Category: The Citizen

Cairo. Africa’s top club competitions will get prize-money rises of up to 100 percent this season, with payouts for the Champions League and Confederation Cup up by a combined $4 million to strengthen the continent’s teams globally, the CAF president Patrice Motsepe (pictured)has announced.

Winners of the Caf Champions League in the 2025-2026 campaign will earn $6 million, a 50 percent rise, while the Confederation Cup champions will receive $4 million, double the current prize. CAF said the latest changes extend a steep prize-money increase since iMotsepe took over in 2021. Over five years, the Champions League prize pot has jumped 140%, from $2.5 million to $6 million, while Confederation Cup payouts have surged 220 percent, from $1.25 million to $4 million.

Total annual prize money and solidarity payments for African clubs have climbed to more than $42 million, up from $18.8 million in 2021 — a rise of 123.4 percent, Caf said. Motsepe introduced payments for clubs eliminated in the preliminary rounds, allocating $50,000 per team in 2024 and doubling that to $100,000 for 2025. CAF said the expanded financial support helped push participation to a record 130 clubs in the 2025-26 Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions.

The twolegged CAF Champions League final will be played on May 15 and 24 this year, while the Confederation Cup final dates are May 9 and 16, CAF added. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) will implement World Aquatics (WA) rules at the upcoming Tanzania National Club Championships, scheduled for April 1112 at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) swimming pool in Masaki.

The national championships have received official recognition as a qualifying event for the World Aquatics Short Course Championships, set to take place in China this December. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, TSA official Inviolata Itatiro said the adoption of WA regulations is a deliberate step to raise the standard of domestic competitions and better prepare Tanzanian swimmers for higher-level regional and international meets.

“All races will now follow approved starting procedures, stroke techniques, turns, and finishes under WA rules,” Itatiro explained. “Certified referees and judges will officiate, and timing systems will meet World Aquatics standards, ensuring that results are credible, transparent, and comparable with recognized competitions worldwide.

” The global governing body has officially sanctioned the Tanzania National Club Championships as an event where swimmers can post qualifying times for the World Aquatics Short Course Championships. Consequently, the meet is now open to both local and international swimmers seeking qualification, provided they meet the required standards.

“This approval allows swimmers from around the world to participate in our national championships if they meet the necessary criteria,” Itatiro said. Foreign participants must adhere strictly to TSA regulations, including securing a clearance letter from their respective national swimming federations confirming their good standing and authorization to compete abroad.

Swimmers must also be registered for the 2025/2026 season, achieve official qualifying times within the approved window (August 1, 2025March 2026), and submit all necessary documentation on time, including proper travel papers. “Compliance with these procedures is essential to ensure fairness and adherence to international regulations,” Itatiro added.

“Swimmers must submit their clearance letters within the set deadlines to compete.” The move underscores TSA’s commitment to aligning Tanzania’s swimming competitions with international standards and providing a platform for local athletes to gain exposure on the world stage.

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Dar es Salaam. A United Nations (UN) delegation has begun consultations with Tanzanian political parties on issues of democracy and good governance, drawing mixed reactions from stakeholders.

The UN Secretary-General’s representative, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, has received both praise and scepticism over the initiative. Supporters say his visit is timely and could help strengthen national cohesion, while critics argue that tangible outcomes are more important than symbolic engagements.

Onanga-Anyanga, who also heads the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), is expected to meet leaders of several political parties, including Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), ACT Wazalendo and Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma). He is also scheduled to hold discussions with the Speaker of Parliament, Mussa Zungu, Chief Justice George Masaju, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The talks are expected to focus on Tanzania’s political environment, governance and the role the UN could play in supporting democratic reforms, strengthening institutions and promoting national unity. ACT Wazalendo has confirmed that it will participate in the discussions.

Party leader Dorothy Semu said the party would send a delegation that includes its Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mwanaisha Mndeme. “ACT Wazalendo has received the invitation and will meet him this afternoon.

The delegation is prepared for the discussions,” Semu said. However, Chadema and Chaumma have not yet confirmed whether they will take part.

Chadema’s Vice-Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, John Heche, said it was too early to comment on the matter. Chaumma Chairman Hashim Rungwe said the party had not yet received a formal invitation and would respond once it does.

Civil society organisations have also reacted cautiously to the development. The Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre, Anna Henga, said Tanzania may benefit from the involvement of an impartial mediator, arguing that some domestic processes are often viewed as lacking neutrality.

“Given the current situation, an objective mediator is needed. The UN, with its peacekeeping and diplomatic mandate, is well placed to play such a role,” she said.

The President of the Tanganyika Law Society, Boniface Mwabukusi, said any engagement would depend on the specific objectives and expected outcomes of the discussions. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has returned Tanzania to its formal agenda following its 72nd meeting held in Malta on March 7, 2026. During the meeting, CMAG reviewed Tanzania’s political situation and raised concerns over human rights issues, including the violent demonstrations that occurred on 29 October 2025. The group welcomed the government’s willingness to cooperate with the Commonwealth Secretariat through the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, who is expected to visit Tanzania later this month.

to conduct a detailed assessment of the country’s governance environment. According to CMAG, the envoy’s mission will aim to provide a clearer understanding of Tanzania’s political landscape and help shape recommendations for strengthening democracy, the rule of law and civic space.

The meeting also reviewed the political situation in Uganda, which has similarly raised concerns among Commonwealth members regarding human rights and democratic governance. .

Dar es Salaam. Frequent bloating, persistent heartburn, difficulty concentrating, constant fatigue and constipation are among warning signs many people tend to ignore when the gut is not functioning properly.

For many, such symptoms appear normal and are often dismissed as part of everyday life. However, health experts warn that ignoring these signs for a long time may contribute to serious health conditions that many people later struggle to understand.

According to Naturopathic Doctor (ND) from the Cornwell Tanzania Naturopathic Institute and Clinic, Dr Elizabeth Lema, the gut plays a central role in the body’s overall wellbeing. “When the digestive system stops functioning efficiently, the effects can spread to multiple systems in the body,” she said.

Beyond digestion, the gut also influences mental wellbeing. Dr Lema explained that the digestive system communicates directly with the brain through the braingut axis, a communication network between the brain and the digestive system that allows the two to influence each other.

“When the stomach is digesting food, the brain tends to relax because the body directs more blood flow to digestion. That is why many people feel sleepy after eating,” she said.

This connection also explains why certain physical symptoms may reflect underlying digestive problems. Digestive irregularities can also serve as warning signs.

Constipation, difficulty passing stool or unusually hard stool may indicate that the digestive system is under strain. “Constipation should not be ignored because it can eventually lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, colon cancer or severe infections if it persists for a long time,” she explained.

When waste remains in the body longer than it should, toxins may begin circulating back into the bloodstream, potentially affecting other organs and systems. At the same time, frequent diarrhoea or repeated bowel movements can also signal that the gut is struggling to maintain balance.

“This may mean the digestive system is not functioning properly, either because harmful bacteria are present or because digestive acids are not working as they should. The body needs a healthy balance of bacteria for digestion to work well,” she said.

Other signs include persistent heartburn or the presence of undigested food in stool, symptoms that often appear mild but may signal deeper digestive problems. If such symptoms remain unaddressed, Dr Lema warned that they may eventually contribute to chronic conditions, including diabetes and weakened immunity.

“Many people who develop diabetes previously experienced digestive symptoms but underestimated them,” she said. She also noted that poor gut health can influence mental wellbeing, leading to mood changes, anxiety and depression.

This is partly linked to the vagus nerve, which forms a communication pathway between the gut and the brain. Despite these risks, experts say many of these problems can be prevented or improved through lifestyle changes, particularly dietary habits.

She recommends increasing consumption of fresh vegetables, yoghurt and fermented foods such as kimchi, which contain bacteria that support gut health. At the same time, she warned that certain lifestyle habits can disrupt the gut microbiome.

These include excessive consumption of processed foods, overuse of antibiotics without medical advice, lack of sleep and frequent intake of foods containing artificial chemicals. “All these factors can disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut.

When that balance is disrupted, many health challenges may begin to appear,” she said. On the same line, Dr Magnus Msango also emphasised that gut health should not be viewed as a digestive issue alone.

“The trillions of microbes living in our intestines help regulate immunity, protect the intestinal barrier and even influence overall health. When this microbial balance is disturbed, the body’s defence systems can weaken,” he said.

He added that the gut microbiome quietly supports several critical processes in the body. “A healthy gut microbiome acts like a silent partner in the body.

It breaks down nutrients, protects the intestine from harmful microbes and helps maintain the balance of the immune system throughout life,” he explained. According to the Mayo Clinic website, improving gut health often begins with simple lifestyle changes, particularly diet.

They recommend adopting a largely plant-based diet, limiting meals eaten outside the home to once a week, reducing processed foods to no more than a quarter of total meals and choosing organic foods whenever possible. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania East Africa Gateway Terminal Limited (TEAGTL) does not operate in abstractions.

It operates in volumes, cargo manifests, vessel schedules and invoices that must be reconciled with precision. In that high-pressure environment, where efficiency meets regulation and relationships intersect with revenue, Ms Libina Lukumai has carved out her leadership path.

As Collection Supervisor (Finance and Billing) at the terminal operator, Libina stands at the intersection of analytics and accountability. Her role is not merely to chase payments.

It is to safeguard financial integrity in one of Tanzania’s most strategic industries. “My journey has been built on consistency, accountability, adaptability and continuous growth,” she says — a statement that, in her case, reads less like a slogan and more like an operating framework.

Finance leadership rarely arrives overnight. Libina’s trajectory has been methodical, grounded in measurable performance and professional discipline.

Collections, particularly in complex operational sectors like port services, require more than persistence. They require systems thinking.

She leans heavily on data banking segmentation and performance analytics. Every recovery target, every dispute resolution timeline and every productivity benchmark is mapped and tracked.

Yet, she is quick to stress that numbers alone do not close accounts. “Collections are both numbers-driven and people-driven,” she explains.

Behind every overdue payment is a client — sometimes facing genuine financial strain. Behind every call is a team member navigating difficult conversations.

Libina has learned to master the delicate equilibrium between analytical rigor and emotional intelligence. Data informs the decision.

Emotional intelligence shapes its delivery. Leading with clarity and compliance Within finance and billing operations, ambiguity is expensive.

Libina’s leadership style reflects this reality. She believes in setting explicit expectations, aligning her team with measurable goals and holding everyone — herself included — accountable.

Productivity benchmarks are clearly defined. Compliance requirements are not negotiable.

Integrity, she insists, is the cornerstone of financial management. Company policies, regulatory guidelines and ethical standards form a boundary she does not cross.

“I lead by example,” she says. “Professionalism, respectful communication and compliance are reinforced in every discussion.

” This approach has helped cultivate a team culture where performance and ethics coexist rather than compete. In collections, results are quantifiable.

Libina’s contribution, she says, has centered on three core metrics: recovery performance, dispute turnaround time and operational efficiency. By introducing structured tracking systems and reinforcing accountability mechanisms, she has strengthened recovery rates while simultaneously improving dispute resolution timelines.

Faster resolution does not only improve cash flow; it strengthens client trust. Her focus remains consistent: data-backed improvements that translate into organizational resilience.

In industries where revenue cycles underpin operational sustainability, such improvements are not cosmetic. They are strategic.

Negotiating under pressure Financial pressure is inherent in collections. Performance expectations are constant.

Yet Libina describes her approach to conflict resolution with deliberate calm. She relies on structure, composure and clearly defined boundaries.

Difficult client negotiations, she says, are never about confrontation. They are about protecting the organization’s interests while preserving long-term professional relationships.

The balance is delicate but essential in sectors like port operations, where business relationships often span years. Staying resilient under pressure, she adds, requires continuous learning.

“When you stay informed and continually improve your skills, you become more adaptable and confident.” Her mindset focuses on outcomes rather than merely tasks — a distinction that sustains motivation during high-stakes periods.

Why women in finance leadership matter Finance and billing operations, particularly in the port industry, have historically been male-dominated spaces. Libina believes this is precisely why representation matters.

“Leadership diversity strengthens decision-making, risk management and organizational culture,” she says. Her presence in a supervisory finance role is not symbolic; it is structural.

Diverse leadership teams bring varied perspectives to risk assessment, negotiation and policy Traditional workplace cultures and entrenched stereotypes can subtly push women away from leadership tracks. Long hours and expectations of constant availability complicate work-life integration, especially in demanding operational sectors.

Addressing these challenges, she argues, requires intentional organizational reform. At TEAGTL, Libina acknowledges the presence of structured support systems.

Leadership training and development initiatives, alongside diversity and inclusion policies, create pathways for women to rise within finance and operational functions. Such frameworks matter.

Without structured mentorship, exposure and leadership grooming, representation can stagnate. For Libina, mentorship has been transformational — and it is central to the legacy she hopes to leave.

Within her department, Libina is deliberate about creating access and visibility for women. She aligns her leadership goals around representation — ensuring aspiring female finance professionals see tangible examples of advancement.

Visibility, she believes, shifts perception. When women occupy supervisory and decision-making roles in billing and finance operations, it normalizes ambition.

Her influence extends beyond metrics. It shapes aspiration.

A legacy of confidence and courage When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, Libina does not speak of titles or accolades. She speaks of mentorship.

She envisions a generation of women in financial management who are confident enough to take bold steps — women who view leadership not as an exception but as an expectation. “I would want to inspire future generations of women to pursue leadership roles in finance and management with confidence,” she says.

In the structured world of finance and billing, confidence is not loud. It is disciplined.

It is consistent. It is ethical.

Libina’s story is not about dramatic breakthroughs. It is about steady credibility — built invoice by invoice, negotiation by negotiation, benchmark by benchmark.

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Dar es Salaam. A newly launched digital marketplace, Tellus Minerals B2B, is creating unprecedented opportunities for Tanzania’s artisanal and small-scale miners by linking them directly with international buyers, investors, and industry players through a transparent global platform.

Speaking to The Citizen on March 11, 2026 CEO and Founder Idrissa Songoro said the initiative is designed to transform global mineral trade by offering a neutral digital environment where verified stakeholders can interact without intermediaries. “The goal is to create a transparent global ecosystem where artisans and producers can connect directly with buyers and investors, negotiate independently, and build sustainable partnerships,” Mr Songoro said.

The platform brings together miners, producers, industrial buyers, traders, investors, equipment manufacturers, and governments in a single virtual space. Operating independently, Tellus Minerals B2B does not handle payments, escrow services, or commissions; it simply facilitates connections, allowing stakeholders to negotiate and execute transactions on their own.

Focusing on critical minerals such as gold, copper, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, the platform seeks to meet rising global demand driven by industrial and technological development. Tanzanian artisanal miners, particularly in mineral-rich regions, are expected to benefit significantly, with verified resources showcased directly to a worldwide network of buyers, refiners, and investors.

Mr Songoro emphasised that the initiative tackles long-standing challenges for small-scale miners, including limited market access, reliance on middlemen, and unfavourable pricing. “Artisanal miners often struggle for visibility in the international market.

This platform allows them to present verified resources directly to global stakeholders and negotiate fairer deals,” he explained. Beyond supporting miners, the marketplace provides governments and regulatory authorities with a platform to share national mining policies, investment incentives, geological reports, and regulatory frameworks, helping attract foreign investment into Tanzania’s mineral sector.

The platform will also host webinars and virtual discussions on global mineral market trends, supply chain developments, and emerging investment opportunities. Access is currently free until July 27, 2026 allowing Tanzanian artisans, producers, investors, and government representatives to register as verified participants.

A major webinar is scheduled for April 10, 2026 bringing together stakeholders from across the global minerals value chain to discuss market dynamics and investment prospects. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has strengthened its position as an attractive destination for mining investment after ranking 34th out of 68 jurisdictions worldwide in the Fraser Institute’s Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2025. The improvement is driven largely by its strong mineral potential and gradual improvements in the policy environment.

The survey, which is widely used by global investors to assess mining destinations, also places Tanzania fourth in Africa, behind Botswana, Morocco and Zambia on the Investment Attractiveness Index, a ranking influenced by both geological prospects and the regulatory framework governing the sector. According to the report released last week, Tanzania’s overall score rose to 68.04 in 2025, up from 62.75 in 2024 and 46.38 in 2023, reflecting growing investor confidence supported by rich mineral resources, expanding exploration activity and ongoing policy reforms.

The Fraser Institute index combines two key measures: the Best Practices Mineral Potential Index, which evaluates the quality and availability of mineral resources, and the Policy Perception Index, which captures investor views on regulations, taxation, licensing systems and overall stability of the investment climate. Tanzania’s high ranking was largely driven by its strong performance on mineral potential, where it placed 15th globally with a score of 75.00, highlighting the country’s significant endowment of gold, graphite, nickel, rare earth elements and other strategic minerals that are increasingly in demand worldwide.

The report also shows a modest improvement in Tanzania’s policy perception score, which rose to 57.61 in 2025 from 55.41 in 2024, signalling improving investor sentiment about the operating environment following regulatory adjustments and efforts to enhance transparency in the sector. The 2025 survey was distributed to 2,304 senior executives in mining and exploration companies worldwide, with 256 responses used to assess 68 jurisdictions.

Participating firms reported a combined $4.2 billion in exploration spending, making the survey a key indicator of global mining investment trends. The latest ranking comes as Tanzania continues to position mining as a central pillar of economic transformation through expanded exploration, stronger oversight systems and policies aimed at increasing local participation while maintaining investor confidence.

A professor at the University of Dar es Salaam’s Department of Geology and former Deputy Minister for Minerals, Shukrani Manya, said Tanzania’s strong showing reflects both its natural resource base and reforms introduced in recent years to improve governance in the sector. “The policy framework for investment in the mining sector is clear, and regulations governing small-scale miners are transparent.

This has helped reduce conflicts between small-scale operators and large investors,” he said. According to Prof Manya, the 2018 mining legislation introduced reforms that strengthened state oversight while creating more opportunities for Tanzanians to participate in the industry.

“The reforms placed strong emphasis on local content, enabling Tanzanians and other stakeholders to benefit more directly from developments in the industry,” he explained. He said that improved regulation, together with the establishment of mineral markets across the country, has increased transparency and helped formalise trading activities that were previously conducted informally.

“Mineral markets have aligned trading practices with global standards, opened up better business opportunities for small-scale miners and helped increase their earnings,” he said. Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, Benjamin Mchwampaka, said Tanzania’s ranking reflects the balance between strong geology and a policy environment that is improving but still has room for further reform.

“About 60 percent of investment decisions are influenced by mineral potential and 40 percent by policy and the legal framework. Tanzania scores highly on geological potential, particularly for critical minerals such as graphite, rare earths, nickel and lithium, which are attracting growing global demand,” he said.

He noted, however, that Tanzania still trails leading African destinations such as Botswana on policy perception, meaning further regulatory stability and consistency will be important to sustain investor confidence. .

Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Finance, Mr Khamis Mussa Omar, has urged financial institutions to take a more proactive role in supporting the implementation of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, saying the sector will be pivotal in driving the country’s long-term economic transformation.

Mr Omar made the call during a special iftar event hosted by the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) for its customers and stakeholders in Dar es Salaam. The gathering, held at Johari Rotana, brought together NBC clients, government officials and religious leaders.

The bank’s leadership was also present, including board chairman Dr Elirehema Doriye, managing director Mr Theobald Sabi, and other senior executives. Speaking at the event, the minister said the government’s development blueprint aims to build a modern and competitive economy driven by investment, industrialisation, trade and digital innovation.

He said financial institutions, particularly banks, must play a central role in supporting the realisation of the vision by facilitating investment and expanding access to financial services. “Achieving the vision objectives requires the financial sector–especially banks–to play a central role, not only by providing financial services but also by enabling major economic transformation,” he said.

Mr Omar added that the government will continue to create a supportive environment to enable financial institutions to thrive and contribute effectively to the country’s development goals. The minister commended NBC for organising the faith-based gathering, noting that such engagements help to strengthen relations between financial institutions and their customers while fostering social cohesion.

For his part, Dr Doriye said the bank remains committed to maintaining such engagements as part of efforts to strengthen relationships with its stakeholders. He noted that NBC highly values the role played by key partners, including the government and customers, in supporting the bank’s growth and operations.

“We also recognise the role of the Almighty God in enabling us to run institutions that directly impact people’s livelihoods. That is why we encourage citizens to continue praying for our national leaders, as their effectiveness depends greatly on divine guidance and blessings,” he said.

Mr Sabi thanked stakeholders–including the government, religious leaders and customers–for their continued cooperation with the bank. Mr Sabi also highlighted the bank’s Islamic window and other services designed to support small traders, alongside financial solutions tailored for both individual and corporate clients.

“Through the Sharia-compliant services, more than 43,000 customers are currently served under this window, with deposits exceeding Sh80 billion, while financing provided through the same window has surpassed S6 billion,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. Aspirants seeking the presidency and vice presidency of the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) will be required to pay a Sh1 million nomination fee as the national Olympic body prepares for its leadership elections scheduled for April 12 in Dar es Salaam.

The elections were initially scheduled for December 14, 2024, but were later suspended by the government over constitutional issues that required review and amendments. The situation was later resolved after the government, through the Registrar of Clubs and Sports Associations, endorsed amendments to the TOC constitution.

The revised document was also approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), paving the way for the long-awaited polls. Chairman of the TOC Election Committee, Ibrahim Mkwawa, said yesterday that a total of 12 positions will be contested during the organisation’s General Assembly.

According to Mkwawa, the positions include the President, Vice President and 10 Executive Committee members who will form the governing body of the organisation for the next term. He explained that, apart from paying the Sh1 million nomination fee, candidates seeking the presidency and vice presidency must possess at least a bachelor’s degree.

Meanwhile, candidates contesting for positions on the Executive Committee will be required to pay a nomination fee of Sh500,000 and must have a minimum academic qualification of Ordinary Secondary Education (Form Four). Mkwawa further noted that the composition of the 10-member Executive Committee will reflect the structure of the Union, with equal representation from both sides.

Five members will come from Tanzania Mainland while the other five will represent Zanzibar. He also revealed a significant change in the leadership structure, noting that the Secretary General position will no longer be filled through elections.

Instead, the role will now be filled through a professional recruitment process. The post is currently held by renowned former middle-distance runner Filbert Bayi, who has been serving as the committee’s Secretary General.

Mkwawa said nomination forms will be available from March 14 at the TOC headquarters in Dar es Salaam and at the main library in Zanzibar to allow interested candidates from across the country to collect and submit their applications. He added that the election committee will receive appeals from April 1 to April 3.

Decisions on the appeals will be issued on April 4 by the Appeals Committee chaired by Richard Sinamtwa, alongside members Georgina Mulebya and Jamal Nassor Adi, popularly known as Karume. The upcoming elections are expected to attract candidates from various national sports federations and stakeholders across the country as the Olympic body prepares to elect leaders who will guide its activities and development programmes in the coming years.

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Dar es Salaam. The government is restructuring the long-awaited KibahaChalinze expressway project to eliminate historic delays and accelerate implementation.

Officials describe the venture as a linchpin for national infrastructure that will support Tanzania’s ambitious drive toward a $1 trillion economy. Speaking at a national dialogue on PublicPrivate Partnerships (PPP) at the University of Dar es Salaam on March 9, 2026, the Executive Director of the PPP Centre (PPPC), Mr David Kafulila, confirmed that the project is undergoing a strategic overhaul.

This move follows years of procedural stagnation and mismatched expectations between the state and private bidders. The 78.9-kilometre section is a critical component of the Dar es SalaamChalinzeMorogoro corridor.

As one of the country’s most congested routes, it serves as the primary artery linking the commercial capital to the lake zones and landlocked neighbouring states. Once completed, the road will operate under a toll system, allowing private investors to recoup construction costs through user fees.

“This is a vital project for the movement of people and goods,” Mr Kafulila stated. “Despite past delays, the government is now employing a special arrangement to move the project forward at a faster pace.

” The project’s history has been marked by significant procurement hurdles since preparations began in 2017. Initial feasibility studies conducted by Korean and South African consultants drew interest from nine international firms. After rigorous evaluation, the pool narrowed to three Chinese finalists.

However, the process faltered when two firms failed to submit necessary documentation, leaving a single bidder, SBRG, in the final negotiations. This lack of competition created a strategic disadvantage for the state.

“When negotiations started, there was no second bidder to provide an alternative,” Mr Kafulila explained. Financial discrepancies further stalled progress.

The remaining investor proposed a budget exceeding $900 million (approx. Sh2.4 trillion), far surpassing the government’s internal estimate of $560 million (approx.

Sh1.5 trillion). “Certain cost items appeared exaggerated, making it impossible to proceed with the same investor under those terms,” Mr Kafulila noted.

To resolve this impasse, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Works have intervened to explore fresh investor arrangements. As Tanzania’s first major PPP highway, the project is viewed as a litmus test for future infrastructure financing.

During the same forum, the Minister for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, highlighted that such infrastructure is central to the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2026/272030/31). This plan aims to set Tanzania on a trajectory to reach a $1 trillion GDP by 2050. “We have identified four major priorities, including macroeconomic stability and structural reforms that empower the private sector to drive growth,” Prof Mkumbo said.

National economic growth rose to six percent in 2025, with projections hitting 6.3 percent this year.

The government targets 10.5 percent annual growth by 2031 through strict fiscal discipline and infrastructure strengthening. To fund these development priorities by 2031, Tanzania requires approximately S77.7 trillion ($183 billion).

The government expects the private sector to provide 70 percent of this capital, making successful PPP frameworks like the Kibaha expressway essential. Private sector leaders have welcomed the restructuring but emphasised the need for policy consistency.

The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) Director of Policy and Planning, Ms Mwanahamisi Hussein, urged the government to continue refining the investment climate. She also called for increased investment in local expertise to manage these complex, large-scale engineering and financial models.

The successful delivery of the KibahaChalinze stretch is expected to pave the way for a modern expressway network eventually connecting Dar es Salaam directly to the capital, Dodoma. .