Category: The Citizen

For decades now, Arusha has been referred to as the Safari Capital of Africa, the epicentre of Tanzania’s tourism. That means the city welcomes millions of tourists each year who plan to have a good time.

When a single celebratory wine or liquor turns into two or three, over time, the empty bottles begin to pile up, and hotels can’t get rid of them fast enough. That was until 2009, when a small local handmade jewellery company located near Arusha Airport started requesting the glass bottles to recycle them.

A strange request at first, but over time, Shanga, which is a social creative enterprise that supports and employs people with disabilities, has transformed piles of empty glass bottles into amazing glassworks. Among its workforce of glassblowers are the deaf, who have mastered the art of using the scorching hot furnace at their workshop to make jaw-dropping vases and decorative glasswork, among other items that are on display as soon as you walk through their entrance.

The eco-friendly initiative comes on the heels of Arusha and Tanzania’s ambitious goal to attract millions more tourists in the coming years. That means more drinks and more empty bottles.

Most hotels, lodges, and campsites will have to scratch their heads to figure out how to get rid of them. Not only liquor bottles, but every piece of broken glass they come across in Arusha is recycled, if not by them, then by other companies they ship it to.

They handle more than one hundred tonnes of glass that needs recycling every year. A mountainous task for a small company, but their noble environmental cause has caught the eyes of well-wishers and people willing to support them.

A French designer, Emmanuel Babled, based in Tanzania, who runs Kukua Ltd, a social enterprise, conceived a collaboration that would help bring in two Venetian masters from Murano. Andrea Zilio and Luigi Varagnolo would lead a ten-day workshop merging Murano’s centuries-old techniques with Shanga’s inventive use of local and reclaimed materials.

The brown bottles that once stored chilled beers are separated from the clear gin and vodka bottles. The sorting process comes first before the furnace does the work.

“We separate based on colour; each colour is melted separately, and we only combine them when we mould colourful glasswork,” said Obidiah Mlavi, a staff member at Shanga. Even the furnaces are powered by recycled engine oil.

The oil that is often discarded when drivers do their routine car maintenance, but here it doesn’t go to waste. Hundreds of safari vehicles that consume a huge amount of engine oil collect their used oil and sell it to Shanga for a considerably lower price.

Once the furnaces are powered up, it is recommended not to turn them off. At 1100 degrees Celsius, that fire burns for hours on end.

Any use of hydroelectric power that lights homesteads would be of an astronomical cost. So, only used engine oil during the day and natural gas at night are used to power the workshop.

Watching glassblowers work is a masterful, coordinated choreography that has to be executed with precision. The searing melted glass is passed around the glassblowers as it’s being swiftly shaped before it cools down.

The final products, which comprise flower vases, glass ornaments, and even wine glasses, are unbelievably works of art. With the dumped alcohol bottles just a few feet away from the finished recycled glasswork.

One would never imagine what is considered trash can transform into. The inclusion of the disabled workforce among their ranks has been very deliberate.

Dina Wilson, the General Manager at Shanga, said that out of all the 67 staff members, most are with some form of disability, physical, sensory, or mental, including some deaf employees and one with autism. She insists none of their disabilities has a huge impact on their daily production.

Dina is proud of their positive impact on tourism. The bottles that would have been thrown in Tanzania’s National Parks in the Northern Circuit are now collected and recycled.

“From Serengeti and Ngorongoro to Tarangire, we have helped improve the environment through recycling, with hundreds of tonnes already turned into glasswork,” she said. “We have been doing this since 2009,” she added.

They have also invited students from local primary schools for field trips, taking them around their workshops and teaching them the importance of recycling and how they can play their part to create eco-friendly communities. The last day of the workshop is winding up, and the Tanzanian-Italian team has set up a display of their glasswork after the ten-day workshop.

The Italian Ambassador, Mr Giuseppe Coppola, accompanied by Prof Maulilio John Kipanyula, Vice Chancellor at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NMAIST), is present to observe. The ambassador is passing around, keenly admiring the beautiful product that is a result of a collaboration between Tanzania and his nation.

“Murano is like the Glass Capital of the world, and the Italian embassy supported this project of transferring skills, knowledge and also material, including two electric kilns from Murano to Shanga. We were particularly interested in working with Shanga because they have a very, very social dimension, working with people with disabilities and also recycling materials, creating jobs for people with disabilities and also young people in Arusha,” he said.

Shanga is hoping that with the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, the NM-AIST will, in the near future, join hands in elevating the programme and even training more young Tanzanians. Selling from ten dollars and above, the glasswork is at an affordable price and would soon be an additional decoration to the homes of some of the tourists who flock to buy them.

The once unbearable environmental pollution that seemed to be a burden to the hotels around Arusha has now turned into an expression of artistry. The Glass Bridge project that brought together Tanzanian and Italian glassblowers and glass masters has carried a strong social and cultural impact, a symbol of Italy’s solidarity in the wake of recent events that left the Tanzanian tourism industry feeling the pinch.

Art and craftsmanship have been able to unite the two nations and give young creative Tanzanians much-needed skills to expand their imagination with what they can mould out of the recycled bottles. This workshop was no easy feat; a lot of heavy machinery had to be transported from Murano to Arusha.

” More than 700 kilograms of tools, moulds, and glass materials have been shipped from Murano to Arusha, including two electric kilns, thanks to the support of NEOS Airline and Air Tanzania. The resulting works will be presented in Dar es Salaam and Arusha in February 2026 and later at Venice Design Week 2026 in September.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s two representatives in the continental club championships, Young Africans (Yanga) and Azam FC, enter a defining evening today as they line up for crucial fixtures that could shape their campaigns in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

While Yanga travel to North Africa for a daunting away assignment against Algerian giants JS Kabylie at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, Azam FC will be in front of their home fans at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar to face Morocco’s Wydad Club Athletic. Both matches carry enormous stakes, kicking off at 10pm and 7pm East African time respectively, and could significantly influence Tanzania’s prospects in continental football this season.

Yanga versus JS Kabylie: A high stakes North African challenge Yanga enter tonight’s CAF Champions’ League Group B encounter with momentum after securing a vital 10 win over Moroccan powerhouse AS FAR in their opening match at the New Amaan Complex. The victory placed the Jangwani giants in a favourable position early in the campaign, but the challenge ahead is formidable.

As the group standings show, Yanga are currently second with three points, level with leaders Al Ahly who top the table due to superior goal difference. AS FAR remain third without a point, while JS Kabylie sit bottom after suffering a heavy 41 defeat to the Egyptian giants in their first outing.

A win in Algeria would push Yanga firmly into knockout stage contention, giving them more than a 50 percent probability of qualification with four matches to spare. Even a draw would keep their hopes alive and maintain pressure on their rivals.

However, a loss would complicate their path significantly, particularly considering the group’s tight margins and the competitive pedigree of their opponents. JS Kabylie: An unforgiving fortress One major hurdle for Yanga is Kabylie’s exceptional home record in continental competitions.

Data from 2021 onwards shows that JS Kabylie have played nine CAF matches at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium, winning seven and drawing two, without a single defeat in that period. Their dominance on home soil is well documented, and their fans are known to create one of the most intimidating atmospheres in North African football.

Yanga therefore must deliver an exceptional performance to break Kabylie’s unbeaten home run. Their players will need to maintain composure, concentration, and tactical discipline throughout the 90 minutes.

Yanga confident, says coach Goncalves Head coach Pedro Goncalves expressed optimism ahead of the fixture, noting that his squad is in high spirits and physically ready for the challenge. “All players are in top shape ahead of the match and we believe we will not let down our fans and all Tanzanians,” said Goncalves.

“We will play with determination. Our aim is to perform well away from home.

It will not be an easy match, so we must give our best.” Yanga will rely heavily on their key players including goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, defenders Israel Mwenda, Mohamed “Tshabalala” Hussein, Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad, and Dickson Job, as well as midfielders Duke Abuya, Maxi Nzengeli, Mudathir Yahya, Pacome Zouzoua and Edmund John.

Up front, the responsibility of finding goals will fall on Prince Dube. Azam FC vs Wydad Club Athletic: A must win at Amaan Complex In the CAF Confederation Cup, Azam FC are eyeing redemption after a disappointing 20 loss to DR Congo side Maniema Union in their opening Group B match in Kinshasa.

The Ice-Cream maker now face an even tougher opponent in Wydad Club Athletic, a side with extensive continental experience and one of the most decorated clubs in African football. Wydad arrive in Zanzibar in strong form after defeating Nairobi United of Kenya 30 in their first group fixture.

Another win today would solidify their position at the top of the table and strengthen their bid for early qualification to the knockout phase. For Azam FC, the equation is simple.

They must win to revive their qualification hopes. A second consecutive loss would leave them in a precarious situation, with little room for recovery in the remaining group fixtures.

Head coach Florent Ibenge acknowledged the magnitude of the task but insisted his players are ready to compete at the highest level. “We have rectified the mistakes that cost us in the first match,” said Ibenge.

“It will be tough, but our aim is to do the best and revive our hopes ahead of the knockout stage. The players are committed and we believe they will not let us down at home.

” A reunion of familiar faces One of the most intriguing subplots of the match will be the midfield duel between Azam FC’s Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum and Wydad’s Stephane Aziz Ki, two players who previously starred for Yanga before moving to their current clubs. Their contrasting styles and leadership qualities could heavily influence the rhythm of the match, adding an emotional dimension for Tanzanian fans familiar with their contributions in the Premier League.

Azam FC will count on home advantage, crowd support, and a renewed sense of urgency as they attempt to secure their first points of the campaign. As Yanga battle to defend their strong start in Algeria and Azam FC fight to stay alive in Zanzibar, Tanzania finds itself at the heart of a dramatic evening in continental football.

Positive results for both sides would not only boost their campaigns but also strengthen the country’s growing stature in African club competitions. With knockout stage aspirations on the line, the stakes could not be higher.

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Dar es Salaam. The International Labour Organization (ILO), together with WoteSawa and the Trade Union of Domestic, Security, Hotel, Social Services and Consultancy Workers which is popularly known by its Kiswahili acronym as Chodawu, has rolled out a comprehensive training programme for around 100 domestic workers in Mwanza Region.

The training seeks to emphasise why knowledge of rights and professional skills is essential to improving domestic workers’ working lives. The training, conducted under the Project on Enhancing Recognition and Working Conditions for Domestic Workers in Tanzania as Service Providers, focuses on empowering workers with the tools they need to safeguard their welfare, negotiate fair treatment, and raise standards across the sector.

Opening the session, the project’s coordinator from the ILO East Africa Office, Chiku Semfuko, said that domestic workers are fully recognised under national labour laws and must be afforded the same protections as any other employees. “Although the laws exist, many domestic workers are still unaware of the protections available to them.

These trainings are crucial as they help workers understand both their rights and their responsibilities,” Semfuko said. She said that domestic work remains demanding and undervalued, yet it underpins the functioning of countless households.

“We rely on domestic workers for childcare, cleaning, security and support. Respecting their contribution means ensuring they work in fair and decent conditions.

” Semfuko underscored the importance of challenging long-standing prejudices that portray domestic workers as untrustworthy or unworthy of legal protections, noting that such attitudes fuel exploitation. The Head of the Legal Department at Chodawu’s National Office, Asteria Gerald said the union has been expanding its training across the country.

She highlighted a recent programme in Arusha that produced peer educators–domestic workers equipped to support and inform their colleagues about workplace rights from within their communities. “It is not effective to speak on behalf of workers without involving them.

Peer educators allow domestic workers to lead the change themselves,” Gerald said. She added that Chodawu is also partnering with VETA colleges to strengthen workers’ professional skills, enabling them to gain recognition as skilled service providers within the labour market.

“This is our first extensive training in Mwanza, and we hope it will help dismantle negative stereotypes while building a confident and informed workforce,” she said. WoteSawa’s Mwanza Director, Angela Benedicto, noted that participants include both live-in and live-out domestic workers.

She said the training aims to ensure workers fully understand employment contracts, labour laws, and mechanisms available for reporting abuse or unfair treatment. “By equipping workers with this knowledge, we promote decent work, prevent violence in the household workplace, and support healthier relationships between employers and employees grounded in mutual respect,” she said.

A domestic worker from Mwanza, Elizabeth John, said many in the sector still experience delayed or withheld salaries and other forms of mistreatment. She expressed hope that the training will enable workers to advocate more confidently for their rights .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s central bank stepped back into the foreign-exchange market on Wednesday, selling $25 million to commercial banks as part of its ongoing effort to stabilise liquidity and ease pressure on the shilling.

In a statement released on November 26, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) announced that the intervention was executed through an auction under the Foreign Exchange Intervention Policy of 2023, with dollars sold at a weighted average rate of Sh2,443.82 per dollar. The auction drew $28.5 million in bids, but the bank adhered to its previously announced offer, accepting only the $25 million it had committed to sell.

Of the 21 banks that participated, 18 secured allocations. BoT said the operation was aimed at “providing liquidity in the foreign exchange market,” where demand has remained elevated for months due to sustained import requirements and tightening global dollar conditions.

The latest sale extends a liquidity-provision campaign the central bank launched on October 24, when it injected $15 million at a weighted average rate of Sh2, 471.73. That first auction attracted aggressive demand, with 26 banks bidding for $34.75 million, more than double what was on offer. Three days later, on October 27, the BoT increased the amount to $20 million, triggering an immediate–though modest–appreciation of the shilling as the weighted average rate strengthened to Sh2,465.13. Bids totalled $29.5 million, again outstripping supply, with 23 banks seeking dollars and 14 receiving allocations.

In an earlier interview with The Citizen, BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said the interventions are part of the bank’s routine liquidity operations designed to maintain equilibrium in the financial system. “As the Bank of Tanzania, our core mandate is to regulate the economy, which includes ensuring that there is adequate liquidity within the financial system,” he said.

He added: “We constantly assess market conditions to determine whether to inject or withdraw liquidity, depending on what is needed to maintain balance.” Tutuba said the BoT continuously monitors the balance positions of all commercial banks to ensure smooth market functioning.

Independent forex analyst Mr Bernard Mumwi said the Bank of Tanzania’s latest intervention is helping calm the market and maintain orderly trading conditions. “The market is stabilising–right now it is simply trying to find its balance,” he said.

“We’re in a peaceful environment, and we do not expect any major movements in the exchange rate in the short term.” Mr Mumwi noted that year-end dynamics are also shaping trading behaviour as investors reassess their positions.

“Toward the end of the year, many investors begin pulling out funds or taking profits. Others are reallocating their portfolios, reinvesting, or meeting end-of-year obligations,” he explained.

He said that while demand for dollars remains present, there is no indication of an actual shortage. “There is appetite for foreign currency, but not a supply crisis,” he said.

“Banks and investors are simply responding to global market signals. External movements–what’s happening in major markets–often influence local positioning.

” He added that the central bank’s actions appear aimed at ensuring the market remains stable as the country heads into the final weeks of the year. “They want to make sure there is enough liquidity and that the market stays orderly as we close the year,” he said.

The shilling has remained broadly stable through 2025, supported by rising export earnings from gold, gas, and tourism. Inflation has stayed within the BoT’s 35 percent target range, while reserves continue to cover over four months of imports, according to recent official data.

With global dollar strength and high import bills continuing to challenge frontier markets, the BoT’s dual interventions reinforce its commitment to maintaining market confidence through transparent and timely action. .

Dar es Salaam. A day after government drivers were instructed to strictly observe traffic laws and road safety regulations, some have come forward to explain the underlying causes of non-compliance.

Those that spoke to a sister publication of The Citizen, Mwananchi, pointed to operational pressure from their superiors, while the Tanzania Government Drivers’ Association (CMST) has outlined its stance. Their reaction follows Wednesday’s statement by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who issued a stern warning to government employees and policy custodians who violate road safety rules, saying such conduct fuels a troubling “double standard” for ordinary citizens.

Speaking during the commemoration of Sustainable Land Transport Week, held from November 24 to 29, the Prime Minister stressed that Tanzania’s traffic regulations apply equally to everyone and must never be enforced selectively. “I am directing the Ministry of Transport and other relevant stakeholders to review our laws and determine whether any are outdated or inadequate.

If amendments are needed, let them be made. But if the laws remain sufficient, then it is imperative that everyone complies with them,” he said.

Dr Mwigulu also criticised government drivers who disregard safety rules despite the same regulations having been crafted and endorsed by government institutions. “No one is above the law.

Responsible ministries, the police and other transport stakeholders must ensure that all road safety regulations are enforced fairly and consistently,” he said, adding that he was disappointed to see government officials among the leading offenders of traffic rules. “Anyone who violates the law must face the appropriate consequences,” he emphasised.

Speaking to Mwananchi, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, several government drivers said they face intense pressure from their superiors to arrive quickly, especially when transporting officials to meetings. “It is operational pressure.

We are forced to rush, which means driving fast or hurrying the journey,” said one driver based in Dodoma, who requested anonymity. Another driver added: “Some of us are compelled to speed or travel quickly, especially during official trips.

This often puts us at risk of accidents because it causes failure to observe speed limits, road signs and safety precautions.” Reports indicate that some government drivers assume they will not face disciplinary action even if they break traffic rules, making them reluctant to adhere to safety requirements.

Dar drivers pledge compliance The Chairperson of Government Drivers in Dar es Salaam Region, Adam Lameck, said they had received the Prime Minister’s message and begun implementing it by issuing guidance and taking corrective action. “We admit that some government drivers have been breaking traffic laws.

I have urged my fellow drivers to ask: why rush? If the speed limit is 50 km/h, why go 100? Unfortunately, if anything happens, it is the driver who is most at risk,” he said. Mr Adam, who also sits on the National Executive Council, said the association regularly trains drivers on complying with laws, ensuring their own safety, maintaining government vehicles and protecting other road users.

He acknowledged, however, that many drivers face pressure from their superiors to reach meeting venues quickly. “We remind drivers that when given instructions, they must first consider their own safety and that of the leader.

Our roads are now in very good condition and the number of vehicles has increased, so caution is essential. “Use your judgement.

If the road does not allow high speed, say so. Leaders understand road challenges; if you explain properly, they will understand,” he said.

He also cited low voluntary compliance among drivers, noting that some fail to obey orders from traffic police officers. CMST outlines long-term strategy CMST National Secretary-General Castro Nyabange said the association continues to offer road safety education, particularly during annual conferences, to ensure government drivers lead by example.

He said regional leaders within the association have made compliance a standing agenda, but a persistent challenge remains: some drivers hide behind their government status to evade the law. As a result, the association takes various professional measures, including advocating for drivers, defending them where necessary and reminding them of their obligations.

Nyabange said employers often consult CMST for advice when road safety issues arise. Drivers who make mistakes are cautioned and warned, although sometimes decisions are taken without involving the association.

“We have done a great deal of work. This year, accidents have decreased, with fewer than 20 people affected since January, compared with 2023 and 2024,” he said.

“Our key message is that when you are entrusted with a vehicle, you are the leader of that machine. If an accident happens, your boss should not be held responsible.

You must take swift precautions, follow the law and ensure your leader arrives safely,” Nyabange said. .

Dar es Salaam. Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Mr Ridhiwan Kikwete, has directed Watumishi Housing Investment (WHI) to diversify its financing sources in order to scale up the construction of affordable homes for public servants.

Mr Kikwete said Tanzania’s Vision 2050 requires the delivery of one million housing units–a target he insisted cannot be met if WHI continues to rely heavily on government budget allocations, which are already overstretched by competing national priorities. Speaking during a meeting with WHI staff shortly after being sworn in, the Minister issued several directives aimed at strengthening the institution’s operational efficiency and enhancing its profitability.

“The government budget must finance schools, health centres and other national priorities. If WHI depends on it alone, the dream of reaching one million homes will not be realised.

You must seek financing from multiple institutions to achieve your target of thousands of houses. The government budget will only facilitate,” he said.

He also instructed WHI to embrace digital solutions that enable public servants to browse, apply for and purchase homes remotely. “We are living in a digital era.

People no longer have the time to visit project sites physically. If possible, an employee should be able to buy a house from anywhere in the country,” he said.

Mr Kikwete commended WHI for establishing the Faida Fund, describing it as an innovative and well-performing initiative, but urged the institution to raise the visibility of its products. “You must widely publicise your housing projects and the Faida Fund.

Many Tanzanians complain simply because they are unaware of the projects already completed. Public education is essential,” he said.

He further stressed that quality must remain central to all construction works, urging WHI to adopt modern, cost-efficient technologies that do not impose additional financial burdens on public servants. Speaking yesterday, WHI acting chief executive officer, Mr Stephane Solomon, said the institution manages two funds–the Housing Fund and the Faida Fund–both of which are performing strongly with plans for further improvements.

“The Faida Fund has reached S9 billion, and by June next year its value is expected to reach Sh54 billion, with dividends for investors expected to rise beyond the current 13.9 percent,” he said. “In this financial year, we expect to complete the construction of 221 houses in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, particularly in district areas, to ensure teachers working in those locations are provided with proper housing and to ease shortages.

” He added that construction is ongoing in various regions due to growing demand for housing. “Currently, the sales rate of our houses is about 18 percent, but we continue to request the government to consider reducing certain taxes on construction materials so that workers can purchase these houses at a rate lower than 18 percent,” he added.

To boost employees’ income, WHI has introduced the e-Wekeza system, which enables public servants to invest by contributing a minimum of Sh57,000 and earn profits. Finance Director Mr Pascal Massawe said that by November, more than 800 employees had invested a total of Sh54.8 million through the system, which was launched in June this year.

“The aim is to help public servants secure an additional source of income upon retirement rather than relying solely on their pension. We began with 200 employees, and within a short period the number has reached 800. By the end of the year we expect the figure to surpass 1,000,” he said.

Mr Massawe added that the next major focus will be expanding public education so employees can utilise the platform fully, noting that salary-based deductions will bring significant transformation in the coming two years. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian conservationist Rahima Njaidi has been named the winner of African conservation award that recognised her outstanding leadership and impact in safeguarding wildlife and natural ecosystems.

The annual Tusk Awards for Conservation in Africa, recognise African conservationists who have demonstrated innovation and made significant contributions to biodiversity protection across the continent. They also celebrate individuals committed to community-led conservation, sustainable environmental management, and long-term ecological resilience.

Ms Njaidi, a lawyer by profession and Executive Director of Tanzania Community Forest Conservation Network or Mjumita in its Kiswahili, received the honour during a ceremony held on Wednesday in London, UK. Ms Njaidi was honoured for her transformative leadership in community-based forest management, her advocacy for land rights and gender equality, and her pioneering work in promoting people-centred conservation models that protect Tanzania’s forests.

With the achievement, she becomes the first Tanzanian to receive the accolade and only the third woman in Africa to win in the Community-Based Conservation category since 2013. Speaking to The Citizen, Ms Njaidi said she did not know who nominated her, but believes the award reflects the collective efforts of Mjumita and the communities it supports. “Honestly, I don’t know who nominated me, but I believe this award speaks to the impact of the work Mjumita is doing with communities.

It is a great honour for the organisation, for Tanzania, and for women who dedicate their lives to conservation,” she said. “For me, it is a surprise.

I did not expect that there are people who recognise my efforts in conservation. This award has motivated me to work even harder, but it also inspires citizens to continue supporting conservation initiatives.

” She noted that the conservation sector has long been dominated by men, emphasising that she is only the third woman to be recognised in her category in more than a decade. Ms Njaidi’s conservation journey began in the early 2000s, when she developed a strong interest in working directly with communities.

She said the award would help Mjumita expand its work to more regions. “The good thing is that community members themselves are eager to join Mjumita, but we are constrained by limited financial and human resources.

We want a greener Tanzania, where forests contribute to the wellbeing of citizens,” she said. She added that she hopes to see more unmanaged forest areas placed under village conservation systems.

Born in Dodoma, Ms Njaidi grew up listening to her grandfather’s stories warning against the destruction of forests–stories that instilled in her a deep respect for nature and the belief that forests are sacred spaces to be protected rather than exploited. She founded Mjumita in 2007 as Tanzania’s only community-led forest conservation network aimed at empowering rural communities to manage and safeguard their natural resources.

The organisation operates across several regions, strengthening community-based forest governance, ensuring fair benefits from natural resources, and promoting conservation education among women, youth and vulnerable groups. Key partners supporting Mjumita include village forest conservation groups, local government authorities, and several international environmental organisations committed to sustainable forest and land management.

Ms Njaidi said that in the Coast Region, particularly in Nyamwage Village, Mjumita is implementing a climate adaptation project aimed at building community capacity. “We are training them in good governance, economic projects, and forest management.

Our goal is to empower citizens to become the defenders of their own forests,” she said. .

Dar es Salaam. Organisers of Tanzania Startup Week have released the official programme for the 2025 edition, describing it as a launchpad for turning the country’s Vision 2050 ambitions into practical investment, skills development, and policy action.

The theme for the event, which will run from December 1 to 5, is Positioning Startups for Vision 2050: Unleashing Innovation, Inclusion, and Economic Transformation in Africa. The government has reiterated that innovation and digital transformation will guide Tanzania’s long-term development path, and the week aims to shift discussions from broad policy ideas to concrete steps that can drive economic growth.

The organising team says the 2025 edition seeks to align entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, and academia with the central goals of Dira 2050. The blueprint outlines a competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. The five-day programme will bring together startups from across the country, government leaders, corporate executives, development partners, and venture capital firms.

Organisers note that the event has evolved into a national platform for deal-making, talent development, and ecosystem building, further strengthening its strategic importance. The programme opens with plenary discussions on implementing the Tanzania Startup Policy launched this year.

The policy aims to remove barriers that have slowed early-stage ventures. Panellists will discuss regulatory reforms, incentives for high-growth startups, and the importance of digital public infrastructure in supporting innovation across sectors.

Financing will dominate the second day. Panels will explore venture capital, blended finance, and alternative funding models that could ease the chronic capital gaps facing startups from the pre-seed stage to growth phases.

The goal is to strengthen investor confidence and boost deal flow as Tanzania works toward a projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2050, an aspiration that has drawn growing regional attention. Human capital is another major focus.

Discussions will assess how universities and industry can collaborate to close the skills gap. Organisers say young Tanzanians–whom they describe as the “missing middle”–must be equipped to play a more active role in an innovation-led economy.

“Startup Week 2025 is a mobilisation toward the future of Tanzania’s economy,” the organisers said in a statement yesterday. .

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has reiterated that Tanzania remains a safe and secure destination for international travellers. Speaking at Lake Manyara National Park on Thursday, Minister Dr Ashatu Kijaji said the country continues to welcome high numbers of visitors drawn to its diverse attractions.

“This undertaking serves to reaffirm to all visitors that Tanzania remains a safe, peaceful, and secure destination for leisure travel. We stand fully prepared to receive tourists and to provide them with exceptional service throughout their stay,” Some of the tourists from Portugal at Ngorongoro Gate Dr.

Kijaji is leading a special mission covering all 21 national parks to assess preparedness and reinforce confidence in Tanzania’s tourism sector. She noted that tourists from Italy currently visiting the country have expressed satisfaction with their experience and praised Tanzania’s natural beauty.

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Dodoma. The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ridhiwani Kikwete, has said he is prepared to appear before the Ethics Secretariat for Public Leaders to clarify allegations linking him to fuel stations reportedly owned by Lake Oil.

Lake Oil emerges as the leading casualty of this year’s election-related violence when tens of its filling stations were torched. Those behind the chaos believe the company belongs to Ridhiwan Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete.

Addressing ministry staff in Dodoma on 26 November 2025, Mr Kikwete said information relating to the conduct of public servants must remain transparent. He noted that whenever doubts arise, the individuals concerned should be summoned and the evidence made clear to the public.

“Complaints against leaders have been many; it is not known which ones are true and which ones are not,” he said. He said that recent protests had fuelled further accusations about the integrity of public leaders, citing reports alleging that businessman Ali Edha Awadh, whose Lake Oil petrol stations have been associated with him, is the real owner.

Mr Kikwete urged members of the Ethics Secretariat to summon him without hesitation so he could “set the record straight”. He also called on the commission to conduct a thorough investigation before briefing journalists and to present any additional evidence that could help provide citizens with accurate and reliable information .