Category: The Citizen

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. .

Media shapes our understanding of the world. It tells stories, highlights events, and frames narratives that influence how we see ourselves and others.

Yet, amid the constant flow of news, entertainment, and social media, certain voices are consistently under-represented or worse, invisible. These are the faces you don’t see, the communities and individuals whose stories rarely make it to the headlines, screens, or trending feeds.

Representation, or the lack thereof, is not just a cultural issue it is a societal one. Representation in media matters because it validates existence.

When people see themselves reflected on screen, in print, or online, it sends a powerful message: “You belong. Your story matters.

” Conversely, absence from media narratives can contribute to marginalisation. In Tanzania, for example, rural communities, persons with disabilities, women in certain sectors, and ethnic minorities often receive minimal coverage unless there is a crisis or scandal.

Their everyday struggles, achievements, and perspectives are rarely highlighted, leaving the public with an incomplete understanding of the society they live in. One critical area where representation is lacking is gender.

Women continue to be under-represented in newsrooms and on-screen roles, particularly in positions of authority or expertise. When women are visible in media, they are often portrayed through narrow stereotypes focused on appearance, domesticity, or secondary roles.

Such portrayals perpetuate limited societal expectations and diminish the contributions women make in business, politics, science, and culture. Representation is not about tokenism; it is about fairness, accuracy, and inclusivity in storytelling.

Youth representation is another concern. While young people are often portrayed as trend-followers, social media addicts, or troublemakers, their active roles in social change, innovation, and civic engagement rarely make it into mainstream narratives.

In reality, young Tanzanians are leading initiatives in entrepreneurship, climate action, and digital innovation, yet these efforts seldom receive consistent media attention. Failing to showcase positive youth contributions not only misrepresents society but also deprives younger audiences of role models who reflect their potential.

Media representation also extends to marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities. Far too often, these individuals are depicted through a lens of pity or charity, rather than as active participants in society.

Stories focus on their challenges but rarely on their achievements, skills, or agency. This lack of balanced portrayal reinforces societal barriers and deepens stereotypes, creating a cycle of invisibility and exclusion.

Cultural and ethnic diversity in media is another area demanding attention. Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with unique traditions, languages, and histories.

Yet media coverage often prioritises urban-centric or dominant cultural narratives. Traditional practices, local art, and rural experiences are under-reported, leading to a skewed perception of what it means to be Tanzanian.

By failing to reflect this rich diversity, media limits public understanding and contributes to cultural homogenisation. The consequences of poor representation are profound.

Media not only reflects society but shapes it. It influences public opinion, policy priorities, and social norms.

When certain groups remain invisible, their needs, perspectives, and contributions are overlooked. Representation is therefore a matter of social justice, giving voice to those who might otherwise be unheard.

The good news is that positive change is possible. Media organisations can take deliberate steps to improve representation.

This includes diversifying newsroom staff, engaging with communities, and actively seeking out under-represented voices. Content creators can highlight stories from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that media is inclusive and reflective of the society it serves.

Moreover, audiences play a role by demanding inclusive coverage, supporting diverse creators, and critically evaluating the narratives they consume, they help drive systemic change. Representation is not merely about filling gaps; it is about creating a media landscape where all members of society see themselves accurately and respectfully.

It is about challenging stereotypes, celebrating diversity, and building a more informed and inclusive public dialogue. The faces you don’t see in media are not absent–they are waiting to be acknowledged, valued, and amplified.

Ensuring their visibility is not just good journalism–it is essential for a fair and equitable society. In conclusion, representation in media is a reflection of societal values.

By addressing who is seen, how they are portrayed, and whose stories are told, media has the power to shape a more inclusive and empathetic society. For Tanzanian media, the challenge and the opportunity lies in bringing those hidden faces into the spotlight.

After all, a society that sees all its members clearly is a society that truly understands itself. Angel Navuri is Head of Advertising, Partnerships and Events at Mwananchi Communications Limited .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian journalist Julius Maricha of The Citizen newspaper has been named second runner-up in the African Growth Story category at the 2024 Sanlam Group Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism.

The prestigious ceremony took place in South Africa on October 2, 2025, celebrating Maricha’s outstanding storytelling in portraying Africa’s evolving economic landscape. A certificate signed by Sanlam Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Hanratty, commended Maricha’s “vibrant journalism,” noting that it plays “an instrumental role in telling the story of economic growth and development on the African continent.

” Established in 1974, the Sanlam Awards mark their 50th anniversary this year, honouring exceptional financial journalists across print, broadcast, and online platforms throughout Africa. With a total prize pool exceeding R700,000 (approximately Sh105 million), the awards recognise excellence in reporting on business, economic challenges, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Jointly sponsored by Sanlam and Santam, this year’s awards attracted entries from across the continent, celebrating journalistic excellence that highlights Africa’s resilience and innovation. Maricha’s achievement places him among a select group of journalists capturing both the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s growth story.

At The Citizen, a leading English-language daily known for its robust business and development coverage, he has gained recognition for crafting compelling features that connect local experiences to continental trends. This latest honour adds to Maricha’s growing list of accolades.

In May 2025, he was recognised at the inaugural Samia Kalamu Awards, organised by the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa) in partnership with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). President Samia Suluhu Hassan personally presented him with the National Special Award for Best Journalist in Clean Cooking Energy Reporting, acknowledging his reporting on sustainable energy solutions benefiting rural communities.

Reflecting on his recognition, Maricha said: “To be honoured by Africa’s longest-running financial journalism awards is a profound privilege. Being recognised in the African Growth Story category carries deep patriotic meaning–it highlights Tanzania’s economic and business progress on an international stage.

” Mwananchi Communications Limited Executive Editor Mpoki Thomson congratulated him, saying: “Maricha’s recognition reflects our dedication to impactful journalism that addresses issues of public importance across multiple sectors. We are proud of his achievements and confident he will continue to shine beyond Tanzania.

” Maricha, who covers business, clean energy, lifestyle, politics, and gender, is also nominated for Best Tanzania Global Journalist at the Lecturer Awards Tanzania (November 2025) and Journalist of the Year Africa at the MVAA Awards in Nigeria on October 11, 2025. .

Meatu. Residents of Sakasaka Ward in Meatu District, Simiyu Region, have expressed fear and distress following repeated elephant invasions from Maswa Game Reserve, which have endangered lives, destroyed property and caused injuries and deaths.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi on October 5, 2025, locals said the problem has persisted for years, forcing some families to relocate to avoid attacks. Samson Mathias, a resident of Sakasaka village, said elephants often cross the reserve’s boundaries, raiding homes and farms.

“Elephants break houses, destroy crops, and even kill people. Some residents have moved away out of fear.

We urge the government to take urgent action,” he said. Ramadhani Said added that most attacks occur at night.

“We cannot sleep. When elephants invade, they destroy property and eat crops, and we have to chase them ourselves to reduce damage, which is dangerous,” he explained.

Mathias Nghumbu suggested erecting specialised fences to prevent elephants from entering settlements and recommended keeping bees around the reserve’s perimeter, a method proven effective elsewhere due to elephants’ fear of bees. CCM council candidate for Sakasaka Ward, Emanuel Maliganya, said elephant attacks have caused four deaths in the past five years.

“If elected for a second term, I will work with the government to find a permanent solution. Wildlife ranger posts are already being built, and local youth have received training to manage elephants safely,” he stated.

The Tanzania Wildlife Authority (Tawa) confirmed measures are underway, including increasing ranger patrols and installing equipment to track elephants leaving the reserve. Speaking on behalf of the Maswa Reserve warden, Omary Khalid, said: “We recognise the challenges facing Sakasaka residents.

We plan to increase patrols and strengthen collaboration between wildlife officers and neighbouring villages. We also encourage elephant-friendly methods, such as beekeeping and chilli farms.

” Tawa urged residents to report early signs of elephant movements so rangers can intervene promptly and reduce damage. Humanelephant conflict remains a major challenge in areas bordering reserves and wildlife conservation zones, with experts emphasising community involvement and wildlife-friendly prevention strategies as key to reducing clashes.

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Dodoma. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has outlined key achievements delivered by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her four years in office, ahead of her campaign launch in the Lake Zone on September 7, 2025. Updating journalists on the campaign trail, CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Kinan Kihongosi, said flagship projects in the Lake Zone embody the party’s commitment to lasting development.

He cited the recently inaugurated KigongoBusisi Bridge, also known as the JPM Bridge, which was completed at a cost of over Sh700 billion. “This bridge is a symbol of progress.

It connects people, opens up trade, and stands as a testimony of our promise to deliver,” said Mr Kihongosi. He further noted investments in Lake Victoria’s transport and trade infrastructure, including the purchase of an ambulance boat to enhance healthcare services and a clean water project aimed at serving communities for generations.

Highlighting the fishing industry as a key economic driver for the Lake Zone, Mr Kihongosi said CCM’s manifesto commits to further initiatives over the next five years to benefit thousands of households. “Fishing is life for many families.

We have laid out concrete plans to boost the sector and secure better livelihoods,” he said. Providing statistics on the campaign so far, he revealed that 21 regions have hosted rallies, with 77 campaign meetings attracting more than 14.6 million participants, and a further 31.6 million people following online.

“The turnouts are impressive. They reflect the trust and confidence Tanzanians have in our presidential candidate.

We now call upon the people of the Lake Zone to come out in great numbers and hear directly from President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” said Mr Kihongosi. He praised the peaceful nature of the campaign, commending CCM supporters for their discipline and unity.

“Since the start of our campaign, our candidate has demonstrated dignity and responsibility. We must all safeguard the unity and peace that define our nation,” he stressed.

Mr Kihongosi reiterated that peace and harmony remain at the heart of CCM’s message. “Where there is peace, there is progress.

Choosing Samia means choosing peace, unity, love, and solidarity. That is what CCM stands for,” he affirmed.

He also emphasised the importance of educating younger generations about the nation’s development journey. “Many young people were born into an era of roads, schools, and services, but they may not understand the struggles it took to reach this stage.

We have a duty to teach history and remind everyone of our journey,” he said. Calling upon Lake Zone residents, he urged: “We invite everyone to be part of these historic campaign launches.

Together, we can protect our peace and strengthen our path of development.” .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will be represented by four young cyclists at the Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025, set for October 5 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Organised by Jubilee Insurance, the event promotes healthy living, youth empowerment, and regional sporting unity. The Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025 is among East Africa’s premier cycling events, attracting competitors from across the region.

For Tanzania it presents an important platform to strengthen the country’s cycling culture and allow emerging athletes to compete internationally. The Tanzanian contingent comprises three men and one woman, selected through a rigorous national process by the Tanzania Cycling Association (TCA).

The participants are Ms Asnat Moris, Mr Frank Marik, Mr Hassan Sharif, and Mr Waziri Masoli. The Talent Development Committee at TCA, Chairperson, Dr Judith Mashala, said the team was chosen from a wide pool of talent identified through competitions held over the past two years.

“We are sending four young cyclists to represent Tanzania at the Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025. Our association organises competitions across the country, and these cyclists have proven themselves as the most capable,” she said. She noted the athletes recently competed in Rwanda and are now intensively preparing for Nairobi.

“This race is not just about competition. It promotes health, wellness, and community development,” she added.

Jubilee Health Insurance Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harold Adamson, said the partnership with TCA reflects the company’s commitment to the event and to youth development. “Our flag will fly high.

We are preparing well with this team of four. Sport promotes health and well-being, and we are creating opportunities for people to exercise and live healthier lives,” said Dr Adamson.

Jubilee Life Insurance Corporate Financial Officer, Mr Hillary Godson, emphasised the company’s commitment to youth through sport. “We are dedicated to standing with young people and helping them achieve their dreams.

Exercise is vital for daily life, enabling youth to live freely and without stress,” he said. “We work with communities to nurture talent.

Sport is talent, and we support the government’s efforts to empower youth through self-employment,” he added. The Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025 is expected to draw strong participation this year, with athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania vying for honours.

The event combines sport with community engagement, underscoring the values of unity, health, and youth development. For Tanzania, participation in the race is part of a broader strategy to raise the profile of cycling, nurture local talent, and inspire the next generation of sportspeople.

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Dar es Salaam. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) has cautioned entrepreneurs planning to establish petrol stations across the country to secure official construction permits before commencing work, warning that failure to comply could result in heavy penalties.

The warning came in a press statement issued on Friday, October 3, 2025, during a consultative meeting in Iringa, amid reports that some investors, particularly in rural districts, were rushing to build stations without following due process. Ewura said such practices undermine regulatory standards and pose safety, health, and environmental risks.

Ewura Central Zone Manager, Ms Hawa Lweno, told stakeholders from the downstream petroleum, electricity, and water sectors that anyone intending to build a petrol station must first obtain a construction permit from the authority. “Failure to comply with this legal requirement will attract a fine of up to Sh20 million,” she stressed.

Ms Lweno explained that the permit process is more than a formality, noting that it enables Ewura’s technical teams to inspect sites to ensure compliance with national standards, including fire safety systems, environmental protection measures, and safe distances from schools, hospitals, and residential areas. “This permit is essential because it allows our experts to confirm that construction meets the required health, safety, and environmental benchmarks,” she added.

The government has recently encouraged investment in fuel retailing, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to reliable energy remains a challenge. However, officials insist growth must be orderly.

Observers note a surge in applications to build fuel stations, driven by expanding road networks and growing demand for transport and logistics. Yet, unregulated construction risks accidents, fuel leakages, and breaches of urban planning laws.

At the Iringa meeting, one participant, Mr David Mlyapatali, praised Ewura’s outreach, saying many entrepreneurs enter the fuel retail business without understanding their obligations. “This meeting has been very beneficial because it has given us clarity on the procedures and our responsibilities,” he said.

Under the Petroleum Act and Ewura regulations, investors must first apply for a construction permit and undergo technical reviews before receiving an operating licence. Noncompliance can lead to fines, closure orders, or legal action.

Ms Lweno emphasised that Ewura welcomes investment but will not compromise on safety. “Follow the law first.

Doing so protects your business and the community you serve,” she stressed. The Iringa session is part of Ewura’s nationwide drive to sensitise fuel station investors about construction and operational rules, signalling clearly that shortcuts will not be tolerated.

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Arusha. The East African Business Council (EABC) has officially launched a digital information desk to assist small-scale cross-border traders in overcoming non-tariff barriers (NTBs), a persistent obstacle to regional trade within the East African Community (EAC).

The launch, which was held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the TavetaHolili border, coincided with a three-day training programme titled “Capacity Building on Financial Literacy, Business Management and Gender-Sensitive Practices in Cross-Border Trade.” The training brought together more than 100 traders dealing in agricultural produce, vegetables, and fruits from the border region.

EABC’s Research, Policy and Trade in Goods Officer, Mr Gift Mbuya, told reporters that the initiative is part of the “Promoting Intra-EAC Agri-Food Cross-Border Trade by Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade.” Project.

“This project seeks to increase the participation of women and youth-led agri-food traders and boost the volume of cross-border trade, particularly in maize, rice, beans, soybeans, and horticultural products along selected EAC trade corridors,” said Mr Mbuya. The three-year project (20252027), implemented by EABC in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), aims to empower about 2,440 women and youth traders across the region.

It focuses on reducing the cost and time of trade by eliminating NTBs, strengthening traders’ knowledge of trade facilitation instruments such as the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), and expanding access to digital trade portals and information booths at border points. The initiative is backed by a $399,900 grant from AGRA, with funding support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

Implementation involves close collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), with EABC serving as lead coordinator. AGRA, an African-led and farmer-centred institution, is committed to transforming African agriculture from subsistence-based production into a commercially viable sector that enhances food security, nutrition, and household incomes.

During the training, the Deputy Director of Regional Integration at the EAC Affairs Ministry, Ms Mary Maisory, said that despite progress in reducing customs tariffs within the bloc, NTBs remain a major hindrance. “Traders still face delays in cargo clearance, unnecessary inspections, uncoordinated procedures, and limited awareness of trade documentation and standards,” said Ms Maisory.

“Building capacity and confidence among traders will help them understand the EAC’s STR, sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), product standards, and how to report and resolve NTBs,” she added. She said addressing NTBs, strengthening cross-border infrastructure, and ensuring women and youth benefit fully from EAC opportunities are essential for the region’s economic growth.

“Empowering small-scale cross-border traders is not just about boosting trade, it is about transforming lives, uplifting communities, and building an inclusive and sustainable East African Community,” she said. Furthermore, Ms Maisory called on participants to make full use of the training sessions, networking opportunities, and policy discussions to advance their businesses and contribute to the prosperity of their nations.

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