Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. A new form of regenerative medicine that uses the body’s own stem cells to heal and restore damaged tissues is emerging as a promising alternative for those seeking cosmetic procedures traditionally addressed through plastic surgery.

The treatment, which is gaining popularity in the fields of health and aesthetics, enables the body to repair itself naturally without the need for invasive surgical procedures. Through regenerative therapy, patients can rejuvenate tired or ageing skin, stimulate new hair growth, reduce wrinkles, slow down ageing, lose weight, build muscle, heal wounds, and even ease pain in affected joints and body organs.

An aesthetic specialist, Dr Arshni Malde, who offers the treatment, said regenerative medicine is becoming increasingly popular due to its fast results and affordability compared to conventional plastic surgery. In an interview with The Citizen, Dr Malde explained how the therapy works and how it differs from surgical treatments.

“Unlike plastic surgery, which often requires a long recovery period and can sometimes lead to complications, regenerative medicine involves no cuts or wounds. The healing process is quicker, and the results last longer because it stimulates the body to naturally produce new collagen, nerves, and tissues,” she said.

Dr Malde, who practises in Nairobi, Kenya, said her team is expanding expertise in regenerative and functional medicine to meet the growing demand for safer, more natural beauty treatments. Globally, she said, regenerative medicine has advanced to the point where people can now regenerate body organs such as the liver, kidneys, and even grow new teeth.

“For instance, in dental regeneration, doctors can use gum tissue to grow new teeth. Although this technology is not yet fully advanced in Kenya, regenerative and stem-cell services are available in other parts of the world,” explained Dr Malde, who is also the Director of TIA Clinics and Regenera Pharma.

She said her team currently performs skin and hair regeneration for both men and women. “For someone struggling with hair thinning, we extract stem cells from their own body.

The cells are drawn from the patient’s blood, processed, and then injected back into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth,” she said. However, she noted that stem-cell therapy is less effective for individuals who have completely lost all their hair.

In such cases, hair transplant procedures are recommended. Beyond hair, regenerative medicine is also used to reduce facial wrinkles, improve skin tone and radiance, and help the body regenerate collagen.

It can also repair damaged skin, including burn scars, and relieve chronic pain. “When someone experiences pain in a specific body part, stem cells can be injected into the affected area to help regenerate nerves, ligaments, or cartilage–the soft tissue connecting bones,” Dr Malde explained.

She added that while bones cannot be fully regenerated, other tissues can heal up to 90100 percent in both men and women. Although she mainly focuses on aesthetic purposes, Dr Malde also treats patients suffering from chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues.

She urged other medical professionals to explore the use of stem-cell technology in their respective fields. In Tanzania, she said, a few doctors have started adopting regenerative therapies, particularly in the aesthetic sector, and expressed hope that the practice will expand across Africa.

“We started in Kenya, and now doctors from various specialities are offering regenerative services. You can see how medical practitioners are investing in this field.

It’s important for African doctors to embrace this innovation–it will definitely grow. Tanzania already has a few specialists doing it, and the number will keep rising,” she said.

Dr Malde added that she also uses peptide-based therapies for anti-ageing, weight loss, muscle building, and wound healing, describing regenerative therapy as a broad field with multiple applications. “This therapy is still relatively new, even in Western countries.

It’s a young and rapidly evolving field,” she said. Distinguishing between plastic surgery and regenerative medicine, she clarified: “Regenerative medicine is non-surgical, while plastic surgery involves invasive procedures.

Not everyone qualifies for surgery–studies show only about 40 percent of people meet the criteria. That’s where aesthetic treatments come in to help.

” She also pointed out that many people who desire cosmetic surgery cannot afford it, which makes regenerative therapy a more accessible option. On costs, she said regenerative therapy sessions range between $200 and $300, while full treatment can reach up to $10,000, depending on the patient’s condition.

“The good thing about these treatments is that we guide patients on how to plan their spending based on their income. For those who can’t afford full treatment, we offer pharmaceutical products that support regeneration, though results take longer to appear,” she said.

Dr Malde added that special pharmaceutical products are available for individuals who want regenerative therapy but cannot afford the complete package. Anti-ageing treatments, she noted, have become increasingly popular as many people wish to look youthful.

“It’s interesting how today’s generation prioritises beauty even when they cannot afford to feed their families,” she said with a smile. She clarified that peptide therapy works as a preventive measure against ageing rather than a cure.

“People without wrinkles use these products as a preventative step to delay ageing,” she explained. While Tanzania is still in the early stages, Dr Malde noted that a few local specialists are beginning to explore regenerative techniques for improving skin, hair, and overall body health.

A specialist in reconstructive surgery at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Dr Aidan Njau, has highlighted the growing importance of regenerative medicine in the country due to increasing demand. “Many people need this service, but surgery is expensive.

Regenerative treatment, although a new technology not yet widely introduced in Tanzania, requires substantial investment,” he said. “When setting up such services and equipment, you need a well-equipped laboratory that meets standards and all the necessary facilities,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Erick Muhumba, a reconstructive surgery specialist at Muhimbili National Hospital-Mloganzila, explained that these treatments represent a new technology and are significantly different from traditional reconstructive surgery. “There is a big difference, and while we have begun offering this treatment in Tanzania, it is important for it to be available nationally.

People want to see results, especially when the treatment is less harmful and reasonably priced,” he said. A resident of Dar es Salaam, Ms Naomi Barton, emphasised the importance of this service, saying many desire body restoration but end up relying solely on topical treatments.

“Using collagen lotions makes it difficult to achieve fast results, and the effects do not last–once you stop, you go back to where you started. I believe that with regenerative treatment, your cells continue to renew themselves just like when you were young,” she said.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, will take on Zambia tomorrow at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match, but the squad will be without captain and central defender Dickson Job due to injury.

Job (pictured), who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, has been released from the national team camp, ruling him out of both tomorrow’s qualifier and the upcoming international friendly against Iran in Dubai on October 14. Despite the setback, head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman assured that the team remains well-prepared and confident. “We are doing fine despite missing the services of our central defender, Dickson Job, who sustained an injury,” said Suleiman.

“It is a blow for us, but we have alternatives within the squad to fill the gap and maintain our tactical plan.” The remainder of the squad is reported to be in good condition, with players showing focus and commitment ahead of the crucial clash against Zambia, a team recognised for its strength and ambition in African football.

Among the players ready to make an impact is newly called-up midfielder Habibu Idd, who expressed pride at representing the national team for the first time. He highlighted the importance of fan support in motivating the players on the pitch.

“Every player dreams of representing their country, and I am honoured to have this chance. We know the match will be challenging, but we are preparing well and are determined to secure a positive result,” said Idd.

Attacking midfielder Offen Chikola also reflected on the significance of his inclusion in the squad, describing it as a major milestone in his career. .

Arusha. Policy experts and business leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and international stakeholders are set to convene at the East African Business and Investment Summit and Expo 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, amid growing concerns over the global economic slowdown.

The event, organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the EAC, is scheduled to run from October 16 to 17. The slowdown, affecting both developed and developing nations, has been fuelled by rising trade tensions, policy uncertainty, persistent inflation, higher production costs, and geopolitical risks. Global growth for 2025 is projected to range between 2.

9 and 3.2 percent.

The summit, themed “Promoting Private Sector Driven Regional Integration for Increased Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment,” aims to strengthen business and investment ties while shaping East Africa’s broader economic agenda. Leaders from the public and private sectors are expected to explore innovative strategies to sustain growth amid global uncertainty.

Key discussions will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade through reduced tariffs, streamlined customs procedures, and market integration. With a single continental market of over 1.

3 billion people, AfCFTA offers East African businesses opportunities to expand beyond national borders and contribute to regional resilience. The summit will also deliberate on the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, linking the EAC, Comesa, and SADC, which aims to harmonise trade rules, reduce non-tariff barriers, and enhance cross-border investment flows.

These initiatives are expected to strengthen regional supply chains, attract foreign investment, and improve competitiveness in global markets. The EAC bloc, with a combined GDP estimated between $296 billion and $313 billion and a population of around 331 million, is projected to grow by 5.

8 per cent in 2025. Looking ahead, EAC Vision 2050 targets a GDP of $1.5 trillion under a “Current Path” scenario or $3.4 trillion under a more favourable “Combined Scenario.” EABC Executive Director Adrian Njau said the summit will provide a platform for practical solutions to trade barriers, investment promotion, and private sector-led growth.

Resolutions emerging from the forum will be submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers for endorsement, ensuring actionable outcomes that promote sustainable development. private sector participation, and inclusive growth for women and youth entrepreneurs.

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Dar es Salaam. Kenyan golfers once again demonstrated their dominance in East African golf after producing a series of outstanding performances at the Vodacom Tanzania Open Golf Championship, which concluded over the weekend at the scenic Kiligolf Course in Arusha.

The four-day stroke play event brought together over 150 golfers from eight African countries, featuring both professional and amateur divisions. The championship, sanctioned by the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), attracted some of the region’s finest golfers, all competing for top honors in one of the most prestigious tournaments on the Tanzanian golf calendar.

In the professional category, Kenya’s Njoroge Kibugu emerged as the overall champion with a total score of 289 strokes, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. His compatriot Greg Snow followed closely in second place with 300 strokes, while another Kenyan, Robinson Owiti, secured third position on 303 strokes.

Tanzania’s Nuru Mollel was the best local performer, finishing fourth with 305 strokes, ahead of Isaac Wanyeche, who placed fifth on 312 strokes. The trend of Kenyan excellence extended into the elite amateur category, where John Lejirma captured the title with an impressive 292 strokes.

Fellow Kenyan Michael Karanga finished second on 297, while Tanzania’s Isiaka Dunia delivered a strong showing to claim third place with 298 strokes. In the women’s division, Tanzania’s own Madina Idd delighted the home crowd by winning the title with 310 strokes, fending off stiff competition from compatriot Neema Olomi, who took second place with 315 strokes.

The winners were handsomely rewarded for their efforts, with the professional champion taking home Sh 8.2 million, while the top amateur received Sh 2.

5 million. In total, 22 golfers shared various cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, David Tarimo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vodacom Tanzania PLC, commended all participants for their skill and sportsmanship. “This tournament has been thrilling and inspiring.

Vodacom Tanzania is proud to support a championship that promotes excellence, discipline, and unity through sport,” said Tarimo. He added that Vodacom’s partnership with the Tanzania Golf Union reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and enhancing regional cooperation.

“This year, we leveraged our advanced network to deliver live score updates and an enhanced fan experience, bringing technology closer to the heart of sports,” he added. TGU Chairman Gilman Kasiga also applauded Vodacom Tanzania for its continued support, marking the third consecutive year of sponsorship.

“Vodacom’s commitment has transformed this tournament, setting new standards for golf in Tanzania. It shows how strong partnerships can elevate sport and inspire communities,” said Kasiga .

Dar es Salaam. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as Tanzania’s leading source of foreign investment, marking a major shift that has seen long-time leader China overtaken.

According to Tanzania Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), Tanzania registered 201 new projects worth $2.5 billion (Sh6.2 trillion) in three months to September 2025. The projects are expected to generate 20,808 employment opportunities. The UAE brought projects worth $502 million followed by China at $401.55 million and India at $176.18 million.

China was a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Tanzania, accounting for 1,098 investment projects worth $9.6 billion, until October 2022, which have created 131,718 jobs. China was followed by the UK and the USA in the second and third positions, respectively.

According to Tiseza, the top five sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded in the fourth quarter of the last financial year were, China ($1.5 billion), Cayman Islands ($495 million), United Arab Emirates ($305.4 million), India ($115.9), and Mauritius ($98.27 million). The government targets to attract Sh36.862trillion in total investments by the end of the current financial year with focus areas including special economic zones, said Tiseza director general, Mr Gilead Teri.

“Despite the fact that Tanzania is in an election season, investor confidence has remained strong, with continued momentum across key sectors,” he said, adding that out of that, 130 projects are owned by foreigners and 120 joint ventures. Five sectors that lead in the registration projects include manufacturing which accounted for 42.29 percent, followed by constriction of commercial building at 14.93 percent and transport at 14.43 percent.

Dar es Salaam led all regions with 79 projects valued at Sh2.03 trillion, followed by the Coast Region which recorded 29 projects worth S17.99 billion, while Mwanza registered 12 projects worth S82.97 billion, Dodoma followed closely with 13 projects amounting to S55.32 billion, and Arusha secured 16 projects with a combined value of Sh261.02 billion. “These figures are not just numbers; they reflect growing confidence across sectors and across regions.

Tanzanians should be alert to the opportunities ahead,” he said. To build on this momentum, Tiseza has launched a targeted national campaign to promote five high-priority Special Investment Zones.

These include Bagamoyo, Kwala, the Benjamin Mkapa area in Dar es Salaam, and Buzwagi in Kahama, with additional areas such as Ruvuma, Mirerani, and Tanga also receiving priority status under the current investment strategy. Mr Teri further announced that investors who commit to establishing a factory within 12 months in these designated zones will be provided land free of charge, a move aimed at accelerating industrial development and attracting both domestic and international investors.

In these zones, Tiseza has identified ten priority sectors for investment, which include fast-moving consumer goods, textile manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, vehicle assembly and auto parts manufacturing, paper and packaging materials, rubber products including tire production, boat and motorcycle engine manufacturing, solar technology and battery production, electrical devices, and furniture for the construction industry. “These sectors have high growth potential, strong capacity for job creation, and the ability to generate significant export value,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Teri also urged the public and potential investors to rely on official data from Tiseza and other government institutions, cautioning against the use of unofficial or unverified sources when making investment decisions. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to transparency and open engagement with stakeholders across all regions.

He noted that the sustained pace of investment, even in the context of a national election, is a clear sign of investor confidence in Tanzania’s long-term stability, policy direction, and commitment to economic transformation. .

Geita. Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) celebrated its 25th anniversary by hosting a golf tournament at the Lake Victoria Golf Club, located within the Geita mine site The tournament is part of a series of activities planned this year to commemorate GGML’s quarter-century journey, highlighting the company’s growth and acknowledging the contributions of employees, the local community, and government partners in building its legacy.

The event brought together GGML employees and representatives from partner companies, emphasizing the promotion of health, collaboration, and social well-being through sports. Speaking on behalf of management, GGML’s Senior Communications Officer, Rhoda Lugazia, explained that golf was chosen as part of the celebrations because it reflects values such as unity and discipline, which are central to the company’s culture.

“Golf is more than just a game. It provides an opportunity to foster teamwork, patience, and wellness in the workplace,” Lugazia said.

Participants included staff from various departments, such as engineering, environmental management, occupational safety, and communications. Guests from government institutions and the private sector also joined the tournament, reinforcing GGML’s commitment to strong community relations.

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, GGML continues to support the development of sports and infrastructure in the Geita region, including improvements in schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational amenities for local communities. The anniversary golf tournament not only celebrated the company’s achievements over 25 years but also reinforced its dedication to promoting health, collaboration, and social development in the region.

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In some African countries, queues at American embassies to be interviewed for a visa stretch for miles, so much so that one would have to wait for nearly a year just to get to stand at the embassy official’s window and plead their case as to why they should be allowed to travel to their country. Blame Hollywood with its blockbuster movies, depicting manicured lawns and picket fences, the land of milk and honey.

The American film industry has been its most powerful tool of propaganda; it sold the illusion that once you land in the United States, your pockets will magically fill with dollars, or that money grows on trees, ready to be plucked. Working at fast-food joints like McDonald’s was a great way to stack up some dollars for Tanzanian students in the US.

That money comes in handy once one’s 3-year degree is done and the family back home expects some American gift when you depart the country. As years went by most students and visitors on temporary visa never departed, nevertheless, these educated immigrants were easy to absorb into the American workforce, so were the illegal immigrants who went to the country to fill up the manual labour demand much needed in the agricultural sector, mostly because the cheap labour with no demands for benefits and healthcare insurance became the backbone in the plantations, ever since the enslaved Africans were emancipated.

For decades, with the influx of skilled immigrants from Asia in the tech industry and the porous southern border. Immigration became a hot topic that would bring the conservative Trump back in office, who blamed the nation’s decline and woes on the illegal immigrants.

A great salesman sold his ideas well to his base, with a vow to deport all illegal immigrants, who were supposedly raping and killing Americans. One year into his second term.

It seems like the Trump administration is hell-bent on finding all ways to expel all foreigners who are in the country illegally. The administration have escalated their quest even further, seeking ways to even go after people with all the legal papers, but seem not aligned with the current government’s political leaning.

Many Tanzanians have on numerous occasions applied for visas and even got appointments but never got their hands on a visa. “The officer just looked at me through the window.

I could see her holding my documents. I was too nervous to speak, and just like that, I was handed my papers back and told to try next time,” said Mr Juma, who was hoping to join his mother in Miami after he graduated from the Open University in Dar es Salaam.

Another Tanzanian student who has applied for a student visa, but during his interview, he couldn’t speak fluent English, and within a few seconds, he was denied his visa, and just like that, the thousands of dollars he scraped up went down the drain. The US embassy’s no-refund policy ensured that.

This was the norm at US embassies across Africa; social media is full of testimonies from those who were denied visas. But that was before the current Trump administration’s strict immigration policies that are openly being applied by the US government, along with swift deportation of illegal aliens.

One can only imagine how much harder it is for an ordinary Tanzanian to get a visa now. The American Embassy in Dar es Salaam has, in recent times, repeatedly posted on social media posts warning against ‘overstaying’ one’s visa, among other posts outlining the country’s immigration policies.

It is clear that rigorous background and financial checks are now enforced during the visa application process more than ever before. What are the chances for ordinary Tanzanians who had dreams of studying or emigrating to the country? For the uniquely skilled professionals who wanted to secure an H-1B visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations like IT and medicine in hopes of achieving the American dream, the future is uncertain.

The announcement of the major changes in the cost of the H-1B visa caused panic among US employers and their foreign employees. The Tanzanian population in the US is growing, estimated to be close to 100,000; the number of those living there illegally is debatable.

But the recent immigration clampdown has affected them just the same. Parents are worried their deportation would leave their American-born children without parental care.

Some of these Tanzanians moved to the country as students or on visitors’ visas but worked hard and earned their American dreams, which are now in jeopardy. Those who have sacrificed their youth, laboured in the land of the free, and started families, but now their stay in the country is under heavy scrutiny.

For the immigrants who are held at deportation centres, it is unclear if they are allowed to collect their belongings or empty their bank accounts, but at least they can have funds to start a new life when they are kicked out. The recent arrest of Ian Andre Roberts, a beloved Guyana-born superintendent of schools in Des Moines, Iowa, has revealed new ways the American government is reviewing the work permits of its residents, even for those who have been in the country for decades.

If a countrywide federal employee review is done, no one knows how many Tanzanians will come under scrutiny or be detained. And for those Tanzanians who are still doing ‘side jobs’ that are not necessarily legal, how many of them will cease working? These ‘immigrant jobs’ have been a huge part of the remittances Tanzanians send back home, which amounts to millions of dollars annually.

The jobs that ordinary Americans will never apply for, or the small businesses, just like the farmers, depend on immigrants, who are normally paid less, to do the jobs. Working at an African saloon, African and Caribbean markets, delivery services, and warehouses, among other jobs, has sustained many Tanzanians.

Those who have invested their hard-earned dollars back home for years. If these workplaces are monitored.

To avoid ICE agents, these Tanzanians will eventually stop working; the effect will not only be felt by Tanzanians in the diaspora but also their dependents back home. Immigration is a ‘silver bullet’ many politicians love to use to rally their bases during elections.

Trump just perfected it. But we have seen the Nigerian and Tanzanian governments recently enacting strict immigration laws that seem to appeal to their voters, who supposedly have to lay the blame on aliens in times of economic hardship.

To be fair, most of these policies are within the law but not within the societal norm. Communities have thrived in a multicultural setup, and countries have been known to welcome the less fortunate, but times have changed.

This means that for those Tanzanians who still have dreams to emigrate to the US, they have to be aware and not delusional about the country they are hoping to visit or relocate to. The New York you see in movies is a far cry from the real New York, with thousands of homeless people sleeping in the streets.

Yes, the largest economy in the world is a land of possibilities, but your hard work, business network, and academic achievement are crucial to success. The success that might come after decades of struggling to make your dreams a reality.

If you have a B1-B2 visa, make sure you do not overstay, lest you live a life looking over your shoulder, ready to run from ICE agents, and that’s no way for a human to live. You do not want to live like an antelope in the Serengeti, always wary of when the lion will show up.

For the fortunate with a student visa, those on scholarship, make sure that after graduation, you go back to Tanzania, where your education will be valued without chucking out $100,000 for a work visa. But before you spend the money you have saved to book for a US visa appointment, make sure you have all the supporting papers needed to improve your chances of that embassy official granting you a visa; otherwise, you will join the huge pool of Africans who spend their hard-earned money to fill the US government coffers and never get any visa handed out to them.

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Dar es Salaam. Gold has reclaimed its position as Tanzania’s leading export earner, crossing the $4 billion mark for the first time in years, driven by record-high global prices and growing investor demand for safe-haven assets.

According to the Bank of Tanzania’s (BoT) September 2025 Monthly Economic Review, gold exports jumped 35.5 percent year-on-year to $4.32 billion in the year ending August 2025 — up from $3.19 billion in the corresponding period last year. The BoT attributes the boom to soaring international prices, which climbed to $3,368 per troy ounce in August, compared with $3,340 in July.

“The price of gold bolstered by central bank acquisitions, strong safe-haven demand, and anticipations of interest rate cuts,” the central bank stated in part. The revenue from gold exports has also surpassed travel receipts, which increased to $3.84 billion in the year ending August 2025, compared to $3.77 billion previously, suggesting continued strengthening of tourism activities, as international tourist arrivals grew from 2,051,404 to 2,287,377. Despite the impressive numbers, analysts caution that not all the $4.3 billion from gold exports stays within Tanzania’s economy.

The figure reflects the gross export value, which includes earnings repatriated by foreign-owned mining companies after taxes and operating costs. A lecturer at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA), Dr Gorah Abdallah, explained that the cost of extraction and the ownership structure of large-scale mines limit how much of the revenue remains onshore.

“Extracting gold requires enormous investments in machinery and technology — something most local companies cannot afford,” he said. “As a result, Tanzania relies heavily on foreign investors or joint ventures.

Much of the export value goes to covering operational expenses, leaving only a portion as net inflows.” Dr Abdallah added that while gold production volumes are high, the retained value in the domestic economy could be low once costs, imports, and profit repatriation are accounted for.

“We need to be cautious and look at the real balance between production costs and actual income,” he said. He added; “The long-term goal should be building local capacity — through education, technical training, and financing — so Tanzanians can play a leading role in extraction and exports.

That’s how the country can secure more value from its resources.” The renewed dominance of gold exports has revived debates about transparency and fair revenue sharing in Tanzania’s mining industry.

Economics expert at Mzumbe University, Prof Haruni Mapesa, said that while the high prices present a golden opportunity for the country, the benefits depend on how effectively the government collects and manages mining revenues. “It’s true that gold comes from both local and foreign companies, including joint ventures.

But converting that into economic growth depends on the transparency of revenue flows — how much companies declare, how much tax is collected, and whether the government gets its rightful share,” he said. Prof Mapesa said that Tanzania has made progress in reforming its mining laws over the past decade, but some contracts remain opaque.

“The government and regulators must review all existing contracts to ensure the country benefits fairly. When prices rise like this, it shouldn’t only be mining companies that gain — Tanzania as a nation should too,” he said.

The mining windfall is also having a macroeconomic impact. In its October 2nd, 2025, Monetary Policy Committee statement, BoT governor Emmanuel Tutuba reported that foreign exchange liquidity in the economy had improved significantly, supported by gold earnings, tourism inflows, and cash crop exports.

“The Shilling was stable against major currencies, appreciating by 8.4 percent against the dollar, compared with a modest appreciation of 0.

7 percent in the preceding quarter,” said Mr Tutuba. He added that reserves remained strong at $6.7 billion, enough to cover more than five months of imports — well above the country’s target and the East African Community benchmark.

“Foreign exchange liquidity is expected to continue improving, supported by seasonal tourism peaks, ongoing cash crop harvests, and high gold prices,” he said. The exports boom aligns with a broader resilience in Tanzania’s economy, which the central bank estimates expanded by 5.

4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, up from 5.2 percent in the same period in 2024. The key drivers to this growth were mining, agriculture, financial and insurance services, construction, and manufacturing activities.

The central bank projects a growth of more than 6 percent in the second and third quarters, with similar momentum expected in the fourth quarter, supported by strong public and private investment and robust export performance. .

Dar es Salaam. Human rights activists in Tanzania have urged political parties and candidates to prioritize the swift completion of the constitutional reform process.

They recommend that the process should begin with the first parliament session in November, with the drafting of the new constitution completed within one year following the 2025 general elections. The proposals were shared by Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) national coordinator Onesmo Olengumwa in a press conference held yesterday to outline recommendations for advancing the constitutional reform agenda.

He acknowledged that political parties that have included the issue of a new constitution in their election campaigns. “Our assessment has shown that political parties and their candidates have made the new constitution one of their key priorities should they be elected to lead the country,” Mr Olengurumwa said.

He highlighted political parties such as CCM, Chaumma, ACT-Wazalendo, CUF and others that have made pledges for the implementation of a new constitution. “We stress that political parties and the leaders elected must ensure they fulfil their promises to revitalise the constitutional reform process.

” In order to ensure the reform process is effectively carried out, Mr Olengumwa proposed several key measures, including national consensus, genuine leadership and the establishment of a national reconciliation committee to guide the process. To save time and resources, the THRDC have proposed merging the themes from three important constitutional documents: the Warioba Draft, the proposed constitution and the current constitution of Tanzania.

“Considering that we already have the people’s constitution, the current constitution and the proposed draft, we suggest that to save time and resources, the process should begin by analysing and combining the themes from these three documents,” Mr Olengumwa added. He also emphasised the need for a national experts’ committee that will help merge these drafts and offer national guidance on the matter.

“We propose the establishment of a legal committee consisting of no more than 25 experts with the necessary professional qualifications, ensuring broad representation from both the union and various social groups.” Furthermore, Mr Olengumwa pointed out that the committee must be independent, with no political bias.

“A significant challenge in the previous process was giving too much power to politicians, which led some members to prioritise personal and party interests over national interests.” To avoid such conflicts of interest, Mr Olengumwa proposed that any individual participating in the constitutional reform committee should be prohibited from running for election for at least ten years.

This will ensure that the process remains transparent, accountable and free from political interference. THRDC also recommended amending the Constitution Amendment Act No.

8 of 2011 or passing new legislation in the first parliament following the 2025 general elections. “The amendments should incorporate the key themes that emerge from national consensus, ensuring that the expectations of the people are legally validated,” Olengumwa said.

The THRDC proposals emphasised the importance of timely action to prevent the delays and confusion seen in previous constitutional processes. “The goal is to begin the reform process within one year of the elections.

This will help avoid the repetition of delays and setbacks as seen in the past,” Mr Olengumwa said. Additionally, a swift start to the process would help preserve the momentum of debates and ideas raised during the campaigns and elections.

“We should avoid initiating the constitutional process close to the election period, as we’ve already witnessed the negative impacts of handling such issues during election years, as happened in 2024/25,” he added. Mr Olengumwa also clarified that the constitutional reform process is not about changing the president but about creating a system that impacts the daily lives of all citizens.

He urged leaders to stop claiming that a new constitution cannot address practical issues like infrastructure development. “The new constitution should be about addressing the needs of the people, not just about political officeholders.

” THRDC programs and operations director Halima Sonda emphasised that key priorities in CSOs’ political agendas include constitutional reform, good governance, human rights, anti-corruption measures, inclusive economic development and improvements in social services. “The principles of these agendas are designed to give space for civil society organisations and citizens to outline the key issues that political parties should focus on when drafting their manifestos,” she said.

The proposal marks an important step towards ensuring that the constitutional reform process in Tanzania is completed in a timely, transparent and efficient manner, for the benefit of all citizens. .

Dar es Salaam. Experts have said Tanzania is on the cusp of becoming East Africa’s industrial leader, with reliable energy supply emerging as its greatest advantage.

Backed by surplus power generation, vast natural gas reserves, and bold policy commitments, they say, the country is laying the groundwork for a manufacturing-driven economy that could outpace its regional peers. The experts were speaking to The Citizen at different occasions about Tanzania’s position to become an industrial leader in East Africa.

The debate stemmed from a recent “hot” discussion on the country’s Dira 2050 at a recent forum hosted under the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT). They said energy has long been a stumbling block in Africa’s industrialisation drive.

Across the continent, factories sit idle during blackouts, investors pull back from projects due to power insecurity, and governments struggle to maintain growth momentum without affordable electricity. Tanzania, however, the economists say is well positioned to break this cycle by turning its energy wealth into a lever for industrial expansion.

“Energy infrastructure is often referred to as the first domino in the chain of industrialisation because it sets everything else in motion,” said Head of Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, Mr Elias Ngunangwa. According to him, Tanzania’s emerging surplus in electricity production is changing the game.

“Once that domino falls into place, it unlocks progress in manufacturing, job creation, and inclusive growth. Tanzania is on the path to becoming East Africa’s leader in manufacturing precisely because we are solving the energy equation.

” A sector at the core of Dira 2050 The National Energy Policy of 2015 and the broader Dira 2050 blueprint place energy at the centre of Tanzania’s economic transformation. The government aims to increase power generation to at least 10,000MW by 2040, compared to today’s installed capacity of around 2,400MW, with projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) contributing 2,115MW alone.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has repeatedly emphasised that “energy is the foundation of industrialisation,” noting earlier this year that Tanzania’s surplus would not only meet domestic demand but also turn the country into “a reliable energy exporter in the region.” This vision aligns with the government’s industrialisation agenda, which pushes for more goods consumed in Tanzania to be produced locally, reducing dependency on imports while creating jobs.

While hydroelectric power remains dominant, droughts have exposed its vulnerabilities. To address this, the government is diversifying through natural gas and renewables.

“Tanzania is blessed with abundant natural gas reserves, including Songo Songo and Mnazi Bay. Gas already fuels major industries in Dar es Salaam and beyond,” noted Ngunangwa.

He described gas as “a critical bridge” that sustains industrialisation while the country scales up renewable projects such as solar and wind. Figures from the Ministry of Energy show that Tanzania has over 57 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, positioning it as one of Africa’s strongest players in energy-driven industrialisation.

Beyond resources, energy infrastructure requires heavy financing. Here, financial institutions like Stanbic Bank have been instrumental.

“It goes beyond traditional lending,” Ngunangwa explained. “We provide tailor-made solutions for energy infrastructure, including green bonds and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

These innovative models are helping to mobilise capital for critical projects like transmission lines.” His views are echoed by Executive Director of Tanzania’s Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), Mr David Kafulila, who noted: “The government cannot rely solely on borrowing or taxes.

PPPs provide technical expertise and capital that accelerate the rollout of infrastructure crucial for industrialisation.” Regional competitiveness Energy ambitions are not confined to Tanzania’s borders.

The country is part of the East African Power Pool and already exports electricity and gas during shortages in neighbouring countries. “Becoming a net exporter of energy will boost Tanzania’s economic influence,” said an independent energy analyst, Ms Happiness Mshana.

“It enhances regional competitiveness by attracting industries that want to operate in a reliable and cost-effective power environment.” She added that with regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Tanzania’s energy strength could underpin broader manufacturing trade across East Africa.

For sectors like cement, steel, glass, and textiles, among the most energy-intensive, Tanzania’s surplus is more than just numbers on a grid. It is a guarantee of stability, a magnet for foreign direct investment, and a driver of local job creation.

“Manufacturing growth follows energy security,” argued an economist at Mzumbe University, Johnson Mboya. “When Tanzania completes the Julius Nyerere project and scales up renewables, it will gain an edge over regional peers like Kenya and Uganda, where energy costs remain a major barrier to industrial growth.

” For Ngunangwa, energy is Tanzania’s ace card. “With infrastructure in place, diversified sources, and regional collaboration, Tanzania is not just preparing for industrialisation, it is positioning to lead it.

” This is a vision strongly tied to Dira 2050, which paints a future where Tanzania is a middle-income country powered by strong industries, advanced infrastructure, and inclusive growth. .