Category: The Citizen

Mkalama district council in Singida region disbursed more than Sh500 million in interest-free loans to women, youth and people with disabilities during the 2025/26 financial year, as the district also recorded a sharp rise in agricultural production and expanded investment in key public services.

Presenting the council’s one-year performance report, Mkalama district executive director Hajjat Asia Messos said the statutory 10 percent loans had strengthened entrepreneurship and household incomes while complementing wider government efforts to improve livelihoods.

“We have continued to empower wananchi economically by providing the statutory 10 percent loans while bringing these services closer to communities through the Mkalama Asilimia Kumi (MAK) mobile clinic. We are also equipping beneficiaries with entrepreneurship skills so they can establish sustainable businesses,” she said.

The council disbursed Sh500.6 million to 52 groups, with 24 women’s groups receiving Sh208 million, 19 youth groups Sh259.8 million, and nine groups of people with disabilities Sh32.8 million.

To improve access to the loans, the council launched the MAK mobile clinic, which conducted outreach across all 17 wards and 70 villages. The initiative also reached millions through the district’s social media platforms, while 289 loan beneficiaries received entrepreneurship and business management training.

Alongside the empowerment programme, the district recorded remarkable growth in agriculture, with food crop production increasing from 116,948 tonnes in the 2024/25 season to 354,438 tonnes in 2025/26. Cash crop production also rose from 44,796 tonnes to 50,471 tonnes.

Ms Messos attributed the increase to the recruitment of more agricultural extension officers, whose number rose from 16 to 47, wider use of improved seeds and subsidised fertiliser, and improved market access through the warehouse receipt system.

The council distributed subsidised agricultural inputs worth Sh9.49 billion during the year. Farmers selling lentils through the warehouse receipt system earned more than Sh8.14 billion, while the council collected Sh246.7 million in produce levy revenue.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of our district’s economy. Increased extension services, government input subsidies and improved market systems have enabled farmers to increase production and incomes,” she said.

The district also recorded growth in private investment, with the number of investors increasing from six to nine in sectors including mining, energy, agriculture and livestock, creating both permanent and temporary employment opportunities.

In education, the council constructed four new schools worth Sh1.3 billion and invested another Sh305 million in classrooms, laboratories and a dormitory. The number of Advanced Level secondary schools doubled from three to six, while the Form Four pass rate improved from 97.89 percent to 97.91 percent.

Health services also expanded through the construction of four dispensaries and a health centre, alongside improvements to existing facilities costing Sh719.1 million. Medicine availability increased from 92 percent to 93.8 percent, while more than 5,500 elderly people and 15,600 children under five received free healthcare services during the year.

Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, Ms Messos said the council would prioritise completion of the district hospital, expansion of education infrastructure and continued investment in economic empowerment, agriculture and public service delivery.

“As we begin implementing the National Development Vision 2050, we call upon all public servants to increase efficiency, innovation and accountability so that we can accelerate development and improve the welfare of our people,” she said.

The government has announced that it will restart the proposed Sinza Redevelopment Plan after residents raised concerns over inadequate public participation and uncertainty surrounding land ownership and property rights.

The decision, announced by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo, marks a significant shift in the implementation of one of Dar es Salaam’s major urban redevelopment initiatives.

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission registered its first batch of crypto exchanges under the country’s new regulatory framework in early 2026. Weeks later, South Africa’s FSCA confirmed enforcement actions against unlicensed platforms. Two moves pulling in opposite directions – both arriving at the same conclusion: crypto is becoming African financial infrastructure.

Global exchanges have recalibrated for African users. One illustrating the shift is BYDFi: best crypto exchange Africa, founded in 2020, now serving over 1,000,000 registered users across 190+ countries. Its interface is available in 22 languages, including a dedicated English (Africa) variant – signaling the continent is a deliberate strategic priority.

P2P and Fiat On-Ramps: Built Around How Africans Already Move Money

Peer-to-peer transactions are deeply embedded in African commerce – M-Pesa, informal transfers, cash-based ecosystems that don’t map onto Western banking rails. BYDFi launched P2P trading in 2026, adding a fiat-to-crypto channel mirroring how many Africans already transact.

BYDFi’s fiat gateway supports over 100 fiat currencies through four methods: One-Click Buy, Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card, and P2P Trading – with integrations from Banxa, Paybis, Transak, Mercuryo, Legend Trading, and Coinify supporting cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Pix.

Tiered onboarding, P2P rails, multi-fiat support, and an Africa-specific interface create on-ramp architecture designed for underbanked populations.

TradFi Trading: USDT-Settled Exposure to Global Markets

In 2026, BYDFi introduced TradFi trading – USDT-settled synthetic exposure to stock price movements (AAPL, AMZN, TSLA, MSFT, AMD, COIN), forex pairs, and commodities like Gold (XAUUSD), all with zero trading fees.

For African users locked out of international brokerages by documentation requirements, minimum balances, or geographic restrictions, BYDFi’s TradFi feature provides USDT-settled price exposure to global asset classes through a single account. As an alternative access point, it fills a real gap.

Tools That Flatten the Learning Curve

Africa’s crypto user base skews younger and mobile-first. BYDFi’s copy trading feature, launched January 2025, lets users start with $10 and replicate professional traders’ strategies. Perpetual Smart Copy Trading, added August 2025, uses proportional order sizing and isolated positions for derivatives exposure without manually managing leverage.

BYDFi’s demo trading account comes preloaded with 50,000 USDT under real market conditions – setup took under two minutes, no deposit or verification required.

Automated strategies include 3 bot types – Spot DCA, Spot Grid, Futures Grid- plus a Bot Marketplace launched in 2026. The Spot DCA bot executes periodic fixed-amount purchases automatically, potentially useful in regions with volatile local currencies, though users should assess their own risk tolerance.

Credibility Markers and Fee Structure

BYDFi has operated for over six years. It publishes Hacken-audited Proof of Reserves; the most recent audit reported reserve ratios of BTC 157%, ETH 171%, and USDT 154% – point-in-time snapshots. BYDFi also established an 800 BTC Protection Fund in September 2025, with terms detailed on BYDFi’s website.

A February 2025 Ledger partnership produced a co-branded hardware walle. A multi-year deal as Official Crypto Exchange Partner of Newcastle United was announced 26 August 2025, signaling long-term institutional commitment.

On fees: BYDFi spot trading sits at 0.1% maker/taker; perpetual futures start at 0.06% taker / 0.02% maker at VIP 0. The VIP program spans seven tiers (VIP 0-6) with up to 60% futures fee discounts.

What Comes Next: Regulation Meets Product Roadmap

Nigeria licensed exchanges. South Africa cracked down on unlicensed ones. Both confirm African crypto markets are maturing – platforms need verifiable reserves, transparent fees, and accessible on-ramps.

BYDFi’s Hacken-audited reserves at 154-171%, the 2026 P2P launch, and the English (Africa) interface are concrete decisions aligned with that maturation. New users may be eligible for up to 8,100 USDT in welcome rewards.

Whether BYDFi expands local payment integrations and adds more Africa-specific fiat pairs will indicate how deeply it commits beyond interface localization. For now, the feature set is substantive – and the trajectory is worth tracking.

The 2025/26 NBC Premier League season may not have matched the previous campaign in terms of goals, but it delivered a more competitive title race and highlighted the growing strength of Tanzania’s top-flight clubs.

While Young Africans (Yanga) successfully defended their title to claim a record-extending 32nd championship, the country’s four leading clubs scored fewer goals and collected fewer points than they did in the 2024/25 season, with the exception of Singida Black Stars, who emerged as the biggest improvers.

Ugandan health authorities have confirmed an isolated case of Marburg ?virus disease, a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever, while conducting surveillance an Ebola outbreak, Africa’s top public health agency said on Wednesday.

No contacts of the Marburg case have developed symptoms and there is currently no active ?case in the East African country, a spokesperson for the ?Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention added, citing Ugandan ?authorities.

A spokesperson for Uganda’s health ministry said he was not aware ?of a Marburg outbreak. The World Health Organization said it had been ?notified of a case by Uganda on 30 June, and had informed its member states.

“WHO has requested further information and is supporting the local response, including case ?investigation, active case finding, contact tracing and community engagement,” a WHO ?spokesperson said.

Child death

Africa CDC said the Marburg case was detected in Kyegegwa district in ?west of Uganda, in a 1-1/2-year-old child who had died.

“Africa CDC is engaging the Government of Uganda through official public health channels on reports concerning Marburg virus disease. At this stage, we cannot confirm ?reports of any ?additional case,” the ?spokesperson, Saran Koly, said.

“Africa CDC stands ready to support verification, risk assessment and response readiness as needed.”

Uganda’s ?last Marburg outbreak was in 2017, and it has ?had three ?others, the WHO spokesperson said.

Responding to Marburg requires the same steps as responding to Ebola, they added.

Uganda is already tackling an Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, ?linked ?to the emergency in neighbouring Democratic Republic ?of Congo. There have been 20 Ebola cases in Uganda and two deaths.

As Mozambican President Daniel Chapo begins his state visit to Tanzania on Thursday, July 2, 2026, fresh data from the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) highlights significant, yet largely untapped, economic opportunities, particularly in exports of maize and non-alcoholic beverages.

Other promising opportunities lie in exports of sweetened water and glass containers for product packaging.

National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has pledged to deepen its investment in football development, saying it will expand initiatives aimed at supporting players, clubs and other stakeholders in Tanzania’s sports sector.

The commitment was made as the bank, the title sponsor of the NBC Premier League, presented the league trophy to Young Africans (Yanga) following their successful 2025/2026 campaign.

Speaking after the trophy presentation, NBC Head of Marketing David Raymond said the bank had witnessed significant growth in the competitiveness and quality of the league since taking over the sponsorship.

“Since we commenced our sponsorship of the NBC Premier League, we have witnessed a remarkable rise in both competitiveness and the standard of play.

Each season has become increasingly exciting for fans, and we are proud to be part of Tanzania’s football development journey,” he said.

Raymond said the bank plans to strengthen its support through programs targeting youth football development, player training, health insurance for athletes and financial solutions designed to improve the welfare of players, clubs and other sports institutions.

“We believe sport is an important economic sector. That is why we continue to develop financial solutions that help athletes, clubs and other stakeholders build a stable financial future alongside their sporting success,” he said.

The trophy presentation followed Yanga’s 3-0 victory over JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, a result that secured the club 75 points and a fifth consecutive Mainland Premier League title.

Simba SC finished second on 73 points after edging KMC FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

In one of the day’s highlights, NBC organised a helicopter flyover carrying the championship trophy across different parts of Dar es Salaam before it landed at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium after Yanga were confirmed champions.

The ceremony drew thousands of supporters, who celebrated as Yanga captain Bakari Mwamnyeto received the trophy.

NBC also facilitated travel for selected customers and bank officials to attend the final league matches at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium and KMC Complex.

The bank used the occasion to thank the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB), participating clubs, the media, supporters and other stakeholders for their contribution to the growth of the NBC Premier League.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance) Ridhiwani Kikwete, TFF president Wallace Karia, TPLB chairman Nassor Idrissa, NBC Chief Financial Officer Rayson Foya, representing Managing Director Theobald Sabi, Azam Media Chief Executive Officer Patrick Kahemele and other football officials.

NBC says its sponsorship of the Premier League remains one of the country’s largest private-sector investments in sport, supporting the growth of football while creating economic opportunities for clubs, players and other stakeholders.

The death of Chadema Mainland Vice-Chairperson John Heche’s driver, Suez Maradufu, has left family members, leaders, and party supporters in deep mourning after he died on his birthday.

Reports from Kigoma, confirmed by the regional law enforcement authority, said the driver was found dead on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in a guest house where he had been staying.

Maradufu was born on July 1, 1974, in Mara Region.

Kigoma Regional Police Commander Philimon Makungu told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi that his body was later taken to Kigoma Regional Refferal Hospital, Maweni, for post-mortem examination.

News of his death was first announced by Chadema Mainland Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, who said Maradufu was found lying on the floor near his room door.

‘With deep sadness, I inform you of the death of the party Vice-Chairperson’s driver, who passed away this morning here in Kigoma. Suez had been Heche’s driver for a very long time,’ said Mr Golugwa.

He said Mr Heche and other drivers tried calling him in the morning without success, prompting them to go to the guest house where he was staying.

‘When we arrived, the door was locked. We informed the police, who came and forced it open and found Suez’s body lying on the floor,’ he said.

According to Mr Golugwa, the body was taken to the hospital for examination, while Chadema leaders and lawyers are following all procedures related to the incident.

Commander Makungu said preliminary findings showed Maradufu had been carrying out his duties until the previous evening.

‘Yesterday evening, he drove Mr Heche, then went to sleep. In the morning, when his door was knocked on, he did not respond. We cannot say what caused his death until doctors complete their examination,’ he said.

When asked whether anyone was suspected, Mr Makungu said it was too early to conclude, stressing that investigations were ongoing.

He dismissed social media claims that Maradufu had been murdered.

‘Those spreading such claims should assist us with investigations if they have any information. We should wait for the medical report before concluding,’ he said.

Those who knew him speak out

Chadema leaders and members described Maradufu as a loving, disciplined, and hardworking man.

Mr Golugwa said Maradufu began working for Mr Heche’s family while serving his father, before continuing as Mr Heche’s driver after he was elected MP in 2015.

‘Suez started by driving Mr Heche’s late father. After Mr Heche was elected MP in 2015, he became his driver during campaigns and continued until now,’ he said.

He added that even after Mr Heche failed to retain his parliamentary seat in the 2020 General Election, Mr Maradufu remained one of his close aides.

‘He became part of the Chadema family through his work with Mr Heche. He was calm, disciplined, respectful of time, and very dedicated,’ said Mr Golugwa.

Mr Heche’s aide, Joseph Mrimi, said the death was a huge blow due to Maradufu’s long-standing loyalty.

‘It was not easy for anyone to approach Mr Heche’s vehicle without reason. He was loyal, cheerful, and caring. We have lost an important person and are waiting for post-mortem results before funeral arrangements begin,’ he said.

Chadema member Hilda Newton wrote on Facebook that Maradufu was a loving person who touched many lives.

‘I knew you through Mr Heche. You were full of love, a father and friend to everyone who knew you. Your death has left us in deep sorrow. Condolences to the family and to Heche for losing his driver,’ she wrote.

Watu Credit (Tanzania) Limited has marked five years of operations in Tanzania, reaching more than one million customers and expanding its footprint to all 26 regions of the country.

Since its launch in Dar es Salaam in 2021, Watu Tanzania has financed more than 70,000 motorcycles and three-wheelers and over 1.5 million smartphones, deploying more than Sh700 billion in credit to support mobility, connectivity, entrepreneurship, and income generation.

A high-level panel discussion takes place during Watu Tanzania’s 5th Anniversary celebration held at Superdome, Masaki, Dar es Salaam. The discussion reflected on five years of expanding opportunity in Tanzania through mobility, connectivity, technology, asset ownership and strategic partnerships, while highlighting Watu Tanzania’s growth, strong partnerships and contribution to supporting mobility, connectivity and income generation across the country. From left to right, Moderator Khalila Mbowe, Country Manager of Watu Tanzania Rumisho Shikonyi, General Manager Operations at Watu Tanzania Abdallah Mohamed, Group Head of Government Relations at Watu Erick Massawe and Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung Tanzania Mgope Kiwanga.

Watu Tanzania celebrated the milestone in Dar es Salaam under the theme, ‘Kila Mtu Ni Watu,’ bringing together regulators, development partners, customers, business stakeholders, members of the media, and Watu colleagues to reflect on the people and partnerships behind the company’s growth.

Speaking during the occasion, Rumisho Shikonyi, Country Manager of Watu Tanzania, said the milestone reflects the company’s commitment to making financial opportunity more accessible to Tanzanians.

‘Five years ago, Watu Tanzania began with a simple belief: that opportunity should never be limited by access. Today, that belief has grown into a nationwide business serving customers across Tanzania and helping more people access the tools they need to work, connect, and build better livelihoods,’ he said.

Bhavin Parmer, Chairman of the Board of Watu Tanzania, said the company’s first five years have laid a strong foundation for responsible and sustainable growth.

‘As a Board, we are proud of what Watu Tanzania has accomplished over the past five years. Growth brings responsibility, and our role is to ensure that innovation is matched by accountability, ambition is guided by integrity, and every decision creates lasting value for our customers, partners, employees, and the communities we serve. We look to the future with confidence in our leadership, our partners, our people, and in Tanzania,’ he said.

Watu Tanzania’s model combines technology with a strong local agent network to make financing easier to access, understand, and manage.

Customers are able to make cashless repayments through mobile money and the Watu App, with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly repayment options.

Beyond customer financing, Watu Tanzania has also contributed to employment and leadership opportunities. The company now has more than 500 employees across the country, with women making up approximately 43 percent of its workforce and nearly half of all management positions.

Watu Tanzania expressed appreciation to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, regulators, local government authorities, financial institutions, manufacturers, mobile network operators, dealers, technology partners, customers, and employees for their role in supporting the company’s journey over the past five years.

Researchers from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) have unveiled a range of locally developed technologies aimed at reducing construction costs, lowering carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency as Tanzania seeks sustainable solutions for the construction and energy sectors.

Speaking to The Citizen yesterday at the ongoing 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), laboratory scientist Mr Jason Kaijage said the technologies were designed to tackle climate change through environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional construction materials and processes.