Category: The Citizen

The United States has tightened travel restrictions for people returning from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it steps up measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Under the new measures, travellers arriving from Uganda and South Sudan will undergo enhanced health screening, while people travelling from the DRC will face tougher restrictions. Those who have recently been in the DRC must spend 21 days outside the country before they can enter the US on a commercial flight.

The measures come as health authorities respond to a serious Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, where cases have been reported across several provinces, raising concerns about cross-border transmission.

The US decision forms part of a wider effort to prevent Ebola cases from entering the country while monitoring travellers who may have been exposed to the virus.

The measures have also raised concerns among humanitarian organisations, which warn that travel restrictions could complicate the movement of health workers and aid personnel involved in the Ebola response.

The US has also increased its financial support for the response, pledging an additional $242 million, bringing its total assistance to $512 million. The funding is expected to support disease surveillance, treatment and other emergency operations in eastern DRC.

The latest restrictions reflect Washington’s increasingly cautious approach to the outbreak as authorities seek to prevent imported cases while supporting efforts to contain Ebola at its source.

Dar es Salaam. PowerChina were crowned champions of the 2026 Chinese Basketball Tournament after defeating CCECC 63-30 in the final played at Don Bosco Grounds, Namanga Saturday.

The tournament, which brought together Chinese companies operating in Tanzania, was supported by Stanbic Bank Tanzania through a Sh30 million sponsorship. The bank also participated in the competition as one of the teams.

At the closing ceremony, Stanbic Bank presented the runners-up trophy to CCECC, highlighting its continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening relations between Chinese enterprises and Tanzanian stakeholders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Stanbic Bank Tanzania Head of Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Elias Ngunangwa, said sport was proving to be an effective way of strengthening relationships among businesses.

‘What we have seen on this court over the past weeks is sports diplomacy at work. Teams that compete against each other here are the same companies building roads, power plants and industries across Tanzania,’ he said.

Ngunangwa said the relationships developed through sport could extend beyond the basketball court and contribute to greater trust and cooperation in business.

‘Through Standard Bank Group, our partnership with ICBC and our Chinese Desk, we work every day to connect Chinese businesses to opportunities in Tanzania and across Africa,’ he said.

He said Stanbic Bank’s decision to participate in the tournament alongside its sponsorship demonstrated its commitment to the business community. ‘Being here as both sponsor and competitor is how we show that partnership is genuine,’ he said.

Chinese Enterprises Association in Tanzania (CEA) President Jiang Yuntao thanked the organisers, sponsors and participating companies for contributing to the tournament’s success.

‘This tournament brings our companies and our Tanzanian friends together in a way that no meeting can. Sport builds friendship, and friendship builds cooperation between our two peoples,’ said Jiang.

He congratulated PowerChina on winning the tournament and CCECC for finishing second, while thanking Stanbic Bank for its continued support.

The tournament has grown into a platform for interaction among Chinese enterprises and Tanzanian stakeholders, providing opportunities for business networking, cultural exchange and community engagement.

A wildfire that scorched about 550 hectares (1,360 acres) inside Indonesia’s Mount Bromo National Park in East Java has been extinguished, but authorities are battling fresh hotspots around the volcano’s caldera.

The fire began on August 3 and spread across the national park before firefighters brought the main blaze under control. Local disaster management chief Gatot Soebroto said new fires had been detected across roughly 20 hectares near the caldera, with authorities warning that the flames could spread further.

More than 120 personnel, supported by three water-bombing helicopters, drones and fire engines, have been deployed to tackle the remaining hotspots. The difficult volcanic terrain has complicated ground operations.

Mount Bromo, an active volcano and one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations, is renowned for its vast sea-of-sand caldera. The national park has been closed to visitors since Saturday evening as firefighting operations continue.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze but suspect human negligence. Officials said the first flames were detected along a route used by visitors, raising the possibility that a fire had been lit and not properly extinguished.

No casualties have been reported.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition to move 80 percent of its population to clean cooking energy by 2034 is gathering momentum, but the country’s progress is exposing a deeper challenge, experts say. According to them, achieving the target will require not only more clean-energy technologies, but also a fundamental alignment of policies, institutions, markets and livelihoods.

The challenge was laid bare at the weekend, during an inter-ministerial policy dialogue that brought together clean-energy stakeholders and policymakers to examine Tanzania’s transition away from traditional cooking fuels.

Launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in May 2024, the National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024-2034) represents one of Tanzania’s most aspiring attempts to address a household energy problem. The urgency is evident in the country’s household energy mix.

Data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census shows that firewood remains the dominant cooking fuel, accounting for 56 percent of household cooking energy, followed by charcoal at 25.8 percent.

LPG accounts for 9.1 percent, electricity 4.2 percent, while other sources account for 4.9 percent. Yet the country is beginning to demonstrate that a transition is possible.

According to the Ministry of Energy’s implementation report, clean cooking access has increased sharply from just 6.9 percent in 2021 to 28.6 percent.

Under the Rural Energy Agency (REA), the government has distributed 122,776 subsidised improved cookstoves against a target of 200,000, while 359,887 subsidised six-kilogramme LPG cylinders have been distributed against a target of 452,445.

TANESCO is also scaling up its on-bill financing model for electric cooking, following a successful pilot, with a plan to reach one million customers.

‘Tanzania has continued to make great strides in increasing the use of clean cooking energy,’ said Director of Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Nolasco Mlay.

‘Reaching 28.6 percent access is an encouraging milestone, but to achieve our 80 percent goal, we require seamless collaboration across financial institutions, private sector investors, and regulatory bodies.’ However, the greatest obstacle is not technological.

It is policy friction. At the policy dialogue, Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA) Chairperson, Dr Prosper Magali highlighted what he described as a fundamental contradiction between two government strategies.

He noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources’ National Charcoal Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2031) recognises charcoal as an enduring source of energy and seeks to make its production more sustainable.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy’s National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024-2034) seeks to eliminate traditional charcoal and firewood use.

‘These strategies are complementary in intent, yet conflicting in execution,’ Dr Magali said.

His argument points to the economic complexity surrounding charcoal. The fuel contributes 44.2 percent to the forest sector’s GDP, generates more than $1 billion annually and supports hundreds of thousands of rural livelihoods.

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has moved to strengthen bilateral relations with Serbia, focusing on expanding market access for local farmers and enhancing industrial cooperation.

TanTrade director general, Ephraim Balozi Mafuru, held high-level talks with the Serbian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Jovica Topalovic, at the authority’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

The meeting was part of a strategic initiative to connect Tanzanian businesses with lucrative international partners and explore new investment avenues.

Speaking following the discussions, Mr Mafuru highlighted that the authority is prioritising the creation of new pathways for domestic goods to enter the European market.

He emphasised that the agency is focused on its core mission of facilitating international business.

“TanTrade remains committed to its mandate in expanding market access and connecting Tanzanian businesses with international partners,” he said.

He further explained that the partnership will focus on creating business opportunities for Tanzanian farmers, manufacturers, and traders in the Serbian market, while promoting industrial cooperation to add value to products and accelerate the country’s economic growth.

The collaboration is expected to bring significant benefits to the agricultural and manufacturing sectors by introducing advanced Serbian technology to Tanzanian production lines.

On his part, Ambassador Topalovic reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to deepening economic ties, noting that his country is ready to support Tanzania’s industrialisation drive.

He said the partnership will create new opportunities in trade, manufacturing, agriculture, industrial technology, and post-harvest storage through a modern cold value chain, particularly for meat, fish, and fruit products.

The Ambassador said the development of a robust cold chain is essential for reducing waste and ensuring that Tanzanian perishables meet the high-quality standards required for export to the Serbian market and beyond.

This engagement marks a significant step in Tanzania’s efforts to diversify its trade portfolio and attract foreign investment into value-added processing.

Iran has linked the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to the United States meeting a series of demands, despite Tehran and Oman nearing an agreement on new shipping lanes through the waterway.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the agreement with Oman was in its final stages, but stressed that the strait would not reopen until Washington addressed Tehran’s demands. Iran and the United States are not holding direct talks, although messages are being exchanged through intermediaries.

Among Iran’s demands are compensation for damage caused by US attacks, the lifting of sanctions, an end to military threats and aggression, the removal of the US naval blockade in the Gulf and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Tehran has also demanded an end to attacks against its regional allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.

The proposed Iran-Oman arrangement would establish new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the plan has raised concerns among shipping operators, particularly over proposals that would give Iran significant control over vessels entering the Gulf. Iran has sought control over inbound traffic while maintaining oversight of outbound vessels.

The United States has indicated that it would lift its blockade of Iranian ports once commercial shipping can resume without impediments, but Washington has said its actions would depend on Iran fulfilling its commitments under any agreement.

The standoff carries major implications for global energy markets. Before the disruption, the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any prolonged closure a significant threat to energy supplies and prices.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has also warned that reopening the waterway depends on Tehran’s conditions being accepted by Washington, rather than simply on the outcome of negotiations with Oman.

Kampala. African youth have called for greater investment in peacebuilding, skills development and inclusive opportunities to address challenges including unemployment, insecurity and tribalism.

The call was made during the fourth B!ll Now Now (BNN) Africa Youth Summit in Kampala, ahead of International Youth Day, which will be commemorated on August 12.

The summit brought together young people from across Africa to discuss challenges and opportunities in their communities, with other stakeholders offering possible solutions.

Esther Keji from South Sudan said insecurity remains one of the major challenges facing young people in the country, with ongoing conflicts disrupting education, livelihoods and participation in civic affairs.

‘We want to invest more in peace building and inclusive opportunities that will enable young people to rebuild their lives and achieve their development aspirations,’ she said.

Ugandan participant and a representative of UNESCO’s 03 Plus Programme, Mukiibi Sharifi stressed the need to invest in creativity, innovation and youth skills development to unlock opportunities in Africa’s growing creative and digital economies.

According to the African Union (AU), nearly 60 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making the continent the world’s youngest.

Founder and executive director of Reach A Hand Africa, Humphrey Nabimanya commended the summit for focusing on implementation, saying many youth-focused meetings often end without concrete action.

‘There are many youth-focused discussions and meetings that are merely symbolic, but this year’s Summit is meaningful because it is focused on taking action,’ he said.

Discussions at the summit focused on six priority areas: sexual and reproductive health, mental health, entrepreneurship and trade, education and skills, climate change and the green economy and responsible technology and artificial intelligence (AI)

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian businessman Isaya Yunge has broken his silence with his first public message about his fiancée, Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto.

Yunge’s message came a day after the two families met at a traditional engagement ceremony attended by prominent political figures, businesspeople and other distinguished guests.

In his message, Yunge referred to Charlene as ‘My beloved’, thanking God for blessing him with a woman he described as a great blessing in his life.

His post was among the moments that attracted widespread public attention following the Koito ceremony, which formally brought Yunge and Charlene’s relationship into the spotlight and marked the meeting of their two families.

Charlene declares herself Tanzanian

Following Saturday’s ceremony, Charlene appeared to embrace the new chapter in her life, joking that she would henceforth like to be known as ‘Charlene Yunge’ rather than Charlene Ruto.

In a statement that circulated widely online, she said:

‘From today, my name is Charlene Yunge. Don’t call me Charlene Ruto. I am also Tanzanian now. I will not interfere in your Kenyan affairs at all. Honestly, being loved feels so good!’

Her remarks drew mixed reactions online, with many interpreting her declaration that she was now Tanzanian as a playful reference to her impending marriage to a Tanzanian.

Koito ceremony draws Kenya’s political elite

The traditional engagement ceremony was held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at President William Ruto’s family farm in Naserian Village, Kilgoris, Narok County.

The ceremony brought together a host of prominent guests, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, members of the late Raila Odinga’s family, Cabinet ministers, business leaders and several figures from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

For the Ruto family, the occasion was particularly significant as it marked an important traditional step towards the marriage of the President’s daughter.

In an era where information is available instantly and often free of charge, a fundamental question has emerged: why should audiences pay for journalism when social media platforms, blogs and online channels provide endless streams of news at no cost? The answer lies in understanding that quality journalism is not simply about delivering information. It is about investing in truth, accountability and a society that can make informed decisions.

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These processes require time, resources and expertise. The rise of digital platforms has transformed how people consume news. A smartphone can provide thousands of updates every day, but quantity does not always mean quality.

The challenge today is not the absence of information; it is the abundance of unreliable information. Fake news, manipulated content and misleading narratives can spread faster than verified facts, creating confusion and damaging public trust.

This is where professional journalism plays a critical role. A newsroom built on ethical standards provides a filter between information and misinformation. Journalists investigate claims, seek evidence, consult experts and provide context that helps audiences understand not only what happened, but why it matters.

This process is costly, but it is essential for a healthy democracy and responsible society. Paying for quality journalism is therefore not simply purchasing a newspaper subscription or a digital membership. It is supporting an institution that holds leaders accountable, exposes wrongdoing and highlights issues that may otherwise remain hidden.

Investigative journalism, in particular, has historically revealed corruption, corporate failures, human rights abuses and social challenges that required courage and resources to uncover.

Across the world, some of the most important stories have emerged because media organisations invested in long-term investigations rather than quick online reactions. Such journalism cannot be produced by algorithms or artificial intelligence alone.

Technology can assist in analysing information and improving efficiency, but human judgment, ethics and professional responsibility remain at the centre of credible reporting. Quality journalism also strengthens communities. Local journalists understand the concerns, cultures and realities of the people they serve.

They report on issues affecting education, healthcare, business, governance and everyday life. Without sustainable media organisations, many important community stories risk disappearing because there are fewer resources available to investigate and report them.

The business model of journalism has faced significant pressure because digital advertising has shifted towards global technology platforms. Many media organisations have struggled to maintain large newsrooms while audiences increasingly expect content to be free. However, journalism cannot survive on exposure and goodwill alone. Like any profession that provides value, it requires investment. Audiences who pay for credible journalism are not only buying content; they are protecting a public service.

They are supporting journalists who spend hours researching, verifying and producing information that influences decisions at individual, corporate and national levels. The cost of unreliable information can be far greater than the cost of supporting reliable sources.

The future of journalism will depend on rebuilding the relationship between media organisations and their audiences. Trust will become the most valuable currency. Media houses must continue improving transparency, embracing innovation and demonstrating the value they provide. At the same time, audiences must recognise that free information is not always free from consequences.

In a world where anyone can publish a story but not everyone can verify one, quality journalism remains a necessity. Paying for journalism is an investment in truth, accountability and informed citizenship.

A society that values credible information must be willing to support those who dedicate their work to finding, explaining and defending it. The question is not whether we can afford to pay for quality journalism. The greater question is whether we can afford to lose it.

Dar es Salaam. Africa should scale up its existing financial institutions, deepen domestic capital markets and strengthen regional cooperation to meet its growing infrastructure financing needs, Stanbic Bank Tanzania has said.

Speaking during the Africa50 Annual General Shareholders Meeting and Africa Infrastructure Forum in Dar es Salaam, Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Executive Officer, Manzi Rwegasira, said the continent already had the institutions needed to finance development but lacked the scale required. ‘It boils down to scale.

We need to think about how we can scale up what we already have on this continent,’ Mr Rwegasira said. He said institutions such as the African Development Bank and Africa50 could not finance Africa’s infrastructure needs alone, urging countries to make better use of domestic bond markets to mobilise long-term capital.

‘We need to make better use of our national domestic bond markets. They’re still too shallow and too small. We need to make them bigger,’ he said.

Mr Rwegasira also called for stronger regional cooperation to pool capital and support larger infrastructure projects, while encouraging the use of innovative financing models such as securitisation and infrastructure asset recycling.

He said such approaches could enable governments to use existing infrastructure assets to generate funding for new projects.

Stanbic Bank Tanzania Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Ester Manase said commercial banks, development finance institutions, insurers, governments and private investors must work together because infrastructure projects require long-term capital.

‘The biggest takeaway for me is collaboration. Every stakeholder has an important role to play, but none of us can achieve these ambitions alone,’ she said.

Ms Manase said Tanzania was well positioned to become an East African logistics hub, citing its strategic location.