Category: The Citizen

. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said Tanzania is open to strengthening tourism and investment partnerships with global stakeholders, inviting visitors and investors to explore the country’s rich natural attractions, cultural heritage and wide range of economic opportunities.

Speaking at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam during the Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting and Infra for Africa Forum, President Samia said Tanzania offers a unique combination of tourism experiences and investment potential, supported by a conducive business environment.

‘I invite you to come and experience Tanzania. Discover the warmth of our people, the richness of our culture and the beauty of our country. From the endless plains of the Serengeti, the proudly standing Mount Kilimanjaro, to the breathtaking islands of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers unique tourism experiences and exciting opportunities in tourism, hospitality and sustainable development,’ President Samia said.

She said Tanzania is ready to deepen its partnership with Africa50, investors and all stakeholders committed to building a connected, competitive and prosperous Africa.

President Samia added that the government will continue improving the business and investment environment to attract more investors, promote economic growth and strengthen the country’s position in key development sectors.

President Samia also highlighted Tanzania’s role in hosting the historic AFCON Pamoja 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda, saying the tournament will mark the first Africa Cup of Nations competition to be hosted in East Africa and the first in the history of AFCON to be jointly hosted by three countries.

She said the milestone reflects Africa’s growing confidence and ability to deliver major international events while strengthening regional cooperation in investment and sports.

Tanzania’s startup ecosystem could be on course for its first $100 million annual funding milestone, with industry players saying the momentum built during the first half of 2026 has created a realistic opportunity to achieve the target-provided the country sustains investor confidence and strengthens support for innovation.

The optimism follows the country’s strong performance in attracting $52 million in startup funding between January and June this year, according to data published by Africa: The Big Deal, making Tanzania Africa’s fifth-largest startup funding destination during the period.

Greater collaboration with pension funds could provide the long-term capital needed to accelerate infrastructure development across Africa, Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Executive Officer Manzi Rwegasira has said.

Speaking at a high-level forum in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Rwegasira said commercial banks are well placed to finance the early stages of infrastructure projects, but their funding is largely sourced from short-term customer deposits, making it unsuitable for long-term investments such as roads, bridges and energy projects.

The forum brought together senior government officials, financial sector leaders and business executives to discuss innovative financing solutions under the theme, “Reinvesting for Expansion: Recycling as a Catalyst for Growth.”

Rwegasira said pension funds, with their long-term investment horizon, are better suited to finance major infrastructure projects once they have been initiated by commercial banks.

“Banks can finance the initial stages of projects before bringing in pension funds, which have the capacity to invest over the long term because of the nature of their capital,” he said.

He added that Africa must reduce its reliance on new borrowing to finance infrastructure and instead maximise the value of existing public assets.

Rwegasira said the asset recycling model offers a practical solution by using revenue-generating infrastructure such as ports, roads and bridges to attract private investment and unlock capital for new development projects.

“Rather than relying on new loans every time, Africa should use its existing assets to generate additional financing for future infrastructure investment,” he said.

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.