Category: The Citizen

In an era increasingly defined by economic competition, technological disruption and cultural influence, the most successful nations are no longer merely those endowed with abundant natural resources, but those capable of transforming their cultural heritage into strategic capital for sustainable development. Tanzania stands uniquely positioned in this global landscape through Kiswahili, a language that has evolved beyond communication into a powerful instrument of national unity, African identity and international influence.

Today, Kiswahili represents a unique linguistic legacy. It is a key economic asset with the huge potential to accelerate Tanzania’s socio-economic transformation, deepen cultural diplomacy, expand employment opportunities for youth, empower women and rapidly strengthen the country’s growing tourism sector.

According to UNESCO estimates, Kiswahili is spoken by about 200 million people globally, making it one of the most influential African languages in the modern world. It has already attained official language status within the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

This recognition places Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Tanzania in an exceptional position to transform this linguistic heritage into a globally competitive economic and diplomatic resource. UNESCO’s formal recognition of Kiswahili as one of its official working languages marked a historic milestone for Tanzania and Africa as a whole.

The decision elevated the status of the language within international education systems, academic scholarship, translation services, publishing industries, media networks and digital technologies. Increasingly, international organisations, multinational technology companies and digital communication platforms are seeking Kiswahili experts to expand their engagement with East and Central African markets.

Within the rapidly evolving global knowledge economy, Kiswahili could emerge as a key driver of the creative industries. Tanzania now possesses a rare opportunity to position itself as the global hub of Kiswahili cultural content through music, cinema, literature, Swahili cultural festivals, podcasts, digital storytelling and creative media production.

The remarkable expansion of Bongo flava, Swahili cinema and performance arts has already generated employment for thousands of young Tanzanians in audio production, videography, scriptwriting, digital marketing, photography, event management and online content creation. Ladies and gentlemen, we can do much more! Women, in particular, remain at the heart of preserving and advancing Swahili cultural heritage.

Across Tanzania’s coastal communities, women continue to drive economic activities linked to traditional crafts, fashion design, culinary arts, storytelling, seaweed farming and community tourism enterprises. Their growing participation demonstrates how culture can become an effective mechanism for economic empowerment, poverty reduction and inclusive development when supported through targeted investment, access to patient capital and finance and effective and creative institutional partnerships.

Equally significant is the role Kiswahili can and should play in addressing youth unemployment, one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing Africa today. The rise of artificial intelligence, digital communication systems, online education and multilingual technologies has sharply increased demand for Kiswahili translators, digital content creators, language trainers and cultural consultants.

Tanzania has a strategic opportunity to establish itself as the global centre for Kiswahili learning, research and digital innovation. This emerging ecosystem could generate thousands of new jobs across tourism, education, fashion, gastronomy, publishing, technology and international media industries.

More importantly, it would position Tanzania as the principal custodian and exporter of Swahili cultural capital to the world. Tanzania, through a public, private and community partnership (PPCP) led by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT), National Arts and Culture Council (Basata), National Council of Sports (BMT), Tanzania Kiswahili Council (Bakita), National Environment Management Council (NEMC) and Glow Consulting Services, now has a fantastic opportunity to position Kiswahili culture as Africa’s next major cultural export.

Through music, literature, cinema, fashion, poetry, arts and cultural galleries, a national cultural troupe, gastronomy and international cultural festivals. This unique and strategic PPCP will significantly increase tourism revenues, attract foreign investment and elevate Tanzania’s international cultural and sustainability visibility.

However, realising this vision will require deliberate, urgent, national strategies and sustained investment. Key government institutions, private sector stakeholders and academic institutions must collaborate to strengthen and reposition Swahili conservation, Kiswahili education, language technology, cultural preservation and tourism infrastructure.

Government alone will not be able to succeed. Young people, starting with journalists, writers and environmentalists must be equipped with digital and creative skills (including conservation education) that will enable them to transform Tanzania’s cultural heritage into sustainable economic dividend within an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Looking ahead, Kiswahili possesses huge potential to become one of Africa’s defining pillars of the knowledge economy, cultural conservation and creative economy. As the world increasingly seeks authentic cultural narratives and diverse linguistic identities, Tanzania is uniquely positioned to lead through a language, culture and civilisation that already unites millions across the continent.

Indeed, Kiswahili is not just a historical inheritance; it is a unique conservation pillar and economic asset for the current and future generations. It is a harvest of the Union capable of transforming the United Republic of Tanzania into a continental centre of cultural diplomacy, cultural conservation, creative enterprise, women’s empowerment, youth employment and sustainable development in the 21st century.

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Dar es Salaam. A Tanzanian musician based in Switzerland is pushing Bongo Flava onto the international stage after independently producing and releasing a 16-track album that blends Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Reggae and electronic sounds, with songs performed in both English and Kiswahili.

Muchi Melo, a singer, songwriter and producer originally from Tanzania, released his latest album MASAKIE on May 15, positioning it as a bold effort to take Bongo Flava beyond its traditional borders while staying firmly rooted in African identity. Unlike many contemporary projects that rely on multiple collaborators, Muchi Melo took full creative control of the album, writing, producing and performing all 16 tracks himself in a move that highlights his artistic independence and ambition.

Speaking to The Beat, Mello who was raised in Dar es Salaam and originates from Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region, said the project was driven by a desire to elevate Tanzanian sound globally while remaining authentic to his roots. “MASAKIE is my way of showing that Bongo Flava can travel anywhere in the world without losing its identity.

I wanted to carry Tanzania with me in every sound,” he said. He added that working independently came with challenges but also gave him full artistic freedom.

“Doing everything myself was not easy, but it allowed me to express exactly what I feel without compromise. This album is 100 percent me,” he told The Beat.

“The creation of MASAKIE represents six months of intense dedication, creativity and hard work,” the artist said in a statement, underscoring the personal investment behind the project. The album moves across genres with ease, weaving together African rhythms and global urban sounds, while also reflecting the artist’s bilingual approach, switching between Kiswahili and English to widen its reach and connect with diverse audiences.

Since its release, MASAKIE has been gaining traction on streaming platforms and social media, with listeners across different countries responding positively, helping to steadily raise Muchi Melo’s international profile. He also noted that living in Switzerland has influenced his sound and perspective.

“Being outside Tanzania has opened my mind musically, but my heart is still in Bongo Flava. I represent Tanzania in everything I do,” he told The Beat.

Although now based in Switzerland, the artist continues to carry his Tanzanian musical identity at the centre of his work, deliberately pushing Bongo Flava into new markets through a global sound that remains anchored in its East African roots. .

Dodoma. Members of Parliament (MPs) have been signing attendance registers on behalf of colleagues and travelling without authorisation have prompted National Assembly Speaker, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, to issue a stern warning, while directing the House Clerk to seek explanations from legislators who travelled to Morocco.

He also urged Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, to stop allowing both ministers and their deputies from the same ministry to be away from Parliament simultaneously on official trips, insisting that at least one of them must remain in the House to follow proceedings. Mr Zungu, who is also the CCM legislator for Ilala Constituency, issued the directive in Parliament on Friday, June 5, 2026, instructing Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Baraka Leonard, to write to MPs who travelled to Morocco and require them to provide explanations within four days.

Several MPs and ministers were reportedly seen in Morocco, where they had travelled to watch Tanzania’s Under-17 national football team, the Serengeti Boys, take on Senegal in the final. The match was played on the night of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with Senegal emerging 4-3 winners on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in official regulation time.

Reports, however, indicate that some MPs and ministers were seen outside the stadium during the match, suggesting they may not have travelled solely to watch the final and could have been engaged in other activities. Speaking after Question and Answers session, Speaker Zungu said absenteeism in Parliament had become widespread.

“Clerk, I direct you to immediately write letters to MPs who travelled to Morocco without the Speaker’s permission and require them to explain themselves. Their responses must reach us within four days from today,” said Mr Zungu.

The Speaker said absenteeism had taken various forms, including MPs asking colleagues to sign attendance registers on their behalf to create the impression that they had attended parliamentary sittings when they had not. “A practice has recently emerged whereby an MP does not come to Parliament but asks another MP to sign for them.

This is unacceptable. From now on, we will closely monitor this because we have a system capable of identifying who was absent and who signed on their behalf.

Both individuals will be held accountable,” he said. Mr Zungu also revealed that some MPs seek permission from his office to travel to their constituencies but instead leave the country, a practice he described as dangerous.

He said Parliament has a monitoring system capable of determining whether an MP is in their constituency or outside the country and can even identify the country where they are located, regardless of whether their phone is switched off. The Speaker called on the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Angellah Kairuki, to assist in addressing the matter, saying all travel must comply with established procedures and regulations.

He said it was embarrassing for Parliament and disappointing for voters when their representatives fail to attend parliamentary proceedings without valid reasons, noting that some MPs remain absent despite being in Dodoma. “But ministers are also leaving together.

I know they have permission, but Prime Minister, these officials should not all be granted travel permits at the same time. If the minister leaves, the deputy minister should remain in Parliament.

They should not both be absent,” said Mr Zungu. Before the Speaker made the remarks, Dr Mwigulu, while responding to a question, had instructed MPs and ministers to ensure they are present on June 11, 2026, when the government presents its 2026/27 budget.

Stakeholders weigh in The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, spoke to various stakeholders regarding the concerns raised by Mr Zungu over absenteeism in Parliament. Former MP, Ms Ferister Njawu said it was shameful for legislators who sought office from voters to be labelled absent and fail to attend parliamentary sessions.

Ms Njawu acknowledged that absenteeism among MPs is not a new phenomenon but stressed that anyone genuinely committed to representing constituents and raising their concerns must consistently participate in parliamentary proceedings. “Regarding the Morocco trip, I think they also made a mistake, although perhaps the decision was driven by excitement over watching the young players.

However, I do not agree with the practice mentioned by the Speaker, where people seek permission to travel to their constituencies, but instead leave the country. What would happen if something happened to them while abroad?” she asked.

Lawyer Godfrey Wasonga said the problem stems from weaknesses in parliamentary rules, which he argued do not provide the Speaker with sufficient authority to make decisive rulings while strengthening one side and limiting the other. Mr Wasonga said the Parliamentary Standing Orders and the Constitution should grant citizens broader powers to hold absentee MPs accountable rather than leaving such matters solely in the hands of political parties.

A parliamentary staff member who requested anonymity said Rule 167 of the National Assembly Standing Orders outlines the conditions under which MPs may be granted permission to travel or remain away from Parliament. “In subsection five of that rule, it is stated that, for the purposes of subsection four, permission shall be granted through parliamentary offices in Dodoma, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar,” the official said.

Subsection four states that any MP unable to attend parliamentary sittings or committee meetings for specific reasons must obtain permission from the Speaker, while subsection three provides that any MP who misses half of a session’s sittings without valid reasons shall receive a warning. However, the official said that, based on his experience dating back to the Ninth Parliament under former Speaker Samuel Sitta, the current 13th Parliament has recorded the highest levels of absenteeism despite still being in the early stages of its tenure.

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Arusha. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has ordered the Tanzania government to amend its Penal Code and abolish the mandatory death penalty for persons convicted of murder.

The ruling targets Section 197 of Tanzania’s Penal Code, which currently prescribes only one punishment for murder, death by hanging, with no alternative sentence available to judges. The Court held that the mandatory imposition of the death penalty violates fundamental human rights, including the right to life, as protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, a treaty ratified by Tanzania.

The decision was delivered on Friday, June 5, 2026, by a panel of eight judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, led by President Blaise Tchikaya and Vice-President Chafika Bensaoula. The ruling arose from three separate cases involving seven death-row inmates convicted of murder and awaiting execution in different prisons across Tanzania.

The applicants argued that Tanzania had violated several of their fundamental rights, including the rights to life, human dignity, a fair trial, legal representation and a hearing within a reasonable time. Chacha Jeremiah case In the first case, Chacha Jeremiah, Methew Jeremiah Daud and Paschal Ligoye Mashiku, who were serving death sentences at Butimba Central Prison in Mwanza, filed joined Applications Nos.

039/2019, 040/2019 and 041/2019 before the African Court. The three applicants sought recognition that their rights had been violated and requested compensation of $10,000 each, alongside other remedies, including release from prison.

They argued that both the mandatory death sentence and execution by hanging violated their rights to life and human dignity under Articles 4 and 5 of the African Charter. They further contended that the mandatory nature of the sentence deprived judges of the discretion to consider the individual circumstances of an offender and the specific facts of a case before imposing punishment.

After reviewing the matter, the Court agreed with their arguments, ruling that mandatory death sentences violate the right to due process because they remove judicial discretion in sentencing. The Court also found that hanging as the sole method of execution violates the right to human dignity.

As a result, the Court ordered Tanzania to abolish the mandatory death penalty from its laws, remove hanging as a method of execution, set aside the applicants’ death sentences and remove them from death row. The Court further directed Tanzanian authorities to conduct fresh sentencing hearings that allow judges to exercise discretion when determining punishment.

Each applicant was also awarded Sh100,000 in compensation for moral damages resulting from the violations. Godfrey Gabinus Ndimba case In the second case, Application No.

056/2019, Mr Godfrey Gabinus Ndimba, and two co-applicants, who were being held at Lindi District Prison awaiting execution, challenged the conduct of their criminal proceedings and the mandatory death sentences imposed on them. Among their complaints were the mandatory nature of the death penalty and the use of hanging as the means of execution.

The African Court ruled that mandatory death sentences violate Article 4 of the African Charter, which protects the right to life. It further found that execution by hanging violates Article 5 of the Charter, which guarantees respect for human dignity.

The Court consequently ordered Tanzania to quash the applicants’ death sentences, remove them from death row, amend its laws to eliminate mandatory death sentences and hanging, and conduct fresh sentencing proceedings that permit judicial discretion. Each applicant was awarded Sh300,000 in compensation for moral damages.

Masudi Said Selemani case In the third case, Application No. 042/2019, Mr Masudi Said Selemani, who was serving a death sentence at Lilungu Central Prison in Mtwara, challenged both his sentence and the manner in which it was to be carried out.

Mr Selemani argued that being sentenced to death without the sentencing judge having an opportunity to consider the circumstances of his case violated his right to life. He also maintained that the prolonged period spent on death row, combined with hanging as the method of execution, violated his right to human dignity.

The Court agreed, finding that the mandatory death penalty breaches Article 4 of the African Charter, while both hanging and prolonged detention on death row violate Article 5. The Court ordered Tanzania to remove the mandatory death penalty and hanging from its legal framework, overturn Mr Selemani’s death sentence, remove him from death row and conduct a new sentencing hearing that allows the judge to exercise discretion.

He was also awarded Sh300,000 in compensation for moral damages. Court directives to Tanzania In all three judgments, the African Court emphasised that Tanzania must take all necessary measures, without delay, to amend its laws and abolish both the mandatory death penalty and hanging as a method of execution.

The Court further ordered that the judgments be published on the websites of the Tanzanian Judiciary and the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs within three months. The government was also directed to submit reports to the African Court detailing the steps taken to implement the rulings.

Speaking after the judgment, counsel for the applicants, Mr Emmanuel Sood, said the Court dismissed several of the remedies sought by his clients, including their request for $10,000 in compensation and their plea for immediate release from prison. However, he welcomed the Court’s decision to grant what he described as the most significant relief sought in the cases.

“The major outcome is the Court’s order requiring Tanzania to abolish the mandatory death penalty and remove hanging as a method of execution. We believe this is a matter that the government will now be compelled to address,” said Mr Sood.

He said the judgments are expected to intensify pressure on the government to align its criminal justice system with evolving regional and international human rights standards. .

Arusha. The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Arusha Region is holding a 48-year-old man, Mr Ashley Said Babu Mrangi, on allegations of impersonating a PCCB officer and using the false identity to unlawfully obtain personal benefits.

Confirming the incident on Friday, June 5, 2026, Arusha Regional PCCB Commander, Ms Zawadi Ngailo, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, June 3 at Briston Hotel in Arusha following a carefully planned operation conducted by PCCB officers with the assistance of members of the public. Ms Ngailo said the offence of impersonating a PCCB officer is contrary to Section 36 of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act, Chapter 329, Revised Edition 2023. According to the commander, PCCB had received information indicating that Mr Mrangi had, on several occasions and in different locations, introduced himself to members of the public as a PCCB officer.

He allegedly used the claim to convince individuals that he had the ability to influence or interfere with investigations being conducted by the anti-corruption agency. “The latest report involved a resident of Arusha who was under investigation by PCCB.

The suspect approached the individual and falsely presented himself as a PCCB officer,” said the regional PCCB chief. She explained that Mr Mrangi allegedly informed the individual that he was aware of the allegations being investigated by PCCB and offered to help ensure that the matter would not proceed further.

“In addition to promising to interfere with the investigation, he assured the complainant that he could assist in recovering property that had been seized as part of an ongoing PCCB investigation,” she added. Following the reports, PCCB organised a covert operation that led to the suspect’s arrest.

“Our officers apprehended him at Briston Hotel in Arusha while he was waiting for the complainant, as previously arranged, to discuss further steps and obtain benefits from the scheme,” said Commander Ngailo. The PCCB commander further revealed that investigations have uncovered indications that the suspect may have been working with certain dishonest officials from public institutions and law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about possible attempts to tarnish the image and reputation of the anti-corruption body.

“Investigations are continuing to identify any other individuals who may have participated in or benefited from these activities, as well as to establish how the suspect obtained confidential information relating to ongoing investigations,” she said. Furthermore, Ms Ngailo said that PCCB is finalising investigations and other legal procedures before presenting the suspect before court to answer the charges against him.

Meanwhile, she urged the public to remain vigilant against individuals who falsely claim to be PCCB officers or public servants in order to solicit money or other benefits. She also encouraged citizens to report such incidents immediately so that swift legal action can be taken.

“I assure the public that we will continue working closely with citizens in the fight against corruption and all forms of fraud that undermine the rule of law. Members of the public can visit any PCCB office across the country or use the toll-free number 113 to report such incidents,” she said.

Commenting on the arrest, Arusha resident, Ms Elizabeth Joseph, welcomed the move, saying it would help reduce the growing number of fraudsters operating in the city. “Many people today are looking for ways to make money, regardless of whether the means are legal or illegal.

PCCB’s decision to crack down on such individuals will help reduce these fraudulent activities and encourage people to seek legitimate sources of income,” she said. .

Zanzibar. For thousands of Tanzanians living abroad, the dream of owning a home in their homeland has often been hindered by financing challenges, limited access to mortgage products and concerns about managing investments from afar.

A new partnership between Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB) and CPS Africa, the developer of Fumba Town in Zanzibar, is seeking to change that reality by providing diaspora Tanzanians with easier access to home financing and real estate investment opportunities. The two institutions recently signed a strategic agreement aimed at expanding property ownership among Tanzanians living abroad and international investors through tailored mortgage financing solutions.

The partnership allows eligible customers to access TCB’s Nyumbani Mortgage facility to purchase residential properties within Fumba Town, one of East Africa’s most ambitious urban developments. The financing package offers mortgage with competitive interest rates, repayment periods of up to 20 years, financing in both Tanzanian shillings and US dollars, remote application capabilities and dedicated relationship managers to support customers throughout the homeownership journey.

Speaking after witnessing the signing ceremony, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mbelwa Kairuki, described the agreement as a major opportunity for diaspora Tanzanians seeking to invest in property back home. “The project is located within free economic zone, which means that even diaspora members who hold citizenship of other countries can purchase property in the area and make investments,” he said.

He urged Tanzanians abroad to take advantage of the opportunity, noting Zanzibar’s growing tourism sector and rising demand for accommodation. “I would like to encourage diaspora Tanzanians who wish to own a home in Zanzibar–whether for personal use or as an investment–to take advantage of this opportunity because demand is high.

The government’s goal is to increase the number of tourists, and this will create significant demand for accommodation,” Ambassador Kairuki said. The development comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to harness diaspora investment as a driver of economic growth.

TCB’s Diaspora Banking service, launched in December 2024, has already attracted more than 700 account holders across key markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Southern Africa, Germany, Netherlands and Canada. According to the bank, it has facilitated over Sh80 billion in remittance inflows through more than 95,000 transactions while disbursing more than Sh8 billion in diaspora mortgage financing.

TCB Director of Retail and SME Banking, Lilian Mtali, said the collaboration responds to growing demand among Tanzanians abroad for secure and professionally managed real estate investment opportunities. “Beyond financing, we are providing peace of mind.

Customers will have access to a trusted banking partner and a world-class development offering modern infrastructure, sustainability and strong long-term investment potential,” she said. Meanwhile, TCB’s Head of Premier and Diaspora Banking, Mercy Nkini, called for stronger collaboration among institutions serving Tanzanians abroad to ensure the development of supportive policies and systems.

“As stakeholders serving the diaspora community, we need to strengthen our collaboration so that we can speak with one voice and deliver a consistent message. This will help the authorities responsible for diaspora affairs develop more supportive systems and diaspora-friendly policies,” she said.

She also encouraged diaspora Tanzanians to actively participate in forums, conferences and stakeholder engagements to better understand available opportunities and provide feedback on services designed for them. Adding his voice to the partnership, CPS Africa Chief Executive Officer Sebastian Dietzold said the agreement aligns with Fumba Town’s vision of creating investment opportunities for Tanzanians while building a world-class city that welcomes residents and investors from across the region and beyond.

“We are delighted to partner with TCB Bank in expanding access to homeownership and investment opportunities within Fumba Town. Our vision has always been to build a world-class city that welcomes residents and investors from across Tanzania and around the world,” he said.

Mr Dietzold noted that the partnership will play an important role in attracting investment, creating jobs, supporting economic growth and strengthening Zanzibar’s position as a leading destination for sustainable living and international investment. He added that Fumba Town, located on Zanzibar’s scenic west coast, has emerged as a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Africa.

Designed as a mixed-use eco-city, the development combines residential, commercial, recreational and social infrastructure to create a vibrant and inclusive community. Industry observers say the partnership represents a significant step towards addressing one of the diaspora community’s longstanding challenges, accessing reliable financing and trusted property investment opportunities from abroad.

For many Tanzanians living overseas, the agreement signals a new dawn in their pursuit of homeownership, allowing them to invest confidently in their homeland while maintaining strong economic ties with Tanzania. .

Iringa. Residents of Maperamengi Village have raised concerns over persistent transport challenges that hinder access to administrative and social services due to the area’s geographical location.

Speaking on the matter on Friday, June 6, 2026, Migoli Ward Councillor, Ms Fatuma Moge, said residents are forced to cross the Mtera Dam by boat in order to access ward services, with some spending nights on the way before reaching the council headquarters at Ihemi. “We would like the village to be transferred to Bahi District in Dodoma Region so that residents can access services closer to their area,” said Ms Moge.

She added that during the harvest season, residents are compelled to transport their sesame produce to Bahi District instead of Iringa because of the difficulties involved in crossing the dam, which is also known for dangerous crocodiles. Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, supported the proposal to divide Iringa District Council and establish the Isimani Council to bring services closer to the people.

He said the geographical nature of the area requires the government to improve access to essential services by reducing travelling distances and transport costs for residents. The premier also directed all local government officials across the country to ensure they provide services fairly and without discrimination.

Speaking during his tour of Isimani Constituency in Iringa District on Friday, June 6, 2026, Dr Nchemba, said some public servants spend too much time on their mobile phones instead of attending to citizens waiting for services. At the same time, Isimani Constituency Member of Parliament, Ms Emmanuela Mtatifikolo, appealed to the Prime Minister to expedite the process of dividing Iringa District and establishing the Isimani Council to improve service delivery for residents.

Iringa Regional Commissioner, Mr Kheri James, also explained that the government is continuing with plans to divide Iringa District as part of wider efforts to bring development services closer to the people. .

Aisha Hussein Mussa is among young Zanzibaris who have, through sheer persistence, bravery and adept learning, earned a seat at the tourism table that, for decades, didn’t make room for young locals like her. Zanzibar’s tourism sector is one of the top earners in the island.

Hence, it attracts all the bigwigs of international tour agencies. Through it all, these young Zanzibari women are navigating the industry and making an amicable living.

Her journey started when she was studying in Malaysia. Every time she told people she was from Zanzibar, their eyes would light up.

“Oh my God, you’re from that beautiful island, paradise!” they would say. That’s when she realised how globally loved Zanzibar is.

When she returned home after her studies. She realised the reality of job scarcity.

“It was very challenging for young graduates to find employment. I didn’t get a job immediately, so I volunteered first.

” She recalled. What she thought was a disappointment at the time did prepare her for what she would later face in the tourism industry.

She volunteered at “Zanzibar International Film Festival, one of East Africa’s most popular film festivals held annually in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, which attracts thousands of tourists and filmmakers from across the world. She was given a first-hand view of how tourism is operated on the island, learning the ins and outs of the business side of the luxury industry.

“Because of that experience and my love for organising and coordinating, starting a tourism business in Zanzibar felt like a natural calling,” she said. It allowed her to turn passion into an opportunity while showcasing the beauty of Zanzibar to the world.

Setting up a business, knowing there are already giant companies with unlimited resources and years of experience, takes strategic planning and big kahunas. Aisha admits that entering the market with established international giants can be very intimidating.

However, she realised that being a local was her greatest strength. She understood the destination, what we called the country of operations, which she called home.

She already had a strong relationship with local communities. This allowed her to offer authentic experiences that large international companies often struggle to provide because they’re not on the ground.

“Instead of focusing on competition, I focused on creating value, building trust and delivering exceptional customer service,” she explained. Her outstanding work for more than a decade was recently recognised when she scooped an award during the “Muslim Women Award.

” The award that is held annually on the island shines a light on women who make meaningful contributions to the community. She was awarded the best in tourism and the blue economy.

An honoir that she dedicated to her staff. “It was not just a personal achievement, but recognition for my whole team and the growing role of women in the tourism sector.

It motivates young women who look up to me,” she noted. She is still determined to create more room for young girls to pursue their dreams in the ever-growing sector.

She knows representation and commitment matter a lot. She mentors young women and prioritises hiring and working with women first.

Providing opportunities for professional growth and internship. When opportunities arise, she looks at local women first.

Only if a woman isn’t available do they consider men, but they must be from Zanzibar. Advocating for more inclusion and leadership opportunities for women in tourism.

Tourism might look like a luxurious business, with the sight of tourists relaxing on the beach, sipping mojitos, one might naively think its easy buck. A misconception, Aisha says, is far from the truth.

She said, many people believe, you just show visitors around, go to the city tours, Prison Island and make easy money. In reality, she said, it requires a lot of strategic planning, customer service, marketing, crisis management, logistics and constant problem-solving.

Behind every successful tour, there’s a lot of preparation and responsibility that people don’t see. The recently reported Ebola outbreak in DRC reminds her of the importance of constant and relentless communication to international clientele.

Africa has been plagued by centuries-old misinformation and perceptions that are still prevalent today. An Ebola outbreak in another country affects the whole continent.

Oblivious to the geographical realities. Because some tourists think Africa is a country and what happens in one country happens to all.

Aisha believes that education and communication are key. She stays in close contact with their clients and sends accurate information through emails and WhatsApp from reliable sources.

“We explain geographical distances because many people don’t realise how big Africa is. We emphasise that events in one country often have no direct impact on another,” she said.

She said that as long as they are honest and transparent, clients understand and proceed with their travel plans. The challenges of tourism are that people are convinced that it is glamorous, just hanging out with a mzungu, speaking English and receiving dollars.

But Aisha works almost 24 hours because of the time differences. When it’s daytime in Tanzania, it’s nighttime for some of their clients.

She works long hours, including holidays and weekends. The industry is highly sensitive to global events, economic downturns, health crises, political instability and so many other unforeseen factors, but through it all, she has to maintain quality and consistency.

A never-ending work. Her advice to young graduates entering the sector is to stay open-minded and proactive.

It is vital to develop practical skills through internship. Improving one’s communication skills and learning digital marketing will give one an edge; “Today, it’s essential.

Always invest in personal development. Success comes to those who are adaptable, passionate and willing to learn,” she advised.

Artificial Intelligence has disrupted all businesses and tourism is no exception. Though she was initially hesitant to embrace it, now she sees AI as a valuable tool, using it for content creation, customer communication, itinerary planning, market research and improving operational efficiency.

She views it as an opportunity to work smarter and stay competitive. Aisha has always been self-employed; she joined forces with her husband and started Issam Tours and Safaris.

However, there is a clear distinction between family life and business. She acknowledges it’s challenging, but her family is the priority.

They have set clear boundaries. At home, “we are husband and wife, mother and father.

At the office, we are business partners,” she explained. She makes sure she dedicates quality time to her family every day.

“Success is not only professional achievement, but it’s also the quality of relationships we maintain,” she concluded. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has reduced inappropriate antibiotic consumption by 88 percent and cut deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by 14 per cent, marking a significant milestone in efforts to contain a growing global public health threat.

This was revealed on Wednesday at the 17th University-Wide Research Dissemination Symposium organised by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), where experts reviewed progress and remaining gaps in the country’s response to AMR. The chairperson of the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Sectoral Coordination Committee (MCC), Prof Hezron Nonga, said the gains were driven by implementation of Tanzania’s Second National Action Plan on AMR (20232028), which adopts a One Health approach linking human, animal and environmental health.

He said Tanzania had strengthened surveillance systems, expanded data-sharing platforms, increased domestic financing and intensified public awareness campaigns to curb misuse of antibiotics. Prof Nonga said the country had progressed from virtually no AMR response capacity in 2016 to strong institutional and technical systems by 2024, but warned that AMR remained a serious threat to health systems, food security and economic development.

Globally, AMR is associated with an estimated 4.71 million deaths annually, including 1.

14 million directly caused by drug-resistant bacterial infections. Tanzania has intensified public awareness through introduction of the Swahili term Usugu wa Vimelea vya Magonjwa Dhidi ya Dawa (UVIDA) and the nationwide Holelaholela Itakukosti campaign, reaching 24.7 million people and earning recognition from Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Prof Nonga said compliance with infection prevention and control measures in health facilities had improved by 60 percent, while expanded livestock vaccination, biosecurity and food safety measures had reduced disease outbreaks and unnecessary antimicrobial use in the animal sector. Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy in Tanzania, Luc Blanco, said AMR is among the world’s leading public health challenges and reaffirmed France’s support for One Health initiatives, noting that stronger collaboration and data sharing were essential.

He highlighted the French-funded HATUA project implemented in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia as an example of regional cooperation strengthening surveillance and evidence-based interventions. MUHAS Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof Erasto Mungu, said AMR threatens to reverse decades of medical progress by making common infections increasingly difficult to treat.

He said the university would continue producing research evidence to inform policy and support practical solutions to emerging health challenges. The symposium was held under the theme “Advancing the Fight against AMR in Tanzania: One Health Updates on Progress Gaps and the Road Ahead.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2050 will largely depend on its ability to empower young people through access to finance, financial literacy and co-operative-based economic models, the Minister responsible for Youth Development, Mr Joel Nnauka, has said.

Speaking during the launch of Coop Bank Tanzania’s Morocco branch in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Mr Nnauka said greater investment in youth was essential to unlocking the country’s economic potential and achieving the targets set out in Vision 2050. He said a newly signed partnership between the ministry and Coop Bank Tanzania would help address long-standing barriers facing young entrepreneurs, particularly limited access to affordable financing and financial education. “My expectation is that this programme will enable many young people to access reliable capital and expand their businesses, pursue educational opportunities and create wealth,” he said.

According to .r Nnauka, the government has identified young people as a key driver of Tanzania’s long-term economic transformation.

“Youth have been identified as a critical resource in ensuring that we achieve our goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2050,” he said. He noted that young people aged between 15 and 35 account for 34.5 percent of the country’s population, while about 14 million form part of the national workforce.

“This is a large segment of the population that requires targeted strategies if we are to reach it effectively,” he said. Despite their importance to the economy, many young Tanzanians continue to face challenges accessing formal financial services and affordable credit.

Mr Nnauka said the partnership with Coop Bank would help bridge the gap by providing youth-focused financial products while encouraging young people to organise themselves through co-operatives and savings and credit co-operative societies (Saccos). “In this environment, we see Coop Bank as a bridge that can help formalise young people and provide them with essential financial services through the co-operative model,” he said.

He urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities offered through the partnership, describing them as affordable and secure. The minister said digital financial services would also play a critical role in reaching younger generations, noting that financial institutions must adapt to changing technologies and consumer preferences.

“We believe that when young people are provided with capital, knowledge and an enabling environment, they can establish businesses, create jobs and contribute significantly to national economic growth,” he said. Mr Nnauka expressed concern over the large number of young people operating outside the formal economy, saying this limits their access to financial support and economic opportunities.

“If you look at economic statistics, more than 90 percent of youth economic activities take place outside the formal system. This limits their ability to access opportunities and support,” he said.

He cited recent financial inclusion data showing that 51 percent of Tanzanians aged between 16 and 24 remain outside formal financial structures, while 77 percent of rural residents are still excluded from the formal financial system. “That means half of Tanzania’s youth cannot currently be reached through formal empowerment programmes,” he said.

The minister said changing perceptions about co-operatives would be crucial in increasing youth participation in the formal economy. “One of our biggest tasks is to change the image of co-operatives so that young people see them as a viable economic model rather than something associated only with older people or farmers,” he said.

He noted that co-operatives have played a significant role in economic development in countries such as India, Canada and Bangladesh and could similarly help drive Tanzania’s economic transformation. “We need to reposition this model as a pathway for people who want to build economic strength and independence,” he said.

Mr Nnauka also stressed the importance of financial literacy, warning that several youth financing programmes have struggled due to weak financial management skills among beneficiaries. He revealed that billions of shillings disbursed through youth empowerment funds remain unpaid, including about Sh6 billion owed in Ubungo Municipality alone.

“One of the biggest challenges is a lack of financial management knowledge. Money will never stay with you beyond your understanding of how to manage it,” he said.

He urged young people to join formal economic structures, including co-operatives, Saccos and registered businesses, saying these platforms would improve access to markets, financing and business opportunities. “Joining formal economic systems helps young people build a financial track record, access markets, strengthen their enterprises and qualify for loans,” he said.

Mr Nnauka later officially inaugurated the Morocco branch, describing it as another milestone in expanding financial services and creating economic opportunities for Tanzanians. .