Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian innovators have been invited to apply for Pound 100,000 (about Sh282 million) in non-dilutive co-financing as develoPPP Ventures opens applications for Cohort 10, aiming to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies with high social and economic impact across the country.

The programme, implemented by DEG Impulse, is calling for start-ups with scalable business models, proven revenue traction and a clear pathway to profitability. Applications are open until 31 December 2025. Since launching in Tanzania in 2022, develoPPP Ventures has supported 31 local start-ups across sectors including clean technology, agriculture, healthcare, insurance and sustainable finance.

The initiative has enabled young enterprises to expand essential services, build local capacity and generate employment opportunities in communities across the country. The programme’s impact extends across East Africa, where it has received more than 2,000 applications, financed 100 start-ups, mobilised over Pound 40 million in follow-on capital, created more than 3,700 decent jobs, and improved access to vital services for more than 10 million people.

Among the beneficiaries is Healthy Seaweed Co. Limited, whose founder and chief executive, Nancy Cyprian Iraba, credited the programme with accelerating their growth.

“Thanks to develoPPP Ventures, we expanded our infrastructure, reaching more women seaweed farmers and accelerating growth. We increased our capacity by 300%, trained 389 women, and improved product quality.

We achieved $100,000 in sales and national certification, strengthening our financial systems and strategic outlook,” she said. Another Tanzanian beneficiary, NovFeed, also attributes its expansion to the programme’s technical and financial backing, which has strengthened its ability to reach more smallholder farmers with climate-smart agricultural solutions.

To qualify for the new funding round, start-ups must have generated revenue, be able to provide matching funds equal to the develoPPP Ventures investment, and possess at least one year of financial statements. The programme particularly encourages applications from women-led enterprises and those championing gender equality.

Successful applicants will receive catalytic funding, tailored technical assistance and access to a regional community of high-potential ventures, positioning them to scale sustainably while deepening their developmental impact. .

Ukraine is working to resume the exchange of prisoners with Russia, hoping for the release of 1,200 Ukrainians, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his Security Council chief said. “We are counting on the resumption of exchanges,” Zelenskiy said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday.

“Many meetings, negotiations and calls are now devoted to this.” His security chief, Rustem Umerov, said on Saturday that he had held consultations in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, with the support of Kyiv’s partners, on resuming the process of exchanges.

“As a result of these negotiations, the parties agreed to return to the Istanbul agreements,” he said. “This concerns the release of 1,200 Ukrainians,” Umerov said in a statement on Telegram.

There was no immediate comment from Moscow to Ukraine’s statements. The Istanbul agreements are prisoner-exchange understandings brokered with Turkish mediation in 2022, setting out rules for large, coordinated swaps between Russia and Ukraine.

Since then, the two have traded thousands of prisoners, though exchanges have been sporadic and often disrupted by frontline escalation in the war Russia launched against Ukraine in February 2022. Umerov said that consultations would take place in the near future to decide the procedural and organisational details of the process. “We are working without pause so that Ukrainians who are to return from captivity can celebrate New Year and Christmas at home at the family table and with their loved ones,” Umerov said.

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Dar es Salaam. The Council of Imams of Tanzania has issued its position on the future of national reconciliation following the General Election held on October 29, 2025 emphasising that efforts to build national unity must be grounded in truth, integrity, and accountability from all authorities involved in the electoral process.

Speaking to journalists on November 15, 2025 in Dar es Salaam, the Council’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Issa Ponda, said the institution’s meeting had conducted an in-depth review of the election’s conduct and presented recommendations aimed at achieving reconciliation that would restore stability and cohesion in the country. In his introductory remarks, Sheikh Ponda recalled the Council of Imams’ role in society, noting that for many years the institution has been at the forefront of promoting social and political ethics, monitoring elections, and offering guidance in the broader national interest.

He stated that issuing their position forms part of their social and religious responsibility to safeguard rights, peace, and human dignity. Sheikh Ponda further said their assessment revealed that the electoral process–from voter registration, voting, to the announcement of results–was marred by clear and significant irregularities.

According to him, these challenges underscore the urgent need for reforms within the electoral system and greater accountability among state institutions. .

Stroke remains one of the world’s most debilitating health threats, imposing a profound toll on families, health services and entire societies. Once largely associated with older age, it is increasingly striking people at their most economically and socially active stages of life, disrupting careers, family responsibilities and long-term wellbeing.

In the United States, women experience roughly 55,000 more strokes each year than men–a pattern partly explained by women’s longer life expectancy, yet this does not tell the whole story. Women tend to have poorer recovery outcomes and a reduced quality of life following a stroke, and internationally, stroke is more common in females than males below the age of 25. A woman’s stroke risk is shaped throughout her reproductive life by biology and hormonal changes.

High blood pressure disorders of pregnancy–such as gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia–are among the most significant contributors. Pre-eclampsia, usually developing after 20 weeks, involves elevated blood pressure and signs of organ damage, typically affecting the kidneys or liver.

These conditions increase the likelihood of stroke during pregnancy and later in life because persistently raised blood pressure can damage vessels supplying the brain. Hormonal contraception can also play a role.

The concern centres mainly on combined oral contraceptives containing both oestrogen and progesterone, which can raise blood pressure and increase the tendency for blood to clot. The risk becomes more pronounced in women who smoke, are over 35 or experience migraines with aura.

Progesterone-only methods do not show the same level of association. Globally, around 248 million women rely on hormonal contraception, according to the World Health Organization.

Menopause introduces another shift. Falling oestrogen levels reduce the hormone’s natural protective effects on blood vessel integrity and cholesterol balance, making vessels stiffer and more vulnerable to damage.

Some forms of hormone replacement therapy, particularly those containing oestrogen, are linked to a modest increase in stroke risk–especially when started many years after menopause or used by older women. Women are also more prone to migraines, notably those accompanied by aura, which involve temporary disturbances in blood flow within the brain and are associated with higher stroke risk.

Autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis–which disproportionately affect women–create chronic inflammation that weakens and narrows blood vessels, adding yet another layer of vulnerability. A growing body of research highlights reproductive factors, hormonal exposure and immune system differences as key drivers of women’s elevated stroke risk.

Stroke during pregnancy and after childbirth Pregnancy places extraordinary demands on the cardiovascular system: blood volume increases, hormones shift and the blood becomes more inclined to clot. As a result, pregnant women and those who have recently given birth face roughly triple the stroke risk of their non-pregnant peers, a finding well-established in research from the American Heart and Stroke Association.

Stroke is also a major cause of severe maternal illness and death, and stark inequalities persist. In England, Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, while Asian and mixed-ethnicity women also face disproportionately higher risks, according to the long-running MBRRACE-UK audit of maternity care.

In the US, Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at nearly twice the rate of white women, with stroke among the critical contributors. These disparities stem from delayed diagnosis, unequal access to care and higher rates of conditions such as hypertension, obesity and pre-eclampsia.

Women from minority ethnic communities are also more likely to live with underlying risk factors–including diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure–and to face barriers to high-quality antenatal services. Why women’s strokes are often missed Stroke symptoms in women are more likely to be misinterpreted.

While classic signs–facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties–appear in both sexes, women more often report additional symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue or confusion. These are frequently dismissed as stress, migraine or anxiety.

Paramedics and clinicians are statistically more likely to categorise a woman’s presentation as a “stroke mimic”, delaying lifesaving treatment and increasing the risk of long-term disability or death. Subarachnoid haemorrhage–bleeding around the brain, usually caused by a ruptured aneurysm–is also more common in women.

It typically presents as a sudden, agonising headache that does not improve with pain relief. Lower oestrogen levels after menopause are thought to weaken artery walls in the brain, making ruptures more likely.

Women who enter menopause early, before the age of 42, face an even higher risk. Closing the gap Women carry a disproportionate share of the global stroke burden.

Biological, hormonal and social factors intersect throughout their lives, while women from minority ethnic backgrounds often confront additional barriers linked to unequal care, delayed diagnosis and higher rates of underlying health conditions. Despite this, major gaps remain: many female-specific risk factors are still poorly understood, and women remain underrepresented in clinical research, leaving treatment guidelines shaped largely by male-centred data.

Reducing this burden will require prevention strategies that take account of women’s lived realities–across adolescence, reproductive years, menopause and later life. Improving awareness, ensuring timely recognition of symptoms and guaranteeing equitable access to healthcare are essential to narrowing the gender divide and mitigating the global impact of stroke.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has condemned the violence that erupted on October 29, 2025, urging the establishment of an independent investigation involving a broad range of stakeholders, including democratic actors.

In its statement, TEC also called for the release of all individuals arrested before, during, and after the elections. Additionally, the bishops reiterated the need for the country to resume the process towards a New Constitution.

However, while inaugurating Parliament on Friday, November 14, 2025, and outlining the Government’s five-year roadmap, President Samia Suluhu Hassan also condemned the incidents. She said the Government had already formed a commission to investigate the events and uncover their root causes.

“The findings will guide us as we engage in dialogue aimed at restoring harmony and peace,” President Samia told Parliament in Dodoma. Reading the collective reflection of the Catholic bishops on November 15, 2025–following four days of contemplation and prayer held from November 11 to 14–the President of TEC, Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, said the Church strongly condemns the events.

According to Bishop Pisa, the demonstrations led to violence that resulted in loss of life, injuries, and the destruction and loss of both public and private property, a situation that has deeply pained and saddened the Tanzanian community. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania national football team (Taifa Stars) interim head coach Miguel Gamondi has attributed his side’s 43 defeat to Kuwait to a lapse in concentration, particularly in the early stages of the second half, which allowed the opponents to mount a dramatic comeback.

The international friendly match, played in Cairo on Saturday, marked Gamondi’s first game in charge since taking over from Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman. Despite a promising first half in which the Taifa Stars controlled play and took a comfortable 20 lead, the team crumbled after the restart and conceded four goals in just 23 minutes.

The defeat extended Tanzania’s winless run to four consecutive matches dating back to September. The Stars drew 11 with Congo Brazzaville in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier on September 5, before suffering back-to-back home losses to Niger and Zambia.

They later fell 20 to Iran in a friendly played in Dubai on October 14. Saturday’s loss adds to growing concerns as the team edges closer to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. Gamondi, speaking after the match, said the team executed the game plan well in the first half but failed to cope with Kuwait’s high pressure immediately after the interval.

“We played very well in the first half,” he said. “But we lost concentration in the opening minutes of the second half.

Kuwait used their set pieces well, and we conceded two quick goals.” Tanzania took the lead in the 6th minute through Charles M’Mombwa, who finished off a well-worked move.

Tarryn Allarakhia doubled the advantage in the 34th minute, capping an impressive attacking display that saw Taifa Stars dominate possession and create several clear-cut chances. Carrying a deserved 20 lead into halftime, Gamondi looked set for a dream start.

But the momentum shifted almost instantly after the break. Kuwait pulled one back in the 46th minute through Mohammad Daham, who struck again in the 53rd to level the match at 22. The defensive collapse continued, with Youssef Naser completing the comeback in the 64th minute to put Kuwait ahead 32. Five minutes later, Kuwait extended their lead to 42 when Hasan Al Anezi capitalised on another breakdown in Tanzania’s defensive organisation.

M’Mombwa scored his second goal in the 87th minute to close the gap to 43, but it was too late for Tanzania to rescue a result. Gamondi admitted that his instructions at halftime were not properly executed.

“We told the players to be very alert in the first 15 minutes of the second half and to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Unfortunately, we failed to manage that period, and we allowed three goals.

You cannot concede goals the way we did,” he said. Despite the disappointment, Gamondi insists the team must take positives from their first-half performance and focus on correcting the errors before heading to the AFCON finals.

“We need to analyse this game carefully, fix the mistakes, and build on what we did well,” he added. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian basketball champions, Dar City, departed the country yesterday bound for Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Top 16, which is set to kick off tomorrow at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The Tanzanian representatives are drawn in Group B alongside Malawi’s Bravehearts BC, Zambia’s Matero Magic, and Mozambique’s Ferroviario Da Beira. Meanwhile, Group A features Nairobi City Thunder, Johannesburg Giants, and Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers.

The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to conclude on November 23. Dar City head coach Mohamed Mbwana confirmed that the team’s traveling contingent comprises 15 players, four coaches, a team manager, and the team physician. However, only 12 players will be eligible to feature in the tournament, in line with BAL regulations.

“We have trained hard ahead of the competition. We were in residential training in Zanzibar, and my players are in high spirits and ready to deliver their best performance,” said Mbwana.

The Tanzanian champions earned their spot in the Top 16 after a dominant display in the Road to BAL tournament held at the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Dar es Salaam. Dar City topped their group with two convincing victories, demonstrating that they are a force to be reckoned with at the continental level.

In their opening game of the qualifiers, Dar City produced a commanding performance, defeating Djabal Basket Iconi from Comoros 10250. The team’s combination of fluid teamwork, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing thrilled local fans, who packed the stands to cheer them on. In the second match, Dar City maintained their momentum, overcoming Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers 8370 to seal their qualification for the BAL Top 16. The results highlighted the team’s consistency and readiness to challenge the best clubs across Africa.

With a solid foundation of preparation and confidence from their Road to BAL triumph, Dar City will aim to make a strong impression in Nairobi. Fans will be keenly watching to see if the Tanzanian champions can translate their domestic success into a competitive continental performance.

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Dar es Salaam. Tensions during the recent election unrest, where many of those involved were young people, have reignited debate over Tanzania’s youth challenges.

Most of those who took to the streets were unemployed, economically strained and demanding urgent reforms in how the government addresses their concerns. The unrest highlighted the pressing need for targeted government action to engage and support the country’s youth.

Against this backdrop, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced plans to establish a fully-fledged ministry dedicated to youth affairs, one of the most significant administrative shifts in recent years. Addressing Parliament in Dodoma last Friday she said youth issues require focused attention that cannot be effectively handled under a department with multiple competing mandates.

“We in the government have reflected on the need to have a complete Ministry that will deal with Youth Affairs. We have resolved to create a full Ministry instead of retaining a department burdened with many responsibilities,” President Hassan told the House.

Her decision aligns with Tanzania’s demographic realities. The 2022 Population and Housing Census indicated that Tanzanians aged 1524 numbered 11.8 million, representing 19.2 percent of the population.

Expanding the definition of youth to ages 1535, the figure rises to 21.3 million, or 34.5 percent of all Tanzanians, with mainland Tanzania accounting for 20.6 million and Zanzibar 699,845. In short, a total of 26.4 million Tanzanians were aged between zero and 14 years, suggesting that in total, the youth population could be more than 75 percent of the country’s 62 million people as of 2022. Experts say these numbers clarify why young voices dominated the recent unrest and why a dedicated ministry is timely and necessary. According to Prof Semboja Haji, recognising who the youth are is the first step in addressing their challenges.

Tanzania’s national youth policy already outlines key areas for priority intervention. “Youth are active and the dominant group.

They care deeply about the country because today’s conditions will determine their future,” he said. Prof Haji added that national laws should be used to expand youth participation in major sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

He also observed that youth wings of political parties are no longer as active as during earlier nation-building decades. “Today, youth organisations have become instruments for endorsing decisions.

Once senior leaders agree on something, the youth merely memorise and repeat it.” Prof Haji stressed that a youth ministry must be led by young people themselves.

“If government creates this ministry, it must not become another portfolio filled with older leaders. Appointing a youth minister who is not genuinely youthful would be a mockery,” he warned.

Prof Haji also highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence and technology skills. “We must avoid a mindset where young people expect things to be handed to them without effort and then blame others if outcomes are not as desired.

” Youth development analyst Mariam Abdullah said the unrest reflected broader economic frustrations. “What we saw was not just political expression, it was a reminder that millions of young people are struggling.

These youth do not necessarily need long academic pathways; they need practical skills in trades such as construction, automotive repair, energy installation, tailoring, and basic digital skills,” she said. The 2022 census shows Tanzania’s working-age population (1561) now stands at 33 million, placing the country on course to be one of the world’s largest labour forces by 2050. Development economist Emmanuel Samwel said the ministry must address the diversity among unemployed youth.

“Some lack capital, others networks, and still others face social challenges such as addiction or unstable homes,” he said. Digital transformation expert Ibrahim Khatibu said many youth are neither in school nor employed, not because of a lack of ambition, but because the system failed them early.

“The new Ministry can build early-intervention programmes, adult literacy classes, vocational training for drop-outs, and youth centres offering life skills,” he said. Computer Science and digital skills specialist Said Said added that youth frustration stems from structural issues and lack of meaningful representation.

“A ministry that listens and gives young people platforms to participate meaningfully will stabilise the country and strengthen democracy,” he said. With older Tanzanians forming only 5.

7 per cent of the population (aged 60 and above), and just 2.7 per cent aged 70 plus, experts note that national development depends heavily on the youthful majority.

While the unrest exposed frustrations, demographic data offers an opportunity if the government acts decisively to empower youth, enhance skills, and provide meaningful employment pathways. President Hassan’s plan for a dedicated Youth Ministry is thus both timely and essential for the country’s stability and future growth.

Youth and national healing President Hassan also told the Parliament that during her first 100 days in the office, she will put special emphasis on young people while also steering the nation toward stability, reconciliation and improved public services. “For more than 60 percent of this nation’s population who are young people, we will place priority on policies and programmes that expand economic opportunities, create jobs and build a better future,” she told Parliament.

The Head of State added that the government intends to “ensure young people get the opportunity to participate in building the good future of our nation”. According to her, previous approaches had a limited impact.

“I recognise there have been many ways of reaching the youth, but their activities have been weakened by political issues and the platforms lost direction.” President Hassan also revealed that her office will appoint youth advisers who will help guide national policy from the State House itself.

These steps are expected to set the tone for a youth-driven agenda in the first 100 days. Employment remains a pillar of the early days of her administration.

She reminded MPs that hiring had already begun within the first 12 days of her new term. “Today, being the 12th day since this second term of the sixth phase began, we have already announced 7,000 teachers’ jobs and 5,000 health sector positions.

” She explained that these appointments are “the beginning of responding to citizens’ demands for better health and education services”. Her long-term ambition is equally bold.

“By 2030, my government will have employed 8 million Tanzanians in various sectors.” The first 100 days will therefore continue to focus on expanding recruitment and setting a solid foundation for wider job creation.

Universal Health Insurance to transform access President Hassan reaffirmed that universal health insurance will be one of the transformative reforms launched within the first 100 days. She said the government is “preparing to start the pilot implementation of health insurance for all” and will submit proposals to Parliament soon.

She highlighted her determination to improve health facilities, noting that the government intends “to connect health services digitally and ensure they have the required equipment at every level”. On constitutional reforms, the President maintained her commitment but placed emphasis on national healing following the unrest that occurred during the election period.

She said the government must first “conduct an in-depth assessment to understand the cause of the disturbances” before forming the promised reconciliation commission. The Head of State reminded the nation of the R4 philosophy–Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding–that guided her first term.

She assured Parliament that she would continue to extend the “hand of reconciliation”, saying, “Since the people of Tanzania have given me the mandate to continue leading this country, I will not tire of extending that hand again.” She expressed hope that political actors would “receive it sincerely so that we build a proper environment for our nation’s development”.

Economic empowerment through capital and investment The President highlighted economic empowerment for young people and women as another core target for the first 100 days. She said her administration will take steps to increase capital for economic activities by allocating Sh200 billion.

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Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform Tanzania’s mineral sector over the next five years, pledging reforms to increase transparency, boost local value addition, uplift small-scale miners and ensure the country fully benefits from its vast mineral wealth.

Delivering her address during the official opening of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma on November 14, 2025, President Hassan reminded lawmakers that the sector holds enormous potential for national development but remains under-explored. She noted that only 16 percent of Tanzania’s mineral-rich geological area has undergone detailed survey, saying the government’s task in the coming years is to “ensure these minerals bring development to our people and lift them economically.

” President Hassan highlighted that the sector’s contribution to the economy has expanded significantly, rising from 6.8 percent in 2020 to 10.1 percent in 2024. She added that this growth means minerals are contributing more revenue for citizens, government collections and investments in social services.

But she stressed that her administration’s next chapter will focus on deeper reforms and stronger governance: “Our aim in the next five years is to expand the sector’s impact and ensure that mineral wealth directly improves people’s lives.” New strategy for critical minerals One of the centrepieces of the reform agenda is the government’s plan to finalise the ‘National Strategy for Critical Minerals’ by 2030. The strategy will identify the types, quantities and geographical locations of minerals essential to global industries, including those powering renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing.

“These minerals are among the most sought after in the world, and we will increase our vigilance in overseeing investments in them,” she said. In her bid to eliminate speculation and ensure active investment, President Hassan announced a nationwide review of all mining licences.

“We will review licences issued to identify those that have not been developed and take steps to reallocate them,” she told Parliament. The move targets dormant exploration areas held by investors who have failed to develop them, depriving the country of potential revenue and jobs.

Small-scale miners, who form the backbone of Tanzania’s mining workforce, will receive expanded support. The President said the government will set aside special mining areas for them, fast-track their licensing, and provide access to capital, drilling equipment and accurate geological data.

“They have been a dependable pillar in the sector, and we will continue to support them,” she said. She added that the Bank of Tanzania will continue buying gold from licensed small-scale and medium-scale miners to reduce smuggling and stabilise markets.

The government will also strengthen formal markets for minerals and gemstones. A key milestone will be the completion of the ‘Tanzanite Exchange Centre’ in Mirerani, a step aimed at increasing transparency and boosting the value of Tanzanian gemstones.

“We want Tanzania to become the leading trading hub for minerals in East and Central Africa by 2030,” President Hassan declared. Processing minerals at home Perhaps the most transformative commitment is the plan to end the export of raw ore and concentrates.

President Hassan said Tanzania is determined to establish a multi-purpose mineral refinery by 2030. “We will stop exporting concentrates so that we can save the jobs that we have been losing,” she said. She added that domestic processing will spur industrialisation, increase revenues and strengthen the mining value chain.

In one of the most forward-looking policy shifts, the President announced the creation of a “Minerals Sovereign Wealth Fund” to ensure mineral earnings safeguard the wellbeing of future generations. “Minerals are not like crops that can be replanted,” she said.

“We want our children to find not only empty pits but also the financial benefits of the minerals we are extracting today.” With global demand for critical minerals rising rapidly, President Hassan’s reforms seek to position Tanzania as a competitive, transparent and value-driven mining powerhouse.

She told the Parliament that, “the country’s mineral wealth must fuel shared prosperity now and for decades to come. .

Dodoma. Tanzania is set to enter a new phase of economic transformation over the next five years, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan outlining a bold plan to accelerate growth, create jobs, and strengthen both local and national industries.

Addressing Parliament on November 14, President Hassan emphasised that her government’s priority is to drive sustainable economic development while improving social services and infrastructure. “It is the responsibility of the government to advance economic growth.

Over the next five years, we will begin implementing the National Development Vision 20252050, aiming to build an inclusive nation with prosperity, justice, and self-reliance,” she said. The President highlighted key sectors that will form the backbone of this growth strategy, including agriculture, tourism, industry, construction, and mining.

“The new Vision sets criteria for selecting priority sectors and areas. Among the strategies to be implemented is investing more in sectors that employ large numbers of people,” she added.

Tanzania’s economic targets are ambitious. The President announced plans to raise the country’s economic growth from the current 5.

6 percent to over 7 percent by 2030. “This growth will enable the Government to improve social services and build enabling economic infrastructure,” she noted. Central to this approach is balancing macroeconomic development with improvements in people’s everyday lives.

“Our direction is inclusive growth, one that touches both the micro and macro economy,” she said. The role of the private sector, particularly local businesses, will be pivotal.

President Hassan pledged to enhance the business environment through initiatives such as the Business Environment Improvement Plan (MKUMBI) and tax reforms proposed by a special commission she formed. “We will continue to strengthen capital markets by encouraging domestic investment and using our resources, such as minerals, to secure investment loans rather than relying heavily on national debt,” she said.

Price stability and cost of living are also high on the agenda. The President promised to curb inflation and incentivise domestic manufacturing to produce affordable goods for both local and international markets.

“We will introduce tax and non-tax incentives to stimulate production and competitiveness of local products,” she said. Youth empowerment forms a critical pillar of the five-year economic blueprint.

The government plans to support young entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing business education and facilitating participation in the Government Electronic Procurement System (TANSIS). Technical and vocational training programmes will be expanded to link skills development with strategic projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), port development, the blue economy, mining, and gas sectors.

“Through these programmes, young people will gain experience and employability,” she said. Special initiatives will also target women in business.

The government aims to formalise and support women’s enterprises, improve market infrastructure, access to clean water and sanitation, healthcare services, and childcare facilities. “We will enhance funding coordination through Citizen Economic Empowerment Funds to help women formalise their businesses and access loans,” the President told Law makers.

In addition, the government plans to designate business zones for small and medium enterprises, enabling formal recognition and smoother operations. By leveraging the country’s natural resources and large workforce, President Hassan believes Tanzania can achieve her target of creating 8.

5 million jobs across various sectors by 2030. “This is a plan based on our people’s potential, resources, and strategic partnerships with the private sector. If we execute it effectively, Tanzania will witness inclusive growth that empowers individuals, strengthens industries, and drives the nation towards prosperity,” she concluded.

The President’s speech signaled a clear economic roadmap for Tanzania, where growth, job creation, and inclusivity form the pillars of her five-year agenda. The success of this vision will hinge on effective implementation, private sector participation, and sustained focus on empowering young people and women across the country.

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