Category: The Citizen

Nairobi. Ethiopia and Kenya are turning to the Chinese yuan, seeking relief from the high cost of dollar-denominated debts.

They have become the first African countries to announce yuan-based debt-swap arrangements, signaling a shift in the region’s financial landscape as Beijing rushes to deepen its economic and monetary footprint. The two countries, both heavily indebted to China, said the move will allow them to partially repay Chinese loans in yuan instead of dollars, cushioning their economies against foreign exchange volatility and easing pressure on their reserves.

A Kenyan economic analyst cautioned the sustainability of these arrangements, saying they depends on how much African countries can export to China. “Short-term, authorities appear confident of lower interest expenses.

But long-term success depends on trade patterns, because availability of the currency to pay off those loans is also very important,” Mentoria Economics Chief Economist, Ken Gichinga told bird in an interview. Early October, Kenya’s Treasury said $3.5 billion USD of it bilateral debt to China will now be restructured under the new framework, allowing repayments through yuan accounts held at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) with the Bank of China.

In the same month, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) announced that part of the country’s external debt to China will also be serviced in yuan. Ethiopia’s apex bank said Addis Ababa had opened talks with the Export Import Bank of China (China Eximbank) and the People’s Bank of China to swap part of its $5.38 billion Chinese loans into yuan.

The move comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) described Ethiopia’s debt as “unsustainable,” warning of growing distress due to falling reserves and missed repayments. “Ethiopia’s debt is assessed to be unsustainable, mainly due to protracted breaches of export related external debt indicators and a weak Debt Carrying Capacity,” the IMF said, noting that the country remains in debt distress following a missed Eurobond interest payment in December 2023. While yuan-based debt restructuring offers a big relief for Kenya, Ethiopia and other African countries, analysts say the long-term picture may be more complex than governments expect.

“Many African countries are looking at the short-term gain of lower interest rates, but I think many of them are discounting how much they’ll be able to sell to China. The assumption that China’s domestic market will absorb large volumes of African exports could be overly optimistic,” explained Gichinga.

According to the economist, China’s domestic demand remains weak following the COVID-19 pandemic and a slowdown in consumption. The Chinese economy is focusing more on exporting than on domestic demand, raising trade volume concerns for countries seeking to export to the Asian economy.

Similarly, while access to yuan might be cheaper, according to Gichinga, the pool of the Chinese currency in global markets is still small to counter the US dollar. “If you look at most of our exports like tea, coffee, avocados, they are paid for in dollars.

Even diaspora remittances, which form a big part of our foreign inflows, are 50 percent from the US. So, to make this work, we must boost exports to China to earn yuan,” he said.

According to the CBK’s June 2025 Quarterly Economic Review, the yuan accounted for 5 percent of Kenya’s official foreign reserves. The US dollar still dominates at 59.7 percent, followed by the euro at 27.3 percent.

Over the last 15 years, China has grown into Africa’s large trading partner with bilateral trade reaching $296 billion in 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce of China. Chinese exports to Africa accounted for $179 billion, while African exports to China grew steadily, aided recently by Beijing’s zero tariff policy for Least Developed Countries that took effect in December 2024. “China has signed a framework agreement on economic partnership for shared development with more than 20 African countries and is actively promoting modular negotiations.

This stands in sharp contrast with the U.S.

action of imposing tariff wars on all African countries,” the Chinese ministry said in a June statement. China has been pushing for a new Africa financial engagement framework anchored on its Cross Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), which is Beijing’s alternative to the US dominated SWIFT network, to promote the yuan as a global settlement and reserve currency.

According to the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), CIPS now connects over 1,600 financial institutions in nearly 120 countries. (bird story agency), with a growing number of African banks joining as indirect participants through Chinese correspondent banks.

In June 2025, the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) and South Africa based, Standard Bank Group, became direct CIPS participants. Afreximbank’s entry followed the issuance of its first Panda bond worth $303 million in China’s interbank market in March, marking a milestone for African access to yuan denominated capital.

Gichinga said Africa’s growing participation in yuan-denominated systems offers diversification and geopolitical resilience. “For a long time, the global financial architecture has been backed by dollars and SWIFT.

After the Russia-Ukraine war, when Russia was kicked out of SWIFT, many countries saw the need for an alternative system. This is part of diversification and risk management so that you’re not locked out if you ever disagree with Western powers,” he explained.

De-dollarisation he said has been unfolding gradually over two decades with about 80% of global trade in early 2000 conducted in dollars and has been coming down to nearly half the rate today. “Today, it’s probably half of that.

It’s part of a multipolar world order with the rise of blocs like BRICS slowly reshaping the global economy,” said Gichinga. Other African countries are also looking east.

Egypt’s central bank held talks with the People’s Bank of China in July 2025 to enable bilateral trade settlements in local currencies and discuss Egypt’s planned Panda bond issuance in China’s market. Zambia is also reported to be monitoring Kenya and Ethiopia’s yuan deals as it considers similar debt restructuring options.

Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola have already established yuan-based trade and financing frameworks through their central bank agreements with Beijing. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s political landscape has entered a new chapter of cautious optimism following the release of senior opposition figures detained after the October 29 General Election.

Their release, coming shortly after the government renewed its pledge for national reconciliation, has raised hopes that the country may be moving towards genuine unity and healing. The four opposition leaders from Chadema John Heche, Amani Golugwa, Boniface Jacob, and Godbless Lema were released on bail on Monday after days of uncertainty.

Their arrests had become emblematic of broader political tension following the disputed polls, during which security agencies detained over 240 people, many facing serious charges including treason and terrorism. The development came soon after Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a Southern African Development Community (SADC) emergency summit, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to “a successful reconciliation process that will restore peace, stability and unity, the core values that have long defined our nation.

” For many observers, the timing of these events is significant, signalling what could be the government’s first tangible step towards translating its reconciliation rhetoric into action. Party response But Chadema’s Deputy Chairman for the Mainland John Heche said yesterday that the party would issue a statement regarding the recent arrests and bail releases.

Mr Heche clarified that the release of the leaders was purely procedural and not the result of any agreement. He, along with three other officials–the Acting Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, Central Committee Member Godbless Lema, and Coastal Regional Chairman Boniface Jacob–were released after being detained at different times.

Golugwa, Lema, and Jacob were arrested on the same day, a few hours after police announced they were being sought, while Mr Heche had been in custody for nearly two weeks. “There have been no discussions with anyone.

People should not spread propaganda that we were released through any agreement. No such agreement exists,” he said.

Mr Heche stressed their confidence in their innocence and called for the unconditional release of others held outside proper legal procedures. He also noted that they were instructed to report again tomorrow at 10am.

Arrests and background On October 18, Mr Heche, preparing to travel to Kenya for the funeral of veteran politician Raila Odinga, was stopped at the Sirari border by immigration officials, who seized his travel documents. A video circulated on social media showed an altercation at the Tarime border.

Immigration later claimed Mr Heche had left the country without following legal procedures under the Immigration Act, Chapter 54. Heche denied this, saying he remained in his village in Tarime. On October 22, he was arrested at the High Court in Dar es Salaam while attending proceedings in the case of party chairman Tundu Lissu.

Following his arrest, Mr Heche’s lawyer, Hekima Mwasipu, stated on November 5 that he was alleged to be involved in acts associated with terrorism linked to the unrest of October 29. On November 8, the police announced that eight senior Chadema officials and two others were being sought over alleged looting, property destruction, and violence during election-day unrest. The list included Secretary-General John Mnyika, Central Committee Member Godbless Lema, Coastal Regional Chairman Boniface Jacob, Youth Council Chairman Deogratius Mahinyila, Communications Director Brenda Rupia, cadre Hilda Newton, Acting Deputy Secretary-General Amani Golugwa, Award Kalonga, Machumu Maximilian ‘Mwanamapinduzi,’ and Bishop Josephat Gwajima.

On November 11, Lema, Golugwa, and Jacob were arrested and later released on bail at different times. Political analysts weigh in Political analyst Ben Mganda told The Citizen that the releases are a significant gesture of goodwill.

“The government appears to be acknowledging that post-election political tension requires a softer, more inclusive approach,” he said. “Releasing high-profile opposition figures sends a message that dialogue, not confrontation, is the way forward.

” Dr Mganda added that President Hassan’s administration now faces the delicate task of converting goodwill into structured national dialogue. “Reconciliation cannot be achieved through words alone.

It needs frameworks, truth-telling platforms, inclusive dialogue, and legal reforms that ensure fairness for all actors.” Building bridges, not walls Calls for national reconciliation have grown since the election.

Civil society groups and religious leaders urge measures that go beyond political accommodation, emphasising justice, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all citizens. Human rights advocate Fatma Mdee said the release of opposition leaders should be seen as “a doorway to healing,” but warned that reconciliation will only be meaningful if anchored in truth and justice.

“People suffered during the unrest. Some lost loved ones, property and dignity.

To reconcile genuinely, we must first recognise the pain. The government’s gesture is commendable, but it should also address accountability–why arrests happened and how to prevent them in future,” she said.

Tanzania has long prided itself on being a beacon of peace and stability in Africa. However, recent political tensions have tested that image.

Analysts say the reconciliation promise presents an opportunity to rebuild public trust in state institutions, particularly the justice and security systems criticised for their handling of post-election unrest. Political scientist Leonard Komba said the release of Chadema figures could mark a “reset moment”.

“Reconciliation is not just about repairing relationships between the government and the opposition; it’s about restoring citizens’ faith in the system. If the authorities follow this gesture with consistent actions, such as reviewing laws that restrict political space, it could usher in a new era of inclusivity,” he said.

Beyond politics Reconciliation also carries economic and social implications. Economists warn that continued political tension discourages investment and hinders development.

Unity, on the other hand, fosters stability and growth. Governance researcher Irene Mushi said: “When people see their leaders choosing dialogue over detention, confidence in the economy rises.

Investors want predictability and peace. Political reconciliation is therefore not only about healing wounds, it’s about reviving the economy.

” While it remains too early to tell whether the release of opposition figures marks the full beginning of reconciliation, experts agree that the gesture offers a window of opportunity for Tanzania to chart a more united path. .

Dodoma. A new philanthropic organisation, the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation (SMF), has been launched in Tanzania with a mission to transform education and promote equitable access to learning across Africa.

The foundation, established by Planet One Group chairman Sanjeev Mansotra, will begin operations with an ambitious project to renovate and expand four public schools in Dodoma under the City Council’s supervision. The initiative marks the start of SMF’s broader vision to strengthen education and healthcare systems across the continent.

“SMF is guided by a bold vision to ensure that education and health are no longer privileges but universal rights,” said Mr Mansotra during the launch. “By expanding access to quality education, we empower individuals and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

” The launch comes at a time when the education sector in Africa faces mounting challenges. A joint report by UNESCO, UNICEF, and the African Union shows that although school enrolment has grown by 75 million since 2015, more than 100 million children remain out of school–13.2 million more than a decade ago.

The report further notes that four in five African children aged ten cannot read or understand a simple text, citing population growth, humanitarian crises, and a $77 billion annual funding gap as key barriers. SMF’s inaugural Dodoma project will focus on building new classrooms, science laboratories, and libraries, alongside providing school uniforms, stationery, clean drinking water, and health camps for students and surrounding communities.

These interventions aim to improve learning environments and bridge the education gap between urban and rural areas. “By investing in infrastructure and essential resources, we aim to inspire students and teachers alike, boost enrolment, and improve learning outcomes,” Mr Mansotra added.

The Dodoma City Council, which extended a formal invitation for SMF’s launch, has pledged full cooperation and support for the initiative. Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to expand its programmes to Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, and India.

“Our long-term vision is to serve as a catalyst for transformative change. We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation by equipping them with education, skills, and aptitude to thrive,” said Mr Mansotra.

SMF intends to complement government efforts by tackling social challenges through education infrastructure, skill development centres, and women’s empowerment projects aimed at driving lasting socio-economic progress .

Dar es Salaam. A quiet but powerful transformation is taking place in Tanzania’s corporate sector, as Tanzanian nationals increasingly assume leadership of some of the country’s most strategically significant joint venture companies.

For decades, leadership in such institutions, particularly those with government stakes and international partners, was dominated by expatriates. Today, that trend is changing, and the results are both symbolic and financial.

Companies such as NMB Bank Plc, NBC Bank, Puma Energy Tanzania, and Tanzania International Petroleum Reserves Limited (TIPER) have transitioned from foreign-led management to Tanzanian Chief Executive Officers. These executives bring not only strong professional credentials but also an in-depth understanding of the local economic landscape.

At NBC Tanzania, Theobald Sabi has led the bank since July 2018, following the departure of British executive Edward Marks. Under his leadership, government dividends surged from Sh1.3 billion to Sh10.5 billion, a remarkable 707.7 percent increase.

Similarly, NMB Bank, under Ruth Zaipuna, saw dividends rise from Sh16 billion to Sh68.1 billion, a 325.6 percent increase. Zaipuna, appointed in August 2020, is the first Tanzanian to hold the CEO position after a succession of foreign executives.

Her focus on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and expanding financial inclusion has strengthened NMB’s corporate foundation and public trust. In the energy sector, TIPER, a joint venture between the Government of Tanzania and Oryx Energies SA, has experienced a 267 percent increase in dividends since Mohamed Mohamed became Managing Director in January 2023. Puma Energy Tanzania, under Fatma Abdallah since January 2023, has recorded a 68.8 percent increase in government dividends, reflecting her operational expertise and deep knowledge of the sector.

Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu attributes this surge to deliberate government policy promoting Tanzanian leadership in strategic joint ventures. “Our goal is not just to localise leadership but to ensure that it is tied to performance, accountability and long-term national interest,” he said.

He also highlighted how improved investment environments and strengthened government-business relations have built confidence among international shareholders in Tanzanian executives. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has emphasised the importance of “win-win” partnerships with the private sector, ensuring both the government and investors benefit.

This approach underpins many successful public-private ventures that have contributed to rising dividend inflows. By June 2025, the Office of the Treasury Registrar had collected Sh1.028 trillion in dividends and contributions, 68 percent more than the previous year.

The rise of homegrown CEOs is more than a symbolic shift; it marks a fundamental change in Tanzania’s corporate DNA. These leaders are proving that local talent can deliver strong financial results, improve governance, and redefine the nation’s presence in strategic sectors.

With continued oversight and policy support, the future of Tanzania’s joint ventures is increasingly local, profitable, and sustainable. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has announced that it will provide free legal aid and courtroom representation to 641people currently facing serious criminal charges across the country related to election cases.

TLS’s lawyer William Maduhu said THAT since October 29 and November 1, this year, a number of youth have been arrested but, so far, only a total of 641 suspects have been brought before the courts and most of them charged with treason, armed robbery and arson. According to him, data compiled by TLS indicates that detentions have taken place with Dar es Salaam over 400 people were arrested, while Mwanza recorded over 200 arrests.

Kilimanjaro reported 312 arrests, although according to the regional police commander, 300 have already been released while 12 remain in custody. Additional detentions were reported in Mbeya, Njombe, Songwe, Kigoma and Tabora.

“Since November 7, a wave of criminal cases had been filed in various parts of the country, including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Mwanza, Arusha, Njombe, Mara and Kigoma. Most of the suspects are youths aged between 15 and 25,” he said.

He said: “Our initial assessments revealed that many of those arrested are unfamiliar with legal processes and cannot afford legal representation. In response, the Society has committed itself to offering legal assistance without any payment or conditions attached, to ensure that every suspect receives fair representation in court.

” Maduhu noted that if the respective accused are found guilty the lowest sentence is 30 years, but others the penalty, maximum carries a death and life imprisonment. “Most of the suspects have limited legal knowledge and cannot afford lawyers.

We have therefore, resolved to provide free legal representation to all those taken to court since 7 November, and to those who will continue to be brought before the courts,” he said. Another lawyer for TLS, Paul Kisabo when they visited some detainees they found that number of them appeared to have physical injuries, raising concerns about alleged mistreatment while in custody.

Adding that some detainees were found wearing only vests which lawyers described as a violation of human dignity and human rights. “We urge the police to follow legal procedures, allow lawyers unrestricted access to clients and enable families to visit their loved ones.

Some relatives do not know where their children are being held, and some fear that they may have died,” he said. The Society also called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the charges and drop cases considered to lack sufficient legal grounds.

“We urge the DPP to exercise his constitutional and legal powers to withdraw these cases, as our assessment shows that many charges have no legal substance,” he said. Mr Kisabo encouraged families to visit their relatives in remand facilities, reminding them that prisons are public institutions with an obligation to safeguard detainees’ welfare.

TLS emphasised that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that no suspect is denied access to justice on the basis of status, financial ability or location. .

Morogoro. The Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (Tirdo) has signed a cooperation agreement with the State Mining Corporation (Stamico) to advance research and value addition in the nation’s strategic minerals sector.

Tirdo’s Director General, Prof Madundo Mtambo, said the agreement aims to fast-track the implementation of Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda and long-term economic blueprint, the Dira 2050, which prioritises mineral resources. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof Mtambo noted that the world is currently experiencing the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions, which demand advanced technology and strategic minerals, resources Tanzania possesses in abundance.

Prof Mtambo outlined a three-phased approach, short, medium, and long term, for the initiative, emphasising its potential to create jobs and increase national revenue. “I commend my colleagues for this initiative, which will help identify the locations and quantities of these minerals, ensuring they are effectively utilised in our industries,” he said.

He added that, despite large domestic iron deposits, Tanzania continues to import substantial amounts of the metal. “This project will enable us to determine where these resources are and how best to process them, allowing the country to benefit from both exports and local industrial growth,” Prof Mtambo said.

Tirdo intends to collaborate with other stakeholders, including the University of Dar es Salaam, to harness technical expertise and research capacity as the project progresses. Stamico’s Director General, Dr Venance Mwasse, said the partnership would ensure Tanzania’s vast mineral wealth is fully explored and utilised for national development, directly supporting the country’s economic transformation goals.

“We must conduct comprehensive research to locate the minerals, develop extraction technology, and enhance their value,” Dr Mwasse said. He noted that Stamico possesses sufficient technical capacity, including a drilling rig capable of reaching depths of up to 3,000 metres, as well as the expertise required for exploration and value addition.

Stamico’s Research Manager, Mr Frederick Mangasini, said the project’s first phase will involve a two-year research exercise in Kyerwa District (Kagera Region) and Kiomboi District (Singida Region). The strategic minerals under study include lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese–materials essential for producing electric vehicle batteries, electronics, and steel products.

“The project will provide accurate data on Tanzania’s strategic minerals, support informed policy decisions, strengthen the mineral value chain, and reduce dependence on exporting raw materials,” Mr Mangasini explained. He added that the initiative is also expected to create employment, improve community welfare, and enhance local infrastructure, including roads, in the targeted areas.

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Arusha. More than 72 defence and security officers from 17 countries across and beyond Africa have arrived in Arusha for a five-day study tour aimed at understanding how the tourism sector contributes to national security and economic growth.

Hosted by Tanzania’s National Defence College (NDC), the delegation arrived on November 10 and will conclude their visit on November 15, 2025. As part of the tour, participants will visit national parks and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to gain hands-on experience. Speaking in Arusha, NDC Commandant Ambassador Major General Wilbert Augustine Ibuge said the delegation includes senior directing staff and participants of the college’s 14th long-term course, which began in September 2025 and will end in July 2026. “National security encompasses all sectors that drive a country’s development.

That is why we are here in the heart of Tanzania’s tourism industry, to see and understand how tourism supports the country’s security,” he said. Major General Ibuge added that annual visits to Arusha have become an NDC tradition.

“This is an international course. This year, participants from 17 countries are studying tourism strategies, sustainability, and their contribution to national security,” he said.

Arusha Regional Commissioner Mr Amos Makalla welcomed the delegation, highlighting the region’s growing economic influence and fast-expanding tourism sector. “Arusha is the tourism hub of the Northern Circuit.

Feel at home–our region is safe, peaceful, and steadily advancing its tourism and economic goals,” he said. The officers hail from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, India, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

During the tour, participants will visit the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) headquarters, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, the East African Community (EAC) headquarters, and several cultural and tourism sites. Colonel Bhekisile Audrey Mathonsi of South Africa, speaking for the visiting officers, said the programme explores tourism’s role in economic development, diplomacy, and security, with a focus on community engagement.

Tanzanian participant Frank Mbando said the tour complements classroom theory with practical exposure. “We have seen first-hand how tourism contributes more than 25 percent of the national GDP.

This experience highlights the sector’s challenges and opportunities,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, will today depart for Cairo, Egypt, ahead of their international friendly match against Kuwait, scheduled to take place this Friday at Al Salam Stadium.

The match is set to kick off at 9 p.m.

East Africa Time, according to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Media Officer, Clifford Ndimbo, who confirmed the travel plans yesterday. “The team leaves today for Cairo, where they will be joined by foreign-based players before the friendly match against Kuwait,” said Ndimbo.

The travelling contingent includes a blend of home-based and foreign players, with most of the local squad drawn from leading clubs Yanga SC, Simba SC, Azam FC, Singida Black Stars and JKT Tanzania. Among the players departing today are goalkeepers Yakub Suleiman (Simba SC), Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Stars), and Zuberi Foba (Azam FC).

The defenders include Ibrahim Abdalla “Bacca”, Dickson Job, Bakari Mwamnyeto, and Mohamed Hussein who are all from Yanga. Also in the defense are Shomari Kapombe and Wilson Nangu (Simba SC), and Pascal Msindo (Azam FC).

In midfield, the team features, Habibu Idd (Singida Black Stars), and Morice Abraham (Simba SC), providing creativity and experience in the middle of the park. Leading the attack will be Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC), Suleiman Mwalimu (Simba SC), and Paul Peter (JKT Tanzania).

Foreign-based players expected to link up with the team in Cairo include Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England), Alphonse Mabula (Shamakhi FK, Azerbaijan), Novatus Dismas (Galztepe, Turkey), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale AFC, England), and Kelvin John (Aalborg BK, Denmark). The squad will be under the guidance of interim head coach Miguel Gamondi, who also manages Singida Black Stars.

He will be assisted by Ahmad Ali, while Mohamed Mrisho “Xavi” serves as the team’s physical trainer. Friday’s match will serve as a key preparation fixture for upcoming international assignments and is seen as an opportunity for Gamondi to assess new combinations and tactical setups.

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Mbeya. The government has injected over S5.1 billion into the construction of modern infrastructure at the Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) and its Rukwa campus to boost the production of skilled experts and researchers in science and technology.

The investment is part of broader efforts to address youth unemployment through improved learning and teaching environments, including the development of laboratories, workshops, and digital learning systems. MUST Vice Chancellor, Prof Aloys Mvuma, revealed this on Monday, November 10, during the handover of new academic buildings at the university’s main campus in Mbeya and its Sumbawanga campus in Rukwa Region.

The projects were executed by TIL Construction Ltd under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) programme. Prof Mvuma said the completion of the modern facilities will enable the university to realise its ambition of becoming a hub for research and innovation that contributes to national development.

“This achievement reflects the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Ministry of Education, who ensured the timely implementation of this project,” he said. He added that despite challenges encountered during the process, the project demonstrates the creativity and capacity of local experts, with facilities designed and built to world-class standards expected to drive socio-economic development in Mbeya and Rukwa regions.

“The completion of these projects moves us closer to our vision of becoming a leading centre for science and innovation education, equipping young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills to respond to job market demands,” he said. According to Prof Mvuma, the new infrastructure will allow students to integrate theory and practice through modern digital systems, well-equipped laboratories, and advanced workshops.

MUST’s Director of Planning and Investment, Cornel Msemwa, who also serves as the project coordinator, said the Mbeya campus works cost Sh30.7 billion, while the Rukwa campus project was implemented at a cost of Sh15.6 billion. He noted that the HEET initiative targets public universities, aiming to improve teaching environments and modernise curricula to meet current economic and labour market needs.

“The new curricula will align with the realities of the national job market and ongoing economic transformation,” he said. MUST Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Consultancy, Prof Said Vuai, said the new facilities will allow the university to expand its programmes and increase student enrolment from 12,847 to 15,000 in the 2025/26 academic year.

He commended the government for its continued support, saying the infrastructure development will help produce more professionals and promote research-driven development. A resident of Namanyere in Rukwa Region, Sablina Amos, welcomed the project, saying it will provide youth with research-based skills, particularly in agriculture, and transform local communities.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian TikTok creators are once again making waves across the African digital landscape.

Fanuel Masamaki, popularly known as Zerobrainer0, and culinary influencer George Tumaini, alias George’s Kitchen, will represent Tanzania at the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa, slated for December 6 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two have received nominations in different categories, underscoring the diversity of their content and the influence they command on social media.

Zerobrainer0 is vying for Sport Creator of the Year, a title he won in 2024, while George is in the running for Food Creator of the Year. Their strong online presence has had a notable impact, attracting thousands of followers who interact with their creative content daily.

George’s Kitchen has evolved into a favourite platform for food lovers, fusing culinary artistry with the celebration of Swahili culture and traditions. George has grown his popularity through his distinctive cooking style.

He often dons a traditional kanga while preparing meals and has a signature habit of adding spices such as cardamom and cinnamon to water before tasting, an act that has fascinated many of his followers. Speaking to The Citizen, George expressed his delight over the nomination.

“I become the second Tanzanian, and the first to create cooking content, to be nominated,” he said, visibly thrilled, adding initially felt unreal. “After receiving the ticket, I realised this nomination was serious.

My friends kept calling, asking, ‘Bro, are you okay?’ But it still didn’t sink in. Yet, that’s the reality,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zerobrainer0 has carved a niche in football entertainment, creating humorous, relatable, and often viral content that keeps fans coming back for more. The TikTok Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa seek to recognise creators, artists, and trendsetters who have shaped social media feeds throughout the year.

With creators from across the region, the event promises a night filled with creativity, entertainment, and inspiration. TikTok describes 2025 as a year when niche content became mainstream, communities grew in influence, and creators emerged as tastemakers shaping trends across the continent.

For Tanzanian creators, these nominations mark recognition of the country’s expanding footprint in digital content creation. The achievements of Zerobrainer0 and George’s Kitchen exemplify how Tanzania is fast becoming a hub for innovative, trend-setting content that resonates across the region and beyond.

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