saqware. “Our goal is a market that is free from fraud and malpractice where growth is driven by trust, merit, and service with public confidence, insurance becomes a powerful tool for poverty eradication and national prosperity.

” The report indicates that insurance companies paid out Sh545.4 billion in claims last year, an 11.7 percent increase from the S88.3 billion paid out in 2023. “The payouts are vital lifelines to families and businesses during their most vulnerable moments,” said Dr Saqware. “The ability to pay claims promptly is key to public trust,” Dr Saqware added.

“What we are seeing now is an industry that is standing tall ready to support Tanzanians through every twist and turn of life.” Speaking at the official launch, the Minister of State, President’s Office Finance and Planning (Zanzibar), Dr Saada Salum Mkuya, said insurance plays a crucial role in protecting the economy at the individual, institutional and national levels.

She also directed Tira to improve claims management by ensuring genuine claims are settled promptly, while disputed ones are handled professionally to maintain trust in the insurance industry. “The government is committed to support the insurance sector and ensure financial security, economic resilience, and inclusive development for all citizens,” she said.

Commenting on the report, a financial consultant and researcher, Ms Esther Mwamafupa, said the report demonstrates growth through a more detailed and comprehensive analysis compared to previous editions. “In the past, we often saw only general overviews, but this report is more informative, helping investors identify the most promising areas for investment and the available opportunities,” she said.

The report identifies regions that require greater investment for example, the southern regions which still have a relatively low contribution despite having strong agricultural potential, such as cashew farming. .

Sumbawanga. CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has underscored the significance of Tanzania’s forthcoming National Water Grid, describing it as a game-changing initiative that will revolutionise access to clean and safe water across the country and uplift people’s livelihoods.

Addressing thousands of residents in Sumbawanga yesterday, as she wrapped up her campaign tour in Rukwa Region, President Hassan said the grid will connect major water sources such as Lake Tanganyika, ensuring stable water supply even when local sources dry up. “Rukwa today is not the same as it was years ago,” President Hassan said.

“We have implemented many development projects and plan to do even more in health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure and the national water grid will complement the efforts, improve lives and guarantee water security for all.”She likened the water grid to the national electricity grid, saying both are vital for transforming Tanzania’s economy.

“Just as we did with electricity, we want every Tanzanian to have reliable access to clean water. When there is sufficient water, irrigation farming will flourish, productivity will rise, and people’s lives will improve,” she said.

President Hassan urged Rukwa residents to vote overwhelmingly for CCM candidates at all levels, saying the ruling party remains the only trusted vehicle to sustain ongoing progress. “We have seen what unity under CCM can achieve.

Let us go and vote in large numbers so we can continue implementing these projects together,” she appealed. The Head of State highlighted major achievements her administration has delivered in Rukwa, including free education, the construction of new schools and colleges, and empowerment of girls in science fields.

“We have built special schools for girls to study science and technology so that they can return and contribute to national development,” she said. “I also laid the foundation for a new teacher training college here in Sumbawanga, one of 35 across the country, and a new Institute of Technology to help young people acquire modern skills.

” In health, President Hassan said she had launched a new emergency wing at Nkasi Regional Referral Hospital, equipped with modern medical facilities. She also announced plans to further strengthen the health system nationwide.

“We will continue improving health services and complete ongoing hospital projects. Every Tanzanian deserves quality healthcare,” she affirmed.

On infrastructure, the President pointed to the ongoing construction of Sumbawanga Airport, which is now 90 percent complete, saying it will handle larger aircraft and boost regional trade. Turning to energy, she said all villages have now been connected to electricity, with focus shifting to hamlets and smaller settlements.

“By 2027, we want every part of Tanzania to have reliable power, with outages occurring only for technical reasons,” she said. In agriculture, President Hassan announced plans to build large grain storage facilities in Rukwa to preserve surplus produce resulting from the government’s subsidy programmes.

“I came here with the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Finance so that they can assess how to fast-track this plan. Because of subsidies, harvests have increased — and now we must ensure we have proper storage facilities,” she said.

Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe praised President Hassan’s leadership, citing the transformation in crop production across Tanzania. “When President Samia took office, the country used only 360,000 tonnes of fertiliser, with an average of 15 kilos per farmer.

Today, fertiliser use and yields have more than doubled. Rukwa is now the second-largest food producer after Ruvuma,” he said.

He added that maize production in Rukwa alone has surged from 470,000 tonnes to 974,000 tonnes within a few years, a sign of rising food security and prosperity. Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba echoed Bashe’s sentiments, saying President Hassan’s administration has been defined by compassion and bold reforms.

“When she took office, there were many tax complaints — multiple levies, arbitrary assessments, and a poor business environment. Through her leadership, over 250 taxes and levies were scrapped, giving relief to farmers, traders, and transport operators,” he said.

Dr Nchemba added that the government also cleared Sh8 trillion in service-provider debts as well as disbursing Sh2 trillion paid to elderly citizens who had waited years for their dues. “This is a leader who listens, acts, and delivers,” he said.

“That is why Tanzanians will go out in 10 days to give her another mandate to keep making this country a better place to live.”Sumbawanga Urban parliamentary candidate Aeshi Hilary also praised President Hassan for responding to the region’s long-standing demands.

“For 10 years we asked for an airport, and she listened — allocating Sh61 billion. She also approved Sh52 billion for our water project, and when demand grew, she added another Sh2.5 billion to build a large dam,” Mr Hilary said.

He cited improved maize prices — rising from Sh500 to Sh700 per kilo and the ongoing construction of a modern agricultural market, already 80 percent complete. “This market will serve farmers from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, and the DRC.

That means our farmers will sell more and earn more,” he added. As she concluded her address, President Samia reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening production sectors across the economy, from agriculture to industry and innovation.

“We are determined to make Tanzania self-reliant, productive, and prosperous. Let us build on what we have started, together,” she said.

With just 10 days remaining before Tanzanians cast their ballots, CCM’s presidential candidate has left Rukwa with a message of continuity, stability, and transformation– urging voters to choose progress over uncertainty. .

Arusha. Tanzania will soon join the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Somalia and South Sudan, in selecting a national bird.

While the giraffe serves as the country’s national wildlife symbol, Tanzania has never officially designated a national bird. That is now set to change, thanks to an initiative led by Nature Tanzania in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

“We, as stakeholders in bird conservation, would like the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to coordinate the process, while we mobilise Tanzanians to participate in voting for the best candidate,” said Nature Tanzania Executive Director, Mr Emmanuel Mgimwa. Nature Tanzania, which works closely with BirdLife International, has been conducting annual polls to select Tanzania’s “Bird of the Year” since 2023. The organisation now plans to identify and endorse an official national bird before 2030. “Birds are facing threats of extinction.

Selecting a ‘Bird of the Year’ and ultimately a national species helps to raise public awareness about their ecological and cultural importance,” said the organisation’s marketing officer, Ms Gaudensia Mariki. Ms Mariki noted that Tanzania has over 1,200 recognised and officially gazetted bird species but has yet to identify a single bird that symbolises the nation internationally.

In contrast, Kenya, home to more than 1,000 bird species, celebrates the lilac-breasted roller as its national bird. Uganda’s grey-crowned crane is both the country’s flagship wildlife species and a prominent feature on its national emblem.

Rwanda has the African fish eagle as its national bird, while Burundi is represented by the great blue turaco. The Democratic Republic of Congo boasts the Congo peafowl, and South Sudan has also adopted the African fish eagle.

Somalia, on the other hand, recognises the superb starling as its national bird, a species that coincidentally won Tanzania’s “Bird of the Year 2025” title through a public vote. Nature Tanzania believes that selecting a national bird will not only boost national pride but also enhance bird conservation efforts and promote eco-tourism in the country.

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Dar es Salaam. Residents of Kibamba Constituency have voiced their frustrations over the persistent shortage of clean water and poor road infrastructure, urging candidates to push the agendas after the upcoming elections.

Speaking during a campaign rally for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) parliamentary candidate, Ms Angellah Kairuki, held on Sunday, residents of Msigani and Mbezi wards said they have endured years of hardship due to a lack of essential services. “For many years, we have struggled with poor roads and a shortage of water.

We are asking the government, through Ms Kairuki, to help us get proper roads and reliable water supply because we’ve been deprived of these basic services for too long,” said Zainabu Hassan of Msigani. Ms Hassan added that both opposition and ruling party leaders have made numerous promises in the past, but little has changed.

“All we are asking now is for whoever is elected to deliver on those promises,” she said, stressing the importance of reliable roads, especially during the rainy season when most areas become impassable. A resident of Mbezi Ward, Mr Joseph Mwakalinga, expressed confidence in Kairuki’s integrity and leadership track record.

“We have seen how she performed while serving in government. I believe that once she get elected, Kibamba will make significant progress,” she said.

In her campaign, Ms Kairuki acknowledged that while the government has accomplished a lot, some challenges persist. She pledged to work tirelessly to ensure an increased budget allocation for road construction and water supply once elected.

“I have visited every neighbourhood to listen to residents’ concerns. The major issues are poor roads, land disputes, lack of water, and inadequate market infrastructure.

As a parliamentary candidate, I am determined to ensure these challenges are addressed,” she said. Ms Kairuki has also promised to launch the “Kairuki Cup”, a youth football tournament aimed at identifying and nurturing young sporting talent across Kibamba.

Former Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ms Shamsa Mwangunga, commended Ms Kairuki for her dedication and described her as a hardworking and patriotic leader. “Residents of Msigani and the entire Kibamba Constituency are in safe hands under her leadership.

You will see visible development because she is a true champion of progress. I urge you to vote for her wholeheartedly,” she said.

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Washington. CRDB Bank has signed three partnership agreements worth a combined Sh300 billion with leading development finance institutions to advance inclusive and sustainable finance across Africa.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with FinDev Canada, DEG (KfW Group, Germany) and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) were signed during the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum, held on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C.

The deals were formalised by CRDB Bank Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdulmajid Nsekela, together with Shelter Afrique Development Bank CEO Thierno-Habib Hann, DEG CEO Roland Siller and FinDev Canada CEO Lori Kerr. Through its partnership with FinDev Canada, CRDB Bank secured a $60 million (Sh150 billion) sustainability-linked facility to expand financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a strong focus on women-owned businesses and climate-resilient projects.

Under the agreement with DEG, CRDB Bank will access a $50 million (Sh125 billion) facility dedicated to SME sub-loans, supporting business growth, innovation and job creation in Tanzania. Meanwhile, the partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank targets the region’s housing deficit, beginning with a $10 million (Sh25 billion) facility for CRDB Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Nsekela said the partnerships reflected a shared vision for a financially inclusive and sustainably developed Africa. “By joining hands with institutions like FinDev Canada, DEG and Shelter Afrique, we are accelerating our vision to transform lives and develop economies to their fullest potential.

This is more than capital; it is confidence in Africa’s future,” he said. Also present at the event were global investors and senior government officials from Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC, including Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Natu El-Maamry Mwamba.

East Africa continues to face financing gaps for MSMEs, climate-smart agriculture and affordable housing. Mr Hann said ShafDB believed that affordable housing and urban infrastructure formed the foundation of inclusive and sustainable growth.

“Our partnership with CRDB Bank reflects our shared vision to channel capital towards impact, equity and regional integration. Together, we are not only financing homes, but also dignity, opportunity and the infrastructure of a more resilient Africa,” he said.

He said that while the collaboration begins with CRDB DRC, ShafDB plans to extend its support to CRDB operations in Tanzania and Burundi. Ms Kerr said FinDev Canada’s partnership with CRDB Bank was built on a shared commitment to creating opportunity where it is needed most.

“This MoU is an important step toward strengthening meaningful engagement, co-investment and long-term impact in critical sectors that support sustainable development and climate action,” she said. Beyond the signings, the CRDB Bank Investors and Partners Forum provided a platform to explore regional transformation and investment opportunities in Tanzania, Burundi and the DRC.

The dialogue reinforced CRDB Bank’s role as a bridge between global finance and local impact, showcasing how MSMEs, farmers and communities are benefiting from these strategic initiatives. By leveraging its strong East African presence and the strategic reach of its Dubai Representative Office, CRDB Bank is positioning itself not only as a regional leader in inclusive finance but also as a trusted bridge to global markets–underscoring its ambition to extend impact across the continent in support of inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth.

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Nakonde. Shalom Maregere, 26, is heading home to Mash West, Zimbabwe, after a vacation in Tanzania.

As she navigates the busy Nakonde-Tunduma One-Stop Border Post into Zambia, she finds confidence in the visible health facilities and measures installed at the border post, but she will not leave without a word. “I went through the handwashing facility, and I felt confident that we are being protected from dangerous diseases such as COVID and Mpox,” she says while checking her watch in the final Nakonde passport queue before catching her bus home.

Her last word? “I suggest that the queues be improved so that we don’t get crowded, which would help to prevent diseases like Mpox and COVID in the future.” Maregere’s comment about improving queues wasn’t just a traveller’s suggestion–it was an on-the-ground observation of a key public health challenge: reducing the risk of ‘crowding and clustering,’ which is a critical factor in infectious disease spread and a central concern for the health experts.

Witnessing the need for strong health security firsthand, Maregere and other travellers who frequently cross the Tunduma/Nakonde border rely on health checks. ECSA-Health Community’s Dr.

Mohammed Mohammed, Senior Public Health and Medical Epidemiologist Specialist (right), and other experts conduct strategic risk assessment for emergency preparedness at the Tunduma One Stop Border Post (Tanzania-Zambia). Tunduma Port Health Officer Emmanuel Kalekayo briefs the team.

It turns out that while Maregere was sharing her experience at the Tunduma-Nakonde crossing–one of East and Southern Africa’s busiest–there was a parallel effort just a few meters away, happening alongside her journey. A team of Zambia-Tanzania experts was already in Nakonde, too! The experts had just finished inspecting the checkpoints, facilities, and overall capacity of the border area and were now fully focused on a two-week cross-border engagement.

Their goal? To draft a comprehensive public health contingency plan specifically for the ports of entry, essentially prioritising the safety and health of travellers, just like Shalom. One of the experts is Dr Mohammed Mohammed, a senior Medical Epidemiologist at the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC)–an intergovernmental diplomatic health organisation leading the cross-border initiative under the World Bank-funded project, dubbed the AFE Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Program-MPA Project.

Mohammed emphasised the regional importance of the border initiative, noting that the TundumaNakonde crossing is a “critical artery for East and Southern Africa.” He explained that the strategic risk assessment is crucial for effective emergency preparedness.

“It’s giving us the tools to rapidly detect and respond to threats like COVID and Mpox. This is about establishing a shared commitment to health security and protecting our travellers,” he noted, briefly after conducting the meeting with experts, ranging from environmental health officers, clinicians, port-health officers, veterinary scientists and government representatives from Tanzania and Zambia.

Through the cross-border activity, ECSA-HC is collaborating with the Governments of Zambia and Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in a shared commitment to strengthen border health systems, ensuring they can effectively detect, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies in full compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). And here’s the best part: all that intensive work is expected to pay off with some really tangible results.

Once the initiative is successfully completed, it will deliver several impactful outcomes, including a formal Risk Assessment Report and tailored Multi-Hazard Contingency Plans specifically for both Tunduma and Nakonde. They’ll also develop practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for emergency response.

Crucially, the whole exercise is designed to lead to significantly strengthened cross-border coordination and better overall compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) between Zambia and Tanzania. Ultimately, this major step is all about making the border health systems across the entire ECSA region resilient, prepared, and expertly coordinated.

Beyond Diseases Dr Remidius Kakulu, Principal Epidemiologist from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, says that previous planning primarily focused on disease-related hazards. “The plan we have developed is going beyond that, to focus on non-disease hazards such as chemical hazards, motor traffic crashes, vehicles carrying explosives, floods and fire outbreaks.

” This collaborative, in-country development process fosters strong ownership. “These efforts will eventually pay off,” Dr Kakulu noted, “because now we have a plan that was developed locally and collaboratively, so there is a high sense of ownership.

We are using tools that were developed by the WHO.” The final phase involves high-level political backing to ensure the plans become reality: “What follows is a high-level engagement with relevant government decision makers, the signing of the document, and commitment for implementation,” he concluded.

Tackling the unseen risks The human face of border health security, represented by travellers like Maregere, is just one half of the equation. According to frontline health experts who were involved in the cross-border meeting in Nakonde, the risks while crossing the border are often unseen–but could be stopped through heightening vigilance and control measures.

This is the essential science driving the joint regional assessment led by ECSA-HC. Luwisha Muyoba, the Surveillance Port Health Officer for the Nakonde-Tunduma Border Post in Zambia, explains the challenge of vectors in regional transport: “The people who know borders are me and you.

But the mosquitoes know no borders.” Emphasising why the cross-border meeting was key for pandemic preparedness and health security, Muyoba explains that without proper control measures like spraying buses and trucks with chemicals, vectors can easily move across vast distances while on the buses or trucks.

This creates a critical risk of disease transmission, such as the Aedes mosquito carrying yellow fever from one country, like Tanzania, to travellers heading to another, like Zimbabwe. Beyond controlling vectors, the rigorous health checks directly support regional economic stability.

Muyoba emphasised the role of healthy travellers in commerce: “We are facilitating safe trade food products being transported from one country to another in this region must be carried by safe travellers such as truck drivers, or else they might end up sick and the food consignments might end up not being cleared at the border.” .

Arusha. Thousands of horticultural growers across Tanzania will soon sell their produce online through a newly developed web-based market portal designed to transform the country’s agricultural trade landscape.

For years, most horticultural farmers have struggled to access online markets, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen. That challenge is now being addressed through HortiMarket, a digital platform unveiled by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) through its Research and Information Centre (Taric).

Touted as a game changer for the horticulture sub-sector, HortiMarket will serve as a central digital hub where farmers, cooperatives, buyers, exporters, processors and logistics providers can connect, interact and transact seamlessly. Taha Innovation and Knowledge Management head Steven Mhiliwa said the platform is a “structural intervention” aimed at addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the sector.

“After months of rigorous development and investment, the HortiMarket portal is nearly ready for public rollout. This isn’t just a technological upgrade — it’s a major reform to improve transparency, efficiency and profitability,” he said.

Taha chief executive Jacqueline Mkindi said the platform will provide farmers and agribusinesses with real-time access to market prices, trends, logistics and certification services — all available on mobile devices, even in low-connectivity areas. “HortiMarket is here to change how we do business.

Farmers will no longer operate in the dark,” she said, expressing gratitude to TradeMark Africa and Beyond Farming Collective (BFC), under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for supporting the project. Ms Mkindi said Taha’s recently launched UK office, located at the Tanzanian High Commission in London and headed by Mr Maarten Boeye, will complement the initiative by linking Tanzanian exporters with buyers abroad.

Taha Chief Development manager Anthony Chamanga said rising demand for horticultural produce across Africa prompted the association to expand its focus beyond international markets. “In 2014, African countries imported $7.6 billion worth of horticultural crops.

That figure has now surpassed $10 billion. We want Tanzania to tap into this growing regional opportunity,” he said.

Mr Chamanga noted that Tanzania has successfully penetrated South Africa’s avocado market, exporting around $4 billion worth of the crop last year and sees similar potential for bananas and other fruits within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and East African Community (EAC). He added that Taha’s long-term strategy aligns with the Agricultural Master Plan and Vision 2050, aiming to raise horticultural production to 30 million tonnes annually within 25 years.

Taha Marketing head Steven Tumaini said HortiMarket will ease access to information for over 50,000 smallholder farmers nationwide, enabling them to track prices, supply levels and buyer requirements in real time. Avocado farmer from Rungwe, Mbeya Region, Mr Edward Kabuje welcomed the initiative, saying it will eliminate price manipulation by middlemen.

“Now we can see market prices and trends directly,” he said. HortiMarket’s scalable design also allows for future upgrades, including blockchain-based traceability, digital payment integration and AI-driven forecasting tools.

“This is not just a platform — it’s a new era for Tanzanian horticulture,” said Ms Beverley Kileo. “With HortiMarket, we’re laying the foundation for inclusive growth, farmer empowerment and sustainable trade.

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Several weeks ago, during a rather pressing period at work, I sent a message to my department head on Slack. The matter was urgent, something that required immediate clarity, and I expected, quite naturally, a swift, practical response.

He did respond, outlining the necessary next steps, precise and efficient as always. But at the very end of his message, he added, “It’s lunch; have you eaten?” I remember pausing when I read that.

The message itself was not long, just a single question, but I found myself lingering on it. There I was, entirely absorbed in the mechanics of the task at hand, yet this small, almost offhand remark was not merely about food.

It was a brief acknowledgement that I was still a person, not just a “cog in a larger system.” It struck me then that true leadership rarely announces itself with grand gestures.

More often, it reveals itself in quieter moments, small kindnesses that remind us there’s a human behind the deliverables, carrying the weight of the work. Perhaps that is what makes a boss worth celebrating.

World Boss’s Day usually fills our feeds with the usual LinkedIn soundbites: “She’s a visionary!” “He’s so inspiring!” “Grateful for leadership that pushes me to grow!” And sure, those things can be true, but sometimes, the best bosses aren’t the ones with the loudest voice, the biggest office, or extreme “TED Talk energy.” Sometimes, the boss worth celebrating is the one who sees you.

Asks how you are and actually listens to your response. A boss who understands that part of leadership is emotional labour.

Harvard Business Review reports that employees who feel psychologically safe are 76 per cent more likely to engage, 50 per cent more likely to stay, and 67 per cent more likely to take smart risks. Yet in many cultures, including ours, authority is rarely questioned.

Many employees are still “yes-sir-ing” their way through one-on-ones, hoping to stay out of trouble rather than speak up. I’m not advocating “soft leadership”; I’m challenging leaders to create environments where people feel safe enough to lead themselves, where employees can grow, fail, own their truth, and still be trusted.

4 things great bosses actually do (even when no one’s watching) 1. They build psychological safety.

Sometimes it’s by modelling vulnerability by taking responsibility publicly, even when it’s uncomfortable, with simple statements like “That one’s on me,” which defuses defensiveness and thus in turn models accountability, proving to the team that blame isn’t a survival strategy. In addition, they invite their subordinates to share creative ideas without judgement, making it safe for others to speak up, experiment, and grow.

2. They don’t glorify burnout.

They normalise rest and ask about your bandwidth before assigning more. 3.

They celebrate progress, not just outcomes. A quiet “well done” after a rough meeting.

A shoutout in a team call. They make you feel seen, not just useful.

4. They manage up, down, and across with integrity.

They don’t say one thing to the team and another in exec meetings; their values stay consistent, regardless of the room. So to Tyler, my department head, and to every boss who leads with heart rather than ego, this is for you.

You have earned the trust of your team, made difficult days less so, and helped build a culture where people can exhale. Because of your leadership, I don’t feel micromanaged; I feel trusted.

You keep me in the loop and check in, but you never hover. The space you leave for me to work makes my job feel less like an obligation and more like ownership.

You have created a room where ideas are not only heard but invited. In the past, at a previous job, I might have kept my ideas to myself, unsure if they would land or be discarded, driven by the need to perform, but I speak without fear because you listen with intention, and in doing so, I have become more myself.

I have watched you choose humility when you could have chosen authority by asking questions when you could have given commands, and I have learnt from that. So here is my simple offering, in these words, to say you are doing a GREAT job! Even though World Boss’s Day has passed (it’s marked on October 16), let’s celebrate the kind of leadership that doesn’t just look good but actually feels good to work under because, at the end of the day, the best bosses don’t lead from above; they lead beside us.

And sometimes, they even ask if we’ve eaten. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Singida Black Stars, took a significant step toward reaching the group stage after earning a crucial 11 away draw against Flambeau du Centre of Burundi on October 19, 2025. The hard-fought result in Bujumbura marked a determined display from the Tanzanian side, who showed character and composure in one of their toughest continental tests yet.

Both teams started cautiously, with the first half characterized by tight defending and few clear-cut chances. Singida, however, looked well-organized and confident in possession, frequently probing the Burundian defense through quick passes and movement in wide areas.

The match opened up in the second half as both sides pushed for the breakthrough. In the 60th minute, Singida finally broke the deadlock through Clatous Chama, who finished off a slick team move following a clever exchange of passes on the edge of the box.

His goal silenced the home crowd and gave the visitors a deserved lead. However, their advantage was short-lived.

Just two minutes later, Edson Munaba leveled for Flambeau du Centre, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area to fire past the Singida goalkeeper. The equalizer reignited the contest, as both sides sought a winner in the final stages.

Flambeau du Centre applied sustained pressure late in the match, but Singida’s defensive line. The 11 draw puts Singida Black Stars in a favorable position ahead of the return leg in Tanzania, scheduled for October 26. With an away goal in hand, a goalless draw at home would be enough to secure their first-ever qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, a remarkable achievement for a club making only its second appearance in continental competition.

For Tanzanian football, the result is another encouraging sign of progress on the African stage, following strong performances from compatriots Simba SC in the CAF Champions League. Singida Black Stars will now look to make home advantage count at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to support the team’s historic bid for a place among the continent’s elite.

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Dar es Salaam. The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Father Camillus Nikata of the Archdiocese of Songea has sparked widespread discussion on social media, raising numerous questions.

Among the queries circulating online are how Father Nikata, a lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza, travelled from Dodoma to Songea, moved from the priests’ residence to his family home, survived in the bush where he was found, and what precisely happened during the ordeal. How he disappeared The first report of Father Nikata’s disappearance came from Archbishop Damian Dallu of Songea, who said the priest could not be reached by phone.

According to Archbishop Dallu, Father Nikata had returned from Dodoma, where he attended spiritual formation for priests teaching in Catholic universities under the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), accompanied by another priest from Songea. “In Songea, he stayed at St Vianney priests’ residence.

He had planned to travel to Mwanza on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, via a Superfeo bus, with a ticket purchased online,” said Archbishop Dallu. “However, by Wednesday afternoon, it was clear he had not travelled.

His luggage remained in his locked room, and the key had not been returned to staff,” he added. Staff at the priests’ residence were surprised that the luggage had not been taken, and attempts to contact him or others at the residence were unsuccessful.

The report added that Father Nikata did not appear in Mwanza as scheduled. “The Superfeo office confirmed that although he had purchased a ticket, he did not board the bus.

After failing to trace him, we reported the matter to the police,” the statement said. Statement from the University Amid the uncertainty, SAUT released a statement acknowledging Archbishop Dallu’s report, which had circulated widely on social media since October 8.

“SAUT wishes to inform the public that Father Camillus Nikata is our lecturer in the Department of Public Communication. He had gone to Dodoma for spiritual formation under TEC.

All initial efforts to locate him were unsuccessful,” he said. “Following this, SAUT, through the Chaplaincy office, arranged special prayers seeking God’s protection and safety for him,” the statement released on October 13 said, emphasising that divine intervention was sought where human efforts failed.

Police report Nine days after Father Nikata went missing, Ruvuma Regional Police announced on October 17, 2025, that he had been found alive, raising further questions. Police Commander Marco Chilya told journalists that the priest had been reported missing on October 9, 2025, and that experienced detectives immediately began a thorough investigation using all available methods.

“Following this investigation, on October 17, 2025, Father Nikata was found alive in the fields of Mawa Village, Hanga Ward, his birthplace,” the statement said, adding that he was extremely weakened from hunger, having survived 10 days on peanuts and water. The police said he was found with a small bag partially eaten by termites, a travel document, a towel used as bedding, Sh13,500, a wristwatch, glasses, Paracetamol, a phone, and keys, including for his seminary room.

Commander Chilya explained that Father Nikata’s disappearance was linked to mental stress caused by overwhelming debts he could not repay, as well as emotional distress after his partner of nine years, whom he had been supporting financially, left him. Investigations revealed that between June and September, Father Nikata had spent Sh39.158 million from his CRDB bank account caring for her.

Health issues were also cited: he had long suffered from eye pressure and had undergone one eye surgery, but could not afford a second procedure due to financial obligations. “Father Nikata had decided to leave the priesthood due to health, relationship difficulties, and financial strain, but he was not given a chance to discuss these with his superiors,” said Commander Chilya.

Police urged professionals to share challenges with peers rather than keeping them private and called on institutional leaders to allow subordinates to voice difficulties before they escalate. Father Nikata’s condition reportedly improved after initial treatment, and he was taken to Ruvuma Regional Hospital for further care.

Despite clarifications, the report sparked wider debate on social media, prompting discussions on priestly life and discipline. Not the first incident On September 24, 2025, Iringa Regional Police reported the detention of Father Jordan Kibiki of Mafinga Catholic Diocese over false claims of abduction.

Police Commander Alan Bukumbi said investigations showed Father Kibiki was struggling with debts after losing money online. He had falsely claimed on WhatsApp that he had been kidnapped and was being transported to Mbeya, but was later found in Mbalizi, Mbeya.

The Mafinga Catholic Diocese explained that Father Kibiki had suffered mental stress after losing Sh3.5 million in online eBay transactions. On September 30, 2025, Bishop Vincent Mwagala said the priest had been depressed due to these circumstances.

“Vulnerability can affect anyone facing life challenges. The church is monitoring Father Kibiki’s health to ensure he recovers,” said Bishop Mwagala.

He added that after consulting the priest on September 26, 2025, he was sent to Tosamaganga Referral Hospital and diagnosed with depression. Bishop Mwagala said the financial loss had contributed significantly to the priest’s emotional distress.

“He felt cheated and demanded more money than previously agreed upon. Of the Sh3.5 million lost, Sh500,000 was entrusted to Parish Priest Father Isaac, Sh1.5 million to diocesan accountant Father Godwin Maliga, and Sh1.5 million was his own money.

Given these circumstances, no person in normal mental health would abandon a Sh25 million vehicle in the bush,” he said. The police, taking into account the priest’s condition, dropped charges and released him.

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