Category: The Citizen

Two people have died in Babati District, Manyara Region, after being attacked by hyenas in separate incidents across different locations.

These fatalities come just days after similar hyena attacks were reported in Masakta Ward, Hanang District, where a resident succumbed to injuries inflicted by the wild animals.

The first incident occurred in the Dareda Mission area, Babati District, where 40-year-old Manase Nicodemus died following a hyena attack. In another incident in Gidingwar Village, Antony Saqwere, aged between 30 and 35 and a Catholic Church choir master from Donya Village, was killed and devoured by hyenas, leaving behind minimal remains.

Dareda Ward Councillor Willbroad Bayo confirmed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, that Mr Nicodemus was well known to residents, adding that it was believed he was heavily intoxicated when the attack occurred.

Bayo noted that physical evidence at the scene suggested a single hyena was involved, as the animal consumed parts of the legs and abdomen while leaving other body parts intact.

“The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, near residential houses in Dareda Mission, and residents discovered the deceased’s body the following morning,” said Mr Bayo.

He added that he had notified wildlife authorities regarding the increasing movement of hyenas into human settlements at night in search of food.

Gidingwar Village Chairman, Mr Paulo Afirkanus, stated that search teams arriving at the scene recovered the deceased’s clothing, bloodstains, scattered bones, and a skull.

He confirmed that police officers visited the scene and collected the remains for forensic examination and related procedures.

“Neighbours reported hearing numerous hyenas howling throughout the night, which indicates that a pack was likely involved in the attack,” he said.

A resident of Dareda, Ms Elizabeth Qares, noted that stray wild animals continue to pose a serious threat to public safety in the area, particularly after darkness.

Manyara Regional Police Commander Ahmed Makarani confirmed both incidents, stating that police have launched investigations into the fatal animal attacks occurring in the two separate locations.

Morogoro. Kilombero Sugar Company Limited (KSCL) says it is stepping up investment to expand domestic sugar production, with the commissioning of its K4 Factory expected to significantly boost output and support Tanzania’s drive towards sugar self-sufficiency.

The company said the new factory represents a major milestone in its expansion strategy, increasing production capacity while strengthening the country’s ability to meet growing demand for locally produced sugar and reduce dependence on imports.

Speaking during the ongoing Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Morogoro on August 5, Kilombero Sugar Commercial and Supply Chain Director, Mr Fimbo Butala, said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to modernising its operations and supporting national economic growth.

‘The commissioning of the K4 Factory marks a significant step in expanding our production capacity through modern technology and operational excellence. It enables us to produce more locally, improve the availability of sugar and contribute to the Government’s vision of achieving greater self-sufficiency,’ he said.

Mr Butala said the expansion would also benefit thousands of sugarcane outgrowers by increasing demand for cane, creating more economic opportunities and improving livelihoods in communities surrounding the company’s operations.

He added that Kilombero Sugar would continue investing in initiatives that enhance operational efficiency while strengthening the country’s sugar value chain. At this year’s Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition, the company is showcasing its flagship Bwana Sukari brand, giving farmers, consumers and other stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the product and its range of packaging options for both household and commercial use.

Mr Butala said the exhibition also provides an opportunity for the company to engage directly with farmers and other stakeholders, strengthen partnerships and exchange ideas on advancing Tanzania’s agricultural sector.

‘The success of Kilombero Sugar is closely linked to the success of our outgrowers. Nane Nane offers an important platform to listen to our stakeholders, strengthen collaboration and demonstrate our continued contribution to agricultural transformation and economic development,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Sugar Board Monitoring and Certification Manager, Mr Bahati Hakimu, commended Kilombero Sugar for its continued investment in expanding local production capacity and strengthening collaboration with sugarcane outgrowers.

He said such investments support the Government’s efforts to increase agricultural productivity, promote industrialisation, improve food security and accelerate the sustainable growth of Tanzania’s sugar industry.

Kilombero Sugar is Tanzania’s largest sugar producer under the Bwana Sukari brand and continues to invest in production technology, support sugarcane outgrowers and implement community development initiatives through its Creating Shared Value (CSV) programme.

Agricultural sector stakeholders have championed the adoption of indigenous seeds, framing them as the foundation for bolstering food security, enhancing nutrition, protecting the environment, and building climate resilience among farmers.

The call was made on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the ongoing International Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, where international non-governmental organization Swissaid Tanzania, alongside smallholders and organic farming enterprises, showcased traditional seed varieties and processed agro-products.

Swissaid Tanzania Research and Policy Coordinator, Ms Gladiness Martin, stated that the organization actively promotes indigenous seeds due to their natural resistance to drought, pests, and diseases, as well as their high nutritional value for community health. She noted that participating farmers demonstrated the complete ecological agriculture value chain, from traditional seeds and field production to value-added outputs, featuring local varieties of maize, beans, cassava, sunflower, indigenous vegetables, fruits, and legumes.

“We are demonstrating the complete value chain to the public, spanning seed selection, crop cultivation, and processed products ready for human consumption,” said Ms Martin.

She raised concerns that several native seed varieties face extinction, prompting stakeholders to establish community seed banks across Lindi, Mtwara, Morogoro, Arusha, and Karagwe to preserve local biodiversity.

Ms Martin added that Swissaid collaborates with the government through national seed regulatory authorities to formally recognize these varieties, with 13 indigenous seeds currently undergoing official registration for commercial distribution.

A farmer and indigenous seed researcher from Newala District in Mtwara Region, Mr Omar Said, described traditional seeds as vital for safeguarding Tanzania’s agricultural heritage, public health, and environmental sustainability.

He explained that over the past four years, he has collected, preserved, and multiplied native seed varieties in partnership with veteran farmers using strictly organic practices to prevent species loss.

Mr Said showcased diverse indigenous seeds, including red maize, uchopa maize, local white maize, green gram, Makonde sorghum, Yao sorghum, finger millet, traditional groundnuts, and lablab beans, a nutrient-dense pulse currently threatened by extinction.

He highlighted lablab beans as essential for maternal and child nutrition, particularly for pregnant and post-partum women, while stressing the urgent need to conserve endangered native groundnut varieties.

“Indigenous seeds can be recycled over multiple seasons without genetic degradation. They adapt well to harsh environments, protect consumer health, and preserve our agricultural legacy,” noted Mr Said.

He further detailed that organic farming utilizes farmyard manure and botanical biopesticides derived from neem and garlic rather than synthetic chemicals, thereby protecting soil biology and consumer health.

Shamba Organic representative, Mr Aidan Filimoni, noted that his enterprise empowers organic producers by purchasing harvests across Lindi, Masasi, Mtwara, and Bagamoyo at a 10 percent premium over conventional market prices.

He stated that premium pricing boosts smallholder incomes while expanding employment across processing, quality assurance, marketing, and warehousing functions.

Mr Filimoni emphasized that organic produce protects public health by eliminating synthetic chemical residues, adding that expanding community seed banks will guarantee seed availability and safe crop production.

He called on sector stakeholders to scale up extension education on organic farming and indigenous seeds to enhance national food security, environmental preservation, and rural livelihoods.

Africa’s top-rated referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan of Somalia, will take charge of today’s Cecafa Kagame Cup 2026 final as Rwanda’s Rayon Sports face Kenya’s Gor Mahia in a highly anticipated showdown at Amahoro Stadium.

The appointment of the experienced FIFA referee underscores the significance of the final, which pits two of East Africa’s most decorated clubs against each other in a battle for regional supremacy.

Both sides earned their places in the title decider after overcoming difficult semi-final opponents and will now compete for the coveted trophy and the tournament’s top prize of US$30,000. Defending Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia booked their place in the final after edging Sudan’s Al Hilal SC in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Kenyan giants took the lead in the 34th minute when Al Hilal defender Steven Ebuela inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. However, the Sudanese side responded strongly and restored parity 10 minutes later through Ansumana Samura.

Neither side managed to find the breakthrough during the second half despite creating several scoring opportunities. Gor Mahia were reduced to 10 men after Jackson Dwang received his second yellow card, forcing them to play the remainder of normal time and extra time with a numerical disadvantage.

With the score still level after 120 minutes, the match was decided on penalties, where Gor Mahia held their nerve to prevail 8-7 and secure a place in the final.

Head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor praised his players for their resilience against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.

‘I thank the players for playing their hearts out and winning against a strong Al Hilal team,’ said Akonnor.

Hosts Rayon Sports reached the final after producing another commanding display to defeat South Sudan’s Jamus SC 3-1 before a packed crowd at Kigali Pele Stadium.

The Rwandan side dominated possession from the outset and were rewarded in the 17th minute when Akbar Museri capitalised on a defensive lapse to put his team ahead.

Jamus nearly equalised just before the break, but Joseph Stephen Dhata failed to beat goalkeeper Dande Junior after finding himself in a promising position.

Rayon Sports extended their advantage in the 59th minute through Ibrahim Mansouru Djingarey before Jamus substitute Diallo Bandiougou reduced the deficit 20 minutes from time.

Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the closing stages when substitute Gloire Ngongo Tambwe sealed victory with a third goal two minutes from full time.

Rayon Sports head coach Harringingo Francis Christian said reaching the final was another step towards achieving the club’s target of reclaiming the regional crown.

‘I am happy that we have won all our four matches played in the tournament, and this also gives us good preparations ahead of the new season,’ he said.

Friday’s final offers Rayon Sports an opportunity to win the CECAFA Kagame Cup for the first time since 1998, while Gor Mahia are chasing another regional title to add to their illustrious record.

In addition to lifting the trophy, the winners will receive US$30,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will earn US$20,000. The third-placed team will take home US$10,000.

The number of university students dropping out has decreased by 15.56 percent over the past three years, with academic failure, deregistration, and absenteeism remaining the primary reasons for these students leaving their studies.

Statistics from the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) for the year 2025, released recently, indicate that the number of dropout students fell from 2,839 in the 2022/2023 academic year to 2,397 in 2025/2026.

Despite this reduction, 1,824 out of the 2,397 students who dropped out last year left due to academic failure, 350 were deregistered, 208 departed from universities owing to absenteeism, while 15 passed away. According to those figures, undergraduate students led in dropping out, accounting for 1,884, followed by basic certificates at 230, diplomas at 132, master’s degrees at 120, and doctorate degrees at 31.

Further analysis shows that men lead in leaving university compared to women, as in 2025/2026 they constituted 62.3 percent.

Lecturer Luka Mkonongwa states that one reason causing students to leave universities is a lack of firm employment hopes after graduating, especially after seeing those ahead of them remaining at home.

He states that this situation makes some students develop a split focus, where half their thoughts are on studies and the other half on entrepreneurship.

‘By doing so, they may invest heavy energy into entrepreneurial activities and forget studies, a situation that can cause them to fail to meet criteria for sitting final examinations,’ he says.

He explains that this situation can make a student withdraw from university after failing to meet criteria or fail and suffer deregistration, because they are uncertain whether, after finishing studies, they can secure employment.

‘Entrepreneurship is not a bad thing, but the challenge arises when a student leans to one side and forgets the other, because without balance they might lose something crucial,’ he says.

Regarding tough economic conditions, Mr Mkonongwa says despite loans being provided to students, some still receive small amounts insufficient to cover their needs due to rising living costs.

He also says some students, upon receiving loans, begin assisting surrounding families, including their parents and younger siblings.

‘At times a student reaches a point of being overwhelmed because loan funds, which they ought to use for personal needs, are spent assisting other dependents,’ he says.

‘This situation can cause certain students to fail to proceed with studies due to having numerous responsibilities and shifting living expenses, unlike in the past when allowance funds proved sufficient,’ he adds.

He says economic hardship can also be caused by naive ostentation, as some students wish to appear modern, thus failing to spend money on basic needs.

Instead, they end up purchasing expensive nice phones and clothes while failing to afford other requirements.

‘A student might feel unable to use an ordinary phone and go buy a nice phone matching their status as a university student, a situation leading some into loans or debts and mutual borrowing, something that can cause them to lack subsistence money,’ added Mr Mkonongwa.

He says a student’s academic background is another factor, as upon reaching university they are expected to be self-reliant in learning, visit libraries to study independently, and prepare their own notes.

But, being accustomed to relying on teachers in previous levels, adapting to that system proves difficult.

‘There is also the matter of relationships. Relationships of the past and present differ. Some enter relationships and fail to focus on studies, a situation causing them to fail,’ he says.

However, he says this figure appears large due to the continuous increase in overall university student numbers, as it is not easy for all students to continue performing well.

‘Nevertheless, those dropping out, even if a small percentage, ought to be tracked,’ he says.

While Mkonongwa explains that, Mr Victor Msangi, who is currently a businessman, narrates that when starting university he held high hopes of completing studies and securing employment after graduating, but as days mounted challenges multiplied to the point of forcing him to seek work.

‘Living expenses increased, subsistence money was insufficient, and at times I was forced to assist family instead of using that money for my study requirements. Also, I began losing heart after seeing some who completed studies before me staying long without securing employment,’ he says.

He says this situation made him begin thinking more about focusing on income-generating activities rather than continuing with studies, to economically liberate himself and those behind him, particularly his studying younger siblings.

‘Ultimately I failed to cope with university demands, including performing well in examinations, and decided to suspend studies. It was not that I disliked studying, but circumstances made it difficult to proceed,’ he says.

‘They do not focus on studies’

Commenting on the matter, education researcher, Mr Muhanyi Nkoronko, says the continued presence of students failing to proceed with studies is caused by failing to maintain focus on their studies.

‘We have many students with emergency-style scholarships. They only turn up to take examinations, they abscond, and while in class they do not undertake exercises. These undermine their learning and cause them to fail to reach required standards to proceed,’ he says.

Following the crowd in course selection has been another factor causing students to fail to proceed with studies due to failing to cope with what they study as days progress.

‘For some lecturers, students fail to comprehend their teaching; others do not finish courses, so when examinations arrive, it becomes difficult for them to achieve good results,’ he says.

Discussing the issue, a Dar es Salaam parent, Mwajuma Msuya, says parents ought to act as advisors rather than deciding study disciplines for children, as doing so can cause some to lose study motivation or fail to cope with professions they were forced to pursue.

‘I think a parent ought to listen to the child first to know what talent and dream they hold currently. Many of us parents want children to study fields we favoured ourselves or which we view as prestigious, but at the end of the day the person studying is the child,’ says Msuya.

‘If they study something they dislike, they might fail to perform well or even drop out. It is good we offer advice and information regarding the job market, but the final decision should remain theirs,’ she added.

Ranzania giants Yanga SC and Simba SC have been handed favourable draws in their quest to reach the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League group stage, while Azam FC will begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign in the second preliminary round.

The draws conducted today, August 6, 2026 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, placed the three Tanzanian clubs on different paths as they seek continental success next season.

Simba SC will open their Champions League campaign against Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers in the first preliminary round, with the Msimbazi side set to begin the tie away from home before hosting the return leg. Should Simba advance, they will face either Equatorial Guinea’s 15 Agosto or Comoros’ Fomboni in the second and final preliminary round.

Neither of the potential opponents has previously reached the CAF Champions League group stage, giving Simba an opportunity to push further in the competition.

Yanga SC, who are coached by South African tactician Manqoba Mngqithi, have been drawn against Botswana’s Gaborone United.

The match-up gives the Tanzanian champions a chance to progress, with Gaborone United having already experienced Tanzanian opposition after facing Simba at the same stage last season.

The Botswana side were eliminated after losing 2-1 on aggregate, and Yanga will hope for a similar outcome when they begin their campaign.

If Yanga overcome Gaborone United, they will face either Madagascar’s CFFA or Lesotho’s Lijabatho in the second preliminary round.

The champions will play the first leg away before finishing the tie at home as they target a place in the group stage.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Azam FC will enter the competition at the second preliminary round after receiving a bye due to their CAF ranking.

The Chamazi-based side will face either Egypt’s ZED FC or Djibouti’s Telecom FC for a place in the group stage.

Azam are among eight clubs that have been granted direct entry into the second preliminary round, joining some of Africa’s leading teams, including Egypt’s Al Ahly, Algeria’s USM Alger and CR Belouizdad, Morocco’s Raja Casablanca and AS FAR, DR Congo’s Maniema Union and South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs.

The first legs of the preliminary round matches will be played between September 4 and 6, 2026, with return fixtures scheduled for September 11 to 13.

The second preliminary round will follow in October, with group stage action expected to begin in late November 2026.

The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup winners will compete for major financial rewards, with champions expected to receive increased prize money from Africa’s governing football body.

Tanzania’s flagship cycling event has entered a new chapter after Vodacom Tanzania and the Cycling Federation of Tanzania (CHABATA) officially renamed the Twende Butiama Tour as the Nyerere Cycling Tour and unveiled the Vodacom Coastal Classic, a 109-kilometre race aimed at positioning the country as a major cycling destination in Africa.

The announcement, made in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, marks a significant milestone for a tour that has combined sport with social impact since its inception in 2016.

Organisers said the rebranding reflects the event’s enduring mission of honouring the legacy of the nation’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, while creating a platform capable of attracting elite cyclists from across Africa and beyond. The Nyerere Cycling Tour has grown into one of Tanzania’s leading sports-for-development initiatives, supporting access to quality education by improving school infrastructure, constructing sanitation facilities and providing accessibility devices for children with disabilities.

According to the organisers, the initiative has reached more than 107 schools and benefited over 75,000 students, many of whom now study in improved and accessible learning environments.

Vodacom Foundation joined the initiative four years ago, helping expand the event’s reach and attracting increasing participation from local, regional and international cyclists.

This year’s edition of the Nyerere Cycling Tour will take place from October 5 to 14, with cyclists riding from Bagamoyo to Butiama.

As part of efforts to elevate competitive cycling in Tanzania, Vodacom also announced the launch of the Vodacom Coastal Classic, a 109-kilometre race that will be held annually on the first Sunday of October.

The inaugural edition is scheduled for October 4, one day before the start of the Nyerere Cycling Tour, and is expected to attract more than 400 cyclists from Tanzania and abroad.

The race will start in Dar es Salaam, head north to Makurunge in Pwani Region before finishing at the historic Old Boma in Bagamoyo.

Speaking during the launch, Vodacom Tanzania Business Director Nguvu Kamando said the company’s ambition is to nurture local cycling talent and provide athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level.

“We want to grow the sport. Every day we see cyclists on our roads, both professional and non-professional. There is no reason why talented riders from Mwanza, Shinyanga or any other part of the country cannot compete successfully here at home and on the international stage. What they need is the right equipment, proper training and opportunities to compete,” he said.

Kamando said the Vodacom Coastal Classic is intended to inspire more Tanzanians to take up competitive cycling while raising the country’s profile on the international sporting calendar.

Nyerere Cycling Tour founder Gabriel Landa said the event has always represented more than a sporting challenge.

“The Nyerere Cycling Tour has always been about more than cycling. It is about carrying forward Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision of dignity and opportunity for every Tanzanian. Renaming the tour in his honour, while introducing a world-class race like the Vodacom Coastal Classic, marks the beginning of a new chapter,” he said.

He added that the organisers are committed to building a platform that develops Tanzanian cycling talent while attracting international competitors and visitors to the country.

Organisers believe the combination of the Nyerere Cycling Tour and the Vodacom Coastal Classic will strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional cycling hub while promoting sports tourism, youth development and community empowerment through cycling.

e. Residents of Nyakabanga Ward in Karagwe District, Kagera Region, have complained over delayed compensation payments following repeated elephant invasions that destroyed crops on their farms.

The residents raised their grievances on Thursday, August 6, 2026, before the Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, during a public rally held in the ward.

They reported that stray elephants regularly invade agricultural land and destroy various food and cash crops, leaving numerous families facing food insecurity. They alleged that despite registration and promises of compensation by wildlife officers, the funds have not been disbursed.

A resident of Kanogo Village, Ms Petrades Johanes, stated that elephants invaded their farms in May last year.

She noted that wildlife officers subsequently inspected the damage, registered victims, and directed affected farmers to open bank accounts for compensation transfers, which have yet to materialise.

‘Many of our residents remain without food due to the massive destruction of banana plants, coffee, and other crops. I pray the government assists us with emergency food relief alongside ensuring our compensation claims are paid on time,’ said Ms Johanes.

A resident of Kayungu Village, Mr Dakius Jacobo, requested the minister to convey a plea to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the construction of a wildlife ranger outpost in the area.

He noted that a local ranger station would enable officers to respond rapidly when elephants enter human settlements.

Mr Jacobo also criticised delays during damage assessments, alleging that some wildlife officers suspended registration exercises claiming their equipment batteries were depleted and failed to return.

A Kanogo Village resident, Mr Geofury Burchad, noted that the ward features satellite schools, including Rutete and Charwania, with poor physical infrastructure located in elephant-traversed corridors, threatening student safety.

He urged the government to upgrade the facilities into full primary schools.

Responding, Dr Kijaji extended condolences to the affected community and confirmed that her ministry had received compensation claims from over 70 residents in Karagwe District.

She stated that four residents have already received a total of Sh2.6 million, while claims amounting to Sh39.9 million for the remaining victims are being processed.

‘I reassure residents that compensation funds for those remaining are available and will be disbursed within this week. I direct ministry executives to begin paying verified Nyakabanga Ward residents immediately,’ directed Dr Kijaji.

She explained that processing delays were largely caused by name discrepancies between submitted identity details and registered mobile SIM cards or bank accounts.

‘I direct wildlife officers from Burigi-Chato, Rumanyika-Karagwe, and Ibanda-Kyerwa National Parks to track problem elephant herds using GPS satellite collar devices fitted on herd leaders, ensuring they are driven back into reserves before causing further damage,’ stressed the minister.

For far too long, persons with albinism have carried a burden they did not choose, not because of their genetics but because of societal misconceptions about albinism.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, myths portray albinism as a curse or mystical power, highlighting the urgent need to dispel misconceptions that fuel discrimination and violence. Addressing these harmful beliefs is essential to protect and support persons with albinism.

Yet the scientific reality is remarkably simple. Albinism is just a gene. This was the central message of a recent research seminar hosted by Aga Khan University (AKU) Tanzania, which brought together geneticists, healthcare professionals, researchers, legal experts, and advocates to challenge harmful narratives and reaffirm the rights and dignity of persons with albinism.

The science leaves little room for ambiguity. Skin colour is an evolutionary adaptation to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is determined by more than one hundred genes.

Albinism occurs when mutations affect one of a small number of genes responsible for melanin production. In sub-Saharan Africa, the most common mutation affects the OCA2 gene. Most forms of albinism follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, meaning both parents unknowingly carry the altered gene.

When two carriers have a child, there is a one-in-four chance the child will be born with albinism. Neither parent should bear blame or shame.

Across many communities, myths continue to influence how children born with albinism are treated from the very moment they enter the world. Instead of receiving reassurance and accurate medical information, many families encounter fear, uncertainty, and harmful misconceptions.

Healthcare providers are often the first professionals families encounter after birth, and their response can shape understanding and support. Improving education among professionals is crucial to prevent unintentional reinforcement of stigma and to promote compassionate care.

Research emerging from the multinational Mothering and Albinism Project highlights this challenge. Although many healthcare systems have developed strong clinical guidelines, far less attention has been given to supporting families emotionally and socially or addressing the human rights issues they face.

Knowledge alone is not enough if it does not translate into compassionate care. Education must therefore extend beyond clinical management. Healthcare professionals need to understand not only the genetics of albinism but also the lived realities of the people they serve.

The challenges faced by persons with albinism extend well beyond healthcare. Without sufficient melanin, individuals are extremely vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation and face a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer. In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, limited access to sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular dermatological care means preventable illnesses continue to claim lives prematurely.

The recent decision by the World Health Organization to include broad-spectrum sunscreen on its Model List of Essential Medicines represents an important milestone. It acknowledges what advocates have argued for years: sunscreen is not a cosmetic product for people with albinism it is lifesaving medicine.

However, physical health is only one part of the story. Perhaps the greatest challenge remains the persistence of deeply rooted social beliefs that continue to endanger lives. Ritual attacks linked to beliefs about magical powers associated with body parts of persons with albinism remain one of the darkest manifestations of discrimination.

Encouragingly, progress is being made. The landmark ruling by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights directing Tanzania to compensate victims of attacks against persons with albinism and strengthen legal protections demonstrates that governments and institutions have a responsibility to safeguard human rights.

Yet laws alone cannot eliminate prejudice. Changing attitudes begins with changing conversations. One of the most powerful reminders came from individuals living with albinism themselves. Their stories reveal extraordinary resilience not because their lives have been easy, but because they have overcome barriers created by ignorance rather than by their condition.

When families receive accurate information, when schools become inclusive, and when healthcare providers offer informed, compassionate care, children with albinism thrive. They become lawyers, teachers, researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and leaders. Their potential has never been limited by genetics. It has only been limited by society’s expectations.

Education, media, policymakers, and healthcare workers all share responsibility to challenge stereotypes and foster societal inclusion, empowering everyone to act.

We all have a role, and science has answered whether we understand albinism’s genetics. The real question is whether we’re ready to let science change our attitudes. Replacing myths with evidence builds safer communities. When children learn that albinism is just a genetic condition, discrimination decreases. Healthcare workers with accurate knowledge become advocates for dignity. Policymakers prioritizing inclusion help create a society where no one is left behind because of their genes.

Ultimately, the story of albinism is not only about genetics. It is about human rights. It is about equity. It is about ensuring that every person regardless of skin color or genetic inheritance is afforded the dignity, protection, opportunity, and respect they deserve.

Because when we replace fear with knowledge, prejudice with evidence, and exclusion with inclusion, we move closer to a society where the words ‘It’s just a gene’ are not merely a scientific fact, but a shared social understanding.

Tanzania has signed agreements covering public-private partnership (PPP) investment in electricity transmission, expanded renal healthcare services and increased industrial use of natural gas as the country seeks to accelerate infrastructure development and economic transformation.

The agreements were signed on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, during the Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting and Infra for Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam.

The forum brought together government institutions, development financiers and private-sector partners.

The signatories included Africa50, the Ministry of Health, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and TAQA Arabia.

The agreements come as Tanzania continues to position itself as a regional trade and logistics hub while pursuing large-scale infrastructure projects under its long-term development agenda.

Addressing delegates, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said infrastructure development remains central to unlocking Africa’s economic potential, urging governments and development partners to move beyond planning and focus on implementation.

She said citizens measure development through reliable electricity, efficient transport networks, digital connectivity and employment opportunities rather than policy documents and strategies.

President Hassan said Tanzania was implementing the National Development Vision 2050, under which the government is investing in strategic infrastructure, including the expansion of the Port of Dar es Salaam, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), roads, bridges and key transport corridors.

She said the investments were intended not only to strengthen Tanzania’s economy but also to improve trade links with neighbouring countries, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

She also called on African countries to add value to their natural resources instead of exporting raw materials, saying industrialisation would create jobs, build technical skills and strengthen economic resilience.

Furthermore, President Hassan described natural gas as a strategic resource capable of supporting energy security and driving industrial growth across the continent.

Kenya’s Deputy President, Prof Kithure Kindiki, said delivering transformative infrastructure requires sustained political commitment, predictable policy frameworks and long-term planning.

He also called for stronger domestic technical capacity, innovative financing mechanisms and greater community participation to ensure infrastructure projects generate broad-based benefits.

Africa50 chairman and African Development Bank Group president Dr Sidi Ould Tah said the institution would continue supporting African governments to develop bankable infrastructure projects capable of attracting private investment.

He said Africa50’s second decade should prioritise faster project implementation, increased capital mobilisation and stronger partnerships among governments, development finance institutions and private investors.

The forum also brought together ministers from Tanzania, Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal to discuss energy, industrialisation, natural gas development, value addition and cross-border infrastructure.

Participants heard that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, highlighting the continent’s significant infrastructure financing gap.

In Tanzania, access to clean cooking solutions has increased from six percent in 2021 to 28 percent in 2026, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand access to modern energy.

President Hassan commended Africa50 for supporting Africa’s infrastructure agenda and urged stakeholders to ensure that the agreements signed are translated into projects that deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.