Category: The Citizen

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.

As the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) explains the causes of colder conditions across the country this July, residents of Njombe, Iringa, Mbeya, and Kilimanjaro regions are already feeling the season with varying intensity, with some saying this year’s cold is harsher than previous years.

TMA meteorological analyst, Mr Ramadhani Omari, says the drop in temperatures is driven by prevailing wind systems from southern Africa.

Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Tulia Ackson chaired the organisation’s Executive Committee meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to finalise key preparations for the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, including the draft agenda, security arrangements, and thematic debates.

The Arusha Assembly, scheduled for October this year, will mark a significant milestone for the 137-year-old organisation.

The recent Geneva meeting also featured a formal handover ceremony during which the newly appointed IPU Secretary General, Ambassador Anda Filip, received the instruments of office from outgoing Secretary General Martin Chungong.

Mr Chungong’s tenure has been credited with expanding the IPU’s global reach and modernising its operations.

The transition signals both continuity and renewal as the IPU prepares for one of its most ambitious gatherings.

For Dr Ackson, who is also the former Speaker of Tanzania’s National Assembly, the Geneva session carried dual significance.

It concluded the IPU’s current cycle of administrative meetings in Switzerland while officially launching the countdown to the historic Arusha Assembly.

It will be the first time Tanzania hosts a full IPU Assembly, positioning the country at the centre of parliamentary diplomacy.

The assembly is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates, including Speakers of Parliament, MPs, and parliamentary staff from over 180 member parliaments worldwide.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan will host the conference, underscoring the government’s commitment to multilateralism and legislative cooperation.

Key issues expected to dominate the 153rd Assembly include strengthening democracy, climate legislation, gender equality in parliaments, and the role of parliaments in peacebuilding.

Speaking on the sidelines of the session, Tanzania’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Dr Hoyce Temu, said hosting the assembly reflected global confidence in Tanzania’s democratic institutions and its capacity to convene international dialogue.

‘This is not just Tanzania’s moment; it is Africa’s moment,’ she said during informal discussions with delegates.

‘We are ready to welcome the world to Arusha and show how parliaments can shape solutions to shared challenges,’ added Dr Temu.

Founded in 1889, the IPU is the world’s oldest international political organisation.

Its assemblies provide a platform for parliamentary diplomacy, enabling lawmakers to build consensus on global issues outside formal government negotiations.

With the Geneva handover complete and Ambassador Filip now at the helm of the secretariat, attention has shifted to Arusha.

For Tanzania, the 153rd IPU Assembly offers an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, infrastructure, and growing influence in international affairs.

The hashtag #ipu153arusha has already begun circulating as parliamentary staff and diplomats prepare for what is expected to be a landmark event in October 2026.

Young Africans (Yanga) attacking midfielder Pacôme Zouzoua has begun his recovery after undergoing successful surgery at Aga Khan Hospital following the injury he sustained in the final match of the 2025/26 NBC Premier League season.

Yanga’s Media Officer, Ally Kamwe, confirmed that the operation was completed without complications, marking a positive first step in the Ivorian midfielder’s rehabilitation.

Kamwe said doctors have placed Pacôme under close medical observation for the next six weeks to monitor his recovery and assess how he responds to treatment.

He stressed that the six-week period should not be interpreted as a timeline for the player’s return to competitive football, but rather as a crucial observation phase during which his recovery will be closely evaluated.

“Another clinical assessment will be conducted after the six weeks to evaluate his healing progress and determine the next phase of his rehabilitation, including a possible return-to-play timeline,” the club said in a medical update, urging patience as the player continues his recovery.

Pacôme sustained the injury during Yanga’s final league match against JKT Tanzania at Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, an incident that sparked widespread concern across the country’s football fraternity.

Messages of support have continued to pour in from across the sport. Among those offering encouragement was the Azam FC technical bench, led by head coach Florent Ibenge, who visited the midfielder in hospital and wished him a speedy recovery.

In a show of sportsmanship, JKT Tanzania also issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, emphasising that there was no malicious intent behind the challenge.

The club said its player, Hassan Wahabi, had no intention of injuring Pacôme and expressed sadness over the outcome.

“The management of JKT Tanzania FC is deeply saddened by the injury suffered by Pacôme Zouzoua and sincerely apologises for the incident, which was not intentional, the statement said.

JKT Tanzania also wished the midfielder a full and speedy recovery, expressing hope that he will return to action in peak condition.

As Pacôme begins this critical stage of his rehabilitation, the focus now shifts from the operating theatre to his recovery programme, with Yanga and their supporters awaiting the medical assessment at the end of the six-week observation period, which is expected to provide a clearer indication of his return to competitive football.

Seventy-nine young agribusiness practitioners from five regions have completed a two-week financial literacy training programme aimed at equipping them with skills to serve as community trainers in financial management, investment and entrepreneurship, in a move expected to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve food security.

The training was delivered under the Vijana Kilimo Biashara (VKB) programme, implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and in collaboration with the Bank of Tanzania Academy (BoT Academy).

Upon completion, the participants were certified as financial educators (CFEs), enabling them to train farmers, livestock keepers and small-scale entrepreneurs within their communities.

Speaking in Arusha, BoT Academy Principal Dr Nicas Yabu said the trainees, drawn from Arusha, Dodoma, Singida, Morogoro and Manyara regions, had been equipped with financial knowledge and the responsibility to cascade it at grassroots level.

He said the programme seeks to shift financial awareness from formal institutions to rural communities where most agricultural activity takes place but where financial literacy remains limited.

‘We have trained them on how to earn, save and invest. The aim is for them to return and empower communities to use financial resources effectively and build stronger livelihoods through agriculture and enterprise,’ he said.

The training covered financial services, savings culture, investment opportunities, credit access and responsible borrowing, with inputs from the Bank of Tanzania, UTT AMIS, insurers and commercial banks.

The World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Country Director for Tanzania, Christine Mendes, said the initiative is part of the VKB programme, which aims to equip young people with skills for employment and agribusiness development while strengthening financial management.

Since 2023, more than 77,000 young people across eight regions have been reached, while the latest cohort brings the number of certified financial educators to 150.

One participant, Shedrack Minja from Manyara, said the training had shifted his mindset, adding that agriculture should be treated as a business requiring planning, saving and reinvestment.

The BoT Academy and WFP signed an MoU on July 31, 2025, to strengthen financial literacy among youth through the VKB initiative.

Telecommunications company Halotel says it has invested more than $1 billion (about Sh2.7 trillion) in Tanzania since launching operations in the country more than a decade ago.

Speaking during the opening of the company’s pavilion at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, the company’s acting chief executive officer, Ms Tran Thi Thuy Dung, said much of the investment had gone into building telecommunications towers and expanding network coverage to reach more Tanzanians.

“We continue to invest not only for business growth but also in infrastructure development. Every year we invest more than $100 million in the Tanzanian market through the construction of additional towers and expansion of our services to reach more people,” she said.

The 2026 DITF officially opened on June 28 and will run until July 13.

Beyond network expansion, Halotel announced major upgrades to its HaloPesa mobile money platform as part of celebrations marking the service’s 10th anniversary in Tanzania.

Ms Dung said the company had launched a redesigned HaloPesa application featuring an improved user interface and additional services, including digital loans and mobile payment options for electricity and water bills.

She said the enhancements were intended to support the government’s efforts to increase the use of digital payments and reduce reliance on cash transactions.

The announcement comes as the government prepares to introduce mandatory digital payments for selected public services from July 1.

Presenting the 2026/27 national budget, Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar said the reforms are intended to advance Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda, improve transaction efficiency, curb financial crime, enhance transparency and reduce the costs associated with handling cash.

According to the government, mandatory digital payments will gradually be introduced across various sectors, including public transport services such as rapid transit buses, ferries, railways, air travel and app-based transport services.

Commenting on Halotel’s participation at the trade fair, Ms Dung said the exhibition offered the company an opportunity to engage directly with customers and gather feedback to improve its services.

“Sabasaba gives us the opportunity to interact directly with our customers, understand their needs and receive valuable feedback that will help us improve our services and continue delivering innovative solutions that meet their expectations,” she said.

She added that, beyond telecommunications services, Halotel remained committed to improving the lives of Tanzanians through continued investment in technology, digital financial services and communications infrastructure.

Halotel Commercial Director Abdallah Salum said this year’s exhibition provides an important platform to strengthen customer engagement.

“This year, HaloPesa marks 10 years of service and has been enhanced with additional digital financial solutions aimed at promoting wider adoption of cashless payments,” he said.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening labour justice and promoting social justice in Tanzania during a farewell and welcome ceremony held at Kazi House in Dar es Salaam.

The event honoured Justice Mlyambina for his service in the Labour Division of the High Court of Tanzania and welcomed Hon Justice Kerekamajenga as the incoming judge responsible for the division.

It brought together representatives from the Judiciary, Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations, the legal fraternity, development partners and the ILO, who commended the outgoing judge’s contribution and underscored the importance of continued cooperation in advancing labour justice.

Speaking during the ceremony, ILO Director for Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, Caroline Mugalla, highlighted the collaboration between the ILO and the Judiciary in promoting decent work and social justice.

‘An effective labour justice system is fundamental to advancing decent work and social justice. The ILO greatly values its long-standing partnership with the Judiciary of Tanzania, which has strengthened access to justice, promoted respect for labour rights, and contributed to more inclusive and resilient labour market institutions,’ she said.

Ms Mugalla said the organisation looked forward to building on the partnership to support workers, employers and government efforts to shape a fairer future of work.

She also commended Hon Justice Mlyambina for his leadership in strengthening labour jurisprudence, noting his role in initiatives implemented in collaboration with the ILO, including the publication of Labour Court Division case law and judicial capacity-building programmes aimed at improving consistency in labour dispute resolution.

The ILO welcomed Hon Justice Kerekamajenga, reaffirming its commitment to continued cooperation with the Judiciary in enhancing access to labour justice, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting the implementation of international labour standards.

The organisation noted that the leadership transition comes at a time when labour markets are rapidly evolving due to technological change, climate change, demographic shifts and new forms of employment, stressing the need for responsive and accessible labour justice systems.

Participants at the event said sustained dialogue among the Judiciary, Government, employers’ and workers’ organisations, and development partners remains key to building strong labour market institutions that promote fairness, trust and sustainable economic growth.

The ILO reiterated its support for Tanzania’s Decent Work Agenda, saying it remains committed to strengthening labour justice institutions that uphold the rule of law, protect rights at work and promote inclusive and equitable labour markets.