Category: The Citizen

Tanzania’s six representatives in the 2026/27 CAF interclub competitions will discover their continental opponents today when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the preliminary round draw in Cairo, Egypt.

The draw, which will determine the opening fixtures of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, is scheduled to take place in Cairo today, with the Confederation Cup draw expected to start at 2pm East African Time, followed by the CAF Champions League draw at 3pm.

Mainland Tanzania champions Young Africans (Yanga) and runners-up Simba SC will represent the country in the CAF Champions League, while Azam FC and Singida Black Stars will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup. Zanzibar will also have two representatives, with KVZ featuring in the Champions League and KMKM taking part in the Confederation Cup.

The draw comes at a crucial stage for Tanzania’s clubs as they begin their preparations for another demanding continental campaign. The first preliminary round matches are scheduled for September 4-6, with return legs set for September 11-13.

Winners of the opening round will progress to the second preliminary round, where first-leg matches will be played from October 16-18 before the return fixtures between October 23-25. The group stage is scheduled to begin in late November, with Matchday One set for November 27-29.

For Yanga and Simba, the Champions League journey will begin earlier after they missed out on automatic qualification to the second preliminary round.

The two Tanzanian giants are among the clubs expected to feature in the first preliminary round, meaning they must overcome two knockout stages to reach the group stage.

Only three clubs, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Morocco’s RS Berkane and Tunisia’s Esperance – received direct qualification to the second preliminary round based on their continental rankings and recent performances.

Yanga will enter the competition with confidence after establishing themselves as one of East Africa’s most consistent performers.

The Jangwani Street giants reached the CAF Champions League quarter-finals in the 2023/24 season before making consecutive group-stage appearances in the following campaigns.

The Tanzanian champions will be hoping to go further this time and challenge for a title that has remained beyond the reach of Mainland Tanzanian clubs during the CAF Champions League era.

Simba, meanwhile, return with renewed ambition after reaching the quarter-finals in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons before finishing their 2025/26 campaign at the group stage.

The Msimbazi Street club has strengthened its squad ahead of the new season and will be targeting a return to the latter stages of Africa’s premier club competition.

In the Confederation Cup, Azam FC received a boost after earning direct qualification to the second preliminary round, giving them a shorter route to the group stage. Singida Black Stars, however, will begin from the first preliminary round and must win two knockout ties to advance.

Meanwhile, KVZ and KMKM will be aiming to enhance Zanzibar’s growing presence in African club football as all six Tanzanian representatives prepare for the continental challenge.

CAF club competitions remain highly lucrative, with Champions League winners set to receive $6 million, while Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million, increasing the motivation for clubs across Africa to progress deeper into the tournaments.

The government has completed construction of Engaresero Airport at the foothills of Ol Doinyo Lengai, popularly known as the Mountain of God, in a move expected to open up Lake Natron’s tourism potential and attract more visitors to the area.

The new facility, which was constructed between May 2025 and June 2026, is awaiting official commissioning after completing the required inspections and beginning trial operations by selected aircraft.

The airport features a 1.2-kilometre runway measuring 23 metres wide, built with compacted and reinforced gravel designed to support operations throughout the year.

Over the past three weeks, I have argued that Tanzania’s economic reforms fundamentally changed the role of government. Liberalization did not remove government from the economy. It changed its responsibility: from determining prices to ensuring that markets operate fairly, efficiently and in the public interest.

Whether discussing agricultural producer prices or consumer prices for fuel and public transport, one lesson consistently emerges: sustainable prosperity depends less on governments fixing prices than on governments building institutions that enable markets to function well.

Unfortunately, public debate often concentrates on prices rather than the conditions that produce them.

When farmers complain of low crop prices, attention quickly turns to increasing official producer prices. When consumers face higher transport fares or fuel costs, the immediate demand is for government to reduce prices. Yet prices are usually symptoms rather than the underlying problem.

A farmer receiving low prices may actually be suffering from poor rural roads, inadequate storage, weak bargaining power, lack of market information or insufficient competition among buyers.

Consumers paying high prices may be affected by excessive taxes and levies, inefficient supply chains, expensive financing, inadequate infrastructure or the absence of effective competition.

Changing prices without addressing these underlying conditions often treats the symptom while leaving the disease untouched.

The experience of many countries demonstrates that prosperous markets are built upon productivity rather than administrative controls.

Farmers earn higher incomes when yields improve, transport costs decline, post-harvest losses are reduced, and buyers compete openly for their produce.

Consumers benefit when businesses compete through greater efficiency, innovation and improved service rather than through political protection.

This is where government has its greatest opportunity. Instead of concentrating primarily on price intervention, public policy should focus on strengthening the foundations of competitive markets.

For agriculture, this means investing in rural infrastructure, irrigation, research, extension services, storage facilities, reliable market information and affordable rural finance. These investments increase productivity while allowing market competition to determine prices more efficiently.

For consumers, the priorities include reliable infrastructure, efficient transport systems, transparent taxation, effective regulation of monopolies and strong consumer protection. Lower costs of doing business ultimately benefit consumers more sustainably than repeated administrative intervention.

Competition itself deserves greater recognition as a public good. In competitive markets, businesses must continuously improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs and provide better services if they wish to survive.

Consumers benefit through wider choice and lower prices; producers benefit from competing buyers, and the economy benefits because resources are allocated more efficiently.

Competition therefore serves producers, consumers and investors simultaneously. This explains why government should be cautious whenever policy unintentionally reduces competition.

Administrative restrictions that limit entry into markets, reduce farmers’ marketing choices or shield inefficient enterprises from competition may provide temporary relief but often reduce efficiency over time.

Equally, competition must operate within clear rules. Markets cannot function properly where monopolies abuse their dominance, businesses collude to fix prices or consumers lack adequate protection against unfair practices.

A modern market economy therefore requires both competitive enterprise and effective public institutions. The objective is balance. Too little regulation permits abuse. Too much intervention suppresses initiative. Successful economies avoid both extremes.

After nearly four decades of liberalization, Tanzania has accumulated sufficient experience to identify certain minimum standards that should guide government intervention in markets.

First, intervention should address genuine market failure rather than temporary price movements. Second, intervention should strengthen competition wherever competition is possible. Third, where competition is naturally limited, regulation should promote transparency, efficiency and reasonable returns without imposing unnecessary burdens on either producers or consumers. Fourth, the full economic cost of any intervention should be clearly understood. Policies that ignore underlying costs rarely remain sustainable. Fifth, government should always ask whether the same objective can be achieved through less distortive measures such as improved infrastructure, better market information, targeted support or stronger competition rather than direct price intervention.

These are not ideological principles. They are practical standards for good economic governance.

The purpose of government is not simply to produce lower prices or higher prices. It is to create conditions in which markets reward efficiency, protect consumers, encourage investment and expand opportunities for all participants.

The debate that began during the economic reforms of the 1980s is therefore entering a new phase. The question is no longer whether Tanzania should embrace markets. That question was answered many years ago. Today’s challenge is ensuring that markets remain competitive, transparent and fair.

In next week’s final article of this series, I will examine the institution specifically established to safeguard those objectives-the Fair Competition Commission, whose mandate extends beyond protecting consumers or supervising businesses.

It serves as the guardian of fair competition itself, ensuring that neither private enterprises nor public institutions undermine the competitive principles upon which a liberal market economy ultimately depends.

As the opposition party Chadema proposes that religious leaders spearhead national reconciliation efforts, clerics have expressed readiness to mediate while warning of significant operational hurdles.

According to religious leaders, the primary obstacles to a successful outcome are a lack of political will among the conflicting parties, an absence of readiness to engage in genuine dialogue, and an unwillingness by political actors to compromise on held positions.

Political analysts argue that the prerequisite for any credible mediation is rebuilding trust between the government and religious bodies, following recent public friction that exposed mutual suspicion. The developments follow a meeting held by President Samia Suluhu Hassan with leaders of 18 registered political parties to discuss national matters, including political reconciliation and the revival of the New Constitution writing process.

Chadema stance

Speaking on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Chadema secretary-general, Mr John Mnyika, said while the party maintains its core political stance, it believes respected religious leaders possess the moral authority required to steer national healing.

“Those previously tasked with reconciliation have failed because while preaching peace, state organs and political opponents continue hostilities. We must read the signs of the times. As things stand, the nation requires healing and collective prayers led by Muslim and Christian clerics,” said Mr Mnyika.

Mr Mnyika argued that religious leaders command greater public trust and societal acceptance than state-appointed committees currently handling reconciliation talks.

“Religious leaders should sit together, pray for the nation, call for repentance, and guide the country through this healing process,” he said.

He added that trusted domestic spiritual leaders could act as internal reconcilers alongside international mediators to resolve the country’s ongoing political impasse.

“Spiritual guidance is needed now more than ever. We thank the clerics who have spoken out and request that they continue standing against injustice with their prophetic voices,” he stated, adding that the political environment affects the entire nation, not just Chadema and the ruling CCM.

Clerics’ perspective

The National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) executive council chairman, Sheikh Khamis Mataka, said religious leaders stand ready to advise and reconcile conflicting groups, provided the political actors demonstrate genuine commitment.

“For reconciliation to succeed, the primary parties involved must demonstrate readiness to be reconciled. If they show true political will, religious leaders are prepared to fulfill that duty,” noted Sheikh Mataka.

Addressing concerns over political bias among certain clerics, Sheikh Mataka suggested using universally respected spiritual leaders to build consensus and maintain public peace.

The Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) secretary-general, Reverend Moses Makunzo, echoed the sentiment, noting that national stability requires all stakeholders to compromise.

“Remember that religious leaders are also human and hold differing views. The fundamental question is whether those in power, political leaders, and their parties are willing to relinquish entrenched positions to sit at a common dialogue table,” stated Rev Makunzo.

He emphasized that clerics rely on persuasion and dialogue, but their efforts remain constrained if political leaders refuse to listen to one another.

Expert analysis

A political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof George Kahangwa, welcomed the proposal to involve religious leaders but stressed that trust between the state and religious institutions must first be restored.

‘A process of reconciliation between the government and religious leaders must precede broader national mediation, given recent public exchanges that signalled mutual mistrust,’ observed Prof Kahangwa.

He noted that independent religious figures are better suited to mediate than retired political leaders, who are often perceived as loyal to their respective political parties.

‘Utilising religious leaders is preferable to involving retired political figures who carry partisan baggage. A select group of prudent spiritual leaders with firm principles can execute this duty with high integrity,’ he said, recommending the establishment of a formal reconciliation commission with a neutral secretariat.

Concurring with the analysis, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) executive director, Ms Anna Henga, noted that while citizens maintain faith in spiritual leaders, identifying universally trusted figures remains a challenge.

‘The key question is how we select trusted religious leaders for such a sensitive task. Priority should be given to clerics who have consistently defended truth and justice without fear or favour,’ said Ms Henga, adding that some religious figures have compromised their standing in recent years by failing to address societal injustices.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on African leaders, financiers and development partners to shift focus from planning infrastructure projects to implementing them, saying faster execution is critical to unlocking the continent’s economic potential and deepening regional integration.

Speaking at the Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting (GSM) and the Infra for Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday August 05, 2026, the President said Africa has spent years formulating ambitious infrastructure strategies, but tangible benefits will only be realised when projects move from boardrooms to the ground.

She said addressing the continent’s infrastructure deficit requires stronger collaboration between governments, development finance institutions and the private sector, supported by increased investment in bankable projects. ‘Africa has developed many plans and strategies over the years. What is needed now is implementation that delivers results for our people,’ President Hassan said.

She reaffirmed Tanzania’s ambition to position itself as a regional gateway for land-linked countries, noting that the country is leveraging its membership in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) to strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic integration.

The President said Tanzania is continuing to invest in strategic infrastructure projects, including ports, railways, roads, energy systems and digital connectivity, to improve the movement of goods, services and people across the region.

According to her, modern infrastructure is essential for boosting intra-African trade, lowering transport and logistics costs and attracting investment.

She noted that improved transport corridors, reliable energy supplies and expanded broadband networks would accelerate industrialisation, enhance competitiveness and create jobs.

‘The government must accelerate policies that connect people and develop infrastructure that links markets,’ she said.

President Hassan added that connectivity remains a key driver of competitiveness, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

She also stressed the importance of expanding access to reliable energy and digital infrastructure, saying such investments are creating opportunities for innovation, particularly among women and young people.

According to the President, improved internet access is enabling more young Africans to move beyond being consumers of technology and become innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.

She called for stronger partnerships among governments, investors, development partners and financial institutions, saying mobilising both public and private capital is essential to bridge Africa’s infrastructure financing gap.

‘Tanzania is ready to work with partners in harnessing investment opportunities across different sectors,’ she said.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, said Tanzania remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability and implementing reforms that encourage greater private sector participation in infrastructure development.

He said the country’s strategic location, improving transport systems and investor-friendly policies continue to strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.

Africa50 Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alain Ebobissé, said the institution remains committed to partnering with African governments to accelerate the preparation of bankable infrastructure projects and mobilise private investment.

He noted that infrastructure remains central to Africa’s development agenda, particularly in supporting industrialisation, trade integration and economic resilience.

The Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting and Infra for Africa Forum brought together heads of state, policymakers, development finance institutions, investors and infrastructure experts to discuss practical strategies for accelerating infrastructure delivery across the continent.

The discussions focused on strengthening public-private partnerships, mobilising long-term financing and improving project preparation to ensure that infrastructure investments contribute to Africa’s broader economic transformation.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said Tanzania cannot transform its agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors without investing in research, noting that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government has allocated substantial funds to support research aimed at increasing productivity, expanding markets and strengthening food security.

Speaking after touring pavilions at the Eastern Zone Nanenane agricultural exhibitions on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Dr Nchemba urged agricultural institutions, including the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (Tari) and Sokoine University of Agriculture (Sua), to invest in research and translate their findings into practical results for the agricultural sector.

He said the agricultural sector had grown rapidly and created more employment opportunities, particularly for young people. However, he urged young Tanzanians to participate fully in the sector and abandon the perception that agriculture is an occupation for older people.

‘Modern agriculture is no longer practised in the traditional way. It can be successfully undertaken by young people, many of whom are graduates of various universities in the country, because they understand and can use modern technologies,” he said.

“For example, I met a young graduate at the Sugar Board pavilion who can use a drone to irrigate a seven-hectare farm within 20 minutes,’ added Dr Nchemba.

He urged young people to use the knowledge and skills acquired at universities to invest in agriculture and apply research findings to increase productivity.

Dr Nchemba pledged that the government would continue improving infrastructure to support agricultural production.

He said this year’s theme, ‘Identify markets, increase productivity and implement Vision 2050,’ had already demonstrated that its objectives could be achieved by 2050 because of the rapid pace of investment in the agricultural sector.

In another development, the premier urged farmers and livestock keepers to abandon the perception that they are rivals and instead work together to increase production, saying the country could not develop industries without adequate raw materials.

The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Ally, said Morogoro was a centre for agricultural transformation, partly because of the presence of Sokoine University of Agriculture.

He commended the university for its contribution to agricultural development, but urged it not to become complacent.

Dr Ally directed the university’s leadership to continue advancing research, innovation and training, particularly in areas related to agricultural production.

Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima, said this year’s exhibitions were of a higher standard because they showcased technologies that could help farmers translate knowledge into practical applications and ultimately increase productivity.

Simba SC have taken a significant step toward restoring stability after its top leaders resolved recent internal disagreements and reaffirmed their commitment to working together in the club’s best interests ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

The move follows days of public exchanges that had fueled speculation about divisions within the club’s leadership.

However, in a joint statement signed by Board Chairman Crescentius Magori and Vice Chairman Murtaza Mangungu, the Board of Directors announced that all discussions regarding the Board of Trustees would be suspended until the completion of the club’s electoral process. The decision effectively closes a chapter that had threatened to distract the club from its football ambitions.

Instead of continuing with governance disputes, the leadership agreed to focus on key priorities, including finalizing player recruitment, preparations for Simba Day, the Community Shield, and the new Mainland Premier League campaign.

The statement also urged members, supporters and stakeholders to unite behind the club as it prepares for one of its most important seasons in recent years.

The agreement represents a notable turnaround from the tensions that had recently spilled into the public domain.

The disagreement initially arose over the process of appointing a new Board of Trustees, with differing interpretations of the club’s constitution and the procedures required to convene a Special General Meeting.

As the debate intensified, concerns grew that the dispute could undermine the club’s stability at a critical stage of its preparations. The disagreement was rooted in broader governance issues that had been developing for months.

Internal differences over the direction of the club, varying views on the implementation of constitutional reforms. The constitutional amendments adopted earlier this year introduced major changes to Simba’s governance structure, including reforms affecting the composition of the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees and the club’s ownership framework.

While the reforms were intended to modernize the club’s administration, some provisions had yet to be fully implemented, creating uncertainty over governance procedures and decision-making responsibilities.

Farmers can now protect themselves against the rampant influx of counterfeit seeds following the rollout of a digital verification system designed to authenticate seed quality before planting.

The system was unveiled on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during the launch of the national ‘Dekalb Mafanikio Shambani’ campaign in Mwanza City.

Organised by Bayer East Africa in partnership with the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (Tosci), the initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and safeguard national food security. Speaking at the launch, the Bayer Tanzania managing director, Mr Mwinyi Sango, described the campaign as a major milestone in tackling fake seed distribution, which has long undermined farmers’ yields and economic stability.

He explained that under the new scheme, seed packages feature a scratch-off panel concealing a unique code.

Farmers can instantly verify product authenticity by dialling *148*52*code# on their mobile phones before purchasing or planting.

‘We observed that many farmers purchase seeds without verifying their authenticity, allowing the counterfeit seed trade to thrive. Through this campaign, we aim to transform farmer habits and ensure every seed lot is authenticated before use,’ said Mr Sango.

To encourage adoption, the four-month initiative includes an incentive scheme offering prizes, including pick-up trucks, motorcycles, and mobile phones, to farmers who verify their seed codes through the short code.

The Tosci Lake Zone manager, Mr Ayoub Mshema, reiterated the agency’s commitment to seed quality control, noting that involving farmers directly in digital verification will drastically curb the circulation of sub-standard inputs.

‘This campaign will motivate farmers to take an active role in seed quality assurance. Eliminating the purchase of uncertified seeds is critical to expanding the adoption of genuine, high-yielding varieties across Tanzania,’ said Mr Mshema.

Concurring with the sentiment, Bayer’s head of partnerships in Africa, Mr Vitalis Wafula, emphasized that high-quality seeds remain the foundation of profitable agriculture and sustainable economic growth.

Local agricultural inputs distributor, Ms Magreth Zacharia, noted that field visits across Lake Zone regions revealed strong farmer demand for certified inputs to increase crop margins.

Relating his personal experience, a maize farmer from Sengerema District, Mr Magoli Daudi, recalled how fake seeds nearly destroyed his livelihood.

‘Two years ago, I unknowingly planted counterfeit maize seeds. I harvested only 10 bags per acre instead of the expected 25 to 30 bags, incurring severe financial losses that almost forced me out of farming,’ Mr Daudi shared, welcoming the digital verification tool as a crucial shield for agricultural investments.

Success is an aspiration shared by many young people, yet only a small number turn their ambitions into lasting achievement.

Among those inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs is Juneid Othman, founder of Mkuyu Africa, a property development, sales and rental company, who believes that investing in real estate at an early age is one of the most effective ways to secure long-term financial independence.

Juneid’s entrepreneurial journey began while he was still a teenager. At the age of 19, and while pursuing his studies, he ventured into business before eventually establishing himself in Tanzania’s property sector. Reflecting on his journey, he says his decision to invest in real estate came after recognising its potential to create sustainable wealth and financial security.

“While studying accounting, I wanted to start a business, so I approached my father for a loan of about Sh3 million. I launched a solar business and exported products to countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. After gaining experience and saving money, I decided to invest in property,” he says.

According to Juneid, that decision became the turning point in his financial journey, and he now encourages young people to begin investing in property as early as possible rather than waiting until later in life.

“Many young people believe property investment is something you do only when you are older, but that is a misconception. Starting while you are young gives you a strong financial foundation that creates opportunities to grow in many other areas of life,” he says.

Financial discipline is the key to success

Juneid attributes much of his success to setting clear financial goals and maintaining strict discipline in managing his income.

Before making his first property investment, he established a long-term objective of owning income-generating assets, ensuring that his earnings were directed towards investments instead of unnecessary expenditure.

“You need to begin with a clear destination in mind. Once you know what you want to achieve, every financial decision becomes purposeful and every shilling has a role to play,” he says.

Mkuyu Africa targets one million affordable homes

Looking ahead, Juneid says Mkuyu Africa has set an ambitious goal of constructing one million modern and affordable homes across Tanzania.

“Our vision is to build one million homes. We want more Tanzanians to have access to quality housing through affordable ownership options,” he says.

He says the company has introduced flexible payment plans that enable ordinary Tanzanians to purchase homes gradually rather than paying the full amount upfront.

“Many people assume home ownership is only for the wealthy, but that is simply not the case. Most of our customers are ordinary Tanzanians who save consistently, make an initial deposit and continue paying in instalments until they own their homes,” he explains.

Miliki Mali promotes informed property ownership

Beyond property development, Juneid established Miliki Mali, an initiative dedicated to educating the public about property investment and responsible ownership.

He says the platform was created after witnessing many people lose money through fraudulent transactions or investments made without proper knowledge.

“Many people become victims of fraud because they do not understand the legal process of owning property. Through Miliki Mali, we educate people about ownership documents, legal procedures and the checks they should carry out before purchasing land or a house,” he says.

Expanding opportunities for young people in real estate

Juneid believes the property sector offers a wide range of career and business opportunities for young people, extending beyond construction to include brokerage, marketing and property management.

Through the Tanzania Brokers Association Board (TBAB), where he serves as founder and board member, he says efforts are underway to professionalise the brokerage industry and strengthen public confidence in qualified property brokers.

“Professional brokers who operate ethically deserve the same respect as other professionals. Unfortunately, many people fail to distinguish between legitimate brokers and fraudsters,” he says.

He says the association registers qualified brokers and issues them with official identification to promote accountability and raise professional standards.

“A person who deliberately shows you the wrong property or provides false information is not a broker; they are a fraudster. Our objective is to separate dishonest individuals from genuine professionals,” he adds.

Learning through setbacks

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Juneid acknowledges that his journey has been shaped by setbacks as much as achievements.

“I have failed more than a thousand times. Every mistake taught me an important lesson because I documented what went wrong and learnt from it. Success is not about avoiding failure; it is about learning from it,” he says.

He urges young people to remain resilient during difficult periods and not to abandon their ambitions too soon.

“A tree spends time developing beneath the soil before it emerges. Once it breaks through the surface, its growth accelerates. Many people give up before reaching that stage,” he says.

His advice to young people

Juneid’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: begin investing early and make the most of the resources available, regardless of how modest they may seem.

“Do not wait until you are wealthy before investing in property. Start with what you have today. That investment can become the foundation of your future wealth,” he says.

He also stresses the importance of acquiring the right knowledge before making investment decisions.

“If you want to invest in property, educate yourself first. Ask questions, seek professional advice and make informed decisions based on knowledge rather than assumptions,” he concludes.

. Approximately 200 Tanzanian youths have acquired specialised vehicle assembly skills and secured employment at the GFA Plant in Kibaha, Coast Region, in a major boost to local job creation and skills development.

The milestone follows a successful technology and skills transfer scheme from foreign experts to local technicians, with Tanzanians now comprising 99 percent of the plant’s total workforce.

Speaking on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a tour by the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Denis Londo, GFA plant manager, Mr Ezra Merei, said foreign technology transfer has substantially increased output while empowering domestic talent. “We currently employ 200 workers, 99 percent of whom are Tanzanians. Through knowledge transfer from foreign experts, our local youths have gained the expertise needed to manage core technical operations independently,” said Mr Merei.

He noted that annual assembly capacity at the plant has expanded dramatically from just 50 vehicles to 2,000 units, significantly boosting corporate revenue, government tax remittances, and employment opportunities.

Commending the plant’s management, Mr Londo urged industrial investors nationwide to source more raw materials and components locally to deepen value addition and drive economic growth.

“Increasing the use of local raw materials creates more jobs for Tanzanians, enhances household incomes, and strengthens the national economy. The government remains committed to improving the investment climate so that industries continue to serve as pillars of national development,” said Mr Londo.

He emphasized that national industrial policy focuses on adding value to domestic resources, expanding sustainable employment, and generating broader economic opportunities for local communities.

Kibaha residents welcomed the factory expansion, noting its positive impact on youth employment and the local informal economy.

“Industrial growth in Kibaha has significantly reduced youth unemployment and street loitering. Many young people are now gainfully employed, which has improved household incomes,” said resident Mr Alfa Seleman.

Another resident, Ms Ester Michael, added that the factory’s expansion has boosted secondary businesses, including food vendors and transport operators catering to factory workers.

“Whenever a plant expands, the surrounding community benefits immensely. Employment grows, small businesses thrive, and the local economy expands,” she said.