Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has officially made its mark in open water swimming following a historic debut at the 2025 African Aquatic Junior and Senior Open Water Swimming Championship held in Mombasa, Kenya.

Returning home with pride, the national team gained valuable experience and earned points in their first-ever participation in this demanding sport. The Tanzanian squad included team captain Adil Abdulrahman Hussein, Rajab Hamisi Omar, Kabeer Rizwani Lakhani, and the nation’s sole female swimmer, Lorita Lameck Borega.

Despite being newcomers, Tanzania scored four points, finishing seventh out of nine teams, a remarkable display of determination and resilience. A stand out performer was young swimmer Lolita Borega, who achieved two historic milestones.

She became the youngest junior swimmer to participate in the championship and the first female athlete from Tanzania to officially compete in open water swimming. Displaying immense potential, Lolita reached the semi-finals of the 3 km sprint event, completing the 1.

5 km preliminary race in 29 minutes and 54 seconds, which qualified her for the semi-finals, where she swam 1 km in 18 minutes and 24 seconds. Speaking about her motivation, Lolita said she was inspired by her dream to improve her timing for Tanzania’s pride, alongside the unwavering support of her parents.

She encouraged other female swimmers to join the sport, helping to build a strong relay team capable of competing in 5 km events. She also expressed her gratitude to the African Aquatic Federation for organizing the championship and called for more frequent competitions to provide Tanzanian athletes with opportunities to showcase their talents on the continental stage.

The male swimmers also showed grit and commitment. Rajab Hamisi Omar completed the 1.

5 km race in 29 minutes and 38 seconds, while Kabeer Rizwani Lakhani finished in 31 minutes and 47 seconds. Although neither advanced to the semi-finals, completing such a challenging race on debut was a commendable achievement.

The team faced a major setback when captain Adil sustained a hand injury near the final buoy during the 5 km race, affecting the team’s overall performance. Additionally, Tanzania could not field a relay team due to the lack of female swimmers.

The team gained crucial insights into the competitive level of African open water swimming. They now await a technical report from their coach, which will inform future strategies and preparations.

While South Africa and Egypt currently dominate the sport, Tanzania has laid a solid foundation for growth and development in open water swimming. The championship was led by South African and Egyptian swimmers in the 500 m finals.

In the women’s 500 m, Callan Lotter of South Africa won gold in 07:50, followed by Amica De Jager (South Africa) and Arwa Faisal Alsharief (Egypt). In the men’s 500 m, Egypt’s Mohamed Morshelly claimed gold with 07:31, while Moaz Bastawy (Egypt) took silver and Connor Albertyn (South Africa) secured bronze .

Mwanza. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate and incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday unveiled her five-year roadmap for Tanzania’s continued transformation, as she wrapped up her nationwide campaign at the historic CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

The plan, which forms the core of CCM’s 20252030 manifesto, is built on three pillars of prosperity, inclusivity and resilience, focusing on practical programmes aimed at improving the daily lives of Tanzanians. Over the past 60 days, President Hassan has toured all regions of the country, pledging to deepen economic transformation through initiatives spanning water supply, health, education, energy and industrialisation.

She described the new manifesto as “a people’s contract for a stronger Tanzania.” National water grid A key priority in her pledges is the National Water Grid, a flagship project intended to end decades of water scarcity by linking major water sources nationwide.

“In the next five years, no woman or child should walk miles in search of water,” she declared in Mbeya. “The National Water Grid will permanently solve water challenges, from our towns to our villages.

” Expanding energy access President Hassan has also committed to doubling the country’s power generation capacity to 8,000 megawatts through hydro, gas, solar and wind projects. “Energy is the heartbeat of our economy.

Every Tanzanian home, school and factory must be powered,” she said in Mtwara. Universal Health Insurance Under her leadership, CCM pledges to roll out Universal Health Insurance (UHI), ensuring every citizen has access to quality healthcare.

“Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a right,” she said in Tabora, noting that the programme will include the construction of new hospitals and investment in medical training. Education and skills development Education reform remains central to her agenda.

The next phase will expand vocational training centres, digital learning and teacher recruitment to prepare youth for future job markets. “We are equipping our young people to not just look for jobs, but to create them,” she said in Dodoma.

Infrastructure and economic growt President Hassan pledged to continue investing in major infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, upgraded ports and improved road networks to position Tanzania as a regional trade hub. Agriculture and blue economy Through the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, she aims to modernise agriculture, expand irrigation and promote fisheries and aquaculture.

“From our farms to our factories, Tanzania will produce, process and profit,” President Hassan said in Morogoro. Employment and private sector growth CCM’s Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Mr Kenani Kihongosi, said the next term would prioritise job creation and entrepreneurship.

“We want to build a Tanzania where work, skills and creativity bring prosperity to every household,” he said. Mr Kihongosi revealed that President Hassan’s 60-day campaign reached a record audience — over 25 million Tanzanians attended her 114 rallies, while more than 57 million followed through media and online platforms.

Analysts say the campaign’s success stems from its data-driven and inclusive approach. Dr Ahmed Mrosso of the University of Dodoma noted that President Hassan’s credibility was strengthened by tangible achievements.

“She didn’t just promise — she showed delivery,” he said. CCM has urged citizens to turn out in large numbers for the general election tomorrow, October 29, 2025. “Your vote for Samia is your vote for a secure and prosperous Tanzania,” said Mr Kihongosi.

Today’s grand rally at Kirumba Stadium is expected to draw tens of thousands from across the Lake Zone, marking a fitting end to a campaign that has captured the hopes and voices of millions nationwide .

Dar es Salaam. Several road and marine transport companies have announced plans to halt their services between October 28 and 30 to allow citizens to participate in the October 29, 2025, polls.

The decision has sparked debate, with the Passengers’ Rights Association describing the move as unjustified and contrary to public interest. Among them are bus firms operating long-distance routes from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, Tarime (Mara), Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tabora, Mpanda (Katavi), Bukoba, Karagwe (Kagera) and Kigoma, which have said they will not operate on election day.

Marine operators, including Azam Marine and Zan Fast Ferries, have also announced that they will suspend services on October 29 along the Dar es SalaamZanzibar and ZanzibarDar es Salaam routes, resuming operations the following day. Ticket booking platforms for the affected companies have likewise disabled bookings for that date.

When contacted, representatives of the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa), the Passengers’ Rights Association, and the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) gave differing views on the matter. Taboa spokesperson Mustapha Mwalongo said the suspension was not a directive from the association but rather a business decision by individual companies concerned about low passenger turnout on polling day.

“It’s true some companies have decided to halt their routes, especially on October 29, because they expect fewer passengers,” said Mr Mwalongo. “As I’ve said, this is not Taboa’s official position.

Each operator is making its own assessment. For instance, a company that normally sends five buses to Mbeya may only send one that day.

” He added that operators expect reduced demand as many citizens will focus on voting, prompting some to scale down services or temporarily stop operations. However, the Passengers’ Rights Association dismissed the reasoning, calling it baseless and a violation of transport regulations.

“That’s a breach of transport rules,” said the association’s secretary, Hashim Omary. “Unless the government directs operators to suspend services, companies have no valid reason to stop offering transport.

Everyone has personal and family responsibilities–people travel for medical reasons, emergencies, or other urgent matters.” Mr Omary said the assumption that there will be no passengers is unfounded, adding that suspending travel could inconvenience many citizens.

“You cannot deny people transport because of voting. Even the government doesn’t support such a move.

It’s simply fear that they’ll waste fuel,” he said. “We believe passenger demand will remain normal because life continues–people have illnesses, funerals, and family obligations.

So stopping services makes little sense.” Latra Director General Johansen Kahatano said the authority has been in contact with some operators to understand their reasons for the suspension.

“One mentioned security concerns, but the police have already assured the public of adequate security during the elections, so that shouldn’t be an issue,” he said. “We’ve communicated this to their association leadership.

Most companies will operate as usual, with only a few suspending services for their own reasons.” .

Not long ago, the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) convened a conversation themed “Strengthening PublicPrivate Dialogue on Tax Administration”. At the centre of the dialogue was Mr Yusuph J.

Mwenda, Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), engaging directly with private sector leaders to reflect on how we can build a tax ecosystem rooted in trust, understanding and shared responsibility. For years, the relationship between taxpayers and tax collectors has been one of cautious distance a relationship shaped by fear, not understanding.

Fear of audits. Fear of penalties.

Fear of the unknown. But the truth is this fear does not build nations.

Understanding does. In that room, I shared a personal story one that mirrors the lived reality of millions of Tanzanian entrepreneurs.

“When I was a young business reporter at Business Times, I could only imagine the pain entrepreneurs were feeling in their quest to comply. They felt it deeper but for me, it was like a pain on my skin, bearable.

I could not relate that much. Then, as CEO of Mwananchi Communications Limited, I began to feel that pain getting closer, deep, in my flesh.

Fast forward to setting up my own company and now the pain has reached the bone. Iko kwa mfupa.

” That pain is the price of compliance in its current form a maze of overlapping regulations, multiple levies and duplicated inspections. A system where every regulatory body TRA, Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA), Fire Department and others knocks at the same small door, each asking for its share.

For many, it is too much to bear. And so, they choose the path of informality not out of defiance, but survival.

Why a transformed TRA matters This is why the conversation with the TRA Commissioner General gave me hope. Because what I saw that evening was not the traditional taxman.

It was a leader on a mission to transform an institution from an enforcer to an enabler; from a collector to a connector; from fear to understanding. The CG spoke candidly about his mission as the TRA czar, which, as expected, has its own internal challenges, including leading thousands of staff, many of whom are still adjusting to the authority’s renewed vision.

He recognises that change begins from within. And that realisation alone is powerful because a transformed TRA can transform the culture of compliance itself.

From enforcement to empowerment During our follow-up meeting with the CG who had invited me to his office seeking to understand better the “maumivu kwenye mfupa” (the pain in the bone) we unpacked this transformation agenda not in theory, but through practical ideas that can change how citizens experience compliance. Imagine a single digital and physical platform that integrates all regulatory bodies TRA, OSHA, Fire, National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), and others so that businesses register, pay, and get certified in one place.

That is efficiency. That is empowerment.

Imagine a tiered system that allows startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow under lighter compliance obligations before being fully absorbed into the mainstream framework. That is not leniency.

It is logic. Growth first, taxation next.

The meeting ended with a shared resolve that compliance should not be a punishment but a pathway. This is what transformation looks like when institutions listen.

The bigger picture As Tanzania moves toward Dira 2050, the role of TRA is more than collecting revenue. It is about shaping national culture one where citizens see tax not as extraction, but as contribution; not as loss, but as investment.

For that to happen, TRA must continue on this path of change leading with empathy, communicating with clarity, and engaging with courage because when understanding replaces fear, compliance follows naturally. The question is no longer, “How do we collect more?” The question is, “How do we help our people understand more so that they choose to comply?” A transformed TRA will be the answer to move taxpayers from fear to understanding and compliance and they will need all our support.

Bakari S. Machumu is the Founder and CEO of BSM Washauri (TZ) Ltd.

, a knowledge-based business firm specialising in Business and Leadership Advisory; Strategy and Media and Communications Solutions .

Dar es Salaam. Construction at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is well underway, supported by $45.5 million (about Sh120 billion) under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, aiming to significantly expand infrastructure and modernise training for health professionals in Tanzania.

Speaking during a media briefing at Mloganzila yesterday, MUHAS Vice Chancellor Prof Appolinary Kamuhabwa said the World Bankfunded investment represents the university’s most substantial development commitment since its establishment. “This is the largest investment the university has ever received since its establishment as a medical school in 1963,” he said.

He said $30.5 million has been allocated to advance works at Mloganzila and the new Kigoma Campus. “Through the HEET Project, the university has received a total of $45.5 million, which is a concessional loan from the World Bank to the Government of Tanzania,” he explained.

Construction of the new College of Medicine at Mloganzila, which began in December 2024, has now reached 50 per cent completion. The works include major teaching and student facilities such as lecture theatres accommodating 1,400 students, an administration building with 450 offices, 21 teaching laboratories, an anatomy building for 300 users at a time, a 320-bed student hostel, and a dining hall serving 550 users simultaneously.

The project also comprises a new library and ICT centre, upgraded internal roads, and a football pitch. “Construction work is progressing rapidly and to satisfactory standards,” Prof Kamuhabwa noted, adding that completion is expected in June 2026. At Kigoma, where development has reached 35 per cent completion, the campus will host academic and administrative buildings, six laboratories, an anatomy block, and a 110-capacity student hostel.

Prof Kamuhabwa said the location is strategically positioned to serve the western zone. “This funding will support the establishment of a new health campus in the western zone, a region with geographical challenges and vulnerability to epidemic diseases,” he noted.

Prof Kamuhabwa said the expansion will significantly increase student intake and ease current infrastructure limitations. “For every 31 applicants, we can only enrol one student due to limited infrastructure,” he explained, citing last year’s figures where 31,026 qualified applicants competed for just 986 available places across MUHAS undergraduate programmes.

He further emphasised that curriculum reforms, enhanced research capacity, and job creation are key benefits already emerging from the project. “A total of 83 academic programmes have undergone major review and 23 new programmes have been introduced,” he said, noting that more than 300 jobs have already been created during construction and implementation.

The university also expects the modernised learning environment to attract international students and strengthen MUHAS’s position as a leading regional training centre. “Improved learning facilities will increase international student enrolment and enhance MUHAS’s status,” he said.

Prof Kamuhabwa expressed appreciation to the Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising investment in health and higher education. “We sincerely thank the Sixth Phase Government for continuing to make major investments in improving higher education infrastructure, especially at MUHAS,” he remarked.

He stressed that the project aligns with broader national development goals. “The construction of the College of Medicine at the Mloganzila Campus is part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring higher education drives economic, social and technological development,” he said.

Prof Kamuhabwa concluded by reaffirming the transformative impact of the ongoing project: “We believe that completion of this College will significantly increase both the number and quality of health professionals in the country, and ultimately improve healthcare services for all Tanzanians.” For his part, the HEET Coordinator and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration at MUHAS, Prof Erasto Mbugi, said the project is progressing at an impressive pace.

“The construction is moving very quickly and according to plan,” he said. “When this project is finished, it will revolutionise health training and play a critical role in closing the existing gap in healthcare expertise,” Professor Mbugi added.

Meanwhile, Mloganzila street chairman, Ahmad Ladack described the project as a blessing for the local community, highlighting the opportunities it has already created for young residents. “This project has been a true blessing for our ward because many of our youth are already employed on the construction site,” he said.

“By the time the project is completed, it will have benefited our local people considerably,” he added. He revealed that the construction has already increased demand for local services and materials, and this will continue, bringing long-term advantages to the residents.

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Mwanza. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has officially brought her campaign to a close with a passionate appeal to Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes peacefully in Wednesday’s general election.

Addressing thousands of supporters at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, President Hassan said the country’s destiny lies in the hands of voters, urging them not to leave the decision to others or waste the opportunity to shape Tanzania’s future. “It is not enough to attend campaign rallies in large numbers.

What matters most is showing up tomorrow to vote,” she declared. “Do not stay online complaining or blaming others — those who make decisions about our country’s direction are the ones who vote, not those who grumble on social media.

Complaints don’t elect leaders — votes do.” She reminded Tanzanians that the government had declared October 29 a public holiday to ensure all eligible citizens have enough time to participate in the polls.

“This is a right you get only once every five years — use it, don’t let it slip away,” she said. “Our security and defence agencies have assured us that the election period will remain calm and peaceful.

So, let’s go out in large numbers, encourage one another, and vote.” As she wrapped up her month-long campaign trail across the country, President Hassan reaffirmed that if CCM is re-elected, her administration will place special emphasis on the fight against corruption, good governance, reconciliation, and constitutional reform.

“If you entrust us again, we will continue to strengthen the fight against corruption. Tanzania has made progress in curbing corruption — our international reputation is improving, and we intend to push this further,” she said.

She also underscored her commitment to inclusive development and national unity, saying reconciliation will remain at the heart of her next administration. “The inclusive development we seek must go hand in hand with reconciliation,” she said.

“We are determined to establish a National Reconciliation Commission that will build a solid foundation for unity. We ask for your trust so that we can repay it with integrity, efficiency, and commitment to serve all Tanzanians.

” President Hassan took time to commend political parties for conducting peaceful and issue-based campaigns, noting that this election season had demonstrated Tanzania’s growing political maturity. “I thank all political parties for running civilised campaigns and focusing on policy debates instead of insults.

This shows how far our democracy has come,” she remarked. “Now, let us allow citizens to make their choice through the ballot box.

That is their right, and it must be respected.” Her running mate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, also spoke at the event, expressing his full confidence in Samia’s leadership and pledging to work tirelessly to help realise her vision.

“The best way I can repay the trust you’ve placed in me is by dedicating all my strength, intellect, and honesty to support your vision and the implementation of CCM’s manifesto,” said Dr Nchimbi. “From what we have seen on the ground, Tanzanians are satisfied with the work you’ve done.

The gift they are preparing for you is a resounding victory.” CCM Vice-Chairman (Mainland), Stephen Wasira, praised President Samia as a resilient leader who steered the nation through some of its toughest moments.

“She became President at a time of crisis — when the nation and the world were battling Covid-19 and mourning the loss of the late President John Magufuli,” Mr Wasira said. “Samia led us through that period, revived the economy, and restored confidence.

” CCM Secretary-General, Ambassador Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, hailed the President as a ‘trailblazer and a role model for women in leadership’, linking her journey to the vision of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. “From Kizimkazi to international stages, we are witnessing the realisation of Mwalimu Nyerere’s dream of gender equality,” said Dr Migiro.

“President Samia has broken barriers and opened doors of opportunity for both women and men, proving that leadership knows no gender.” As the sun set over Mwanza, President Hassan waved to the crowd one last time, closing her campaign with a message of unity, peace, and hope — calling on every Tanzanian to rise early the next day and exercise their democratic right.

“Let us all vote peacefully,” she concluded. “Let us show the world that Tanzania remains a beacon of democracy and stability.

Together, we can continue building the nation we all love.” .

Dar es Salaam. Local company Smart Pika plans to reach 500,000 Tanzanians next year by providing modern, energy-efficient electric stoves through an affordable instalment payment system, in support of the national clean cooking agenda.

The initiative, led by Smart Pika founder Mr Andron Mendes, aims to make clean cooking accessible to low-income households across Tanzania. Under the model, customers can receive a stove immediately and pay in small instalments via mobile money similar to the country’s prepaid electricity system until the balance is cleared.

“We realised that our technology can be expensive for low-income earners, so we introduced a pay-in-instalments system linked to mobile phones to make it easier for customers to manage their payments,” said Mr Mendes. The initiative supports the government’s goal of ensuring that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking solutions by 2034, helping to reduce both environmental degradation and health problems caused by traditional cooking methods.

Mr Mendes said the company visited Kibasila Primary School yesterday, where it donated modern stoves and school bags to pupils and teachers, as part of efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy. “This is the second time we have visited this school.

We installed a modern stove that helps reduce cooking costs, and pupils now get their meals on time,” he added. Smart Pika has set a long-term goal of reaching five million households, or about 20 million people, by 2034. The company expects to sell at least 5,000 stoves by the end of this year through the instalment plan, citing strong demand and positive feedback from early users.

Charles Barnaba, programme representative for Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) under the United Kingdom High Commission in Tanzania, which is financing the initiative, said electric stoves are not only affordable but also help reduce deforestation and air pollution. “The project implemented by Smart Pika will make these stoves accessible to many Tanzanians through small instalments, accelerating the national clean cooking agenda and reducing environmental pollution,” he said.

Kibasila Primary School head teacher, Ms Halima Hassan, said the stoves have significantly reduced operational costs and improved working conditions for cooks. “Previously, we spent about Sh20,000 daily on firewood for cooking.

After receiving these modern electric stoves, our daily cost has dropped to Sh5,000, and our students now get their meals on time. We encourage other schools to follow this example,” she said.

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By Doreen Kwayu Football in Tanzania is more than a sport it is culture, passion, and increasing big business. The unveiling of Young Africans record Sh21.75 billion sponsorship deal with SportPesa in August sparked conversations far beyond stadium walls.

From Kariakoo streets to national radio call-ins, the figure became a symbol of Tanzanian football’s rise. It also underscored how sponsorships are now shaping the economic fabric of our national game.

This is a turning point. Tanzanian football is no longer operating in the margins; it is becoming an industry with tangible economic weight, social influence, and continental ambition.

For us SportPesa, this partnership reaffirms our belief that investing in football means investing in people, opportunity, and national pride. Challenges facing Tanzanian football Even as the excitement builds, we must face the realities that continue to limit progress.

Many clubs still rely heavily on short-term revenues and gate collections, leaving little room for long-term investment. Infrastructure from training grounds to medical facilities and stadium maintenance requires more sustained funding than most clubs can currently provide.

The development pipeline also needs reinforcement. Youth academies lack resources to fully nurture emerging players, while women’s football, though steadily growing, continues to face challenges of funding and recognition.

Fans, the beating heart of the game, often face frustrations ranging from poor stadium logistics to unreliable live broadcasts. CAF licensing now compels clubs to invest in administration, facilities, and community development, a standard that Tanzania must meet not just to comply, but to compete.

This is the moment to act decisively, not cautiously. Turning challenges into opportunities Our partnership shows what is possible when ambition meets investment.

Beyond performance enhancement, the funds are enabling professional structures, better player welfare, improved training environments, advanced scouting, and modern matchday experiences. True growth, however, lies in how these resources transform the wider ecosystem from youth academies and women’s football to healthcare, fan safety, and career pathways for players.

The aim is not simply to fund football, but to professionalise it from the ground up, ensuring that the progress we celebrate today can be sustained tomorrow. Fans should feel the impact For us at SportPesa, the real success of any sponsorship is measured by the fan experience.

A deal of this scale must translate into smoother stadium access, cleaner stands, improved sound systems, and consistent matchday coverage. Fans deserve quality football both on the pitch and in how it’s presented.

Equally, investment must empower young players to rise through the ranks and ensure women’s football is visible and celebrated. When supporters see these improvements, they will know that every shilling invested is working to uplift the game they love.

Lessons from SportPesa’s regional footprint Our experience across the continent proves that meaningful partnerships drive transformation. The 2017 SportPesa Super Cup, which brought East African clubs together and led to Everton’s historic visit to Dar es Salaam, demonstrated Tanzania’s potential to command international attention.

In Kenya, our collaboration with the Football Federation fostered stability across grassroots and professional football. In South Africa, partnership with Varsity Football helped nurture university talent.

Globally, alliances with Everton, Hull City, and Arsenal have given East African football unprecedented visibility. The message is clear when investment is matched with vision and accountability, growth follows.

The power of partnerships No single player can transform Tanzanian football alone. Clubs must use sponsorship funds responsibly and transparently, ensuring they reach where impact is greatest.

Sponsors must go beyond branding to drive shared accountability and measurable outcomes. Government and regulators must strengthen infrastructure, policy, and governance.

And fans must remain engaged not only as spectators but as vital partners in progress. The SportPesa-Yanga partnership represents a model for how collaboration can reshape the football industry into one that is globally respected, locally empowering, and economically sustainable.

Aligning with national ambitions Sport is an essential pillar of Tanzania’s national development vision. With clubs like Yanga and Simba gaining continental recognition, and government support for professional leagues increasing, we stand at a pivotal moment.

Strategic sponsorships like this one don’t just benefit clubs they fuel youth employment, skills development, and national visibility. They also align with CAF’s call for African football to adopt sustainable, long-term models that secure the future of the sport.

Conclusion: Beyond the numbers The Sh21.75 billion headline made waves across Tanzania. But the real measure of success will be the transformation we see, in better football on the pitch, stronger infrastructure off it, more opportunities for youth and women, and richer fan experiences.

At SportPesa, we believe that sponsorship is not about ceremony; it’s about commitment, impact, and delivery. But this journey requires collective effort.

Clubs must manage resources wisely, government must continue to provide an enabling environment, and fans must stay engaged in holding all of us accountable to higher standards. The cheque has been signed, now it’s time for every stakeholder to step up.

Together, we can take Tanzanian football to the next level, professional, competitive, and truly world-class. Doreen Kwayu is Head of Operations, SportPesa Tanzania.

London. The Mall Galleries, one of Britain’s most prestigious art venues, has opened Whispers Under Wings: Global Conference of the Birds, a solo exhibition by Tanzanian artist Shafina Jaffer, marking a rare and significant moment for East African art on the London stage.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mbelwa Kairuki, who hailed Jaffer as a “cultural bridge-builder.” “Shafina’s talent and vision beautifully showcase the spirit of Tanzania on the global stage,” Kairuki said, adding, “Art is indeed a powerful tool of diplomacy and connection.

Hongera sana, Shafina! You make Tanzania proud.” Situated along The Mall, opposite Buckingham Palace, the Mall Galleries are a cornerstone of British artistic life.

Since their inauguration by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971, the venue has hosted major exhibitions ranging from the Royal Society of Portrait Painters to contemporary art shows addressing global causes. For Jaffer, exhibiting here is not merely a personal milestone but also a symbolic recognition of Tanzania’s artistic voice joining Britain’s cultural narrative.

Bark cloth and birds: A Tanzanian language of art Jaffer’s artistic signature lies in both her medium and method. She paints on bark cloth, an ancient, sustainably sourced material, and grinds her own pigments from Tanzanian soil, minerals, plants, and bone.

Each piece, she says, carries the “spirit of home.” In Whispers Under Wings, she depicts enlarged African birds on monumental bark cloth panels.

Her imagery draws inspiration from Farid ud-Din Attar’s 12th-century Persian poem The Conference of the Birds, in which birds seek their divine king only to discover that the truth lies within themselves. Critical and diplomatic acclaim The opening drew diplomats, collectors, and members of London’s Tanzanian diaspora.

Prominent art critic Tabish Khan praised Jaffer’s originality and emotional intelligence. Khan remarked, “pause, reflect, and look inward.

This is art that doesn’t just impress — it makes you think, and it makes you feel.” Many guests noted that her paintings touch the soul and invite reflection, not only on individual lives but also on shared responsibilities to the planet.

Jaffer’s rise to international recognition has been swift. Her painting was projected onto Windsor Castle during King Charles III’s Coronation Concert in 2023, an honour that introduced her work to a global audience.

Since then, her pieces have entered private and institutional collections worldwide, including cultural centres, hospitals, and schools promoting dialogue and peace. Most recently, she was featured in the August 2025 issue of Air Tanzania’s Twiga Magazine, highlighting her growing role as a cultural ambassador for the country.

She describes her art as secular yet spiritual, aimed at universal harmony: “My paintings are not bound by creed,” she said at the opening. “They are meant to speak to all — to awaken us to the beauty we are entrusted with, and to remind us of the balance we must restore with nature and with one another.

” For Tanzanians at home and abroad, this is a moment of pride — proof that the nation’s artistic voices can soar globally, carrying wisdom and beauty under their wings. .

Dar es Salaam. Trading activity at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) has slowed over the past two weeks as investors adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Market data show that total turnover for the week ending October 24, 2025, fell by 5.21 percent to Sh11.63 billion, down from Sh12.27 billion recorded the previous week.

This marks the second consecutive week of decline, following a 21.66 percent drop in the week ending October 17, when trading value fell from Sh15.66 billion to Sh12.27 billion. The slowdown coincides with a decrease in foreign investor participation during the third quarter of 2025, as global yields rose and the US Federal Reserve maintained elevated interest rates.

Figures show that offshore investors increased their stock sales by 41.9 percent, selling shares worth Sh114.9 billion between July and September, compared to Sh80.9 billion in the second quarter. DSE chief executive officer Peter Nalitolela was recently quoted as saying the increase in foreign sell-offs reflected portfolio rebalancing and broader global dynamics rather than declining confidence in Tanzania’s market.

“It reflects a combination of domestic market dynamics, macroeconomic adjustments, and global yield movements, rather than a loss of confidence in the Tanzanian market,” he said. Investor caution ahead of polls Market analysts say investor caution is typical during politically sensitive periods.

Zan Securities Limited CEO Raphael Masumbuko noted that the current slowdown may be linked to election-related uncertainty. “Things are not that bad, but investors may feel that with attention shifting towards elections, demand could dip and prices might fall.

That’s what could be happening now,” he said. However, he expressed optimism that trading activity would rebound after the polls.

“Investors remain hopeful that once the election period ends, things will return to normal,” he added. Analysts also believe that the ongoing release of financial statements by listed companies could help revive sentiment and stimulate market activity in the coming weeks.

Financial market expert Isaac Lubeja said the market is entering the third-quarter earnings season, a period typically marked by mild volatility. “Anticipation surrounding these results is already influencing investor sentiment, fuelling optimism that has lifted several counters in recent sessions,” he said.

“Nonetheless, trading volumes are expected to remain relatively subdued until the results are released and institutional investors can deploy larger capital flows.” He added that the Industrial and Allied and Commercial Services segments are expected to maintain their upward momentum, supported by renewed investor interest in firms demonstrating strong earnings resilience.

Banking stocks, which recorded sharp gains earlier in the year, may consolidate as investors rebalance their portfolios ahead of the results season. “Overall, the equity market retains a constructive tone, with expectations of further price appreciation in the coming weeks underpinned by improving liquidity conditions,” he said.

Fixed-income market In the bond market, yields have continued to decline across the curve, extending the downward trend seen in recent auctions. The long end of the curve is hovering near 13 percent, while short-dated papers have compressed further to around 11.512 percent.

The narrowing spread reflects a flattening yield curve, driven by strong demand for 10-year and 15-year Treasury bonds, both of which were heavily oversubscribed. Turnover and trading patterns Solomon Stockbrokers Ltd Chief Investment Officer Patrick James said equities turnover during the two weeks ending October 24 closed at Sh36.68 billion, a 12.28 percent drop from S1.82 billion recorded in the previous two weeks ending October 3.

“The drop was caused by an 11.09 percent decline in block trades, from Sh20.02 billion to Sh17.80 billion, while normal counter trades fell by 13.36 percent, from Sh21.80 billion to Sh18.88 billion,” he said. Mr James said the decline was likely part of short-term fluctuations rather than a reflection of weaker investor appetite, noting that the number of trades actually increased by 1.

41 percent. He added that fixed-income transactions in the secondary market surged to Sh705 billion during the two weeks ending October 24, a 225.27 percent increase from Sh216.89 billion recorded in the previous period, despite falling yields.

“This may indicate that investors are prioritising safer assets that guarantee steady returns, compared to the relatively riskier equities market, as we head towards the general election,” he said. Independent analyst Christopher Makombe said the decline in DSE activity was likely driven by election-related uncertainty, causing reduced foreign participation and cautious trading behaviour.

“With the general election approaching, investors appear to be in wait-and-see mode. Lower volumes and turnover suggest that many participants are staying on the sidelines,” he said.

“Market activity is likely to increase once the election concludes and government operations normalise under newly elected leadership.” .