Category: The Citizen

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. The National Assembly has elected Babati Rural Member of Parliament (CCM), Daniel Sillo, as the new Deputy Speaker.

Mr Sillo was endorsed on Thursday, November 13, 2025, by all 371 Members of Parliament who cast their votes to elect the new deputy leader of the legislature. He succeeds Mussa Azzan Zungu, who was elected Speaker of the House on Tuesday.

Before assuming his new role, Mr Sillo served in various capacities within Parliament and government, including as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee and as Deputy Minister for Home Affairs. Speaking before the election, the Babati Rural legislator pledged to work closely with Speaker Zungu to address challenges facing Members of Parliament.

He called on fellow MPs to grant him strong support, citing his experience and commitment to effective parliamentary coordination. Immediately after his election, Mr Sillo took the oath of office, administered by the Speaker.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked MPs for their trust and vowed to foster cooperation within the House for the benefit of Tanzanians. “I wish to pay tribute to all MPs who have bestowed their trust in me,” said Mr Sillo.

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Johannesburg. South Africa is researching launching ammonia-powered iron ore carriers between Saldanha Bay and Rotterdam, if successful this could mark a turning point for African trade.

The project positions the country at the forefront of zero-emission shipping while anchoring a new hydrogen economy linking Africa’s clean energy potential to Europe’s decarbonisation goals. “What’s unfolding between Saldanha and Rotterdam could reshape Africa’s place in global trade,” according to Dr Thandi Karl, a maritime economist at the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies.

“It’s not just about cleaner fuels, it’s about positioning African industry in a low-carbon future.” South Africa is conducting feasibility studies to launch ammonia-powered iron ore carriers between Saldanha Bay and Rotterdam by 2029, setting the stage for Africa’s first green shipping corridor.

If successful, it would make South Africa a test case for zero-emission maritime trade between the Global South and Europe. The new study by the Global Maritime Forum and the Rocky Mountain Institute finds that the SaldanhaRotterdam iron ore corridor could achieve full decarbonisation by 2035. The analysis, developed with input from Anglo American, CMB.

TECH, Freeport Saldanha, VUKA Marine, and ENGIE, identifies a technically and commercially viable route toward zero-emission shipping, provided that policy, port infrastructure, and business partnerships move in step. “This phased approach gives shipowners and fuel producers a clear timeline to work toward,” said Shanon Neumann, Associate for Investment Facilitation at Freeport Saldanha.

“But to help Saldanha Bay transition quickly, blending public and private funding is critical to unlock infrastructure investment and reduce the risks of early projects.” Almost all of South Africa’s iron ore exports, around 96 percent, or roughly 3032 million tonnes annually, move through Saldanha Bay, making it one of the world’s major bulk ports and the continent’s largest iron ore export terminal.

In 2023, the Netherlands received about 8.3 million tonnes, about a quarter of all South African iron ore exports, underlining Rotterdam’s strategic role as Europe’s anchor for a future green corridor.

The corridor offers more than compliance with tightening global fuel standards. It could serve as the backbone of a domestic hydrogen economy, linking South Africa’s renewable energy potential to Europe’s growing demand for clean industrial inputs.

The World Bank and the World Economic Forum have both identified South Africa as a potential key player in global shipping decarbonisation, and this project could prove this. By 2035, the corridor could require between 89 and 350 kilotonnes of green ammonia annually, depending on ship conversion rates.

A mid-range estimate of 147 kilotonnes would position it as a core driver of South Africa’s hydrogen industry, stimulating investment in renewables, electrolyser manufacturing, and ammonia storage facilities in the Western Cape. Ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers are expected to be commercially available by 2028, paving the way for the first voyage a year later.

Under a high-demand scenario, the corridor could host up to 22 ammonia-powered voyages per year by 2035. With coordinated policies, the first zero-emission shipment could sail before 2030. The cost challenge remains formidable. Green ammonia currently costs two to three times more than conventional heavy fuel oil, raising a vessel’s lifetime expense from roughly $236 million to as high as $452 million.

However, Europe’s Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations, both fully in force by 2026, are expected to narrow the cost gap by about 60 percent. If carbon prices rise and technology costs fall as projected, green ammonia could achieve cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035. In the early years, bunkering operations are expected to take place in Rotterdam, where ammonia-handling standards and infrastructure are already well advanced.

Saldanha Bay, meanwhile, is developing its capacity to become the corridor’s long-term green ammonia production and refuelling hub. The study estimates local production costs at around $2,740 per tonne, higher than imports from Texas ($1,8202,000), but domestic output could become competitive as renewable power and logistics improve.

“Regional and global regulations are creating the conditions for this corridor,” noted Marieke Beckmann, Deputy Director for Decarbonisation at the Global Maritime Forum. “But with binding international rules delayed, national and local governments now have a crucial role in incentivising scalable zero-emission fuels.

This, combined with EU measures, can help position South Africa as a competitive clean-fuel supplier.” Across Africa, similar ambitions are taking shape.

Namibia’s Hyphen and Enertrag-backed projects in the Erongo and Tsau-Khaeb regions aim to deliver gigawatt-scale renewables and multi-million-tonne green ammonia exports. Morocco has approved over $30 billion worth of hydrogen and ammonia investments, while Egypt’s Ain Sokhna projects, backed by Scatec and EDF, are targeting ammonia for export and for ships transiting the Suez Canal.

In West Africa, Mauritania’s large-scale hydrogen and ammonia ventures are also gathering pace. Collectively, these efforts point to a network of African green-fuel hubs poised to power regional and international shipping routes.

Momentum is also building at home. The Saldanha Bay Special Economic Zone is already hosting early hydrogen and ammonia projects involving Freeport Saldanha, ENGIE, and local utilities.

Together with emerging projects in Boegoebaai and Namibia’s Erongo region, these could surpass 700 kilotonnes of annual production by 2035, enough to meet corridor demand and support local industries. Still, several hurdles remain.

“The biggest challenge is coordination,” said Dr. Karl.

“Shipowners face the bulk of upfront costs, but miners and buyers are the ones who benefit from lower carbon footprints. Without long-term purchase agreements, producers can’t reach final investment decisions.

” The study calls for joint ventures and shared-risk models to make the project financially viable. Regulatory clarity is another priority.

“South Africa needs clear rules on ammonia handling and faster port permitting,” Dr. Karl added.

“If we wait for international consensus, other regions will capture the market.” Technically, ammonia-fuelled shipping is feasible; economically, it needs policy and financing innovation to scale.

The report identifies three urgent actions: formal recognition of ammonia as a marine fuel, long-term contracts between miners, shipowners, and producers to guarantee demand, and blended financing from institutions such as the European Investment Bank to reduce capital costs. If implemented, the South AfricaEurope Iron Ore Green Corridor could become a model for equitable and commercially viable zero-emission trade.

It would strengthen South Africa’s export competitiveness, future-proof a key port, and anchor a new hydrogen-driven industrial base, advancing both the country’s Just Energy Transition and its role in the global clean economy. “If realised, the SaldanhaRotterdam corridor would redefine South Africa’s maritime role,” said Dr Karl.

“The country wouldn’t just export minerals, it would export clean fuel, technology, and credibility, linking Africa’s energy resources to Europe’s decarbonising markets.” .

Arusha. The High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Registry, has ordered SCI Tanzania Limited to pay more than Sh2.3 billion in overdue employee contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) spanning over three years.

The arrears relate to staff contributions from March 2021 to July 2024. The case, filed under claim number 5966/2025, was brought by the Attorney General and the NSSF Board of Trustees. The claimants initially sought Sh1.64 billion in unpaid contributions, plus statutory penalties.

After reviewing evidence from both sides, Justice Arnold Kirekiano yesterday ruled that SCI Tanzania must pay the full Sh2.3 billion. The judgement includes Sh1.64 billion in unpaid contributions and Sh685.2 million in penalties.

NSSF had previously sent a reminder letter to the company on September 2, 2024, urging compliance, but the company failed to act. Justice Kirekiano noted that SCI Tanzania had been given ample opportunity to respond but did not present a defence within the statutory period.

“It is the law that when a summary suit is not defended, the allegations in the complaint are taken as admitted,” he said. The court also ordered SCI Tanzania to pay interest at five percent per month on any delayed payments until the debt is fully settled.

Legal costs are also to be covered by the company. This ruling comes as a reminder of the legal obligations of companies to remit employee contributions to social security, ensuring protection and benefits for workers.

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Arusha. In a bid to help farmers overcome market challenges and reduce dependence on middlemen, local technology firm has developed a digital platform known as Kikapu to facilitate the online sale of agricultural produce.

The platform which is known as Kikapu, aims to connect farmers directly with buyers, store sales data, and support farmers in accessing loans from financial institutions, including banks, according to the developer, Sotech. Sotech’s director, Mr Awadhi Massomo, said yesterday that the firm, which develops technology-based solutions for community challenges, introduced the system to address long-standing issues in the agriculture sector, such as lack of reliable market information and exploitation by brokers.

“Since 2023, we have developed three systems — Kikapu, Mkulima Smart (which connects farmers to agricultural input suppliers and extension officers), and Taka Bank,” Mr Massomo said in an interview. “So far, we have helped more than 100 farmers connect to markets.

However, one of the main challenges we identified is that many farmers lack digital literacy. We are therefore providing training on how to use smartphones so they can engage in online trading.

” He added that many farmers struggle to access loans because they lack proper records of their sales. “When we spoke to financial institutions, they told us most farmers falsify or lack accurate records of their produce sales.

We are now encouraging farmers to use digital systems to store this data to improve their creditworthiness,” he said. Through Kikapu, farmers can log production information using smartphones — including how much they have planted, expected yields, and actual harvests — which helps track performance and strengthen transparency.

According to Mr Massomo, the initiative currently focuses on horticultural crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers, given their short shelf life and the urgent need for ready markets. “These crops require faster handling than cereals.

We’re ensuring that once the produce is harvested, it immediately finds a market. For now, we’ve started with Irish potatoes,” he said.

He added that horticultural crops have attracted many small-scale processors, creating more opportunities for farmers. “We are helping farmers to access markets directly to avoid middlemen, who have for a long time hindered farmers’ growth,” he noted.

The project has so far been rolled out in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and Pwani (Bagamoyo) regions, where Sotech is also involved in recycling agricultural waste, such as eggshells, into organic fertiliser. Mr Massomo said the firm is collaborating with the government, including the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), to create a digital communication platform linking farmers with agricultural extension officers.

“The system allows farmers to send photos of their crops when facing challenges, and extension officers can advise them remotely on suitable interventions or treatments,” he explained. He added that Sotech plans to expand nationwide while continuing to develop innovations that promote modern, market-oriented farming.

One farmer, Ms Mariana Joseph from Forest in Arumeru District, said the Kikapu platform will greatly benefit farmers by enabling them to sell produce online without brokers who often inflate prices and exploit producers. “This system will transform the agriculture sector by increasing transparency and reducing bureaucracy in crop sales,” she said.

“Honestly, if this platform reaches all of us farmers, it will eliminate the struggle of finding markets and free us from middlemen who profit while we remain poor. It will open opportunities for us to sell both locally and internationally.

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Songea. The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has stepped up its drive to empower farmers by training more than 120 participants from Songea Urban, Songea Rural, Namtumbo, and Madaba districts in the Ruvuma Region on its financial services and agribusiness solutions.

The training aimed to equip farmers with essential knowledge to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and strengthen their agribusiness ventures. The programme was officially inaugurated on November 12, 2025 by Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Brigadier General Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, who urged farmers to apply the skills acquired to transform their farming practices and livelihoods.

“Songea is blessed with fertile land, hardworking people, and favourable conditions for agriculture. However, many farmers continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, financial literacy, and information about financial institutions like TADB,” said Brig.

Gen. Ahmed.

He noted that the initiative is designed to help farmers better understand how to collaborate with TADB to grow their businesses. He further encouraged them to form and strengthen cooperative groups to expand their access to financial services, expert guidance, and collective economic empowerment.

“Let today mark the beginning of change. Let us learn, collaborate, and seize the opportunities provided by the government through institutions such as TADB.

Let us be disciplined and forward-looking as modern farmers,” he emphasised. class=”article-picture” 6.5 class=”article-picture_caption” 8 TADB Senior Customer Service Officer, Ms Faithful Zion Joshua During the session, TADB Senior Customer Service Officer, Ms Faithful Zion Joshua, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting farmers as key drivers of national development.

She explained that TADB offers services specifically tailored to meet farmers’ real needs and has recently opened a new branch in Songea Urban District to bring its services closer to them. “TADB values farmers as the backbone of national development.

The opening of our new branch in Songea is intended to make it easier for farmers, livestock keepers, and fishers to access financial services, expert advice, and loan opportunities,” said Ms Faithful. She added that the bank’s broader goal is to ensure that every farmer in Songea can conveniently access financial services under friendly terms to boost productivity and efficiency within the agricultural sector.

Farmers who took part in the training expressed their appreciation to TADB for organising the programme, noting that it had deepened their understanding of the bank’s services and how they can leverage them to grow their agribusinesses. They commended the bank’s continued efforts to empower smallholder farmers and pledged to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice to improve productivity and raise their incomes.

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Musoma. The Swedish Agricultural Network (Siani) has urged the governments of Tanzania and Kenya to move beyond policy formulation and begin implementing their respective agroforestry frameworks to enhance farmers’ resilience and strengthen climate adaptation across the region.

At the same time, Siani called on Uganda to accelerate efforts to develop and adopt a national agroforestry policy to support farmers, particularly those in arid and semi-arid areas most affected by climate change. Speaking in Musoma on November 12, 2025 during a press briefing ahead of the forthcoming Regional Agroforestry Symposium, Siani members underscored the importance of a coordinated regional approach among the three countries.

They said that a harmonised agroforestry framework would promote sustainable land use, boost food and cash crop production, and improve livelihoods. Vi Agroforestry climate change adviser Dr Monica Nderuti emphasised that East African nations must act collectively to mitigate the worsening effects of climate change and to bolster farmers’ adaptation capacities.

“Drafting a policy is one thing, but implementing it is another,” said Dr Nderuti. “We commend Tanzania for developing its agroforestry policy, and Kenya for following suit in September.

Now both must move swiftly towards implementation, while Uganda should expedite the development of its own. The time to act is now.

” She explained that agroforestry frameworks encourage the integration of trees and crops suited to dry regions–areas particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. Effective implementation, she added, would also strengthen the countries’ eligibility for international climate financing to support resilient farming systems.

Dr Nderuti further noted that declining agricultural yields remain a key consequence of climate change, but robust adoption of agroforestry practices could help reverse that trend while ensuring sustainable production. University of Nairobi researcher Elizabeth Githendu highlighted the need for gender inclusion in policy execution, noting that women are central to agricultural production across East Africa.

“Women make up a significant share of the population and are the backbone of household farming, yet they are frequently excluded from policy processes,” she said. “Governments must ensure that women are fully involved and adequately trained in agroforestry to enhance productivity and promote gender equality.

” Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) senior researcher Dr Deusdedit Mlay observed that promoting agroforestry could substantially increase farmers’ incomes by enabling them to diversify their sources of livelihood. “Through agroforestry, a farmer can cultivate both food and cash crops while also harvesting honey, firewood, or fruits from the same plot of land,” he explained.

The forthcoming regional symposium is expected to convene policymakers, researchers, and farmers to explore practical strategies for accelerating the adoption of agroforestry as a key pillar for climate adaptation and sustainable development in East Africa. .

Dar es Salaam. While fitness routines, balanced diets and wellness products gain popularity, one crucial aspect of healthy living remains widely overlooked in Tanzania: sleep.

Health experts warn that poor sleeping habits are quietly affecting adults, particularly those over 30, whose bodies no longer repair and renew as efficiently as in youth. “Sleep is not optional; it’s a biological necessity,” said Dr Mariam Charles, a lifestyle and wellness specialist.

“Without enough rest, your brain performance drops, your immune system weakens, and you become more prone to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Many still assume five hours is enough but it isn’t.

” Urban lifestyles, long working hours, and social media distractions have shortened the average person’s sleep. Many stay up late for work or entertainment, often without realising the long-term impact on their bodies.

Dr Mariam explained that sleep allows the body to detoxify and renew cells. “Between midnight and 3 a.

m., the body works to cleanse itself.

Every day new cells form, and the best way to support healthy cell production is by getting adequate sleep. Naps or stimulants cannot replace deep, restorative night sleep.

” She added that age influences the body’s renewal process. “Young people recover quickly, but after 30, the body regenerates less efficiently.

Years of late nights can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other complications. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is vital for long-term wellness.

” Medical professionals also point to stress, poor diet, and smoking as major contributors to respiratory and circulatory problems. Dr Fabian Maricha highlighted the link between lifestyle habits and the proper functioning of these systems.

“Balanced meals, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking all support good sleep,” he said. Psychologist Shabani Riziki noted that sleeplessness often signals emotional strain.

“Insomnia reflects the body’s response to mental overload. Work pressures, financial concerns, and family responsibilities keep minds active at night.

” Riziki recommends consistency and calm: “Regular bedtimes and waking times help the body maintain its natural rhythm. Limiting screen time and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed improves sleep quality.

Sleep is an investment in health. Without it, neither the body nor the mind can recover fully.

” Experts agree that while diet and exercise are essential, proper sleep is equally critical for both mental and physical well-being. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. In a move that took many by surprise, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has nominated Dr Mwigulu Nchemba as the new Prime Minister, bringing to an end week-long speculation on social media over potential candidates for the position.

President Hassan’s nomination was presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, through her Aide-de-Camp, Nyamburi Mashauri, who delivered the appointment letter to Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu. Born on January 7, 1975, the 50-year-old economist becomes Tanzania’s 12th Prime Minister since independence, replacing Kassim Majaliwa.

Dr Nchemba has held several political positions within the ruling party CCM and in government. Within CCM, he rose to the position of Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), while in government he has served in various ministerial portfolios under former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and the late Dr John Magufuli, as well as under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

A Member of Parliament for Iramba West Constituency, Dr Nchemba holds a PhD in Economics. He served as Deputy Minister for Finance under President Kikwete, and later as Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs during President Magufuli’s administration.

Under President Hassan, Dr Nchemba was appointed Minister for Finance, a role he held until his nomination as Prime Minister. In the letter read before Parliament, President Hassan stated that the nomination was made in accordance with Article 51(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The provision requires the President, within 14 days of assuming office, to appoint a Member of Parliament from the political party with a majority in the National Assembly, or one who commands majority support, to serve as Prime Minister. Dr Nchemba’s nomination is expected to be endorsed by legislators through a majority vote, as stipulated in the Constitution.

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Arusha. The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is set to deliver its verdict in Reference No.

30 of 2020, a case filed by the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and three others against the Attorney General of Tanzania. The petitioners are challenging the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020, which were published in the Government Gazette on July 17, 2020. They argue that the regulations infringe upon fundamental democratic principles, including freedom of expression, transparency, accountability, and good governance.

They have asked the regional court to order the Attorney General to repeal the regulations, citing their inconsistency with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community (EAC), which safeguards citizens’ rights and freedoms. The applicants further allege that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) was granted excessive powers under the regulations, which they claim contravene Articles 6(d), 7(2), and 8(1)(c) of the EAC Treaty.

The case was heard on Thursday, November 13, 2025, before a five-judge bench led by the Principal Judge of the Court’s First Instance Division, Justice Yohane Masara, who sat alongside Justices Richard Wejuli, Richard Muhumuza, Dr Gacuko Leonard and Kayembe Kasanda. The petitioners were represented by senior advocates Jeremia Mtobesya and Peter Majanjara, while the government was represented by Senior State Attorneys Stanley Kalokola and Daniel Nyakiha.

In their submission, LHRC and its co-applicants contended that several provisions of the online content regulations undermine media freedom and the right to free expression. They urged the court to compel the Attorney General to repeal them in compliance with Tanzania’s obligations as an EAC member state.

However, the government’s legal team dismissed the claims, maintaining that the regulations were enacted to provide guidance that balances freedom of expression with public interest. “Your Lordships, Regulations 10 and 13 have already been repealed and are no longer in dispute.

The remaining provisions pose no issue. We urge the applicants’ counsel to interpret the law in its entirety rather than focusing on isolated clauses,” said Mr Kalokola.

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Arusha. The High Court of Tanzania in Sumbawanga has sentenced two men, Sharifu Rajabu and Muumin Tembo, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of murdering Edes Chami and stealing a wallet containing Sh240,000 and an Infinix Hot 9 phone.

The third accused, Charles Antipass, was acquitted after the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence against him.The judgement was delivered on Monday by Judge Thadeo Mwenempazi.

In his ruling, the judge said the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the two convicts attacked the deceased with a blunt object on the head before stealing his wallet, phone, and bank cards. The attack occurred on July 5, 2023, in Kashato, Mpanda District.

Edes later died on July 23, 2023, at Bugando Hospital. Charles Antipass was cleared as the court found no direct or circumstantial evidence linking him to the offence.

Evidence presented Emmanuel Chami, the fourth witness and father of the deceased, said his son reported being attacked and robbed. He took him to Mpanda Municipal Hospital, after which Edes’ condition worsened, necessitating transfer to Katavi Regional Referral Hospital and then Bugando, where he passed away.

Dr Alex Mremi, the sixth witness, conducted the post-mortem, confirming death resulted from severe head injuries consistent with being struck by a blunt object. Inspector Godfrey Leka led the investigation, tracing the stolen phone to Matilda Festo, who had purchased it from Japhet Abel for Sh140,000. Japhet confessed to involvement and named accomplices before he was fatally beaten by an angry mob.

Police later arrested Sharifu and Muumin on November 15, 2023, in Fisi area, Mpanda. Sergeant Abdallah and Corporal Kennedy testified that Japhet had intended to identify his co-offenders before his death and that the second accused admitted to the assault, naming others involved.

These statements were admitted as evidence without objection from the defence. Defence and ruling Sharifu claimed he was arrested for a television theft and denied knowing the deceased or co-accused.

Muumin said he was arrested for burglary and denied involvement in the murder. Charles also denied any knowledge of the incident or the accused.

Justice Mwenempazi noted that in murder cases, the prosecution must prove both the act and intent beyond reasonable doubt. He ruled that the first and second accused had voluntarily confessed to assaulting Edes and were directly involved in the attack that caused his death.

The court convicted Sharifu and Muumin of murder, sentencing them to death by hanging, while Charles was acquitted due to lack of evidence. .