Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has identified a constitutional gap in Tanzania that prevents challenges to presidential election results.

The court has therefore ruled that the provision restricting courts from questioning the declaration of a presidential winner violates fundamental human rights. In a judgment delivered on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the case of Ado Shaibu and Others versus the Tanzania government, the Court held that Article 41(7) of the 1977 Constitution of Tanzania, which bars courts from reviewing the election of a presidential candidate declared by the electoral commission, violates the right to a fair hearing.

The case, registered as Application Number 046/2020, was filed by six members of the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo: Ado Shaibu, Ezekiah Dibogo Wenje, Omar Musa Makame, Dorah Seronga Wangwe, Enock Wegesa Suguta, and Kassim Ali Haji. The applicants argued that their civil and political rights were violated before, during, and after Tanzania’s 2020 general election.

Violation of the right to a fair hearing The court found that Article 41(7) of the Tanzanian Constitution contravenes Article 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, and Article 1 of the Charter that obliges state parties to uphold and protect these rights. According to the court, by preventing courts from examining or receiving petitions challenging the outcome of a presidential election, the constitutional provision effectively denies citizens the legal opportunity to seek justice.

As a result, the court ordered Tanzania to take all necessary constitutional and legislative measures within one year to amend Article 41(7) and ensure that it complies with the human rights standards set out in the African Charter. The Court also ruled that each party would bear its own legal costs.

The applicants were jointly represented by human rights lawyers Mohamed Salim, Ally Muyenga, and Donald Deya. On the side of the Tanzanian government, the government side, the case is defended by Solicitor General, Dr Ally Possi, assisted by his deputy, Ms Sarah Duncan Mwaipopo, and the Director of Human Rights at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Ms Nkasori Sarakikya.

Earlier in the proceedings, government lawyers urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the applicants had not exhausted domestic remedies and that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. However, the court rejected the objection, affirming that it has the authority to hear applications alleging violations of human rights protected under treaties ratified by Tanzania.

The court also confirmed that it had personal, temporal, and territorial jurisdiction over the matter, despite Tanzania’s withdrawal in 2019 of the declaration under Article 34(6) that allowed individuals and organisations to file cases directly before the court. The applicants had initially submitted 12 allegations to the court, including claims of arbitrary arrests of opposition candidates, suspension of their campaign activities, and the disqualification of parliamentary and local government candidates.

They also challenged the appointment of a ruling party’s cadre as Director of the National Electoral Commission, arguing that it undermined the independence of the electoral body. Additional claims involved legal barriers preventing challenges to presidential election results, alleged violence against opposition candidates and their supporters, vote-buying, and ballot stuffing.

The applicants further alleged irregular vote counting, the closure of some independent media outlets, and restrictions on communication services and social media during the election period. According to the applicants, these incidents collectively undermined the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the entire electoral process.

Based on these claims, they asked the court to declare that Tanzania had violated its obligations under several regional and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa. They also requested the court to confirm violations of rights related to participation in elections, equality, dignity, and civic participation, and to order Tanzania to hold those responsible accountable while implementing constitutional, legal, and administrative reforms.

In addition, the applicants sought compensation and reimbursement of legal costs. Reaction from the applicants’ lawyer Speaking after the ruling, lawyer Mohamed Salim Ally Muyenga said the applicants welcomed the judgment, although they had hoped it would come earlier.

“We expected the ruling to be delivered before the recent elections, but we will not step back,” he said. He added that the applicants would consult with their colleagues on how to pursue the remaining claims through domestic courts, emphasising that the struggle was ultimately about safeguarding justice for future generations.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique have launched a Sh18.2 billion regional initiative aimed at strengthening the integrated management of the Ruvuma River Basin and its coastal ecosystems, enhancing environmental protection and supporting community livelihoods.

The five-year project, valued at approximately $7.12 million, is funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It will run for 60 months until December 2030, bringing the three riparian countries together to improve cooperation in managing the transboundary basin.

Implementation will be carried out in partnership with the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) and Wetlands International Eastern Africa (WIEA) as executing agencies. The initiative was officially launched during an inception workshop yesterday at Johari Rotana, attended by over 50 delegates from governments, regional organisations and development partners.

Speaking at the opening session, the chairperson of the Joint Development and Management of the Rovuma/Ruvuma River Basin and Director General of ARA-Norte, IP, Carlitos Momade Omar, described the project as a major milestone in strengthening regional cooperation. “The project will run for 60 months, from 2025 to 2030, with funding of about $7.12 million, equivalent to roughly Sh18.2 billion, from the Global Environment Facility,” he said.

Mr Omar noted that the basin has been the focus of years of dialogue and technical cooperation among the three countries, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Dar es Salaam in July 2024. He explained that the project adopts a source-to-sea approach, recognising that land management, river health and coastal ecosystems are closely interconnected and must be managed collectively. “Decisions taken in one part of the basin have consequences across borders and sectors.

Fragmented governance structures can no longer adequately respond to these interconnected pressures,” he said. Under the initiative, partner states aim to strengthen institutional frameworks for transboundary basin and coastal zone management, enhance science-based decision-making and improve investment planning for sustainable natural resource use.

The project will also boost enforcement capacity, improve coordination between water, land and conservation authorities, and expand community participation in environmental management. Earlier, the director of the Ruvuma River and Southern Coast Basin Water Board (RSCBWB), Sudi Mpemba, welcomed delegates on behalf of Tanzania, describing the workshop as a critical step in establishing a clear implementation framework.

“This meeting brings together technical staff from governments and other stakeholders to discuss implementation arrangements and align the efforts of collaborating partners,” he said, acknowledging IUCN’s role in organising the workshop and supporting regional cooperation. The project will focus on coordinated planning and management of land, freshwater and marine ecosystems across the basin, which spans southern Tanzania, northern Mozambique and parts of Malawi.

Representing Malawi, director of water resources, James Chitele, said the initiative is vital for protecting ecosystems and improving livelihoods for communities that depend on the basin. “The project we are launching today is not only about water resources management; it is about safeguarding ecosystems, improving livelihoods and ensuring our shared natural resources benefit present and future generations,” he said.

According to organisers, the project will support the restoration of 88,620 hectares of degraded ecosystems, promote improved landscape management across nearly 280,000 hectares, and directly benefit more than 50,000 people. Speaking at the workshop, IUCN Tanzania country representative Charles Oluchina said the initiative could become a model for integrated transboundary water governance in Africa.

“The project embodies an integrated vision of land, freshwater and marine resources. It demonstrates how nature-based solutions can conserve ecosystems while improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change,” he said.

Activities under the project will be implemented through five key components, including strengthening institutional frameworks, supporting science-based planning, mobilising investment for sustainable resource management, promoting community-based land and water management, and enhancing knowledge sharing, communication and monitoring systems. The Ruvuma River Basin is one of the region’s most ecologically important landscapes, supporting diverse ecosystems and communities reliant on agriculture, fisheries and other natural resource-based livelihoods.

Officials say the success of the initiative will depend on sustained cooperation among the three countries to balance environmental conservation with socio-economic development. The inception workshop is expected to align stakeholders on implementation strategies, clarify roles and responsibilities, and update key planning tools, including the stakeholder engagement plan, gender action plan and monitoring framework.

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Dar es Salaam. Financial and business leaders have called for stronger financial discipline, better access to finance, and more opportunities for women entrepreneurs during the CRDB Bank International Women’s Day breakfast forum, organised by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) in partnership with CRDB Bank.

Held on Friday, March 6, 2026, the forum brought together bankers, entrepreneurs, and financial experts to share insights on how women can grow their businesses and increase their participation in economic activities. CRDB Bank Plc director of human resources, Mr Godfrey Rutasingwa, said empowering women remains central to the bank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.

“The saying ‘you give to receive’ may sound simple, but in this context, it is revolutionary, because it represents something that must be practised every day in supporting women,” he said. Mr Rutasingwa noted that the bank has consistently invested in initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and professionally.

“We have invested in education, allocating more than Sh5 billion annually to initiatives that empower women. We have also created opportunities for women to grow, lead, and participate fully in the economy,” he said.

He added that women have increasingly benefited from these opportunities, particularly in entrepreneurship and sales. “Beyond opportunities, we have focused on creating a safe working environment where women are protected from harassment and receive equal pay.

Empowering women is not simply a slogan for a special day; it is a continuous commitment practised every day,” he said. CRDB Bank Plc director of corporate affairs and managing director of CRDB Bank Foundation, Ms Tullyesther Mwambapa, said the bank continues to prioritise gender equality, diversity, and collaboration in its programmes.

She explained that through partnerships and community initiatives, the bank implements programmes aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, youth innovation, and financial inclusion. “We focus on entrepreneurship development, drive youth innovation in employment, financial, and education.

Through all efforts in collaboration and partnership, we aim to make a difference across the globe,” she said, adding that empowering women leaders remains a key priority. “We are the only organisation that has invested heavily in empowering women leaders to ensure they thrive.

Providing women with leadership opportunities is vital,” she said. Participants at the forum also shared practical advice on entrepreneurship and financial management to help women build sustainable businesses.

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By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Preparations are in full swing in the capital as Tanzania joins the world in marking International Women’s Day this Sunday, with the Dodoma Regional Commissioner (RC) announcing that regional celebrations will take place in Kongwa District.

RC Rosemary Senyamule said on Friday, March 6, 2026, that this year’s event will be held at Mbande Primary School grounds in Kongwa, bringing together thousands of participants from across the region. Ms Senyamule told a press conference that a series of activities have been organised ahead of the celebrations to highlight women’s empowerment and community development.

“These celebrations are not only a day of reflection but also an opportunity for women and the wider community to learn, share experiences, and discuss issues that promote women’s participation in social and economic development,” she said. Several pre-event activities have already been lined up, including radio awareness programmes, tree planting in Kikuyu South Ward, the distribution of energy-efficient cooking stoves to residents of Mlowa Ward in Chamwino District, and a women’s dialogue at Chimwaga Hall at the University of Dodoma (Udom).

Other activities include charitable outreach at needy schools in Kondoa Town Council, a women in education forum in Bahi District, and a gathering of the Christian Women’s Union in Kizota Ward. Ms Senyamule noted that the celebrations will also feature a three-day exhibition from March 6 to 8, bringing together stakeholders and entrepreneurs from all district councils in Dodoma Region to showcase and sell products and services.

The exhibition will involve 27 government ministries, various institutions, private and public companies, international bodies, and non-governmental organisations. Visitors will also access legal aid services, educational information, and banking services.

“The theme for the 2026 celebrations is ‘Rights and Equality for Women and Girls: An Inclusive Foundation for Achieving Vision 2050,'” she said. She said the theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive development by recognising and protecting the rights of women and girls.

The RC urged residents to take advantage of the event, which is expected to attract more than 6,000 participants. .

By Katare Mbashiru Dodoma. Preparations are in full swing in the capital as Tanzania joins the world in marking International Women’s Day this Sunday, with the Dodoma Regional Commissioner (RC) announcing that regional celebrations will take place in Kongwa District.

RC Rosemary Senyamule said on Friday, March 6, 2026, that this year’s event will be held at Mbande Primary School grounds in Kongwa, bringing together thousands of participants from across the region. Ms Senyamule told a press conference that a series of activities have been organised ahead of the celebrations to highlight women’s empowerment and community development.

“These celebrations are not only a day of reflection but also an opportunity for women and the wider community to learn, share experiences, and discuss issues that promote women’s participation in social and economic development,” she said. Several pre-event activities have already been lined up, including radio awareness programmes, tree planting in Kikuyu South Ward, the distribution of energy-efficient cooking stoves to residents of Mlowa Ward in Chamwino District, and a women’s dialogue at Chimwaga Hall at the University of Dodoma (Udom).

Other activities include charitable outreach at needy schools in Kondoa Town Council, a women in education forum in Bahi District, and a gathering of the Christian Women’s Union in Kizota Ward. Ms Senyamule noted that the celebrations will also feature a three-day exhibition from March 6 to 8, bringing together stakeholders and entrepreneurs from all district councils in Dodoma Region to showcase and sell products and services.

The exhibition will involve 27 government ministries, various institutions, private and public companies, international bodies, and non-governmental organisations. Visitors will also access legal aid services, educational information, and banking services.

“The theme for the 2026 celebrations is ‘Rights and Equality for Women and Girls: An Inclusive Foundation for Achieving Vision 2050,'” she said. She said the theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive development by recognising and protecting the rights of women and girls.

The RC urged residents to take advantage of the event, which is expected to attract more than 6,000 participants. .

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania prepares to join the rest of the world in marking International Women’s Day on March 8, the country is experiencing a remarkable transformation in the sports sector, largely driven by the leadership and commitment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Through increased government investment, policy support and direct motivation to athletes, the country has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure development, international participation and sporting achievements across multiple disciplines. From football to athletics, boxing, cricket and golf, Tanzania is steadily building a reputation as one of Africa’s rising sporting nations.

At the centre of this transformation is a bold vision to develop sports not only as a competitive activity but also as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism and national pride. Preparing for Afcon 2027 One of the most ambitious projects under President Samia’s administration is the preparation to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda.

The tournament will mark a historic moment for the East African region, as it will be the first time in decades that the continent’s biggest football event is hosted in the region. For Tanzania, the competition represents a major opportunity to showcase its sporting capacity and promote the country internationally.

Massive investments are being directed toward stadium construction, road networks, hospitality facilities and social services to ensure the country meets international hosting standards. Hosting Afcon is expected to attract thousands of football fans, investors and tourists, providing a major boost to the economy while placing Tanzania firmly on the global sporting stage.

Chan provided a crucial test Ahead of Afcon 2027, Tanzania already gained valuable organisational experience by co-hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues. The competition served as a trial event for Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, allowing organisers to test logistics, stadium readiness and operational capabilities before hosting the much larger Afcon tournament.

On the pitch, the Tanzania national football team, popularly known as Taifa Stars, impressed many observers. The team advanced to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Morocco.

Although the campaign ended at that stage, the performance demonstrated the growing competitiveness of local players and the progress being made in domestic football development. Major Stadium infrastructure projects Preparations for Afcon have triggered a wave of infrastructure development across the country.

Construction of a modern stadium in Arusha is progressing rapidly and has already reached approximately 76 percent completion. The venue is expected to play an important role during the tournament while also serving as a long-term facility for sports development in northern Tanzania.

Another key project is the construction of a new stadium in Dodoma, which will serve as a backup venue during Afcon 2027.The project reflects the government’s intention to decentralize sports infrastructure and expand opportunities beyond traditional urban centres. Meanwhile, the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is set to undergo extensive renovation ahead of the tournament.

The stadium will serve as the main venue during Afcon matches in Tanzania. Beyond stadiums, the government is also improving transport infrastructure, including roads connecting major cities and airports, while expanding accommodation facilities and public services required to host large international events.

Historic progress for Taifa Stars Alongside infrastructure investment, Tanzania has also made important progress on the field. The national team, Tanzania national football team, achieved a historic milestone during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco by reaching the Round of 16. This was a significant breakthrough for Tanzanian football.

Since the country first participated in the tournament in 1980, Taifa Stars had never progressed beyond the group stage. The performance in Morocco therefore represented a turning point for the national team and raised hopes that Tanzania could become a consistent competitor at continental tournaments.

President Samia also demonstrated direct support for the team by approving the salary of Taifa Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi following his impressive guidance of the squad during the tournament. Motivation through the “Goli la Mama” initiative Beyond administrative support, President Samia has also introduced innovative motivational initiatives for athletes.

One of the most popular is the “Goli la Mama” program, which rewards players financially for each goal scored by the national team during international matches. The initiative has been widely praised for boosting morale among players and strengthening the connection between the national team and the government leadership.

In addition to goal bonuses, players also receive special incentives when the team wins or secures important draws in major competitions. Sports stakeholders say these incentives have helped motivate players to perform at their highest level while also demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting athletes.

Rise of Women’s Football Women’s football has also experienced strong growth in recent years. The national women’s team, Twiga Stars, has qualified twice for major continental competitions in 2024 and 2026. These achievements have revived the team’s prominence after its earlier qualification in 2010. At youth level, Tanzania achieved one of its greatest milestones through the performances of Serengeti Girls.

The team qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 held in India, where they advanced to the quarter-finals. Their impressive campaign attracted international attention and inspired many young girls across the country to pursue football.

Tanzanian clubs shine in Africa Tanzanian football clubs have also strengthened their reputation in continental competitions. Two of the country’s biggest clubs, Young Africans SC and Simba SC, have both reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup in recent years.

Young Africans enjoyed a historic run during the 202223 season, reaching the final but finishing runners-up after losing to USM Alger of Algeria. Simba later followed with an impressive campaign that saw them reach the final in 2025, further demonstrating the competitiveness of Tanzanian clubs at continental level.

Such achievements have increased the visibility of Tanzanian football and strengthened the domestic league’s reputation. Neema Msitha Success beyond football While football remains the most popular sport in Tanzania, other disciplines have also produced impressive achievements.

During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Tanzanian athletes won three medals. Long-distance runner Alphonce Simbu secured a silver medal in the marathon, while boxers Yusuf Changalawe and Kassim Mbundwike won bronze medals in boxing.

Simbu later achieved another historic feat by becoming the first Tanzanian athlete to win a gold medal in a major international marathon competition held in Tokyo, Japan. The achievement was made possible through government-supported preparations coordinated by the National Sports Council (NSC).

Boxing, Cricket and other emerging sports Tanzania’s boxing team also delivered strong performances at the 2023 African Games. The country secured three bronze medals through the efforts of Ezra Mwanjwanga, Yusufu Changarawe and Mussa Maregesi.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s amputee football team Tembo Worriors reached another historic milestone by qualifying for the Amputee Football World Cup in 2022 held in Turkey, where they advanced to the quarter-finals. Cricket has also seen encouraging progress.

Tanzania’s Under-19 national team qualified for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup after defeating Sierra Leone during African qualifying competitions in Nigeria. Regional dominance in golf Tanzania has also made strides in golf.

The national team delivered an outstanding performance to win the East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy in 2023 held in Kigali, Rwanda. The victory saw Tanzania finish ahead of strong competitors including Kenya and Uganda to claim the regional title.

Golfers, Madina Idd, Neema Olomi, Hawa Wanyeche and Vicky Elias who was part of the team, said she was proud to contribute to the national victory during her debut appearance. Sports leaders have widely acknowledged the role played by the government in the sector’s progress.

Secretary General of the National Sports Council (NSC), Neema Msitha, commended President Samia for her commitment to developing sports and supporting athletes. She also praised the Ministry responsible for sports, Paul Makonda, Deputy Minister Hamis Mwinjuma, the permanent secretary, Gerson Msigwa and various stakeholders for their cooperation in advancing sports development nationwide.

According to Msitha, sustained investment in infrastructure, training programmes and international competitions is laying the foundation for Tanzania to become a major sporting nation. A new era for Tanzanian sports With preparations for Afcon 2027 gaining momentum and Tanzanian athletes continuing to shine internationally, many observers believe the country is entering a new era in sports development.

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Morogoro. The Morogoro Regional Police have dismantled a mobile phone fraud network, commonly known as halohalo, after arresting 10 suspects.

During the operation, officers seized 198 SIM cards and 148 bank cards linked to various financial institutions. The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a special operation in Magoha Hamlet, Lumemo Ward, Ifakara Town, Kilombero District.

Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC) Alex Mkama told journalists on Thursday, March 5, that seven suspects were found with 110 SIM cards from different networks. “The SIM cards were registered under other people’s names and used to call citizens to defraud them,” he explained.

The regional police chief identified the suspects as Cassian Liganga (28), Juma Fay (25), Halid Mwanzage (24), Amord Udindo (21), Mjelwa Mjelwa (22), Moses Litaka (21), and Michael Mboga (22), all residents of Lumemo in Kilombero. “During our search, officers also arrested an agent who registers SIM cards and a resident of Mnalani in KilomberoAmani Mwakipesile (26), found with 88 SIM cards registered under different names, which he sold to criminals involved in fraud,” said Commander Mkama.

He named the other suspects as a resident of Mlabani, Patrick Godfrey (22), and Fredrick Ngwasi, popularly known as Chepe (32), who had long been wanted for involvement in mobile phone fraud cases. According to RPC Mkama, the suspects are accused of defrauding victims of more than Sh12 million in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, using fraudulent phone schemes.

In a separate development, police arrested a resident of Ruaha in Kilosa, Nyamhanga Marwa (28), in possession of 148 bank cards registered under different names. The cards are alleged to have been used to access victims’ accounts and withdraw money illegally.

Commander Mkama said investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices in the network and bring them to justice. He added that initial inquiries revealed the victims were mainly food crop traders from Dar es Salaam, Coast, Dodoma, Mwanza, Tanga, and Zanzibar.

Given the situation, he urged the public to exercise caution when conducting financial transactions via mobile phones and to avoid sending money to unknown persons. “Online fraud knows no boundaries and can be carried out from anywhere in the world, so citizens must take precautions to avoid falling into the hands of scammers,” emphasised Commander Mkama.

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Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank has disbursed more than Sh560 billion to over 100,000 women entrepreneurs across the country through a dedicated business window aimed at increasing women’s participation in economic activities.

CRDB Bank Head of Finance, Mr Fredrick Nshekanabo, said the initiative was established to address challenges facing women entrepreneurs and support their investments so they can contribute actively to national economic development. He made the remarks on Friday, March 6, 2026, during the CRDB Bank International Women’s Day breakfast forum, organised in collaboration with Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL).

MCL, through its flagship brand The Citizen, is marking this year’s International Women’s Day with the sixth edition of the Rising Woman Initiative (RWI). The initiative has become the country’s leading platform for promoting women’s leadership and gender equality, with the 2026 edition branded ‘Give to Gain: Elevate Her Rise.

‘ Speaking at the event, Mr Nshekanabo said the bank has also been providing training programmes to help women manage and expand their businesses. “So far, we have disbursed more than Sh560 billion through this window to over 100,000 women, and we are proud of the significant results achieved,” he said.

He added that the initiative has enabled many women to start businesses, expand existing ventures, and create employment opportunities for other Tanzanians. “We have seen women starting businesses, growing them, and employing Tanzanians in their companies.

We have also seen women improving the welfare of their communities, particularly within their families,” he said. Mr Nshekanabo noted that the bank has been working with several institutions, including MCL, to ensure more women benefit from the programme.

Through partnerships with various organisations, the initiative has mobilised more than $160 million (over S00 billion) to empower women economically. “At CRDB, we believe there are still many women who are not yet included in the economy.

That is why, in 2023, the CRDB Foundation was established to further empower women and youth,” he said. According to him, the foundation has so far supported more than 500,000 women and young people through various empowerment initiatives.

He explained that many women would have been excluded under traditional financing systems, which often require collateral or established businesses, conditions that many women entrepreneurs are unable to meet. CRDB Bank Board Chairperson, Prof Neema Mori, encouraged women to pursue their ambitions without feeling pressured to choose between career growth and family life.

Prof Mori said women can build successful careers while nurturing their families if they remain focused and determined. “Don’t choose between career and family.

Grow your dreams and your career while carrying your family with you,” she said. She also urged women to strengthen their financial confidence through simple but consistent saving habits, noting that financial independence often begins with small steps.

“Start with the little amount that you have, save regularly, and you will see the difference over time,” she said. Beyond personal development, Prof Mori emphasised the importance of creating inclusive systems that provide both men and women equal opportunities to grow in leadership and professional spaces.

She said CRDB Bank promotes inclusiveness across all levels of the institution, from the board and management to other staff members. “We emphasise making sure that everyone is included everywhere.

If positions are available, we encourage both men and women to apply. If opportunities exist, we ensure they are open to both,” she said.

Prof Mori highlighted that the bank has implemented initiatives to support women beyond the workplace, including access to finance programmes for women entrepreneurs, welfare initiatives, and community empowerment projects through the CRDB Bank Foundation. “As we often say, investing in women creates value not only for them but also for society,” she said.

CRDB Bank Human Resources Director, Mr Godfrey Rutasingwa, emphasised the bank’s commitment to creating a safe and equitable working environment for women. He said women are protected from harassment and receive equal pay, adding that empowering women is not merely a slogan for a special day, but a continuous mission implemented every day.

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Dar es Salaam. Credit to Tanzania’s private sector continued to expand last year, with the mining and quarrying sector emerging as the fastest-growing recipient of bank financing, according to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).

The central bank’s Monthly Economic Review for January shows that annual growth in credit to the mining sector in the year ending December 2025 outpaced all other economic activities after growing by 91.1 percent, compared to negative growth recorded by March last year. It was followed by trade and transport and communication which grew by 49.7 percent and 29.4 percent respectively, according to the report.

Agriculture grew by 28.9 percent while building and construction grew by 25.6 percent. Analysts say the growth of the credit to the mining sector reflect an increase in demand pushed by accelerating activities in the extractive industry.

Independent economic analyst Oscar Mkude said the mining sector has recently become more attractive to lenders due to improvements in its structure and policy direction, particularly among small-scale miners who are increasingly formalising their operations. According to him, policy developments such as plans to build a smelter signal stronger coordination and long-term commitment to developing the industry’s value chain.

“This kind of policy direction creates confidence in the sector,” he said, adding that when lenders see improved organisation and clearer investment signals, they are more willing to extend credit. He added that favourable global conditions are also supporting the sector, noting that mineral prices have remained strong and relatively stable in recent months.

“When you combine domestic policy stability with favourable global prices, the mining sector naturally becomes more attractive for both lenders and investors,” he said. Prof Abel Kinyondo of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education says local content regulations are encouraging miners to develop domestic capacity before seeking credit.

He noted that banks have traditionally avoided lending to risky sectors, preferring personal loans. However, Tanzania’s mining sector, dominated by gold, is now a major economic driver.

“The sector’s contribution to GDP has jumped to 10.5 percent from just three percent previously, with gold accounting for 80 percent of mining revenues. Rising global gold prices have made the industry increasingly attractive, reducing investment risk,” said Prof Kinyondo who specialises in Development Economics.

Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, said that the formalisation of the sector has increased confidence among banks. “Previously, the sector was largely informal.

Today, with registered operators, proper record-keeping, and clear documentation of activities, banks are more willing to provide financing. Government licenses and geological tariffs have also played a key role in building this trust,” he said.

The trend in the credit growth to Tanzania’s mining and quarrying sector indicates that financial institutions are increasingly channelling funds into mining projects, which are seen as strategic for export earnings and foreign exchange generation. According to the report, Tanzania export earnings climbed to $17.6 billion in 2025, up from $15.97 billion in 2024. The increase was largely driven by gold, travel services, manufactured goods and traditional exports.

Exports of goods rose to $10.28 billion in 2025 from $9.12 billion the previous year while gold remained the standout performer, accounting for 45.7 percent of total goods exports. Gold export earnings jumped by 37.4 percent to $4.7 billion, supported by favourable global prices and increased production.

The BoT noted that the precious metal was the single largest contributor to export growth during the year. “Gold exports, which accounted for 45.7 percent of total goods exports, benefited from favourable global prices and increased production,” the central bank said.

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Dar es Salaam. Agriculture, manufacturing, and services have been identified as priority sectors where women should increase participation if Tanzania is to achieve the inclusive economic growth envisioned in the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050), speakers at The Citizen Rising Woman gala said.

Planning and Investment Minister Prof Kitila Mkumbo, who graced the event on Friday, March 6, 2026, said the country’s long-term development vision places strong emphasis on inclusion, particularly women’s economic participation. Tanzania’s economy has recorded steady growth for more than two decades, averaging about 6.

2 percent annually, a performance considered strong both globally and within Africa. However, Prof Mkumbo noted that this growth has not fully translated into sufficient job creation or faster poverty reduction.

“The sectors that were driving our growth did not include the majority of Tanzanians. That is why inclusion is central to our development strategy, with a particular focus on women’s economic empowerment,” said Prof Mkumbo.

“If you look at the vision document, the word women appears about 25 times, and none for men, that is intentional. You cannot deal with poverty without addressing the poverty of women,” he added.

Prof Mkumbo said agriculture for business presents one of the largest opportunities for women, given the strong demand for food across Africa. “Agriculture is an area that women should venture into because it generates income and there is a huge market,” he said, noting that Africa imported about $110 billion worth of food last year.

Manufacturing, particularly agro-processing, also offers economic potential as Tanzania focuses on adding value to its agricultural and natural resources. “Processing will become an increasingly attractive area economically, and a good number of women are already participating,” he said.

The services sector, including trade, digital innovation, and hospitality, was highlighted as another avenue for women to expand businesses and contribute to economic growth. CRDB Bank Plc director of corporate affairs and managing director of the CRDB Bank Foundation, Ms Tullyesther Mwambapa, said increasing women’s participation will require stronger financial inclusion.

“Many women in peri-urban and rural areas remain underserved by formal financial systems. CRDB Bank Plc has developed tailored products and digital literacy programmes to help women access capital and information on farming and business opportunities,” she said.

UN Women deputy representative Ms Karen Giathi stressed the importance of policy reforms and family-friendly workplace practices, including maternity protections, to support women’s professional advancement. Moderated by Dr Blandina Kilama of the National Planning Commission, the panel agreed that deliberate efforts across policy, finance and private sector initiatives are essential to fully integrate women into sectors driving Tanzania’s future growth.

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