Category: The Citizen

The Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) will on Saturday host the 2025/26 PBZ Premier League Awards, an event that will recognise outstanding players, coaches and other football stakeholders for their achievements during the just-concluded season.

The awards ceremony, dubbed Usiku wa Heshima, will be held at the New Amaan Hotel in Zanzibar. The event is expected to bring together football administrators, club officials, players, coaches and invited guests to celebrate excellence in the domestic league.

The Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, will be the guest of honour. According to ZFF, the awards are aimed at recognising exceptional performances that contributed to the growth and competitiveness of the PBZ Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.

Among the major categories to be contested is the Best Coach of the Season award, with four tacticians shortlisted after guiding their respective clubs through impressive campaigns.

The nominees are Hababuu Ali of KVZ FC, Ali Bakar Mgazija of JKU SC, Hassan Ramadhan ‘Pele’ of Mlandege FC and Abdulsaleh Abdallah Mohamed of Uhamiaji FC. The Best Young Player of the Season category has also attracted strong competition, reflecting the emergence of talented youngsters in Zanzibar football.

The nominees are Wahid Hamad Soud of Chipukizi United, Moh’d Ali Moh’d of KMKM SC, Omar Juma Mdachi of Mlandege FC and Ibrahim Ramadhan ‘Ndaba’ of Mafunzo FC. ZFF said the awards are part of its efforts to motivate players, coaches and clubs to maintain high standards and promote professionalism across domestic competitions.

The federation believes recognising excellence will encourage healthy competition while inspiring young footballers to develop their talents and pursue successful careers in the sport.

Saturday’s event is also expected to honour winners in several other categories, including outstanding individual and team performances recorded during the 2025/26 season.

The PBZ Premier League remains Zanzibar’s top-flight football competition and has continued to attract growing interest from supporters and sponsors, contributing to the development of the game across the islands.

By celebrating the achievements of players, coaches and clubs, ZFF hopes the annual awards will strengthen the culture of excellence and further raise the profile of Zanzibar football at both regional and national levels.

Rwanda has suspended the importation of 14 alcoholic beverage brands from Tanzania as part of a wider regulatory action targeting products that fail to meet required safety and quality standards.

The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) announced the suspension of 52 alcoholic beverage brands imported from several countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, India and Poland.

Importers, distributors and retailers have been ordered to stop selling the affected products and remove existing stocks from the market pending further assessments. Among the Tanzanian brands affected are Konyagi, Strong Dry Gin, Diamond Rock Gin, Tzee Lemon and Ginger, Kiwingu Spirit, K-Vant, Blackhat, Campfire Gin, Cuca Vodka, Hanson’s Vodka, Relax Vodka, Tzee Portable Spirit and X5 Gin.

The products are manufactured by several Tanzanian companies, including Tanzania Distilleries Limited, Mati Super Brands Limited, East African Spirits Tanzania, Serengeti Breweries Limited, Kilimanjaro Biochem Limited, Mega Beverages Limited and John Beverages Tanzania Limited.

The suspension has affected both major producers and smaller manufacturers that depend on regional markets, highlighting the growing importance of regulatory compliance within Tanzania’s beverage industry.

Rwanda FDA said the measure was intended to protect consumers and ensure all alcoholic drinks sold in the country meet established safety requirements. Companies involved have been directed to cooperate with the recall process and submit reports on actions taken.

The regulator said the suspension is temporary and will remain in effect as further evaluations are conducted to establish whether the affected products comply with Rwanda’s quality and safety standards.

The move comes as Rwanda steps up efforts to curb the circulation of unsafe and illicit alcoholic beverages amid concerns over public health risks linked to substandard products.

Lindi. More than 8,000 farmers have been reached through initiatives promoting the use of indigenous seeds, as Tanzania steps up efforts to preserve traditional crops, improve food security and build resilience against climate challenges.

The programme has so far conserved more than 13 indigenous seed varieties in seed banks and distributed over 100,000 seedlings to farmers.

Speaking on Thursday, August 6, 2026, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde said indigenous seeds remain an important asset in Tanzania’s agricultural development because of their ability to adapt to different environments and withstand some climate-related challenges.

‘Farmers should embrace irrigation farming in seed production despite climate change. This will help increase the value and productivity of these seeds. I also urge farmers to add value to their crops to align with Vision 2050,’ said Deputy Minister Silinde.

He said the progress achieved reflects cooperation between the government and agricultural stakeholders, urging extension officers to use their expertise to support more farmers and improve production efficiency.

The remarks were made during an event highlighting the importance of indigenous seeds, traditional foods and sustainable agricultural practices.

SWISSAID expands agroecology programme

SWISSAID Tanzania Country Director Betty Malaki said the organisation has launched the second phase of its project, running from 2025 to 2029, following the completion of the first phase implemented between 2019 and 2025.

She said the initiative focuses on promoting agroecology, gender equality and environmental conservation, with the aim of improving household livelihoods and strengthening food sovereignty.

‘This is a 10-year project. The first phase ran from 2019 to 2025, while the second phase started in 2025 and will end in 2029. It will help us reach twice as many farmers as we currently do,’ Ms Malaki said.

She added that the project seeks to help communities adopt sustainable farming methods that protect the environment and safeguard human health.

The celebrations also showcased Tanzania’s agricultural heritage through traditional foods, including cassava ugali, matamba, groundnut porridge, local vegetables, wild beans and traditional pilau.

Mtwara resident Hamisi Shino said indigenous seeds provide important nutritional benefits and help improve energy levels.

‘This seed is called Luvala. You eat it as food and it helps increase body energy,’ he said.

A dream to improve healthcare services in his community has received a major boost after Vikindu resident Mohammed Misanga won a Sh50 million grand prize through the’Kila Muamala ni Bao la Ushindi’ promotion organised by Mixx in partnership with Hisense.

The victory has given Misanga an opportunity to move closer to achieving his long-standing ambition of establishing a health centre that will serve residents of Vikindu and neighbouring areas.

Speaking during the conclusion of the campaign and the presentation of the grand prize, Mixx Chief Executive Officer Angelica Pesha said the promotion demonstrated how digital financial services can help transform lives and support customers in achieving their dreams. ‘This has been more than just a campaign. We have witnessed our customers’ dreams come true. Every winner explained how the prizes changed their lives, some expanded their businesses, others paid school fees, travelled abroad for the first time or improved their daily lives, ‘said Pesha .

She said the campaign had positively impacted not only the winners but also their families and communities, reflecting the meaning behind Mixx’s slogan ‘Kila Muamala ni Bao la Ushindi’.

Pesha explained that the nearly two-month promotion was launched as part of celebrations for the World Cup while encouraging Tanzanians to embrace digital financial services.

More than 100 Tanzanians benefited from the campaign through various prizes, including cash rewards, Hisense electronic products and an opportunity to travel to Mexico to watch World Cup matches.

‘We have witnessed increased use of Mixx services, with thousands of transactions conducted throughout the campaign period. These included sending and receiving money, paying bills, making merchant payments through Lipa kwa Simu, investing and using the Mixx Super App,’ she said.

She added that Mixx would continue developing innovative solutions aimed at simplifying financial transactions and improving the lives of Tanzanians.

Pesha also thanked Hisense for partnering in the campaign, as well as customers, media organisations, content creators and Mixx employees for contributing to its success.

Speaking on behalf of Hisense, Mars Communications Chief Operating Officer Tahera Karim said the partnership with Mixx showed how private sector collaboration can create meaningful benefits for communities.

. Tanzania has opened its Treasury bills and government bonds market to all foreign investors after amending its foreign exchange regulations, marking a major step towards attracting international capital and strengthening the country’s financial markets.

The changes are contained in the Foreign Exchange (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, issued under the Foreign Exchange Act through Government Notice No. 206 of 2026 and published in the Government Gazette on July 17, 2026.

Previously, only investors from the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and members of the Tanzanian diaspora were eligible to invest in the country’s government securities. In a public notice, Bank of Tanzania Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said the amendments allow all non-resident investors to buy Treasury bills and government bonds issued by the Government of Tanzania, broadening access to the country’s debt market.

He said the reforms form part of the central bank’s strategy to deepen domestic financial markets, improve market liquidity and position Tanzania as a more competitive destination for international investment.

Under the new framework, eligible foreign investors will access the government securities market through approved Central Depository Participants (CDPs), subject to the amended regulations and other applicable legal and operational requirements.

The reforms are expected to expand the government’s investor base, increase foreign capital inflows and enhance liquidity in the domestic bond market while supporting long-term financial sector development.

. Ivory Coast underlined their growing credentials at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by finishing top of Group B with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, ending the Twiga Stars’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Lady Elephants completed the group stage unbeaten with seven points from three matches after goals from Nsira Ouedraogo and Ines Konan secured victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Tuesday night.

The result confirmed Ivory Coast’s return to the WAFCON knockout stage in impressive fashion after making their first appearance at the continental finals since 2014. South Africa joined them in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the group’s other decisive fixture. The defending champions finished second with six points, while Tanzania and Burkina Faso ended their campaigns on three points each.

Ivory Coast entered the match knowing a draw would be enough to secure qualification, but they controlled the contest for long spells and capitalised on their chances at crucial moments.

Tanzania, meanwhile, faced a must-win encounter after their historic victory over South Africa in the previous round had revived hopes of a last-eight place. However, the Twiga Stars were weakened by the absence of defender Hasnath Ubamba, who was suspended following her red card against Burkina Faso. Despite Tanzania’s determination, Ivory Coast found the breakthrough just before the interval.

In the 44th minute, Ines Konan produced another influential contribution by setting up Nsira Ouedraogo, who calmly finished to give the West Africans a deserved lead heading into the break.

Ivory Coast continued to dictate proceedings after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Konan converted from the penalty spot after Tanzania conceded a spot-kick.

The goal effectively sealed the outcome, although Tanzania continued to press until the closing stages. The Twiga Stars were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Diana Msewa converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, but the goal proved only a consolation as the final whistle confirmed their elimination.

What started as a university project by three software engineering students had grown into one of Tanzania’s recognised technology companies, developing digital systems, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and machine learning technologies for organisations across Africa.

The company, IPF Software, was founded by Grayson Julius, Nelson Malekela and Jackson Twalipo, three graduates from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), who began developing software solutions while still students.

Over the years, the company expanded from working on university systems and small software contracts to becoming a technology firm with more than 35 ICT professionals involved in digital transformation projects across different sectors. IPF Software developed financial technology solutions, enterprise systems and AI-based tools, positioning itself among local companies supporting automation and digital transformation.

However, before the company gained recognition through partnerships and awards, the founders had faced a difficult decision after graduation, whether to pursue employment or continue building a company they had started while at university.

For their parents, who had invested years supporting their education, graduation was expected to mark the beginning of stable careers and financial responsibility.

But Grayson, Nelson and Jackson had already decided to continue building IPF Software.

According to IPF Software’s Business Development Director and Co-founder, Grayson Julius, support from their parents played an important role in allowing them to pursue entrepreneurship despite the uncertainty involved.

‘We organised a brunch for our parents and told them we would pay for it. From there, we explained that we did not need money or funding, we only needed their support,’ Grayson said.

That support gave the founders confidence to continue developing a technology company at a time when opportunities for local software firms were still limited.

Their foundation was built at UDOM’s College of Informatics and Virtual Education (CIVE), where their interest in software development developed into practical solutions.

While still students, the three engineers worked together on different projects, helping individuals and organisations that required digital systems.

Their first major opportunity came when they participated in developing the University of Dodoma Student Registration system, commonly known as UDOM SR, which had previously been referred to as the Academic Registration Information System (ARIS).

The project became a turning point because it demonstrated that local engineers could develop systems that institutions often depended on external companies to create.

Mr Grayson said the opportunity came after a professor challenged them to consider how their skills could create value beyond academic work.

‘There was a professor who told us that if people were paying a lot of money for software systems, why we couldn’t build them ourselves?’ he said.

The university later formed a team of seven engineers, including the three founders, to work on the system while they were still second-year students.

‘They put together a team of seven engineers. At that time, we were only in our second year and that was the spark that made us realise we could actually build something,’ Grayson said.

The experience changed their view of software development, turning it from a career path into a possible business opportunity.

By their third year, they had registered IPF Software as a business name in 2015 while continuing to work on projects at the university.

‘We continued working on different projects at the university. We were earning some money and it helped us. We were also among the best students in our class,’ Grayson said.

Initially, the founders wanted to develop technology products rather than operate as a software service provider.

One of their early ideas was Africa Fashion, an application designed to connect fashion lovers with designers across Africa.

The idea gained attention and the start-up became a finalist in Pivot East, a regional start-up competition held in Nairobi.

However, the business struggled because the founders had limited knowledge of the market.

‘At that time, we did not understand anything about fashion and convincing someone to use a solution and pay for it was difficult,’ Grayson said.

The experience showed them that technical skills alone were not enough to build a sustainable company.

They later joined Buni, a technology innovation hub that helped them understand business development, pitching and customer needs.

‘Buni played a pivotal role in teaching us about business. I remember we were paired with Jumanne, who had started Buni and that helped us understand how to build a business,’ he said.

By 2015, the founders had reached a difficult stage. The company was still young, resources were limited and several organisations had offered them employment opportunities.

Some institutions, including UDOM, wanted to recruit them. However, the founders chose to remain together and continue developing IPF Software.

‘The university wanted to hire us, but there were only two positions. We told them that if they needed us, they had to take all three of us because we knew what we were building,’ Grayson said.

The decision pushed them to focus on making the company financially sustainable.

They began accepting software development projects from organisations looking for websites and digital systems.

Their first major project earned them Sh1.8 million.

‘That was our beginning in providing services. We shared Sh300,000 each and kept the remaining money for internet costs,’ Grayson said.

The income allowed them to move into a rented three-bedroom house that served as both their office and residence.

A major turning point came through a partnership with CARE International to develop CHOMOKA, a mobile application designed to support women and informal savings groups commonly known as VICOBA.

The platform provided financial tools that helped savings groups manage funds, access loans and improve economic opportunities.

‘A pivotal moment occurred through the seven-year partnership with CARE International to build the CHOMOKA platform,’ Grayson said.

Through the partnership, IPF gained exposure to international software engineering standards and enterprise-level development practices.

‘After working with that team, we started doing real enterprise-grade software engineering. That experience helped us become pioneers of software engineering practices in Tanzania,’ he said.

The company became among the early adopters of Agile, Scrum and DevOps methodologies in Tanzania.

Through CHOMOKA, IPF helped facilitate more than Sh6 billion in loans for women and recorded more than Sh13 billion in savings through the platform.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, IPF continued expanding.

By 2020, the company had grown to between 15 and 18 employees, supported by projects with organisations including the World Bank and CARE International.

Its growth was recognised in 2021 when the Tanzania ICT Commission awarded IPF Software the Best Software Development Company award.

‘It was our first award and I think after that the journey continued. Not making too much noise helped us grow steadily. Even when challenges came, we remained stable,’ Grayson said.

The company later partnered with Sahara to conduct technology audits for 60 start-ups, helping businesses improve their digital systems.

According to Grayson, the initiative addressed challenges faced by start-ups that had received funding but lacked proper technology structures.

‘There were start-ups that received funding and disappeared because there was no solution to assess their technology. This model helped address that challenge,’ he said.

IPF later expanded its work with financial institutions, developing compliance systems and solutions such as the Real Time Supervisory Information System.

‘Today, we are serving the queens and kings of the banking industry in the country,’ Grayson said.

The company also shifted its focus towards helping African businesses transition from manual processes to intelligent enterprises powered by AI.

‘We don’t think ‘Software Company’ is the narrative we want to keep for the next five years. We need to move towards transforming operations with enterprise AI,’ Grayson said.

It introduced the AI Ladder, an assessment tool that helped businesses evaluate their digital readiness and identify steps required to adopt intelligent systems.

The company also prepared AI boot camps and masterclasses through IPF Academy to address the shortage of advanced technology skills in the region.

‘We are providing AI solutions to improve workflows. We built a tool for companies to do their own assessment, which we call the AI Ladder,’ he said.

IPF Software’s international recognition continued after the company was selected as an OpenAI Select Partner.

The milestone added to its partnerships with Google Cloud and Meta for WhatsApp solutions, as well as its ISO 27001 certification for information security.

From a university project developed by three students to a technology company contributing to Africa’s digital transformation, IPF Software’s growth reflected the expansion of Tanzania’s local technology sector and the increasing role of home-grown solutions in solving business challenges.

Kinondoni District has launched immigration clubs in schools as part of a new initiative to educate pupils about lawful migration, strengthen national security awareness and discourage illegal immigration from an early age.

Launching the first immigration club in Dar es Salaam at Green Acres School, Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule said the programme would be rolled out to more than 200 schools across the district to ensure children understand immigration laws and their role in safeguarding the country’s security.

He urged residents to support government efforts by reporting suspected undocumented immigrants to the relevant security agencies, stressing that Tanzania welcomes foreigners who comply with the country’s immigration laws and procedures. “We want children to understand immigration matters from a young age. Tanzania welcomes immigrants, but they must enter and live in the country legally. Building this awareness early will help strengthen respect for the law,” said Mr Mtambule.

He also warned residents against sheltering undocumented immigrants, saying anyone found assisting people living in the country illegally would face legal action.

The district commissioner commended the Immigration Department, led by Commissioner General of Immigration Dr Anna Makakala, for intensifying measures to curb illegal immigration nationwide.

Kinondoni Municipal Mayor Songoro Mnyonge described the clubs as an important platform for instilling respect for immigration laws among young people and promoting responsible citizenship.

He praised Green Acres School for becoming the first school in Dar es Salaam to establish an immigration club, saying the initiative would help shape law-abiding future generations.

The mayor also recognised the school’s director, Jackline Rushaigo, for continuing the vision of the school’s late founder while maintaining high academic standards.

Speaking at the launch, Green Acres School Director Jackline Rushaigo thanked the Immigration Department for selecting the school to pioneer the programme, saying the club would complement the school’s commitment to nurturing disciplined, responsible and patriotic citizens.

Domestic workers are becoming increasingly scarce in the country, with stakeholders attributing the shortage to expanded educational opportunities, vocational training, and employment overseas.

These shifts are driven by the implementation of the 2023 Education and Training Policy, growing parental awareness regarding female child education, and the attraction of higher-paying jobs in Middle Eastern nations.

Unlike in past years, when some families removed girls from school and sent them to urban areas to undertake domestic work, many now pursue studies, vocational training, or seek alternative employment opportunities. The scale of this issue was once highlighted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in its 2000/01 Labour Force Survey, which revealed that 47.8 percent of all children aged five to 17 working nationally were domestic workers.

However, no further survey has been conducted since then.

Why they are scarce now

Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, a senior lecturer at Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTu), Mr Kassim Nihuka, said various adult education programmes have helped reach youths who missed formal learning opportunities.

He stated that currently visible outcomes signal that improvements in the 2023 Education and Training Policy will continue yielding further results in the coming days.

He said the policy emphasises delivering education that builds not only classroom knowledge in youths, but also practical skills enabling self-employment and active participation in economic activities.

‘Unlike formerly, we are now building a knowledgeable and skilled generation; many youths proceed with studies or vocational training rather than entering early into jobs requiring little expertise,’ said Mr Nihuka.

Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro said the reduction in girls entering domestic work results from government efforts ensuring female children remain in school and gain adequate time to build educational and social capacity.

He noted that improvements in the Education and Training Policy increased emphasis on advancing children’s education, a move that will reduce the number of girls entering domestic work early because many will still be pursuing studies.

‘It is clear that as more girls advance in education, those taken to do domestic work when they should be in school will decrease. That is the benefit of investing in education,’ said Mr Mtatiro.

He said the girl child needs protection against challenges capable of affecting her life should she drop out early, including underage pregnancies, child marriages, and a lack of self-development opportunities.

‘The objective is not merely getting the girl child to school, but giving her room to mature, achieve self-awareness, and possess numerous choices in her life. Advancing up to forms five and six grants her greater capacity to make correct decisions concerning her future,’ he said.

Mr Mtatiro stressed that the law does not bar a youth or girl who completed formal education and lacks the opportunity to pursue further studies from doing lawful work; what is forbidden is withdrawing a child who should still be within the educational system.

He said the government will continue ensuring children qualified to proceed with studies gain that opportunity prior to entering the labour market.

A Mufindi resident in Iringa Region, Mr Hanson Kibiriti, shared the perspective, saying educational system changes will continue reducing the count of girls entering domestic work.

‘Currently it is difficult obtaining housemaids because they finish school while young, and where we are heading with pupils finishing at primary six, children will complete form four aged 15 to 16,’ he said.

Chang’ombe Sub-ward Chairman, Mkata Ward in Tanga Region, Mr Said Machokoro, said despite those achievements, a challenge remains with some parents marrying off daughters early instead of enabling them to proceed with education.

‘I saw a debate with people complaining about girls being scarce; this could also be driven by some parents marrying off daughters early to relieve themselves economically by relying on a son-in-law rather than sending her to school or providing other self-reliance opportunities,’ said Mr Machokoro.

Domestic worker agents

Domestic employment service agent, Ms Lulu Charles, said girls are still around, but most now prefer seeking employment abroad, particularly in Middle Eastern nations, due to high salaries and conditions described by predecessors.

‘Girls are still available, except most want to go overseas after peers explained the life they live there and payment rates, unlike here,’ said Ms Charles.

She noted that nowadays parents consider it better for a child to travel abroad rather than remain to do domestic work locally where salaries are low, and others do not pay promptly.

She said agents currently transport girls aged 19 years and above from various regions, including Dodoma, Kigoma, Shinyanga, and Singida, to work in Arab countries.

She said most girls have graduated at least to Form Four, facilitating communication with employers and granting them a major opportunity to secure jobs and self-develop.

Worker abroad speaks

That submission is confirmed by a Tanzanian working in Oman, Ms Shamim Adam, who said her achievements have become a source inspiring many girls from her village to desire to follow in her footsteps.

‘I have been receiving calls and messages from friends and relatives in Kondoa wanting to know how to come here. Others are still in school; I have been emphasizing they finish studies first before thinking of work,’ she said.

. The CRDB Bank Congo Marathon has raised $100,000 (Sh270 million) to support people living with albinism, turning the annual sporting event into a platform for promoting inclusion, dignity and community solidarity.

The charity marathon brought together government leaders, private sector representatives, partners and 1,900 participants, exceeding the organisers’ initial target of 1,800 runners.

The funds raised will be used to purchase healthcare equipment and protective supplies, including skin protection products, for people living with albinism. Speaking during the event, CRDB Bank Congo Managing Director Dr Jessica Nyachiro said the marathon reflected the bank’s commitment to supporting communities through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

‘Through our unity and love for our community, we have come together to spread smiles among our people, particularly our brothers and sisters living with albinism,’ said Dr Nyachiro.

She explained that CRDB Bank Congo’s CSR policy directs one per cent of the bank’s annual profits towards community development initiatives, especially in health, education and environmental conservation.

‘Our bank recognises that the wellbeing of any society depends on the contribution of every individual. We have a responsibility to participate in creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone can fully engage in social and economic activities,’ she said.

Dr Nyachiro said the decision to dedicate this year’s marathon to people with albinism was aimed at raising awareness and mobilising support for a community facing unique challenges. Quoting the International Albinism Awareness organisation, she said:

‘Protection from the sun is not a luxury for persons with albinism; it is a matter of life and dignity.’ She added that society has a responsibility to ensure people living with albinism receive access to healthcare services, protective equipment and the dignity they deserve.

The Speaker of the Haut-Katanga Provincial Assembly, Michel Kabwe, praised CRDB Bank Congo for using sport .s a tool to create social impact.

‘This is not an ordinary race. It is a race of solidarity, a race of hope and a race carrying a message of dignity for our brothers and sisters living with albinism,’ said Kabwe.

He said people living with albinism continue to experience challenges, including health concerns, limited access to protective materials, lack of awareness and discrimination.

Kabwe assured that the government would continue working with partners to promote inclusion, improve healthcare access and protect the rights of people with albinism.

‘Those with albinism are our lights shining uniquely in the darkness of challenges. As a nation, we declare we will not leave them behind. We will run alongside them, protect them and love them,’ he said. CRDB Bank Congo Board Chairman Dr Ally Laay said the marathon demonstrated the bank’s commitment to impact investment and partnerships that improve lives.

‘Our bank believes strongly in impact investment – investments that create positive change in society. Through the CRDB Bank Marathon, we are living out that commitment,’ Dr Laay said.

He emphasised that challenges facing people with albinism require collective action from the government, private sector and society.