Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Authorities have moved swiftly to balance the supply and demand of upcountry passenger buses as holiday travel surges, prompting fare hikes and exposing ticketing loopholes.

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) announced on December 3, 2025 that bus operators can now apply for short-term licences to operate additional services on high-demand routes. The move aims to ease congestion during the festive season and boost the availability of buses for travellers heading upcountry.

According to Latra, applicants must meet strict requirements to ensure safety and reliability, including a minimum carrying capacity of 40 passengers, a valid Special Hire Bus licence, connection to the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), valid insurance, and an up-to-date Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). All buses must hold a valid operational licence, and drivers are required to have a registered Identification Button (i-button) and sell tickets through the official online platform, Tiketi Mtandao, to reduce fraud.

“All applications must be submitted through the Licensing System with the required attachments,” Latra said, stressing that adherence to these standards is crucial to safeguard passengers during periods of high demand. Passengers and operators are encouraged to contact Latra for guidance via the toll-free lines 0800 110 019 and 0800 110 020 or at its offices at Magufuli Bus Terminal.

The decision comes as the surge in passengers has revealed ticket scalping, where some individuals purchase tickets only to resell them at inflated prices. Fares from Dar es Salaam to Njombe have jumped from S8,000 to Sh65,000; DarIringa from Sh35,000 to Sh55,000; and DarMtwara from S0,000 to Sh55,000. Speaking anonymously, one young reseller admitted the practice is driven by high demand.

“It’s coordinated by bus owners. I sell tickets to Njombe at Sh65,000 instead of S8,000. I keep Sh10,000, and the bus owner takes the rest,” he said, adding that passengers who cannot pay the higher fare are left behind.

Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa) director Mustapha Mwalongo acknowledged the problem but said passengers also contribute. “These practices happen discreetly, but passengers insist on travelling even when buses are full.

That is the source of the issue,” he said, advising passengers to avoid buying from unknown sellers. The Officer-in-Charge at Latra’s Magufuli Terminal, Ms Rukia Kibwana, said authorities monitor offenders and refer them to the police.

She also encouraged passengers to book tickets online and be patient if buses are full. To manage demand, Latra has issued short-term permits to operators serving Iringa, Dodoma, Tanga, and Morogoro, with more than a dozen permits granted since 1 December.

Passengers report that despite online systems showing sold-out services, young resellers at terminals continue to sell tickets for cash. Ms Sabina Milinga, travelling to Njombe, paid Sh65,000 for a ticket officially priced at S8,000. Mr Helman Gelrad, going to Iringa, paid Sh55,000 for a ticket costing Sh35,000, while Mr Meshack Mbangula had to postpone his trip to Tanga after failing to pay the inflated fare.

Ms Kibwana advised passengers heading north to consider rail transport, with trains departing Mondays and Fridays to ease bus congestion. Travelling to Zanzibar At Zanzibar, large crowds were reported at ticket offices and waiting areas.

Ms Jasmine Hashimu said students and workers are rushing to visit relatives during the holidays. “Many schools have closed, so students are returning home while others visit family and friends,” she said.

Mr Khalfan Ahmad, returning to Dar es Salaam, noted that universities reopened last week, prompting increased travel. Another passenger said early school closures meant the holiday travel rush began sooner than usual.

Mariam, a food vendor at the terminal, said demand for meals had surged, particularly in mornings and evenings. “People are so many that seating is limited, but we are grateful as it brings income,” she said.

Reported by Helen Nachilongo, Tuzo Mapunda and Mariam Mbwana .

Mbeya. The government has called for greater utilisation of geoscientists to accelerate economic growth, noting that their work has been central to Tanzania surpassing its goal key resources to contribute at least 10 percent to the national income.

It said members of the Geological Society of Tanzania (TGS) form a core professional group whose discoveries–ranging from minerals and geothermal resources to groundwater, oil and gas–continue to underpin national development. Speaking in Mbeya while opening the TGS annual general meeting, Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Zanzibar Revolutionary Council, Ms Zena Ahmed Said, said the society’s contribution comes at a critical moment as Tanzania begins implementing its Vision 2050. She urged TGS to reflect on how its expertise can support the execution of the long-term strategy, particularly under the pillar on Wealth and Natural Resources, where geoscientists play a pivotal role.

“Geoscientists have been instrumental in enabling the implementation of Pillar Four under Vision 2050. Their work has contributed significantly to the discovery and development of mineral deposits, groundwater, oil and gas,” she said. “Today, we would not be celebrating the achievement of surpassing the 10 percent contribution to the national income without the major discoveries made in the minerals sector,” she added.

She also emphasised the sector’s importance as the world transitions from fossil fuels to clean energy, calling on geoscientists to continue guiding the government on identifying resources that support the clean energy agenda. “We should not forget to discuss the use of technology to improve our efficiency as geoscientists, including the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in locating minerals and oil,” she said.

For his part, TGS president Dr Elisante Mshiu said the gathering is part of the society’s annual tradition and praised Mbeya Region’s natural attractions, which delegates had a chance to explore during field excursions. Since its establishment in 1969, he said, TGS has recorded numerous achievements, including strengthening regional and international cooperation and expanding professional development opportunities for its more than 4,000 members through conferences, seminars, training and study tours.

“These activities have enabled us to build the capacity of our members and contribute to public education–from schools to communities–while supporting the discovery and development of minerals, energy, geothermal resources, oil and gas,” Dr Mshiu said. He noted, however, that the society continues to face challenges, including the ongoing process of establishing a geoscientists’ registration board in collaboration with the government.

Delivering regional greetings, Assistant Administrative Secretary for Production and Economy, Ms Anna Mwambene, underscored the importance of geoscientists in assessing land suitability for settlement and mining. “I recall floods that occurred in Itezi some years ago.

Had we had experts who had assessed the soil composition of Mount Kawetere, we would have detected the risk early and taken precautions,” she said. “Our region is the second-largest in mining activities.

We need research from geoscientists to help identify safe residential and mining zones. This will boost our regional economy and enhance public awareness,” she added.

.

Dar es Salaam. In the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam, amid the noise of traders and the rush of shoppers, a silent financial system has taken hold–one that operates outside the law yet thrives openly on every street corner.

A trend that has taken root far from the polished halls of Tanzania’s Central Bank or the neat ledgers of licensed financial institutions. It is fast, ruthless, convenient, and increasingly indispensable for thousands of Tanzanians who can no longer access credit from formal banks.

In recent years, informal lenders–commonly known as shylocks–have spread across Tanzania’s urban and rural landscapes, offering fast loans with little bureaucracy. Interest rates in this unregulated market range from 20 percent per month to as high as 50 percent with some hitting 100 percent.

These figures dwarf the Central Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) legal limits and expose borrowers to cycles of unmanageable debt. A system fueled by desperation For small business owners like food vendors, boda-boda drivers, and market traders, emergencies rarely wait for bank processes.

Many have no collateral, no formal employment, and no bankable history. With commercial lenders demanding documentation and guarantees they cannot provide, borrowers turn to the only option available: the informal lenders who offer money “now, even yesterday,” as one trader puts it.

“It’s not that these guys hide,” says Fred Sanga, a trader in Kariakoo. “They are very clear about their terms from day one.

They tell you what you qualify for, what you don’t, and how fast you must pay. Apart from the fact that they are outside the law, I don’t see why they should be considered a problem.

” Mr Sanga insists that the real issue is the absence of a friendly credit environment for small businesses. “If banks were accessible, affordable, and responsive, these people wouldn’t exist,” he says.

His view is echoed–almost unexpectedly–by economists. Prof Abel Kinyondo, an economist and lecturer, says the shylock phenomenon is less a sign of criminality and more evidence of a financial system that has failed to serve the majority.

“Rather than calling it a danger, we should ask: why are they here in the first place?” he says. “If the formal system was adequate, affordable, and quick, people would run away from informal lenders.

But banks are slow, risk-averse, and often inaccessible. These guys simply fill a gap.

” Prof Kinyondo argues that lenders exist because the demand for emergency, flexible credit far outweighs what banks can offer. “People want money now, not next week.

No bank can do that. Informal lenders can,” he says.

Even those who qualify for formal loans sometimes opt for informal borrowing because of its convenience–no paperwork, no collateral, no bureaucracy. “They take trust as collateral.

Sometimes just someone to reference you. That convenience is missing in the formal system,” Prof Kinyondo adds.

Debt that follows you home But convenience comes at a punishing price. Borrowers who default often lose household items, tools of trade, or even business stock.

Ms Amina Makanza, a food vendor in Buguruni, knows this reality too well. Desperate after her son fell ill, she borrowed Sh 500,000 and agreed to repay Sh 750,000 in 30 days.

When she failed, the lender confiscated her cooking utensils and ingredients–leaving her not just indebted, but jobless. Her story is one of thousands.

Tanzania’s laws require all lenders to be registered and licensed, with interest rates capped by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT). But enforcement remains another issue.

Many shylocks operate openly, advertising loans on posters, WhatsApp groups, and even through employers. Borrowers often fear retaliation, and some lenders allegedly enjoy informal protection from local authorities.

Prof Kinyondo is cautious with the word “danger,” but agrees the system is harmful–especially when borrowers lack financial literacy. “Yes, interest rates go to 50 percent or even 100 percent,” he says.

“But borrowing beyond your ability to repay also fuels the problem. It takes two to tangle.

” But the wider economic consequences are hard to ignore Unchecked, the shylock economy poses a series of deep and far-reaching risks. As more households become trapped in cycles of costly debt, a growing share of their income is diverted away from productive activities, ultimately depressing productivity and limiting economic mobility.

Experts say that with increasing volumes of money circulating outside regulatory oversight, the effectiveness of national monetary policy is also compromised. And as more borrowers lose property, businesses, and even their sense of dignity through harsh recovery practices, the system risks fuelling social unrest–turning private financial distress into a wider public crisis.

Why people still choose them In many cases, borrowers don’t see shylocks as criminals–they see them as reliable and convinient. “They are sincere,” Sanga says.

“They tell you their terms clearly. Banks don’t.

” Borrowers also speak of speed, convenience, and proximity. The shylock is your neighbour, your colleague, or the man at the electronics shop whose phone is always reachable.

Many operate discreetly but efficiently, collecting payments through mobile money or sending agents to workplaces. To dismantle the shylock economy, experts say Tanzania must fix its formal financial system rather than simply criminalize borrowers and lenders.

Prof Kinyondo believes the responsibility lies heavily with the Bank of Tanzania. “My real issue goes back to government–and the BoT in particular,” he says.

“Commercial banks must be supported to provide accessible, affordable, and timely credit. As long as that doesn’t happen, people will keep going to informal lenders.

” Tanzania now stands between two possible futures: One where the shylock economy becomes the dominant source of credit, deepening poverty and inequality; or another where financial reform extends dignity and stability to the millions locked out of the banking system. A survey by The Citizen shows that the shylocks are not a mystery.

They are a response. And unless the formal system evolves to meet the needs of ordinary Tanzanians, the informal one will continue to flourish–at an unbearable cost.

.

Dar es Salaam. Health colleges across the country have been urged to increase admissions for medical students to help bridge the significant shortage of healthcare professionals in many regions.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam during Kairuki University’s graduation ceremony at its Boko campus, the Chairperson of the University’s Governing Council, Dr Donald Mmari, emphasised the need for higher intake in medical programmes. This year, 426 graduates were conferred certificates, diplomas, degrees and master’s degrees including 270 medical doctors.

Dr Mmari noted that since its establishment in 1997, Kairuki University has played a crucial role in producing healthcare workers, including specialists in gynecology, pediatrics and surgery. However, he stressed that the demand for personnel remains far higher than supply.

He explained that Tanzania continues to fall short of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended ratio of doctors per 100,000 citizens, urging all medical training institutions to scale up enrollment. “University colleges like Kairuki and others must increase enrollment to produce more graduates who can fill the gaps evident in many parts of the country.

Even Ministry of Health statistics show we still lack sufficient personnel,” he said. The Chairperson of the Kairuki Health Education Network (KHEN), Kokushubira Kairuki, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued guidance since the university was founded.

He revealed that since 1997, the university has produced 4,110 graduates, and with this year’s cohort, the total rises to 4,144, including 2,000 doctors, 424 nurses, and 135 specialist doctors. “We see these graduates as a major contribution to our nation,” he said, adding that despite challenges, the university remains committed to providing high-quality medical education aligned with both national and international needs.

He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to uphold professionalism and serve as role models. “You saw your colleagues who once studied here now holding key positions across the country.

Follow in their footsteps and make us proud,” he added. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Yohana Mashalla, highlighted that out of the 426 graduates, 275 were women and 151 were men, humorously urging men to reflect on why they were outnumbered.

Prof Mashalla underscored the central role of technology in modern education, noting that Kairuki University delivers much of its teaching through ICT, allowing lecturers to interact with students remotely and efficiently. He emphasized that reliable internet access is essential to learning, pointing out that the university currently operates with a bandwidth capacity of 400 megabytes, alongside a global academic network that allows students and staff to access information from anywhere.

He added that technological advancements have transformed medical practice as well highlighting that Kairuki Hospital has digitized patient records and adopted robotic assistance for surgeries, eliminating the need for doctors to rely solely on manual procedures. .

Dar es Salaam. A coalition of foreign missions and delegations, including the British and Canadian High Commissions, the Embassies of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the European Union Delegation, have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the recent post-election violence in Tanzania.

The statement recalled previous remarks by the EU High Representative on November 1, 2025 and a joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom on October 31, 2025 regarding the Tanzanian elections. It expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of lives and injuries resulting from the unrest, emphasising the need for security forces to exercise maximum restraint.

Highlighting credible reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and the concealment of bodies, the statement urged authorities to release all deceased individuals to their families and ensure political prisoners have access to legal and medical support. The international community also called on the Tanzanian government to address shortcomings identified in preliminary election reports by the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Welcoming the government’s acknowledgment of the need to understand the root causes of the violence, the statement stressed that any inquiry must be independent, transparent, and inclusive, involving civil society, faith-based groups, and all political actors to achieve justice and reconciliation. .

selectable-textDar es Salaam. Sweden has announced that it will phase out bilateral development cooperation with Tanzania by August 31, 2026 as part of a wider reorientation of its foreign aid priorities.

The Nordic country will also end aid to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Liberia, and Bolivia, freeing up resources to bolster support for Ukraine. The current cooperation strategy between Sweden and Tanzania has been extended until the phase-out date, ensuring continuity in ongoing programmes.

Despite the shift, Sweden will maintain a permanent presence in Tanzania through its embassy in Dar es Salaam, focusing on political affairs, trade, investment, and support for Swedish citizens. Officials stressed that the decision is not linked to recent events in Tanzania.

“Tanzania remains an important partner for Sweden. Our engagement will continue through multilateral channels, including the European Union,” they said.

The announcement comes as part of a broader adjustment in Sweden’s development and foreign policy. Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, said the government plans to increase aid to Ukraine to at least 10 billion kronor (approximately $1.06 billion) in 2026. “Ukraine is Sweden’s most important foreign policy and aid priority.

There isn’t a secret printing press for banknotes for aid purposes and the money has to come from somewhere,” he said. The measures are expected to free up more than 2 billion kronor over the next two years, which will be used for initiatives such as rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Sweden has already reduced aid to more than ten countries since the current government took office in 2022, including Burkina Faso and Mali. Sweden remains a major donor of development and humanitarian aid, with a budget of 56 billion kronor per year over the last three years.

For the 20262028 period, the budget will be reduced to 53 billion kronor annually, with spending reprioritised to cover projects including immigration and repatriation costs, alongside international aid commitments. Sweden’s decades-long development relationship with Tanzania has encompassed a wide range of social, economic, and governance initiatives.

While bilateral cooperation will gradually end, multilateral collaboration and diplomatic engagement are expected to continue. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is stepping into a critical phase of its digital transformation as the government moves to strengthen its ICT systems ahead of becoming a fully digital nation by 2030. Central to this renewed drive is a new ICT Ranking system, designed to measure annual progress across institutions and regions, spotlight gaps, and push for accountability in the country’s shift towards a digital economy.

The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s long-term vision-Dira 2050- which positions ICT as one of the country’s core pillars for economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness. Under this vision, the government seeks to build a digitally driven nation powered by local innovation, reliable infrastructure and a strong cybersecurity ecosystem.

Communication and Information Technology Minister Angela Kairuki, who announced the ranking system during a working visit to the ICT Commission on December 3, said the government intends to use data to guide policy and strengthen digital governance. “We want every institution to know where it stands, what it has achieved and what must be improved,” she said.

“This ranking will create healthy competition, enhance accountability and accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors.” According to Ms Kairuki, the country is now focused on expanding broadband availability, fast-tracking ICT hubs in schools, colleges and communities, and boosting the capacity of young innovators.

She added that cooperation between the government, the private sector and development partners is crucial if Tanzania is to build resilient systems capable of supporting a full digital transition. “The digital economy cannot grow in isolation.

We need strong partnerships, we need investment, and we need innovation,” she noted.The ICT Commission’s Director General, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, briefed the minister on ongoing initiatives, including the development of Swahili Large Language Models and advanced proposals for the Africa AI Centre–a hub expected to position Tanzania as a regional leader in artificial intelligence.

He said the new ranking system will help institutions pinpoint weaknesses in infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital literacy. “This framework allows us to measure progress scientifically,” Dr Mwasaga said.

“It gives leaders a clear picture of where to allocate resources and how to strengthen digital resilience.” ICT experts say the government’s push will widen opportunities for local professionals, developers and private firms.

According to technology analyst George Mwijage, the ranking system will force institutions to source solutions locally and increase demand for Tanzanian-made software and ICT services. “When gaps are exposed, institutions will need local innovators to solve them,” he said.

“This is how you stimulate the domestic tech industry. It creates jobs, builds skills and reduces reliance on expensive foreign solutions.

” He added that the system could help the country nurture a stronger tech ecosystem if governments and institutions commit to buying local. “Tanzania has brilliant young developers and cybersecurity experts.

When government systems become more complex and digital, demand for local expertise naturally increases,” he said. With cybercrime rising globally, experts believe that a structured digital assessment framework will help Tanzania bolster its national security and protect public data from hackers and sophisticated attacks.

Cybersecurity researcher Asha Mlyashimba said Tanzania’s growing digital footprint requires stronger vigilance. “You cannot go fully digital without fully protecting your systems,” she said.

“The ICT Ranking will force agencies to prioritise cybersecurity, conduct regular audits and strengthen internal controls. This is essential in safeguarding public information.

” She added that modern threats require governments to operate with real-time intelligence, advanced encryption and robust digital policies–areas where Tanzania has already begun making strategic investments. Defining Tanzania’s digital future Tanzania’s ambition to become a digital nation by 2050 requires major reforms in infrastructure, governance and digital skills.

The government sees the ranking system as a catalyst–one that will guide investment decisions and help the country move from analogue processes to modern, data-driven decision-making. ICT policy expert Dr Benedict Mwakalinga said the move signals a shift towards serious digital governance.

“You cannot manage what you cannot measure,” he said. “This framework tells us that the government wants to measure progress, enforce standards and make digital performance a national priority.

” Dr Mwakalinga argued that introducing annual rankings could dramatically reshape institutions. “It introduces discipline,” he said.

“It rewards innovation, penalises inefficiency and pushes everyone; ministries, councils and agencies to modernise.” As Tanzania accelerates its digital agenda, the government believes that empowering young people with skills, promoting innovation and strengthening local systems will be key pillars of its transformation.

.

Arusha. Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the President’s Advisory Council on Food and Agriculture, Mizengo Peter Pinda, has called on research institutions to strengthen the role of science, technology and innovation in agriculture to increase national revenue and improve food security.

Mr Pinda made the remarks while officially opening the Fourth Annual General Meeting and Seminar of the Crop Science Association of Tanzania (CROSAT), held under the theme: “Advancing Climate-Resilient Crop Productivity through Sustainable Soil and Water Management.” The seminar supports government initiatives such as the Agricultural Sector Development Programme Phase II (ASDP II) and the AMP 10/30 Agenda.

Highlighting the sector’s contribution, he said agriculture directly generated Sh214.4 billion in tax revenue during the 2023/24 fiscal year, mainly from export taxes. “These revenues could grow significantly, potentially double or triple, if our research institutions strengthen the application of science, technology, and innovation in the sector,” he said.

Mr Pinda stressed that sustainable soil and water management is vital for productivity and food security. “The government continues to invest in irrigation, soil fertility management, and climate-smart technologies, especially for smallholder farmers.

You too should enhance technology and innovation to support these efforts,” he urged. Citing recent achievements, he noted that 65.6 percent of Tanzanians are directly engaged in agriculture, with food crop production rising from 17.1 million tonnes in 2021/22 to over 20.4 million tonnes in 2022/23–a 19 percent increase.

He also highlighted government support for research, with S0.73 billion allocated to the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), enabling the development of 64 new technologies to boost productivity and resilience. “Science and innovation must not remain confined to laboratories or documents–they must reach the fields to increase productivity and improve livelihoods,” Pinda said.

CROSAT Chairperson, Prof Kallunde Sibuga, called on Pinda to serve as the association’s patron to advance its objectives. Meanwhile, Professor Joseph Ndunguru, Director General of the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), highlighted that more than 580 million people in Africa depend on agriculture, yet the sector contributes only 25 percent to the continent’s GDP.

.

Washington. U.

S. President Donald Trump gathered the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to sign a peace deal in Washington on Thursday even as fighting continued in their war-scarred region.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi affirmed commitments to an economic integration compact agreed last month, and to a U.S.

-brokered peace deal reached in June. They were also due to sign an agreement on critical minerals.

The signing handed Trump the latest in a series of made-for-television diplomatic victories, in this case one at odds with the bloody situation on the ground. Washington wants access to a spectrum of natural resources in Congo and is scrambling globally to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals.

“We’re settling a war that’s been going on for decades,” Trump said. “They spent a lot of time killing each other, and now they’re going to spend a lot of time hugging, holding hands, and taking advantage of the United States of America economically – like every other country does.

” Sitting before a “Delivering Peace” backdrop at a peace institute that his administration unofficially renamed after Trump, the African leaders signed and exchanged documents with the U.S.

president. “Thank you for putting a certain name on that building,” Trump told Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding that it was a “great honor.

” As the leaders signed, clashes between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese army were reported throughout South Kivu province. A spokesperson for M23 accused government troops of bombing several civilian areas.

M23 seized the two largest cities in eastern Congo earlier this year, raising fears of a wider war. Analysts say U.

S. diplomacy has paused the escalation of fighting but has failed to resolve core issues.

A White House official said the deal signing “recommits the parties to the peace process” and reflected “months of intensive diplomacy led by President Trump, who made it clear to both the DRC and Rwanda that the status quo was unacceptable.” Clashes in Congo continue The Republican U.

S. president has been eager to burnish his diplomatic credentials.

Since he returned to office in January, Trump has intervened in conflicts from the Middle East to Ukraine and beyond. He’s also presided over splashy deal-signing ceremonies from Kuala Lumpur to Sharm el-Sheikh.

Those efforts have brought mixed results: a long-sought Gaza deal, but also criticism that he should focus on domestic, cost-of-living concerns instead. Voters give Trump low marks on his handling of the economy.

Ahead of the signing on Thursday, the president’s name was added to a sign outside the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, a Congress-founded nonprofit his administration tried to seize control of earlier this year. Who controls the institute is now the subject of a legal battle.

The peace agreement may not change the humanitarian crisis on the ground. Congo’s army and M23 accuse each other of violating existing ceasefire agreements.

At a news conference in Washington on Wednesday, Congolese official Patrick Muyaya blamed M23 for recent fighting and said it was “proof that Rwanda doesn’t want peace.” M23 did not attend the meetings in Washington.

It is not bound by the terms of the Congo-Rwanda agreement and is participating in separate, Qatar-mediated talks with Congo. Denis Mukwege, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for helping Congolese sexual-violence victims, said the deals were driven more by the scramble for minerals than by a genuine effort to end bloodshed.

“For me, it is clear that this is not a peace agreement,” he said in Paris. “The proof: this morning, in my native village, people were burying the dead while a peace agreement was being signed.

The M23 continues to seize territory.” Rwanda denies backing M23. Kigali has said its own forces have acted in self-defense against ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when more than 1 million people were killed.

United Nations experts said in July that Rwanda exercises command-and-control over the rebels. M23 says it is fighting to protect ethnic Tutsi communities in eastern Congo.

The rebel group’s advances mark the latest episode in ethnic rivalry in Congo’s eastern borderlands with Rwanda, the source of conflict for three decades. Two devastating wars in the African Great Lakes region between 1996 and 2003 cost millions of lives.

The latest cycle of fighting has killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more. Trump aides are looking to facilitate billions of dollars of Western investment in a region rich in tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals.

Under the Trump-backed agreement, Congo would need to crack down on an armed group opposed to M23, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. Rwanda would need to withdraw its forces from Congo.

Little apparent progress has been made toward either pledge since June. “We have seen countless mediations and efforts, but none has succeeded in resolving the underlying issues,” said Kagame.

“President Trump introduced a new and effective dynamism that created the space for breakthroughs.” Tshisekedi called the deal a “turning point.

” .

By Joanne Mwita Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Start-up Association (TSA) has revealed a bold roadmap to accelerate the country’s innovation ecosystem, positioning Tanzania as a hub for high-potential ventures and investment.

TSA CEO Zahoro Muhaji described the organisation as a unifying platform for key players across the start-up ecosystem, with the goal of creating an environment where innovation thrives and contributes meaningfully to national socio-economic development. Over the next five years, TSA plans to deepen its focus on policy advocacy, talent development, and access to finance, while fostering stronger collaboration across institutions.

Muhaji highlighted TSA’s productive partnership with the government, pointing to recent measures including tax incentives from the Tanzania Revenue Authority, digital government initiatives, and the fintech regulatory sandbox launched by the Bank of Tanzania. “These steps reflect a growing recognition of the vital role start-ups play in driving innovation and economic diversification,” he said.

Investment attraction remains a key focus. Muhaji emphasised Tanzania’s potential as a destination for both local and international investors, noting that events such as Tanzania Start-up Week have become crucial platforms for networking, deal-making, and showcasing promising ventures.

“We want investors to see Tanzania not just as a consumer market but as a source of scalable, innovative businesses,” he explained. Sectors such as fintech, agritech, and software-as-a-service are emerging as growth hotspots, reflecting broader African trends.

Muhaji also stressed the importance of academia, with universities and research institutions playing a key role in producing a skilled, start-up-ready workforce and bridging the gap between education and industry. TSA continues to champion inclusion.

While 21 percent of Tanzanian start-ups are led by women–a figure above the United States’ 17 percent–Muhaji acknowledged more progress is needed. Initiatives include gender-focused programmes, as well as support for youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities, aiming to create a more equitable and accessible ecosystem.

Highlighting the sector’s growth, Muhaji pointed to rising start-up registrations, a surge in foreign direct investment from $1.8 million in 2020 to $56 million last year, and over $300 million attracted over the past five years. The emergence of angel networks and local venture funds, including Walioma Ventures and Serengeti Angels Network, alongside growing corporate sponsorship, marks a shift towards sustainable, homegrown support.

Yet, speed remains critical. Muhaji warned that slow decision-making, whether by start-ups, regulators, or investors, could slow Tanzania’s rise as a competitive innovation hub.

Concluding on an optimistic note, he compared Tanzania’s current ecosystem to the early stages of tech powerhouses such as India and Israel. “Growth is a long-term journey, but with sustained commitment, Tanzania is poised to become a globally competitive start-up nation,” he said.

.