Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Catholic Church leaders in Tanzania have called for continued prayers and national reflection to foster peace grounded in justice.

They warned that the country risks losing its dignity and unity if violence and unrest persist. Their message, delivered during special requiem Masses across several regions, urged Tanzanians to acknowledge the underlying causes of recent unrest and seek honest mediators committed to repentance, reconciliation, and truth.

The bishops’ call comes days after violent protests erupted in various parts of the country following the October 29 general election, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and destruction of public and private property. In Dar es Salaam, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese, Juda Thadeus Ruwa’ichi, expressed during the November 10 Mass at St.

Joseph’s Cathedral that the incidents had wounded the nation and tainted its honor. “The country has not only lost its dignity but also its citizens, who were killed unjustly.

Some were shot dead while protesting, but the penalty for protesting is not death by bullet. Others were even followed and killed in their own homes.

This does not reflect Tanzania in any way and is an abomination before God,” said Archbishop Ruwa’ichi. He further lamented the nation’s loss of vision for justice, stressing that many now speak of peace without recognizing that true peace cannot exist without justice.

“Justice is the foundation of peace. We must remember that.

When we abandon justice, we lose the very essence of peace,” he stated. Quoting scripture, he reminded Christians that causing harm or scandal is detestable to God.

“As we pray for our brothers and sisters who lost their lives during the election week, let us ask God to grant us the wisdom and courage to act justly and truthfully,” he added. A call for healing and reflection In Mbeya, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga explained that the decision to hold the special Mass was inspired by six key intentions: to pray for the deceased, the injured, and the missing; to console those who lost property; to encourage national reflection; and to seek healing from God.

He noted that incidents of violence before and after the election had claimed lives and caused extensive property damage, particularly in the Mbeya and Songwe regions. “This year’s election has resulted in the deaths of both the guilty and the innocent–children, youth, elders, women, men, civilians, and even police officers.

On November 4, I witnessed long lines of people buying coffins and funeral processions leaving Mbeya in sorrow,” he said. Archbishop Nyaisonga added that the tragedy was so widespread that it was difficult to determine who should be consoled first.

“We are mourning as a nation. The losses are too many, but perhaps God allowed this to awaken us from the slumber that made us forget essential values,” he reflected.

He urged citizens to re-examine the moral and social direction of the nation. “We must accept that there were fundamental reasons that led us here.

We need sincere mediators–people willing to repent and help us uncover the roots of the problem so that no one exploits these crises for personal gain,” he said. Time for national repentance In Arusha, Archbishop Isaac Amani issued a pastoral letter on November 7, calling on Tanzanians to unite in prayer, fasting, and deep reflection following the violence witnessed during the October 29 election.

He expressed sorrow over the deaths, injuries, and destruction that occurred in various cities, stating that these incidents shocked the world and tarnished the image of a nation long admired for its peace. “What happened that day shocked both us and the world.

Tanzania was reborn in sorrow. I urge all believers to pray for those who lost their lives, the injured, and those mourning their loved ones,” said Archbishop Amani.

He noted that the violence left physical and psychological scars, especially among children who witnessed brutality in their homes. “The nation must now seek healing and comfort from God while reflecting on its respect for life and human dignity,” he said, quoting the Book of Jeremiah: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping” (Jeremiah 31:15).

Archbishop Amani compared the current national wounds to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, warning that anger and hatred can destroy fraternity. “We have abandoned brotherhood and turned against one another.

The voice of your brother’s blood cries out from the ground,” he said. He urged all religious leaders and citizens to continue reciting the “Tanzania Justice and Peace” prayer until the nation finds divine restoration.

Protect the sanctity of life In Musoma, Bishop Michael Msonganzila reminded Christians that all humans are created in the image of God, including both the victims and perpetrators of violence. “We must become defenders of life.

Catechists should teach people the meaning of life–it is a sacred gift meant to glorify God. Our message is clear: do not kill,” he said.

Bishop Msonganzila reported incidents of killings in several regions, adding that while Kagera was largely peaceful, the overall situation remains grave. .

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) recorded robust growth in international merchandise trade during the second quarter of 2025, signalling renewed economic momentum and improving global competitiveness across the region.

According to the latest EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin released on Monday, November 10, 2025, total trade rose by 28.4 percent to $38.2 billion, up from $29.7 billion in the same period of 2024. The sharp increase was driven by exceptional export performance, with exports jumping by 40.5 percent to $18.6 billion, reflecting strong global demand for EAC-produced goods. Imports rose more modestly by 18.8 percent to $19.6 billion.

As a result, the region’s trade deficit narrowed significantly, from $3.2 billion a year earlier to $0.9 billion in the second quarter of 2025, marking a notable improvement in the bloc’s external position. Trade with other African countries expanded by 42.9 percent to $9.3 billion, now accounting for nearly a quarter of total EAC trade.

Intra-EAC trade also strengthened, rising by 24.5 percent to $4.6 billion, equivalent to 12.1 percent of total trade. The Community continued to deepen its commercial links with Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and Souther African Development Community (Sadc), which contributed 9.9 percent and 15.2 percent, respectively, to the region’s trade portfolio. China, the UAE, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Singapore remained the dominant destinations for EAC exports, collectively absorbing 62.8 percent of total outbound shipments, up from 40.1 percent last year.

Malaysia and South Africa recorded the strongest quarter-on-quarter growth in demand for EAC goods. High-value commodities continued to underpin export performance.

The top five, copper, precious stones and metals, coffee and tea, mineral fuels, and ores, accounted for 79.6 percent of total exports, reflecting growing specialisation in globally competitive products. On the import side, China maintained its lead as the largest supplier, accounting for $4.7 billion or 24.2 percent of total imports.

The UAE, India, South Africa, and Japan also remained key partners, jointly contributing more than half of the region’s import bill. Petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, precious metals, plastics, and iron and steel dominated the list of imported items, signalling continued investment in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.

Despite the strong trade performance, inflationary pressures remained a challenge across the region. The EAC’s annual headline inflation stood at 22.7 percent in June 2025, slightly lower than May’s 24.0 percent but still far above the 13.7 percent recorded in June 2024. The report attributed the elevated figure to steep price increases in South Sudan (179.4 percent) and Burundi (34.1 percent).

On average, headline inflation for the 2024/25 financial year rose to 23.0 percent, up sharply from 6.6 percent the previous year.

Core inflation, excluding food and energy, eased to 19.3 percent in June from 23.6 percent in May, though still well above the 15.0 percent recorded a year earlier, indicating persistent underlying price pressures. Short-term interest rates rose in most EAC economies during the quarter, except in Kenya, where the 91-day Treasury bill rate dropped by 70 basis points to 8.

2 percent. Uganda and Burundi recorded the highest rates at 11.2 percent and 8.

6 percent, respectively. Lending rates fell in Kenya and Tanzania but rose in Uganda, which saw an increase of 140 basis points.

Deposit rates remained largely stable, with Tanzania recording the only notable rise of 70 basis points. South Sudan posted the widest interest rate spread at 13.7 percent, while Tanzania had the narrowest at 6.

5 percent, reflecting varying monetary policy environments across the region. Regional money supply (M3) expanded by 19.1 percent year-on-year, driven by a 19.2 percent rise in private-sector credit, an indication of ongoing monetary expansion and growing business confidence.

Overall, the EAC’s strong trade performance in the second quarter of 2025 underscores an increasingly dynamic and diversified regional economy. The narrowing trade deficit, surging exports, and steady intra-African trade expansion point to improving integration and resilience.

The EAC Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a competitive business environment, enhancing value addition, and promoting shared prosperity among Partner States. .

Dar es Salaam. The rising tendency of pharmacies in Tanzania to sell medicines, especially antibiotics, without requiring a doctor’s prescription is causing mounting concern among public health experts.

They warn that the widespread practice risks escalating into a serious health emergency if left unchecked. Pharmacies, originally intended to dispense medicines strictly on medical prescription, are increasingly turning into unofficial treatment points, where patients can obtain drugs without ever consulting a doctor.

According to the Pharmacy Council of Tanzania, medicines such as antimalarial drugs like ArtemetherLumefantrine (ALU) and antibiotics including Amoxicillin and Doxycycline are listed as prescription-only, meaning they should only be issued under a doctor’s written authorisation. In reality, however, the situation on the ground tells a different story.

Many Tanzanians now rely almost entirely on pharmacies for diagnosis and treatment, often bypassing hospitals altogether. While the convenience is undeniable, experts caution that the risks are grave, with one of the most dangerous consequences being the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a condition where bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens evolve to resist the drugs designed to kill them.

A global and local concern The issue is far from isolated. A global study published in The Lancet revealed that antimicrobial resistance was linked to 4.

71 million deaths worldwide, with about 24 percent of those deaths directly attributed to drug resistance rather than underlying health conditions. If unchecked, experts predict that AMR-related deaths could rise by 70 percent by 2050, with sub-Saharan Africa among the regions expected to be worst affected.

Closer to home, research conducted by Dr Pendo Ndaki of the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) in Mwanza showed that 89 percent of pharmacy workers dispense antibiotics for urinary tract infections without prescriptions, while 87 percent admit to offering incomplete doses based solely on patients’ symptoms rather than diagnostic tests. A casual test conducted in Sinza, Dar es Salaam, confirmed how common the practice has become in urban settings.

After walking into a local pharmacy and complaining of symptoms associated with gonorrhoea–without any prescription–a reporter was handed a syringe and medication and instructed to go to another pharmacy for administration. The attendant admitted she was “afraid” to administer the injection herself.

In another pharmacy, a full course of malaria medication was sold within minutes after merely describing fever-like symptoms. When the experiment was repeated at 30 pharmacies in the city, posing as patients with different ailments such as ulcers and urinary tract infections–20 of them provided medicines without asking for a prescription or medical history.

Some attendants claimed they had received informal medical training or experience during hospital field placements, which they now rely on to advise patients. “After college, I did fieldwork at a hospital and learned how to assist patients.

That’s what I use today,” said one pharmacy worker who requested anonymity. Another attendant admitted that the behaviour is partly customer-driven.

“The patient often insists that their doctor told them to buy the medicine, and because I also need to make a sale, I give them what they want,” she said. However, some attendants were more cautious.

Those unsure of a customer’s background or seriousness demanded prescriptions, while others relied on appearances and confidence levels to decide whom to serve. Government responds According to the Government Chief Pharmacist, Daudi Msasi, misuse of medicines, especially antibiotics, remains one of the leading causes of antimicrobial resistance both locally and globally.

Citing studies, he noted that more than half of Tanzanian patients use medicines without professional guidance, often purchasing them directly from pharmacies or reusing leftover drugs at home. Mr Msasi said the government is implementing the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which promotes rational medicine use, disease prevention, improved laboratory diagnostics, and public awareness.

“The government, through the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) and the Pharmacy Council, has strengthened regulatory oversight of pharmacies to curb the sale of medicines without a doctor’s prescription,” he told The Citizen. Among the ongoing interventions, he mentioned the nationwide awareness campaign ‘Holela Holela Itakukosti’–loosely translated as ‘Reckless Use Will Cost You’, which has so far reached about 24.7 million people.

The initiative has been recognised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as one of the continent’s most impactful public health campaigns. Although no specific region has been identified as having the highest rate of malpractice, Dar es Salaam remains the country’s largest pharmacy hub, hosting 1,345 registered outlets, or 47 percent of all pharmacies nationwide.

Authorities attribute this to the city’s large population and growing demand for quick health services. To enhance enforcement, the Pharmacy Council recently established an Eastern Zone Office in Dar es Salaam and equipped it with additional staff and vehicles to improve inspection coverage.

During the 2024/2025 financial year, a total of 1,768 pharmacies were inspected out of the 3,302 registered nationwide, according to official figures. For many Tanzanians, pharmacies have become the first–and sometimes only–point of medical care.

Residents interviewed by The Citizen said they often resort to pharmacies because of long queues, limited staff, and high consultation costs in hospitals. “I only go to the hospital when it’s very serious.

For fever or flu, I just buy painkillers or antibiotics from a nearby pharmacy and it’s gone,” said Gladness Aloyce, an entrepreneur based in Sinza. Another resident, Deogratius John, said the efficiency of pharmacies makes them more appealing than hospitals.

“I once went to hospital but the queue was too long. I went to a pharmacy instead, got tested for malaria, and received medication immediately.

Since then, I’ve been advising others to do the same,” he said. For Sabrina Jumanne, who suffers from severe menstrual pain, pharmacy-based painkillers have become her main source of relief.

“They work for me. I’ve never felt the need to go to the hospital,” she said.

“Using these medicines has really become part of our lives,” she added. “I get faster service instead of wasting hours at the hospital.

” Shakira Ahmadi, another resident, agreed. “Unless it’s a serious illness, I don’t see the point of going to the hospital.

For things like headaches or stomach pain, I just go to the pharmacy and buy medicine as long as the attendant is helpful,” she said. The legal framework The Pharmacy (Prescription Handling and Control) Regulations, 2020 prohibit any person from selling or dispensing prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription issued by a licensed medical practitioner.

Anyone found violating the regulations faces a fine ranging between Sh500,000 and Sh5 million, or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Moreover, each prescription is valid for only seven days from the date of issue.

Despite the clear legal provisions, enforcement remains difficult due to weak monitoring mechanisms and limited manpower. Some pharmacies also operate in residential areas, making inspection more challenging.

Experts call for stronger enforcement Public health experts are calling for tighter control and broader awareness campaigns to address the growing culture of self-medication. Health advocate Erick Mahatara said the trend is driven by a mix of patient behaviour, poor regulation, and economic hardship.

“High consultation fees, misinformation, and easy access to drugs at pharmacies push people to self-medicate,” he said. He added that stiff competition and the desire for profit compel many pharmacy operators to bend the rules.

“Many fear losing customers if they don’t provide treatment, especially when rival pharmacies nearby are doing so,” he noted. Mr Mahatara further pointed out that inadequate training among some pharmacy attendants exacerbates the crisis.

“A number of those dispensing drugs are not qualified pharmacists. They may have minimal or no formal training, yet they provide medical advice,” he said.

Experts say a long-term solution lies in addressing both the demand and supply sides of the problem. They recommend increasing access to affordable healthcare, expanding public hospitals, and ensuring that pharmacies are manned by certified professionals.

Others urge the government to invest more in community health education, particularly in explaining the dangers of antimicrobial resistance and the importance of following prescriptions. As the government continues its crackdown and awareness drives, the challenge remains balancing enforcement with accessibility–ensuring that while essential medicines remain within reach for ordinary citizens, the safety of public health is not compromised.

Unless urgent measures are taken, experts warn that Tanzania risks joining the global list of countries facing a silent but deadly epidemic–an age where ordinary infections become untreatable because the drugs meant to cure them no longer work. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian smallholder farmers, cooperatives and medium-scale agribusinesses have benefited from Sh2.3 trillion in agricultural lending over the past 25 years, thanks to interventions that have bridged the gap between farmers and financial institutions.

The financing was made possible through partnerships between the Private Agricultural Sector Support (PASS) Trust and commercial banks across the country. Established in 2000 through a collaboration between the governments of Tanzania and Denmark, PASS was founded with a vision to make agriculture bankable.

At a time when most financial institutions viewed the sector as too risky and unpredictable, the Trust saw potential in millions of smallholder farmers, women and youth waiting to be integrated into the formal economy. Through its credit guarantee scheme, the organisation has disbursed over Sh866 billion in guarantees, helping to de-risk agricultural lending and shift perceptions of farming from an uncertain livelihood to a credible, investable enterprise that drives real economic growth.

PASS Trust managing director Yohane Kaduma said the milestones reflect a national shift in how agriculture is valued. “Banking agriculture was once seen as impossible,” he said.

“But with the right support systems, farmers can access commercial credit, adopt modern technologies and participate meaningfully in value chains. The true measure of success isn’t just in the figures but in the livelihoods transformed and the resilience built within our communities.

” He noted that over 4.7 million Tanzanians have benefited directly from PASS-supported programmes, with women accounting for almost half of them.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, contributing about 26 percent to GDP and employing more than two-thirds of the working population. Beneficiaries have recorded growth in key value chains such as rice in Mbeya, sunflower in Singida, coffee in Kilimanjaro and horticulture in Arusha.

Farmers are not only producing more, but also producing better–adopting technology, engaging in contract farming and supplying processing industries that feed into Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda. Mainstreaming green growth has also become a key focus as Tanzania faces the realities of climate change.

The Trust has enabled more than Sh206 billion in green loans and provided Sh54 billion in guarantees for projects in renewable energy, water conservation, regenerative agriculture and eco-friendly mechanisation. These investments have reached over 650,000 beneficiaries and created more than 28,000 green jobs.

Looking ahead, the trust plans to expand its impact investment fund, strengthen its leasing arm and integrate digital lending platforms to reach smallholders faster and more efficiently. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) has officially confirmed that this year’s National Basketball League (NBL) will take place at the Chinangali Court in Dodoma from November 26 to December 6, 2025. The announcement was made by TBF Secretary-General Mwenze Kabinda during an interview with The Citizen yesterday.

Kabinda revealed that this season promises a highly competitive tournament, featuring 28 teams from across the country. Of these, 16 teams will compete in the men’s category, while 12 teams will compete in the women’s category, reflecting the growing popularity of basketball nationwide.

“We are now preparing for the event, and soon we will announce the sponsors and the final list of participating teams,” Kabinda said. Last year, Dar City claimed the men’s title after an impressive tournament run, with ABC finishing as runners-up in a competition sponsored by the betting brand BetPawa.

The brand introduced Locker Room Bonus payouts, awarding 12 players and four team officials a cash prize of Sh140,000 each immediately after a match victory, with payments made directly to mobile accounts before leaving the court. BetPawa injected a total of Sh194.8 million into the National Basketball League.

In the women’s category, Fox Divaz from Mara emerged champions, outshining DB Lioness of Dar es Salaam in the finals. The league is expected to attract basketball enthusiasts from across Tanzania and provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills at a national level.

Kabinda highlighted that the TBF is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will further enhance the sport’s profile in the country. “The National Basketball League has grown significantly over the past few years, and we are determined to make this edition even more competitive.

Fans should expect high-quality games and exciting matchups,” he added. .

Dar es Salaam. Acknowledging mistakes, avoiding blame, healing wounds and halting arbitrary arrests are among key steps proposed by various stakeholders, including Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese as the nation takes initial steps towards reconciliation.

The stakeholders believe these measures will enable the country to build genuine unity and peace, while showing the government’s maturity in choosing dialogue over confrontation. Their remarks come two days after Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi announced the government’s plan to begin reconciliation talks aimed at ensuring every voice is heard and peace is restored.

“The intention of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is to initiate reconciliation dialogue so that even the minority can be heard, ensuring Tanzania remains a peaceful, united and stable nation, a model for Africa and the world,” Dr Nchimbi said during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit. Dr Nchimbi’s statement echoes President Samia’s campaign pledge to establish reconciliation efforts, a body that would also guide the process towards drafting a new constitution within her first 100 days in office.

Bishop Bagonza said it was ironic that those who had initially called for reconciliation before the General Election now oppose it, while those who rejected it then are the ones calling for it today. “There is blood; much blood that is still fresh.

It must be cleansed by allowing families to bury and mourn their loved ones. Without that, entering reconciliation talks is like smearing ourselves with blood,” he said.

He called for the immediate suspension of arrests and the release of those detained, stressing that some individuals who should participate in reconciliation efforts are either missing or being held in custody. The bishop also said the country must be safe for both supporters and critics, noting that many who express dissent are now fleeing the country.

He proposed the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to establish who should be forgiven, who should face justice, and who deserves compensation, to prevent similar crises in the future. He added that the commission must be transparent, inclusive and accountable to the public to retain the trust of citizens.

All groups must be included Political and governance analyst, Mr Philemon Mtoi, said that although recent unrest has been linked to political tensions, the reconciliation process must include representatives from all sectors of society. Since it is impractical to consult every individual citizen, he proposed selecting representatives from various community groups, including religious leaders, civil society, youth organisations, and political parties, while excluding MPs, arguing that many citizens no longer trust them to represent public interests.

He also called for the involvement of security and government representatives to ensure a comprehensive and credible process. No side should claim victory Mr Mtoi warned that reconciliation should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers.

“All parties must admit their mistakes. The government must acknowledge its errors, and even protesters must accept their share of responsibility,” he said.

He emphasised that true reconciliation requires sincerity and an end to finger-pointing. “When we talk about reconciliation while some people are still being arrested or harassed, it undermines the whole process,” he cautioned.

Healing and accountability Political science scholar, Dr Conrad Masabo, from the University of Dodoma (UDOM) said national healing requires both political will and moral responsibility. He said the first question Tanzanians must ask themselves is whether they are genuinely ready to move forward.

“This responsibility rests with every Tanzanian, from top government leaders to ordinary citizens, but the level of accountability differs depending on one’s position,” he said. Dr Masabo added that the nation must acknowledge what happened, accept collective responsibility, and avoid the politics of blame.

“We must stop pointing fingers. We should accept that there were riots, destruction of property and loss of life, and not deny any of it,” he said.

He suggested that the next step should involve identifying and honouring those who lost their lives, ensuring proper burial rites according to cultural and religious traditions to allow healing. “Such steps provide cultural healing.

In our traditions, death is painful, but it becomes even more so when the deceased are not laid to rest respectfully,” he said. Dr Masabo also proposed developing a compensation framework to support families of victims and those who lost property, not as a replacement for life, but as a gesture of care and recognition.

He called for accountability for everyone involved in the unrest, whether through incitement or action, regardless of their status. “All allegations, including claims of external involvement, should be thoroughly investigated to establish the truth,” he said.

A credible mediator needed Dr Masabo further suggested appointing a neutral and respected mediator to facilitate the reconciliation process. “Unfortunately, we currently lack an individual trusted by all sides.

If necessary, we may need to invite a neutral figure from outside the country, someone all parties can listen to,” he said. He concluded that the chosen mediator must be impartial, respected and capable of guiding the process towards genuine national unity and lasting peace.

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Dar es Salaam. A Tanzanian agribusiness company is setting its sights on Dubai and India as next export destination in a bid to expand footprint in the global fresh produce trade.

The company called Chimi Group Company Limited, founded and led by Ms Rose Chimilila, currently exports Hass avocados, kidney beans, white maize, and peas, sourced directly from smallholder farmers across Tanzania. To access global markets, the company has partnered with export-certified firms that already hold European trade credentials.

However, Ms Chimilila said acquiring such certifications remains a significant hurdle for small but growing agribusinesses. “Obtaining export and compliance certifications such as the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) can cost around $5,000, which is quite expensive for a company of our size,” she explained.

SMETA is a globally recognised audit that assesses ethical business practices, labour standards, and environmental management. To navigate these challenges, Chimi Group is strategically focusing on markets in Dubai and India, where export documentation requirements are less stringent and provide more accessible entry points for emerging exporters.

The company aims to identify direct buyers in these markets to reduce its reliance on intermediaries. “Targeting these markets will allow us to grow sustainably while maintaining quality control across the supply chain,” Ms Chimilila noted.

“We work closely with smallholder farmers to ensure quality and consistency while empowering them to earn better incomes,” Ms Chimilila told The Citizen. Before establishing direct export routes, Chimi Group has been using agents to ensure Tanzanian-grown produce reaches international buyers.

Ms Chimilila began her agribusiness journey in 2021, when she launched Chimi Fresh Produce, initially focusing on Irish potatoes for the domestic market. Within a year, production grew from 10 to over 30 metric tonnes per month, paving the way for regional exports across East Africa.

By 2023, the enterprise had evolved into Chimi Group Company Limited, expanding its product range to include avocados, beans, maize, bananas, and pulses. “Today, the company exports hundreds of tonnes of produce each season, from December to August,” she said.

From sourcing and processing to packaging and export, Chimi Group manages the entire value chain to ensure quality, traceability, and timely delivery. Beyond export activities, the company invests in farmer empowerment programmes, including training, contract farming, and improved market access.

Although expansion has been gradual due to limited financing, Ms Chimilila remains optimistic about the company’s prospects. “Our vision is to build a sustainable and inclusive agribusiness that uplifts farmers’ livelihoods while delivering fresh, high-quality produce to consumers across regional and international markets,” she said.

Chimi Group’s focus on Asia aligns with Tanzania’s broader efforts to diversify export destinations and tap into high-demand markets for tropical produce. Industry observers note that as global consumers increasingly prioritise ethically sourced and traceable products, Tanzanian agribusinesses like Chimi Group stand to gain from the country’s fertile climate, growing production base, and improving logistics infrastructure.

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When crises erupt be they political, social, or humanitarian the media stands at a delicate crossroads. On one side lies the public’s insatiable demand for immediate information; on the other, the professional obligation to verify, balance and remain independent.

The tension between speed and accuracy, emotion and ethics, becomes almost unbearable. In moments of national or global upheaval, journalists face a paradox: the public expects the media to be both the first to tell and the most reliable to trust.

Yet, the reality of the newsroom is often messy, chaotic and constrained by imperfect facts. As the pressure mounts, the risk of compromising integrity grows not because journalists lack principles, but because the environment itself is designed to test them.

Crises distort the normal flow of information. Social media floods the public space with real-time updates, videos and commentary.

In contrast, traditional media must verify before publishing a process that takes time. But in a world where seconds matter, the delay can appear as failure.

In Tanzania, for instance, when disasters strike from floods to political tensions the public often turns to Twitter, WhatsApp and citizen blogs for instant news. Meanwhile, reputable outlets take a more measured approach, seeking confirmation from official sources.

That balance, however, is frequently misunderstood as bias or silence. This is the dangerous zone where credibility and relevance collide.

A journalist who takes time to verify risks being labelled “slow” or “controlled,” while one who rushes may amplify rumours and lose public trust. Integrity is not an abstract virtue it’s the foundation of journalism’s social contract.

During crises, maintaining that integrity often means resisting political pressure, commercial influence and even emotional manipulation. Governments, for example, may expect the media to promote stability, emphasising unity and calm.

The public, however, may demand transparency and accountability sometimes in tones that border on hostility. The journalist is then wedged between two powerful expectations: to inform without inciting and to report without being silenced.

This tension can be seen globally, too. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many media houses faced the challenge of reporting rising infections without fuelling panic, while also holding authorities accountable for health system failures.

The balance was fragile too much alarm and credibility suffers; too little scrutiny and the watchdog role is lost. Another crisis facing modern journalism is the blurring line between fact and opinion.

In the race to capture attention, analysis and commentary often overshadow reporting. When this happens during a crisis, the public gets emotional narratives instead of verified truths.

Social media influencers, pseudo-journalists and even well-meaning activists contribute to this noise. The media’s voice, once authoritative, now competes in a crowded marketplace of claims.

The result is confusion, mistrust and “confirmation bias”, where audiences believe only what aligns with their pre-existing views. Integrity, therefore, requires more than accuracy; it demands courage the courage to tell unpopular truths and to stand firm when both power and public sentiment push in opposite directions.

For the media, the ultimate goal is not popularity but trust. When the public believes that journalists act in good faith, even if they disagree with what is published, integrity is preserved.

That trust, however, is fragile and must be earned daily. Media houses must embrace transparency about their processes: how stories are verified, why some information cannot yet be published and what ethical lines they refuse to cross.

This openness can transform misunderstanding into respect. At the same time, the public must also play its part.

Consumers of news should learn to differentiate between journalism and propaganda, between verified reports and social media chatter. Trust is a two-way relationship; the media alone cannot sustain it.

As crises become more complex and fast-moving, the role of journalism must evolve. Media organisations should invest in crisis communication protocols, fact-checking units and ethical refresher training for reporters.

These measures ensure that integrity is not an afterthought but a built-in safeguard. Collaboration, not isolation, is also key.

Partnerships between traditional media, digital platforms and civil society can help amplify verified information and combat misinformation in real time. Ultimately, the soul of journalism lies in its integrity.

Technology will continue to evolve, audiences will change and crises will keep coming, but the principles of fairness, accuracy and independence must remain constant. When the storm passes, the only thing that keeps the media standing tall is not how fast it ran the story, but how truthfully it told it.

Angel Navuri is Head of Advertising, Partnerships and Events at Mwananchi Communications Limited .

Dodoma. Members of Parliament from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have elected Ilala MP-elect Mussa Zungu as the party’s candidate for the position of Speaker of the 13th Parliament.

Should he be elected by the full House, Zungu will become Tanzania’s eighth Speaker. Zungu garnered 348 votes, defeating his rival, former Shinyanga MP Stephen Masele, who managed only 16 votes.

Masele had earlier been considered a strong contender before voting began. If confirmed, Zungu will join a line of former Deputy Speakers who have ascended to the top parliamentary seat, a tradition established by the likes of Anne Makinda, the late Job Ndugai, and Dr Tulia Ackson, all of whom served as Deputies before becoming full Speakers.

Zungu now awaits the possibility of facing other contenders from outside CCM in the national election scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in the Parliament Chamber. However, given CCM’s numerical dominance in the House, his election as Speaker is virtually assured.

Earlier, the CCM Central Committee had shortlisted three candidates for the position: the outgoing Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, Mussa Zungu, and one other aspirant. The race was reportedly tight between Dr Tulia and Zungu until November 7, when Dr Tulia announced her withdrawal, leaving the two remaining names to be voted on by CCM MPs.

Zungu first entered Parliament in 2005 and has since held various leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, a position he held for 18 years. Between 2016 and 2025, he served as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission, representing Tanzania in joint meetings of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Parliaments and the European Union Parliament.

He also chaired the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Tanzania branch and represented the country at international CPA forums. Zungu was Chairperson of Parliament from 2012 to 2021 and later served as Deputy Speaker from 2022 to 2025. He also served as Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment).

His opponent Stephen Masele previously served as Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals and was once Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), a position that placed him at odds with then-Speaker Job Ndugai after he reportedly complained of not being accorded due respect as a continental parliamentary leader. In another development, CCM MPs on Sunday elected Babati Rural MP Daniel Sillo as their candidate for the Deputy Speaker position.

His election by the full Parliament will follow the swearing-in of MPs and the Speaker’s election. Sillo secured 362 votes, with two ballots spoilt.

His two rivals who were Timotheo Mzava (Korogwe Rural) and Najma Giga (Special Seats) withdrew before voting, leaving Sillo as the sole candidate. His selection continues the line of succession from Zungu, as Sillo had succeeded him as Parliamentary Chairperson on April 4, 2023, after Zungu became Deputy Speaker.

Elected to Parliament in 2020, Sillo previously chaired the Budget Committee and was later appointed Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, serving until the dissolution of Parliament. Veteran councillor Job Ole Sulutya commented that Zungu’s election signified transparency but cautioned that the seasoned politician often “pushes things through with speed.

” “I’ve known Zungu since the late 1970s during our country’s defence campaigns, where he was an expert in aviation. But in Parliament, he sometimes takes serious matters lightly and rushes them through,” Ole Sulutya remarked.

He, however, suggested that given the youthful composition of the 13th Parliament, a Speaker more aligned with its generational rhythm might have been ideal .

Dodoma/Dar es Salaam. As the first session of Tanzania’s National Assembly convenes tomorrow in Dodoma, where, among other matters, the new Prime Minister will be proposed and endorsed, Tanzanians have voiced their expectations for the country’s next top executive.

Those who spoke to The Citizen outlined the qualities they want in their next leader following confirmation that outgoing Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who has served in the post for ten years (20152025), did not contest a parliamentary seat and is therefore ineligible for the position. Another key figure who will not be part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s next administration is Vice President Philip Mpango, whose position has been filled by CCM cadre and diplomat Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Those who spoke to The Citizen and its sister newspaper Mwananchi at the weekend, said they want a prime minister who is firm, capable and able to oversee government operations effectively. Governance Links director Donald Kasongi said the next prime minister must be strict in managing all government activities, as they are ultimately responsible for responding to parliamentary debates on government matters.

Governance Links Tanzania is an independent, cross-sectoral research and policy analysis in Tanzania. “The Prime Minister is the chief coordinator of all ministers and must have a firm stance in monitoring government operations to ensure they are not compromised.

Without such oversight, subordinates will fail to carry out their duties,” said Mr Kasongi. He said that Tanzanians also expect a prime minister who is hardworking, honest, trustworthy and free from corruption.

It has to be one not driven by greed for rapid wealth and capable of uniting all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This comes at a time when the country is facing challenges stemming from the election-related chaos that recently hit major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Shinyanga, Geita, Songwe, Ruvuma, Mara, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and Iringa, leading to loss of life and destruction of property.

A police statement released at the weekend indicated that the violence led to the torching of offices belonging to the Tanzania Revenue Authority, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau, courts, ruling party offices and automated teller machines (ATMs). Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses and lanes, petrol stations, vehicles, shops and police stations were also destroyed, while roads were blocked using burning tyres.

Analysts say Tanzania now needs a prime minister capable of effectively advising the President and the Vice President on how to move the nation forward amid divisions triggered by the unrest. Prof Humphrey Moshi from the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Economics said the next prime minister should be people-centred, prioritising citizens’ interests over those of the ruling elite.

“We need a prime minister who will be close to citizens and understand their grievances. Most importantly, the new prime minister should restore peace and stability, as the post-election chaos and lockdown have hindered the country’s development,” said Prof Moshi.

He added that peace and stability are fundamental to economic growth. “The Prime Minister’s actions should promote security and harmony.

In other words, we need a leader who walks the talk. If we get such a leader, I am confident Tanzania will prosper economically and socially,” he said.

A political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar (Suza), Prof Ali Makame Ussi, said that beyond legal qualifications, the next prime minister must steer the nation’s progress under the National Development Vision 2050, which begins implementation under the sixth-phase administration. “The sixth phase’s implementation will set the stage for achieving Vision 2050. Goals such as building an inclusive and upper-middle-income economy depend heavily on competent leadership,” he said.

Prof Makame added that as the government’s chief executive, the prime minister must demonstrate strong capacity to persuade, advise and supervise implementation within defined timelines. He cautioned that failure to implement CCM’s 20252030 Election Manifesto would jeopardise long-term development goals.

“We need a leader who will unite and guide Tanzania forward after the October 29 general election. The Prime Minister should uphold values and morals among public leaders, who bear responsibility for the country’s natural resources and direction,” he said.

He further noted that Tanzania does not need a prime minister driven by emotion, whose statements could create confusion or unrest. “The new leader must understand the country’s current needs, distinguish between party and government matters and protect the interests of all citizens,” he said.

A lecturer at St John’s University of Tanzania, Dr Assad Kipanga, said citizens want a prime minister with a clean record and no history of corruption. “The next prime minister must unite all Tanzanians so that the development achieved under President Hassan’s administration benefits everyone, regardless of region,” he said.

“We still have capable leaders who can guide the country from its current state to a better future. We want a prime minister who will heal citizens’ wounds rather than deepen them,” he added.

A University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer, Dr Erasto Kano, said the country needs a prime minister who can manage government affairs with authority and precision. “For the government to succeed, especially in overseeing development projects, the Prime Minister must be action-oriented, not just a talker,” said Dr Kano.

“We need a leader whose words carry weight and whose supervision guarantees results–not one too lenient to enforce accountability.” He added that this is a crucial moment for President Hassan to assemble a trusted team, including a diligent prime minister capable of handling daily government operations effectively.

At Sabasaba Market in Dodoma, trader Agnes Nicolaus said she hopes for a prime minister who upholds justice, equality, peace and unity. “What Tanzanians need is peace that allows them to go about their daily activities without fear or uncertainty.

The next prime minister must ensure this,” she said .