Category: The Citizen

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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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has been urged to harness its own resources and innovation to sustain progress in the health sector amid declining foreign support.

The call was made on Saturday, October 18, 2025, by the Global CHOICE Project Lead, Dr Zulfiqar A. Bhutta.

He was speaking during the workshop for stakeholders in the CHOICE Tanzania Project, an initiative of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University, Pakistan, aimed at strengthening mental health and well-being through a gender-sensitive approach. The initiative addresses the unique challenges women face in accessing mental health services, empowering them while raising awareness about the links between mental health, gender equity, and the social determinants of health.

It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5, fostering inclusive health systems that place mental health at the core of overall well-being. Held under the theme “Climate change and human health: Building resilience through evidence-based policy,” the event brought together government officials, researchers, development partners, academicians, and civil society representatives to explore integrated solutions to Tanzania’s health and climate challenges.

Dr Bhutta underscored the need for smarter investments through public-private partnerships, enhanced government funding, and evidence-based strategies to ensure resources are used efficiently and reach the most vulnerable groups. “Challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation will continue to impact health outcomes.

Tanzania should prioritise adaptation and resilience,” said Dr Bhutta. “We have learned that mitigation efforts may take time to yield results, but strengthening local systems and partnerships can help the country sustain progress in improving health and development indicators despite reduced external funding,” added the expert.

Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, the docket’s Director of Legal Services, Mr Rahib Mashombo, said the government remains committed to scaling up domestic investment. He noted that implementing universal health coverage will address many of the country’s health challenges.

Aga Khan Health Service Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sisawo Konteh, said climate change, mental health, and gender equity have a profound impact on both family and national well-being. “Through CHOICE, we are generating evidence, inspiring action, and building healthier, more resilient communities,” he said.

The CHOICE project has strengthened national capacity by training 13 healthcare providers in mental health first aid and integrating mental health into primary healthcare services. On gender equity, it has equipped 23 frontline workers with specialised skills to manage cases of gender-based violence and violence against children, supported by nationwide awareness campaigns.

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Aga Khan Hospital and CHOICE Project Lead, Prof Muzdalifat Abeid, said the outcomes were guided by the CHOICE Tanzania think Tanks, a multi-sectoral platform ensuring that local evidence and community voices shape project direction and national policy. “By bringing together policymakers, scientists, and community advocates, we promote collaboration that responds directly to realities on the ground.

Today’s sessions continue that approach, co-creating practical recommendations to strengthen the resilience of the national health system,” she said. The symposium reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, advancing gender equality, and promoting evidence-based policy as a foundation for equitable development.

Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania (AKHS), remains one of AKDN’s key agencies, dedicated to advancing innovative and inclusive health initiatives. .

Dar es Salaam. Equity Bank Tanzania on Thursday, October 16, held a farewell event for a group of women entrepreneurs set to travel to China for a business training tour and to participate in the prestigious Canton Fair, one of the largest international trade exhibitions in the world.

The initiative is part of the bank’s “Mwanamke Plus” programme, under its Women and Youth Banking Unit, which aims to economically empower women and youth through access to finance, business training and international exposure. Speaking during the send-off ceremony in Dar es Salaam, the head of the Women and Youth Banking Unit, Ms Jacqueline Temu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women and youth in overcoming barriers to financial inclusion.

“Research continues to show that a significant number of Tanzanians, particularly women, remain underserved by formal financial services,” she said.”This is largely due to challenges such as limited financial literacy, restrictive cultural norms, and stringent conditions imposed by many financial institutions.

” Ms Temu said the Mwanamke Plus window offers tailored financial solutions to women, including free training on financial literacy and investment, entrepreneurship support, and affordable loans to help grow their businesses. She noted that the programme is also designed to integrate women’s business capital into the formal financial system, enabling long-term growth and stability.

As part of these efforts, Equity Bank partnered with the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) to facilitate the participation of several women at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China. The trade fair will provide the women with an opportunity to network, explore new markets, identify international suppliers, and learn about modern production technologies.

“We are confident that this trip will expand their understanding of global trade opportunities and bring about meaningful change in their businesses and communities,” she said. Equity Bank is calling on more women across the country to join the Mwanamke Plus programme in order to benefit from financial services, entrepreneurship training, and access to both local and global business opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, TWCC Mwanza regional secretary Ms Jane Ndeto thanked Equity Bank for its continued support, describing the opportunity as a game-changer for women entrepreneurs in Tanzania. “This is not just a trade fair visit.

It is a chance for our members to gain international exposure, visit factories, and learn about new technologies that will help improve the quality and competitiveness of their products,” she said. Ms Ndeto also expressed appreciation for the financial education and practical business guidance provided by the bank, which she said had helped many women build sustainable businesses.

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The East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) on Thursday held a special sitting in honour of Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday in India, where he had been receiving treatment. When he rose to pay his tribute, Tanzania’s longest-serving Eala MP, Makame Usi, recalled how Odinga obtained his very first passport not from Kenya, but from neighbouring Tanzania.

He narrated that in 1962, a young Odinga was issued with a Tanganyika passport, which he used to travel to East Germany — a document he retained throughout his years in Europe until Kenya gained independence. “His relations with Tanzania began way back in 1962, when Mwalimu Julius Nyerere issued him with a Tanzanian passport, which he used to travel to East Germany,” Mr Usi told the Assembly.

At the time, Tanganyika and Zanzibar had not yet unified to form the United Republic of Tanzania. This occurred in 1964. Odinga had previously spoken publicly about this act of solidarity from Tanzania.

“My relationship with Tanzania began way back when I was around 16 years old. My dad wanted me to travel to Europe, but he was denied a passport by the colonial government.

My dad used to travel with a Ghanaian passport given by President Kwame Nkrumah, and an Egyptian passport from President (Gamal Abdel) Nasser,” he once recalled during a wedding in Dar es Salaam. “And so, Mzee Jaramogi sent me to Tanzania.

I boarded a bus from Nairobi and travelled by road through Namanga, Arusha, Moshi, Korogwe, and Morogoro, all the way to Dar es Salaam — a journey of more than 24 hours. We were taken to the office of the Tanganyika African National Union (Tanu), where the then secretary-general, Oscar Kambona, welcomed us.

He later took us to President Julius Nyerere. He received us warmly, adopted me as his son, and directed that I be issued with a passport.

I’m also a Tanzanian,” Odinga said. From Dar es Salaam, the young Odinga flew through Nairobi to Cairo, and then onwards to Europe.

“I stayed and lived in Europe on a Tanzanian passport. Upon my return to Kenya in 1965, I was issued with a Kenyan passport,” he said.

Kenya gained independence in 1963. Mr Makame described Odinga as “a true pan-Africanist.” “That he travelled on a Tanzanian passport was a measure of how Raila valued other African countries,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. The Government of Tanzania has earmarked Sh10 billion for the Tanzania Biotech Products Limited (TBPL) factory in Kibaha, Coast Region, to support the development and production of various pesticides and related chemicals in the 2025/2026 financial year.

The announcement was made on October 17, 2025 by the Government Chief Pharmacist, Mr Daud Masasi, during the launch of the factory’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Operated under the National Development Corporation (NDC), TBPL is the only facility of its kind in Africa and among the few globally dedicated to the production of biological pesticides.

Mr Masasi underlined the factory’s strategic importance to public health and economic development, citing these factors as the reason for the substantial increase in government funding. He noted that under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan (20212025), the government has allocated a total of Sh11.5 billion to the facility–an exponential rise compared to the first six years of its operation, when it received less than Sh1.5 billion in total.

“This is a unique and strategic factory. The government recognises its significance, which is why this year’s allocation alone amounts to Sh10 billion, covering 100 per cent of the requested budget,” said Mr Masasi.

He added that alongside increased funding, the government is investing in local capacity building by transferring technical knowledge and expertise to Tanzanian professionals–a move already yielding results in the fight against malaria. Mr Masasi highlighted that malaria prevalence has fallen from 14 per cent in 2014 to 8 per cent currently, largely due to the use of pesticides produced at the Kibaha factory.

He noted that all 184 local government authorities across the country have received the products and urged local leaders to ensure their proper and effective use. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr Abdallah Hashil, described TBPL as a model factory, having successfully developed and produced more than three types of health and agricultural products.

“The government’s commitment to supporting this factory is evident. Its aim is to enhance pesticide production and expand into other health-related biotechnology products.

These environmentally friendly products are significantly improving the lives of Tanzanians,” said Dr Hashil. He added that the factory contributes not only to public health but also to the national economy through exports.

Approximately 25 per cent of TBPL’s output is exported to countries including Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Angola and Niger, helping Tanzania earn valuable foreign exchange. The Managing Director of the NDC, Dr Nicolaus Shombe, also addressed the event, highlighting the factory’s collaboration with Cuban experts and affirming that all products are manufactured entirely in Tanzania by Tanzanian professionals.

In addition to larvicides, Dr Shombe noted that the factory produces organic, chemical-free fertilisers to support sustainable agriculture. “This is a factory built by Tanzanians, for Tanzanians.

It stands as a symbol of self-reliance and innovation in biotechnology,” he said .

More than half of Tanzania’s current population was born after the death of its Founding Father. Mwalimu Nyerere will remain a polarising figure in the country he led to its independence.

It’s been more than two decades since he passed away, and millions of visitors from around the world have flocked to his ancestral home in Butiama, where a museum dedicated to his lifetime and achievements is situated. The museum plays a key role in the influx of international and domestic tourism in the area, much to the delight of the surrounding communities.

To older Tanzanians, the boomers and millennials, they got to witness Nyerere’s charisma. His intellect and sense of humour remained evident even after he stepped down and retired.

The younger generations weren’t so lucky; their account of the founding father came from parents, school lessons, and social media clips. The custodians of the history of Tanzania, the National Museum and House of Culture, have, over the years, diligently used all means at their disposal to attract young Tanzanians to visit their numerous centres in hopes of keeping the history of the nation alive among the youth.

On Nyerere Day, their headquarters on Shaaban Roberts Street in Posta city centre, Dar es Salaam, held a special Nyerere Exhibition that attracted hundreds of students. Their aim is to remind them of this leader who united the nation a long time ago, before they were even born.

Ms Eva Satiel, a curator at the museum, was at the helm, guiding groups of these children as they were making their rounds around the museum. from the vehicles he used during his quest for independence to the last car that drove him to the airport as he headed to London for treatment.

Ms Eva spoke on the importance of making sure the children understand Nyerere’s principles of unity, love, and peace, and why it’s now more important than ever to instil that mindset in children. Though the museum is an old tourist attraction that used to predominantly receive international visitors, for years now, they have deliberately aimed at the domestic population with successful community outreach programmes and special-priced visits for local schools.

“This generation that came after Mwalimu was gone should know of the sacrifice and the efforts of the previous generation that have made them live in the current peaceful and free atmosphere,” she said. She said the reason the National Museum and House of Culture is celebrating Mwalimu’s life is to serve as a show of appreciation for his selfless acts, in hopes that the children will learn that serving their nation selflessly is a calling for all Tanzanians.

“They should learn to serve their nation and leave a legacy, and we teach them that early on,” she added. The museum-going culture among Tanzanians is still not at the desirable level.

They are now investing in publicity and marketing to attract as many Tanzanians as possible. “A young Tanzanian once came here and was surprised to not have known of our presence when she was a student at IFM, which is just next door,” she mentioned.

Their school outreach initiative has been a huge success. They visit these schools to showcase what they have to offer; often, they have fun activities to keep the young students fully engaged and excited to look forward to visiting the museum.

From cutting raw meat using the Stone Age tools to singing patriotic songs. They are fully committed to connecting with these students who, in decades to come, will be tasked with keeping the history alive for their offspring.

‘The outreaches are aimed to showcase in brief what they will learn in length when they come to visit us at the museum,’ she explained. Some of these young Tanzanians who visit the National Museum don’t fully grasp how life was before independence and the magnitude of how Nyerere and his peers had to outmanoeuvre the colonial administration to gain independence.

Eva has constantly been asked by the children about life before independence, with many thinking, even before Nyerere, there were presidents and elections were regularly held, like what they see now. It is that kind of assumption that makes the museum curator work extra hard to ensure that history is ceaselessly taught to every young Tanzanian.

One cannot assume every Tanzanians know our history. Every day the country is moving further and further from the times of emancipation of the country.

The further we go, the more effort has to be invested in teaching the generation that is far removed from those times. The National Museum and House of Culture in Dar es Salaam possesses just a portion of the pictures and artefacts showcasing his life and times.

From a collection of pictures, from when he landed at Dar es Salaam airport coming from a UN general assembly meeting demanding Tanzania’s independence to his time as a family man tapping a drum sitting next to his young son, Madaraka. These pictures have always fascinated international tourists visiting the museum.

But to young Tanzanian students, this is vivid evidence of a man they have known as the father of the nation but have never seen in person or walked the earth at the same time he did. As Mwalimu Nyerere stood for peace, the museum curators teach the children about the importance of keeping the peace, and responsibility doesn’t only lie with the leaders, but it’s for every Tanzanian.

The new generation requires a new approach; employing multimedia exhibition, social media interaction, and presence has been key to relating with the youth. The National Museum has done just that.

The National Museum has also recruited young Tanzanians to introduce fresh perspectives. The government that has, of recent times, invested heavily in tourism has also had a portion of it reserved for the National Museum, which has been crucial to expand their activities, including the school outreach programmes.

“For the students who are far from the museums, we have books on Nyerere and frequent social media posts on our founding fathers that we share with them,” she said. Acting Director General and Director of Museums and Antiquities, Ms Adelaide Salema, has thrown her weight behind these vital initiatives aiming to educate the young generation.

As Mwalimu Nyerere remains an attraction to international tourists, scholars, and researchers extra effort is dedicated towards Tanzanian children whose future holds. Will a day ever come when children in Tanzania will forget about Nyerere? Well, it’s 26 years now, but his presence is ever evident.

But it is through intentional and coordinated efforts that his memories are alive. That should not be taken for granted, and efforts should not be relaxed.

“They were born when he was not here, but they know of him, so they will also teach their children and grandchildren in the future,” she said. .

Language is a people’s property, and the people have the freedom to use it the way they like. Which is why, those amongst us who consider themselves puritans, are have simply sit back, shut up gnash their teeth as language owners speak in “reckless manner”.

But that’s being casual, something that cannot be acceptable if you’re a professional working for, say, mainstream media. Or, if you’re a classroom teacher.

When you aren’t just a man on the street, you must adhere to what’s standard. It disappoints when a well-educated person calls me “uncle” yet he’s my mother’s brother.

It’s I who should correctly call him uncle, in Kiswahili, mjomba. He needs to call me back, “nephew”, or mpwa in Kiswahili.

The sister to my father (my aunt) would be wrong to call me “aunt” (in Kiswahili shangazi) instead of “nephew”. My sister is our aunt’s niece, but expect to hear the latter addressing the former as “aunt”.

Ridiculous, but there we are! The hoi polloi’s Kiswahili has increasingly influenced our kind of English in ways it shouldn’t. Having thus lectured (bah!), let’s now move to this column’s fundamental task, i.

e. which is, dishing out linguistic gems picked up over the recent past.

Here we go We start by looking at Page 3 of Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet (Sunday, September 29 edition). In it, there’s a story entitled, ‘Parents URGED to prioritise child safety,’ and its intro reads: “The officer commanding for Bukoba Districthas appealed to parents to KEEP CLOSE SUPERVISION of their children, especially during election CAMPAIGN.

” Let’s ask: why say to “keep close supervision of” instead of, simply, “closely supervise?” This would mean dropping the word “keep” and hence, subscribing to word economy principle, which is what journalese is all about. When one word can do, so goes our maxim don’t use two! And, needless to say, the scribbler meant to write, “election CAMPAIGNS” (not just, campaign).

On the same page, there’s a story whose headline reads, ‘Journalists URGED to uphold integrity during election.’ Note the use of the verb “urged” twice on the same page.

And, as if that wasn’t monotonous enough, the same verb reappears immediately on top of Page 3! Writes the sub: ‘Clerics URGED to promote law, peace ahead of poll.’ Connoisseurs of our English press will agree that the verb “urge” is a cliche–quite tiresome.

That, when there’re many other words that are synonyms to this word. Check that out before you succumb to the “urge” lure! Back to Page 2 where we read a story with the headline, ‘Rugambwa to be laid to rest in Bukoba tomorrow.

‘ In this one, the scribbler writes in Para 2: “Other prominent clerics BURIED at the same BURIAL ground include the late Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa and Bishop Nestorius Timanywa.” How about dropping one “bury” and have this: “Other prominent clerics INTERRED (or LAID TO REST) at the same BURIAL ground include” And now, as our scribblers endeavour to cover the ongoing General Election campaigns, any move to ban the use of the verb “pledge” could render them speechless, we fear! Let’s give a look at Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet of Monday, September 29: On Page 1, the intro for the lead story reads: CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has PLEDGED to transform Port; Page 2 has story with the headline: CCM PLEDGES to address Dar transport challenges; Still on Page 2, there’s this headline: Othman PLEDGES to boost education and Samia PLEDGES to transform southern zone into business hub While we won’t doubt the efficacy of the verb “pledge” in the context of our politicians’ effort to lure voters, surely more creativity and intellectual energy should be marshalled to put into our pages other words which mean more or less the same thing as the hackneyed word! Ah, this treacherous language called English! Send your photos and linguistic gems to email [email protected] or WhatsApp on Tel No 0688315580 .

By Mwita Chacha Last week, I wanted to go to a popular outdoor restaurant. I asked a friend who was there the previous day and he told me that the service was “so horrible” that he would never set foot there again.

Now such feedback hits hard. Nevertheless, we thought that perhaps it was one of those days and we decided to go there on Sunday afternoon.

For starters, the place was grossly understaffed and we had to go to the store to bring out our own chairs and a table. Once we were seated, it took what seemed like an eternity for drinks to be served.

We ordered seafood. The waitress had no place to write the order, but nevertheless told us the food will be ready in about an hour.

After an hour and half, we waylaid her and asked her about the food and, shockingly, she asked, “What food?” Yes, imagine waiting for more than an hour only to be told that the order was not placed and now you have to wait for another hour. The incident made me think that it is time we had at least a certificate course where waitresses are trained in customer care.

It can be a month-long course that caters for, among other things, working under pressure, taking orders, bills management, attitude towards difficult but useful customers and some bit of honesty about how long food will take. Unfortunately, this happened during Customer Service Week where much is expected, especially from the service and hospitality industry.

Customer Service Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the vital role customer service plays in our businesses and communities. The week shines a spotlight on the hard work, dedication and impact of customer service professionals across the country.

Throughout the week, organisations come together to recognise achievements, share best practices and inspire teams to continue raising the standard of service excellence. Whether you’re a frontline advisor or a senior leader, Customer Service Week is your chance to champion great service and the people who deliver it.

This year’s Customer Service Week ran from October 6 to 10 October under the theme “Mission: Possible”, which was meant to inspire teams and staff members to embark on a mission to make the impossible possible for customers. Here at home, it is generally a week-long opportunity to raise awareness of customer service and the vital role it plays in successful business practice and economic growth.

Now, let us get it right from the onset. Great customer service comes from a great culture of hospitality, a culture that takes the form of daily behaviours.

Outstanding service is not a one-off achievement; it is about excelling repeatedly. Good service culture essentially come from leadership leaders with service ambitions; leaders who convey culture positively to everyone in their team; leaders who role-model the actions and exemplify the service culture all the time.

The customer service culture must be intentional and high standards must be set. We need to take a needs-based approach while being committed to having a customer-first approach and understanding the customer through utilisation of customer data.

We should work on models that prioritise delivery of maximum value to customers while constantly engaging with them and achieving a 360-degree view of the customer by implementing automated customer feedback mechanisms. Additionally, we should improve customer experience by mapping out customer journeys and identifying potential areas of improvement through strategic customer-driven marketing by measuring effectiveness of marketing campaigns against business performance.

It takes willpower and a great desire to set such high standards in the first place. The true key performance indicator lies in meeting them.

But how do we go about meeting the set standards and delivering “Mission Possible”? What is needed is a true culture transformation aiming at creating a customer-centric environment that drives long-term success in the customer service agenda. This can be in form of training programmes geared towards fostering a culture where employees prioritise customer needs and satisfaction; giving employees the autonomy to take actions that benefit customers; boosting employee engagement agenda and job satisfaction, which can lead to better customer interactions as well as driving employee accountability for delivering exceptional customer service.

Once achieved, good customer service experience is a remarkable strength to have in any business since it builds emotional bonds with your customers and lays the foundation for customer loyalty and retention, improves customer satisfaction and experience and enhances reputation and brand image, thus driving business growth and revenues. Chacha Mwita is the Head of Strategy and Human Capital Services at MnC Consulting Services in Dar es Salaam.

[email protected] .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s equity market experienced a notable pullback in foreign investor interest in the third quarter of 2025, with offshore investors increasing their stock sales by 41.9 percent, as global yields rose and the US Federal Reserve maintained elevated interest rates.

Market data shows turnover from shares sold by foreign investors rose to Sh114.9 billion in the third quarter, July to September 2025, from Sh80.9 billion that they sold in the second quarter, between April to June 2025. According to the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE), the surge in foreign selling reflects both global monetary tightening and domestic portfolio adjustments rather than a loss of confidence in the market. DSE’s chief executive officer, Mr Peter Nalitolela, said the rise in foreign selling signals reduced foreign participation and potential portfolio rebalancing.

“It reflects a combination of domestic market dynamics, macroeconomic adjustment, and global yield dynamics rather than a loss of confidence in the Tanzania Market,” he said. The American Federal Reserve in September reiterated its “higher-for-longer” stance, holding its benchmark rate near a two-decade high.

The yield on 10-year US Treasuries hovered around 4.6 percent, the highest since 2007, prompting global funds to rebalance toward dollar assets.

Meanwhile, the local shilling has remained relatively stable against the dollar, supported by healthy foreign-exchange reserves, By September 30, 2025, total market capitalization stood at Sh21.34 trillion, an increase of 20.9 percent from Sh17.6 trillion in September 2024, buoyed by banking and manufacturing earnings. Domestic market capitalisation also closed the third quarter at a higher note at Sh13.6 trillion, 11.1 percent year-on-year from Sh12.2 trillion, indicating local absorption of foreign liquidity gaps.

The All Share Index (DSEI) gained 17.8 percent to 2,489.70 points from 2,114.34 points a year earlier. The Tanzania Share Index (TSI), tracking domestic counters, climbed 11.2 percent to 5,118.8 points from 4,604.09 points in September 2024. Domestic participation has risen sharply, cushioning the blow from foreign exits.

Pension funds, insurance companies, and retail investors now account for the majority of trading activity at the DSE, providing liquidity and supporting valuations. According to DSE data, local trading volume accounted for nearly 85 percent of turnover in Q3 2025, up from about 60 percent in the same period last year.

The Banks, Finance and Investment Index saw the sharpest monthly decline — tumbling 7.5 percent to 9,245.90 points in September from 9,994.54 points in August, as investors booked profits after a strong first half and liquidity tightened.

Yet the sector remains the year’s outperformer, up 63 percent from 5,674.20 points in September 2024. The Industrial and Allied Index decreased slightly, by 2 percent, from 4,213.43 points in August to 4,136.25 points in September. Meanwhile, the Commercial Services Index eased to 1,644.39 points from 1,666.41 points, a 1.

3 percent fall, and a steep 23 percent drop from 2,138.48 points a year earlier — highlighting the continued weakness in consumer-driven stocks amid inflationary pressure. Bond market The fixed-income sector thrived despite equity wobbles.

Outstanding government bonds rose 19.1 percent to Sh28.6 trillion from Sh23.9 trillion in September 2024, and 2.5 percent from Sh27.9 trillion in August, as investors sought stable yields.

Corporate bonds held steady at Sh176.2 billion, up 198.4 percent from Sh59.1 billion a year earlier, signaling private-sector issuance growth. .

Antananarivo. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the military officer who seized power in Madagascar earlier this week, was officially sworn in as president on Friday, October 17, 2025 in a ceremony marked by cheers, trumpets, and raised swords.

The move comes days after youth-led protests forced former President Andry Rajoelina to flee the country. At the ceremony, held at the High Constitutional Court, Randrianirina pledged to “fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities” of his office, vowing to defend national unity and human rights.

Military officers raised swords and sounded trumpets as he took the oath, symbolising the formal handover of authority. Rajoelina, impeached by lawmakers and currently in exile, has condemned the coup and refused to relinquish power, despite widespread defections within the security forces and the High Constitutional Court’s rapid endorsement of the military takeover.

The African Union and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have publicly condemned the coup, which followed weeks of protests by young people — primarily members of “Gen Z” — triggered by chronic power and water shortages across the island. While many of the protesters celebrated Rajoelina’s departure, some expressed unease at the speed with which the military assumed control.

“Not yet,” said 18-year-old student Mioty Andrianambinintsoa outside the court, signalling that the protesters’ broader objectives remain unfulfilled. Fellow demonstrator Francko Ramananvarivo, 23, explained, “Our goal is a government that is close to the people.

We are not there yet.” Randrianirina has indicated that a military-led committee will govern alongside a transitional administration for up to two years, after which new elections are expected to be held .