Category: The Citizen

Kenyan teenager Kanana Muthomi produced a composed performance to win the 2026 Sterling Invitational Golf Tournament at the Kilimanjaro Wildlife and Golf Estate in Arusha, finishing nine over par after three rounds.

Muthomi carded rounds of 75, 72 and 78 for a tournament total of 225, beating Tanzania’s Madina Hussein, who finished second on 231, by six strokes.

The victory adds another significant achievement to Muthomi’s growing reputation in East African amateur golf. At Kili Golf, Muthomi maintained her advantage through the three-round competition despite facing a strong regional field that included several established players from Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.

Hussein mounted the strongest challenge to the Kenyan, finishing with rounds of 75, 74 and 82 for 231, while compatriot Chloe Cherono completed the podium after carding 84, 80 and 76 for 240.

The result was particularly significant for Muthomi because the Sterling Invitational had attracted a competitive field designed to provide East Africa’s leading amateurs with an opportunity to test themselves against each other.

The tournament, sponsored by Sterling Surfactant Limited and organised by Madina Idd, featured golfers from Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda, with about 80 players expected to compete across the different categories. The main competition was played under the stroke-play format, with players completing 18 holes each day.

Muthomi’s success also denied defending champion Ashley Awuor the opportunity to retain the title she won last year. Awuor finished tied for 13th after posting rounds of 76, 91 and 88 for 255.

Tanzania, however, had several players finish prominently. Neema Olomi was seventh on 248 after rounds of 82, 84 and 82, while Hawa Wanyeche finished eighth on 249.

Aalaa Somji was 10th on 251, followed by Loveness Mungure in 11th with 252. Nancy Wairimu finished 12th on 254.

The tournament also attracted international players, including Rwanda’s Sylvie Irakoze, who finished 15th on 261. Zambia’s Lornah Kalunga Mwenda had earlier been announced among the international players expected to strengthen the field.

Away from the main ladies’ competition, Mahmoos Somji emerged as the Senior Overall winner, while Sophia Viggo claimed the Senior Overall women’s title.

Naomi Wakesho won Division B, adding another competitive category to the tournament’s growing list of winners.

The special prizes also went to Aalaa Somji, who claimed the Longest Drive ladies’ award, while Mohamed Walji won the Longest Drive senior prize.

The Sterling Invitational has continued to grow as an important platform for women’s golf in the region. Its recognition under the R and A and registration with the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) has added further significance, giving eligible players an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points.

The ladies’ event was played over 54 holes, placing a premium on consistency, concentration and effective course management. The Kili Golf course also provided a demanding test, requiring players to combine accuracy with tactical decision-making throughout the three rounds.

‘As the organiser, I would like to sincerely thank Sterling Surfactant Limited for trusting me and entrusting me with the responsibility of managing their tournament. I would also like to thank all the invited players from Kenya and Rwanda, as well as the Tanzanian hosts, for coming to participate in the tournament.

I extend my special thanks to the Sterling organising committee, led by Alkarim Somji, the company’s General Manager, for managing the tournament effectively and ensuring its success,” said Madina.

She congratulated to all the winners, and congratulations to everyone who took part in the tournament. We welcome you all back next year, in 2027.

For Muthomi, the victory represents another step in an encouraging season and strengthens her position among East Africa’s emerging golfing talents. For Tanzania, Hussein’s runner-up finish and the strong showing by Olomi, Wanyeche and Somji provided a positive return against a competitive international field.

The tournament has therefore strengthened its position as more than a regional competition, providing a platform where emerging golfers can gain experience, improve their rankings and measure themselves against some of East Africa’s leading amateurs.

For Italshoe Ltd and Longlife Tyre Retread Ltd, winning the President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards (PMAYA) repeatedly is both an achievement and a responsibility to keep raising standards.

The two companies were recognised at this year’s PMAYA for their focus on quality, innovation and local manufacturing.

In this interview, Italshoe Ltd and Longlife Tyre Retread Ltd Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Mohamed A Nur explains what the awards mean and the secret behind their success.

QUESTION: What do the PMAYA awards mean to your companies?

MR NUR: We are honoured that both companies have been recognised. The awards reflect the discipline, innovation and hard work of our employees, while demonstrating the Government’s commitment to industrialisation and promoting products made in Tanzania.

The awards bring pride but also greater responsibility to maintain high standards and improve our products and services.

The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Deogratius Ndejembi seated during the 2026 President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards (PMAYA) ceremony. Second left is the The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Italshoe Ltd and Longlife Tyre Retread Ltd, Mr Mohamed A Nur who attended the event and also won double accolade for his firms.

What is the secret behind winning year after year?

Our success comes from consistency, teamwork, disciplined management and continuous improvement. We focus on quality every day, invest in employees, listen to customers and improve our production systems.

PMAYA provides a benchmark for measuring our progress and learning from other manufacturers.

How do you manage employee performance?

Our employees are the foundation of both companies. We establish clear responsibilities, measurable targets and procedures covering quality, safety and accountability.

Performance is reviewed regularly, while employees receive training. Investing in skills improves productivity and creates decent employment opportunities for Tanzanians.

How do customers motivate you to keep improving?

Our customers are central to our improvement. Their support for Tanzanian-made products gives us confidence to invest and expand.

Their feedback helps improve product durability, delivery times, after-sales service and value. Maintaining their confidence requires continuous improvement.

How are the awards contributing to Tanzania’s industrial development?

The awards strengthen market confidence and business relationships. Italshoe produces footwear, safety footwear and protective products, helping reduce imports.

Longlife extends tyre life through retreading, reducing waste and operating costs. Together, we support employment, technical skills, local supply chains and import substitution.

What gives you confidence about the future of manufacturing?

We are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to industrialisation, investment, infrastructure and locally manufactured products.

The ‘Buy Tanzania, Build Tanzania’ agenda, a growing market and young workforce give us confidence that Tanzania can become a manufacturing hub in East and Central Africa.

Continued public-private cooperation and access to affordable finance, reliable energy, raw materials and markets can unlock more investment, jobs and exports.

What should customers and Tanzanians expect from Italshoe and Longlife?

They should expect continued investment, dependable quality, responsible growth and stronger customer service.

Italshoe will continue developing durable footwear, safety footwear and protective products, while Longlife will strengthen retread quality, production capacity and support for transporters.

We will continue creating jobs and skills, supporting local value chains and working with Government and the private sector.

We are proud of these awards, but our greatest achievement will be maintaining public trust, satisfying customers, developing employees and helping build a stronger industrial Tanzania.

A-List stars Kajala Masanja, Irene Uwoya, Aunty Ezekiel and Jacqueline Wolper say they welcomed their meeting with the Tanzania Film Board, describing it as an opportunity for guidance.

‘They spoke to us well. They did not speak harshly to us; they educated us on where we went wrong,’ Uwoya said after the meeting.

The four actresses reported to the Board’s offices on Monday, September 7, 2026, following a notice directing them to appear at 2pm.

Tanzania has cemented its position as a premier tourism destination, scooping multiple top honours at the prestigious 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa Gala Ceremony.

The glamorous event, which took place on August 28, 2026, was hosted at the newly opened Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, a luxury resort on the island’s south-east coast.

The gala brought together hundreds of travel and hospitality leaders from across the continent. For the third consecutive year, Tanzania was crowned Africa’s Leading Destination, while the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) retained its coveted title as Africa’s Leading Tourist Board.

The country’s famous wilderness areas also dominated their respective categories.

Serengeti National Park was named Africa’s Leading National Park for the eighth year running, alongside the title of Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park.

Kilimanjaro National Park kept its spot as Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park, and Nyerere National Park was named Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park for the second year in a row.

Zanzibar itself enjoyed a highly successful evening, winning both Africa’s Leading Beach Destination and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.

The Zanzibar Commission for tourism was named Africa’s leading regional tourist board.

Meanwhile, the host venue, Diamonds Bijoux Zanziba, which opened only in January 2026, was declared Africa’s Leading New Resort and Zanzibar’s Leading Villa Resort.

In the aviation sector, Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) was named Africa’s Leading Airport for the second consecutive year.

Local operators also triumphed, with Altezza Travel securing the title of Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator for the third consecutive year, following wins in 2024 and 2025.

Representing Altezza Travel at the gala, Head of Safari Operations, Ms Leila Maganga, and Safari Operations Manager Ms Diana Zulungu highlighted the profound impact of these accolades.

“One of the happiest parts of my job is meeting people who have just returned from Kilimanjaro or a safari,” said Ms Maganga.

“They are full of excitement as they talk about Tanzania’s nature, the wildlife they have seen and the moments that made their journey special,” she added.

Ms Zulungu noted the rising trend of repeat visitors.

“It is wonderful to see those same people return the following year, ready to explore more of Tanzania,” she said.

“There are hundreds of travel options around the world, so it means a great deal when travellers choose Tanzania again and again,” Ms Zulungu said.

She added that tourists frequently return to experience different safaris, visit Zanzibar, explore the southern parks, or make another attempt at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, the rapid growth of the sector comes with a responsibility to protect the environment and support local communities.

However, Ms Maganga emphasised that conservation must remain a top priority.

“Nature is the reason people come to Tanzania, and it must be protected at all costs,” stressed Ms Maganga.

“We must also respect the people who make this industry possible. Tourism should help raise living standards, and we hope to see this continue across Tanzania,” she added.

The operators also observed a positive shift in visitor demographics, with more families choosing to travel to Tanzania with children.

This early exposure to the country’s wildlife and landscapes is seen as a crucial step in fostering environmental awareness.

“Perhaps among these children is a future Jane Goodall or George Adamson,” remarked Ms Maganga, adding that: “It may be this very trip that inspires a lifelong passion.”

She believes that introducing young travellers to the country’s natural wonders will nurture a new generation committed to protecting and restoring national parks and wildlife areas.

Ultimately, the spectacular evening in Zanzibar celebrated more than just titles; it highlighted the unique combination of remarkable nature, rich culture, and the warm hospitality that defines Tanzania.

Tanzania’s political actors have been urged to move beyond blame over the 2025 General Election and focus on building stronger democratic institutions capable of preventing a repeat of the political tensions and violence that followed the polls.

The call was made today as political parties, government institutions, diplomats, civil society organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders gathered in Dar es Salaam for a two-day National Conference organised by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD).

The chairman of the National Council of Political Parties, Mr Juma Ali Khatib, said the time had come for Tanzanians to stop pointing fingers and instead agree on measures that would prevent similar problems in future elections. ‘What happened has happened, we have all seen it. We are all adults; it does not please us,’ he said.

‘I think now is the time to sit together, as Tanzanians, and discuss the best way and strategies to ensure what happened does not happen again.’

Mr Khatib said the country needed to concentrate on building a democratic system that could deliver peaceful elections and give citizens confidence in the electoral process.

‘The time for pointing fingers, I think, has no place now. The time for blaming is over,’ he said.

He urged participants to exercise political tolerance and patience during the conference, noting that some contributions could be uncomfortable but would still need to be heard.

He said the discussions should ultimately help Tanzania emerge more united and capable of holding elections that do not leave citizens with pain and disappointment.

‘We should think as Tanzanians about how we get out of here and build a good democratic system so that the next election does not bring pain or sadness, but becomes an election of happiness where everyone can make their choice in building our nation,’ he said.

For his part, Registrar of Political Parties Judge Francis Mutungi also urged participants to approach the discussions with open minds, saying the conference should be used to find solutions rather than deepen political divisions.

He encouraged participants to listen even when confronted with views they disagreed with, saying constructive disagreement could help the country identify solutions.

‘Let your hearts open so that you listen to one another and speak about what you know, with the intention that it benefits others,’ he said.

He said participants should be willing to exchange views while maintaining a spirit of dialogue, tolerance and national interest.

Opening the conference, TCD chairperson Dorothy Semu said lasting democratic progress required institutions that were stronger than individuals and laws that could withstand changes in political leadership.

‘We want institutions that are stronger than individuals, laws that are stronger than the whims of leaders, and a Constitution that governs and protects the rights of all Tanzanians,’ she said.

Ms Semu said the conference should not be viewed as the end of the conversation but as the beginning of a broader process through which Tanzanians could reflect on the country’s political challenges and determine the way forward.

She urged participants to confront the past with courage, examine the present honestly and use the lessons learnt to build the country’s future.

‘The conference is the beginning of dialogue, not its end,’ she said.

Unguja/Dar. Regional heads have joined Tanzanians in expressing profound sorrow following the death of the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan, as colleagues and elders remembered his extensive contributions to the agricultural sector.

Mzee Ameir passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00 am at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar while undergoing treatment for heart disease.

His funeral is scheduled for 4:00 pm today, Monday, September 7, 2026, in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region.

Unguja/Dar. Regional heads have joined Tanzanians in expressing profound sorrow following the death of the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan, as colleagues and elders remembered his extensive contributions to the agricultural sector.

Mzee Ameir passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00 am at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar while undergoing treatment for heart disease.

His funeral is scheduled for 4:00 pm today, Monday, September 7, 2026, in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region.

rom Malaysian education to Tanzania’s corporate world

_: Dar es Salaam. At 33, Isabella Victor Mwambalaswa is among Tanzania’s younger chief financial officers (CFOs), having held the position for nearly two years at a company involved in logistics, infrastructure and energy.

She will be among the speakers at the upcoming CFO of the Future Summit at Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, which will bring together finance executives from across East Africa.

Mwambalaswa holds a first-class honours degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), obtained through a twinning programme with Taylor’s University in Malaysia.

She also completed the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification in Malaysia.

More than a decade after returning to Tanzania, she says her international education and exposure have shaped her career.

Her experience also reflects the growing number of Tanzanians returning home with skills and knowledge acquired abroad. She was employed soon after returning. For Mwambalaswa, studying abroad was partly driven by curiosity. She initially considered South Africa but could not find the course she wanted.

‘I wanted to study a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance, but they were offering all these other things. So I researched and found that Malaysia was a very safe place to go,’ she says.

Her two years in Malaysia exposed her to a different culture and way of life. Language was not a major barrier because her studies were conducted in English, although she learnt some Bahasa Melayu, Malaysia’s national language.

She also experienced the country’s strict enforcement of immigration rules, including police roadblocks where foreigners were required to produce identification.

After two years, her programme took her to Bristol in England to continue her studies. Moving to the colder British weather was an adjustment. ‘I suffered several bouts of flu, but after a while, I became well adjusted,’ she says.

She describes her lecturers as friendly and the local community as welcoming, although living costs were higher than in Malaysia. She later returned to Kuala Lumpur to complete her ACCA studies.

Mwambalaswa believes Tanzania can learn from some aspects of overseas education, particularly programmes that develop practical skills alongside academic qualifications. ‘Life-related courses, as a country, we can borrow,’ she says, citing confidence-building, money management and public speaking.

She believes internet access is also narrowing differences between education systems, allowing students to access knowledge and training from around the world.

Her participation in the CFO summit will give her an opportunity to discuss how the finance profession is changing and the role of younger professionals.

Mwambalaswa says she initially questioned why organisers had selected her alongside more experienced CFOs. She was told they wanted different perspectives, including from younger professionals and those working outside traditional financial sectors.

‘They noticed that I represented a different industry. They noticed that I’m a bit young, which aligns with their theme, ‘CFO of the Future’, exploring how our role is changing,’ she says.

She encourages young professionals to pursue senior positions rather than allow their age to limit their ambitions.

‘Definitely not! They should go for it,’ she says when asked whether young people should step aside for older colleagues when offered senior roles.

However, she says career progression requires continuous learning.

Technology, including artificial intelligence, is already changing how financial analysis and other tasks are performed.

‘As a CFO, I studied 10 years back. There’s so much that has transpired over the 10 years. So if I don’t make myself relevant, I run the risk of being obsolete,’ she says.

Her advice to young professionals is straightforward: continue studying, undertake additional training and keep updating skills to remain relevant in a changing workplace.

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is targeting more than Sh200 million through a marathon to help 100 children with heart conditions undergo surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).

The TPDC Marathon 2026, themed ‘Your Step Saves a Life’, will be held on November 21 at the Police Officers Mess grounds in Masaki, featuring 5km, 10km and 21km races.

JKCI director general Dr Peter Kisenge said about two in every 100 children born each day have heart defects caused by structural abnormalities or inherited conditions.

He said about 1,500 children at JKCI currently require urgent heart surgery, with treatment for one child costing between Sh8 million and Sh10 million.

‘The government covers 70 percent of the treatment costs for children with heart conditions, particularly those from poor families. The remaining costs are covered through support from various stakeholders, including TPDC,’ he said.

Dr Kisenge urged the public to participate in the marathon and help children from disadvantaged families access specialised cardiac treatment.

TPDC acting managing director Derick Moshi said the marathon was intended to mobilise resources for children requiring heart surgery while promoting community participation.

He said the initiative formed part of TPDC’s contribution to social development alongside its responsibilities in the oil and gas sector.

‘This is more than a message about running; it is a call to take action, join forces and use the opportunities we have as institutions and individuals to make a meaningful difference in other people’s lives,’ he said.

TPDC previously supported children with heart conditions through a 2022 charity run that raised Sh100 million for the treatment and surgery of 50 children.

Mr Moshi said the corporation was inviting public and private sector institutions, companies, health facilities, development partners, diplomatic missions, financial institutions, athletes, jogging clubs and members of the public to support the 2026 initiative.

He said support could be provided through sponsorship, participation, employee mobilisation or direct contributions towards treatment.

The marathon is open to people with different levels of fitness, with participants able to run or walk.

Mr Moshi said the event would also promote physical exercise and healthy lifestyles while raising funds for children requiring specialised cardiac care.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has backed Creditinfo’s launch of locally operated fraud detection, identity verification and know-your-customer (KYC) solutions, saying they could help financial institutions strengthen controls against fraud while improving access for legitimate customers.

Speaking at the launch in Dar es Salaam at the weekend, BoT official Deogratias Mnyamani said fraud detection, anti-money laundering (AML) screening and identity verification services had traditionally been provided by international vendors operating outside Tanzania.

‘Today marks the departure from that pattern. This is the first time this solution is being offered by an entity right here in Tanzania, built with an understanding of our market, institutions and our people,’ he said. Mr Mnyamani said reliable customer identification, supported by national identification infrastructure, was an important defence against financial crime.

The launch comes as Tanzania’s financial sector increasingly shifts towards digital services, including digital lending, instant payments and remote account opening.

While digitalisation has expanded access and reduced transaction times, it has also increased exposure to identity theft, impersonation, synthetic identities and application fraud.

Creditinfo’s solution uses credit bureau data, alternative information and official registries to verify individuals and businesses. It also uses digital risk signals and domestic and international watchlists to assess risks during customer onboarding and throughout customer relationships.

The system includes transaction monitoring tools designed to identify suspicious activity, including behaviour associated with mule accounts and authorised push payment (APP) fraud.

Creditinfo director of fraud and identity Rob Meakin said the expansion into Tanzania would give organisations access to data and fraud intelligence to support faster risk assessments.

‘Our expansion into Tanzania brings together the data, technology and fraud intelligence organisations need to strengthen those decisions, while keeping the customer experience at the centre,’ he said.

Creditinfo Tanzania chief executive officer Edwin Urasa said stronger identity verification was becoming increasingly important as businesses handled more transactions and interactions digitally.

‘Having a clear view of who they are dealing with and the risks associated with each interaction is essential to protecting both businesses and their customers,’ he said.

The Tanzania rollout follows Creditinfo’s expansion of its fraud and identity services into Kenya and Uganda, with the technology adapted to local regulatory requirements, data sources and risk profiles.

The company said the local operation would help organisations strengthen fraud controls and make more informed decisions while meeting regulatory requirements on financial crime and customer protection.

Two University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) researchers have secured more than Sh3.12 billion to conduct research on climate-related agricultural challenges and neglected tropical diseases.

The funding was secured between April and June 2026 and will support projects in agriculture and public health.

The projects are led by Dr Lilian Mulamula of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) and Dr Bernard Ngowi of the Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences (MCHAS). Dr Mulamula received Sh351.82 million from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), while Dr Ngowi secured Sh2.77 billion from the European Union (EU).

According to UDSM, Dr Mulamula’s project will examine how changing weather patterns affect maize production in semi-arid and highland areas and assess farming practices and technologies that could help farmers adapt.

The research will also assess farmers’ readiness to adopt available climate-smart technologies.

‘We want to move beyond identifying the challenges and provide practical solutions that farmers can use,’ Dr Mulamula said.

She said the research team would work with farmers and other stakeholders to test the technologies and identify those suitable for improving maize production.

Dr Ngowi’s project will focus on controlling Taenia solium, cysticercosis and taeniasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis.

The Sh2.77 billion EU-funded research will assess how different interventions can be combined to control the diseases and generate evidence to support disease-control programmes.

‘Our focus is to develop an integrated and practical approach that can improve the control of these diseases while generating evidence on safety, effectiveness and implementation,’ Dr Ngowi said.

He said the findings could inform policies and strengthen Tanzania’s programmes for controlling neglected tropical diseases.

UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Prof Nelson Boniface, welcomed the funding, saying research had an important role in addressing challenges facing society. He urged the researchers to translate their findings into practical solutions for communities.

The projects are expected to generate evidence on climate adaptation in maize farming and approaches to controlling neglected tropical diseases.