Category: The Citizen

. The Court of Appeal has ended a 13-year legal battle over the bombing of a Catholic church in Arusha after upholding the conviction of six men found guilty of murder, terrorism offences and using property to facilitate terrorism.

The ruling brings to a close the case arising from the May 5, 2013 attack at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Olasiti, Arusha, which killed three worshippers and injured more than 50 others.

The attack occurred during the inauguration ceremony of the church, where hundreds of worshippers had gathered. A bomb was thrown into the crowd as the Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, Bishop Francisco Padilla, and then Archbishop of Arusha, Josephat Lebulu, were unveiling the church. In its ruling, the Court of Appeal said the High Court did not err when it convicted Abashari Omary, Yusuph Hutta, Ramadhani Waziri, Abdul Juma, Kassim Ramadhan and Japhari Lema on the charges.

A three-judge panel comprising Justices Lugano Mwandambo, Abraham Mwampashi and Lameck Mlacha delivered the judgment on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The judges said the evidence presented during the trial proved the offences beyond reasonable doubt and found no grounds to overturn the High Court decision.

However, the court overturned the conviction for conspiracy to commit terrorism, stating that under the law, the offence cannot stand where the intended terrorism act has already been committed and proven.

‘In all other respects, the appeal is dismissed, and the convictions for murder, committing acts of terrorism and using property to facilitate terrorism are upheld,’ the judgment stated.

The criminal appeal, number 93 of 2024, was filed by the six appellants challenging the High Court decision delivered on December 12, 2023, by Justice John Nkwabi in Criminal Case No. 32 of 2023.

The appellants had argued that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the High Court had not properly evaluated evidence from both sides.

They also claimed the conviction was based on inadmissible evidence and statements that had been rejected and excluded during the trial.

According to court records, 10 suspects were initially arrested and charged in 2014 following the bombing. One died before the trial began, while three others were acquitted during judgment.

The prosecution alleged that a meeting to plan the attack was held at the home of one of the accused, Ramadhani, while information about the church ceremony schedule was allegedly provided by Japhari.

The prosecution relied on witness testimony, forensic evidence, medical reports and statements from the accused to support the charges.

After hearing evidence from both sides, the High Court convicted the accused of murder, terrorism offences, using property to facilitate terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism, and sentenced them to death by hanging.

During the appeal hearing, the appellants were represented by nine advocates, while the Republic was represented by five senior state attorneys.

Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija), has returned for its 11th season, bringing a new group of housemates, fresh twists and another opportunity for contestants to compete for fame, fortune and a place in pop culture history.

The new season premiered on July 26, 2026, with organisers promising a bigger experience for fans of the reality show. This year’s winner will walk away with a record Sh308.9 million (?160 million) grand prize package, including Sh193 million (?100 million) in cash and a brand-new SUV, making it the biggest prize in the show’s history.

Hosted by returning presenter Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Season 11 introduces a fresh lineup of housemates who will spend weeks living together under constant public attention while competing in tasks, nominations and evictions.

Known for creating some of Africa’s biggest entertainment personalities, BBNaija has become more than just a reality competition. Over the years, the show has served as a launchpad for musicians, actors, influencers, entrepreneurs and digital creators, with former contestants building strong careers beyond the house.

The new season comes with high expectations as fans look out for breakout personalities, unexpected friendships, rivalries and viral moments that have become part of the BBNaija experience.

Beyond the entertainment, the show continues to reflect the growing influence of African reality television, where contestants use the platform to build personal brands and connect with millions of viewers across the continent.

As the housemates begin their journey, one question remains: who will capture Africa’s attention and emerge as the next BBNaija superstar?

Tanzania will maintain all measures introduced to prevent the importation of Ebola until the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is declared over, meanwhile Uganda’s health minister declared the country Ebola-free yesterday following the latest outbreak of the viral haemorrhagic disease, which infected 20 people and claimed two lives.

Speaking to The Citizen, the Director of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Ministry of Health, Dr Erasto Odindo, said the government has intensified surveillance at key points of entry, including border posts, airports and seaports, since May following Ebola outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries.

The Ministry of Health strengthened health screening after issuing a travel advisory on May 18, 2026, informing travellers and stakeholders of enhanced surveillance measures at points of entry. The move comes as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) steps up support to the DRC, where the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak continues to strain health systems, with confirmed cases surpassing 3,000.

According to the latest Africa CDC situation report released on July 24, a total of 3,095 confirmed cases and 1,356 deaths have been recorded across the two countries since the outbreak began.

The report shows that the DRC remains the worst-affected country, recording 102 new confirmed cases, 45 deaths and 16 recoveries in the previous 24 hours. Uganda, meanwhile, reported no new cases or deaths over the same period.

Africa CDC said Uganda has completed follow-up of all previously identified contacts, signalling progress in containing transmission. However, it warned that the situation in the DRC remains critical.

The eastern province of Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 89 percent of all confirmed cases reported in the country.

Health facilities are also under increasing pressure. In North Kivu Province, treatment centres are operating beyond capacity, with bed occupancy reaching 126.9 percent, raising concerns over their ability to provide timely care for new patients.

The report also highlights challenges in disease surveillance, with contact follow-up in the DRC standing at 76.4 percent, well below the 95 percent target considered necessary to interrupt transmission effectively. Health experts say identifying, tracing and monitoring contacts remain among the most effective measures for controlling outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic diseases.

To strengthen the response, Africa CDC said efforts are focused on expanding isolation and treatment capacity, improving contact tracing, protecting frontline health workers, enhancing community engagement and ensuring safer access for emergency response teams operating in affected areas.

The agency has also expanded its technical and logistical support.

It has delivered nine GeneXpert diagnostic machines and laboratory reagents to improve testing capacity, deployed the DHIS2 outbreak response toolkit to strengthen surveillance and data management, and supported the training of more than 4,000 community health workers involved in case detection, risk communication and community mobilisation.

Africa CDC is also working closely with national authorities to strengthen cross-border coordination, citing the risk of disease transmission through cross-border population movements.

Public health experts say sustained surveillance, rapid diagnosis, community participation and adequate treatment capacity remain essential to bringing the outbreak under control, particularly in conflict-affected areas where humanitarian access is limited.

While Uganda’s recent progress offers cautious optimism, the continued rise in infections and deaths in the DRC underscores the need for sustained regional and international support to prevent further spread of the disease.

As artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threats and emerging technologies continue to reshape the global digital landscape, Tanzanian is preparing its ICT professionals to ensure the country keeps pace with rapid technological change and safeguards its digital future.

Experts say mastery of AI, cyber security, data protection and other emerging technologies will be essential if Tanzania is to realise its ambition of building a competitive digital economy under the National Development Vision 2050.

The call was made during the opening of a specialised training programme in Dar es Salaam for 110 ICT professionals drawn from both public and private institutions. The programme is being implemented through cooperation between Tanzania and the European Union, with technical support from Estonia, Germany and Finland, to strengthen the country’s capacity in cyber security, personal data protection and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Opening the training, the Director General of the Tanzania Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, said digital transformation presents enormous opportunities but also exposes governments, businesses and citizens to increasingly sophisticated cyber risks.

He said Tanzania’s growing adoption of digital technologies requires a workforce equipped with advanced digital skills to protect critical systems while supporting innovation and economic growth.

“As the country accelerates its digital transformation, building the right skills becomes critical. Digital technologies are now central to economic development, and we must ensure our professionals are prepared to respond to new challenges,” said Dr Mwasaga.

He noted that digital transformation rests on several key pillars, including digital skills, cyber security and building digital trust among citizens.

According to him, digital trust can only be achieved when internet users have confidence that their personal information is protected, privacy is respected and digital services are secure.

He said protecting consumers online, strengthening personal data protection frameworks and ensuring privacy are fundamental to increasing public confidence in digital services.

The training comes as Tanzania intensifies implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, which identifies digital transformation as one of the key drivers of future economic growth, innovation and competitiveness.

Dr Mwasaga said the government is implementing strategies to strengthen the digital economy by promoting research, innovation, entrepreneurship and wider adoption of digital technologies across sectors.

He added that the benefits of digital transformation extend beyond government institutions.

“These 110 participants represent both public and private institutions because the digital economy concerns every Tanzanian. Capacity-building initiatives like this are intended to ensure that all sectors are able to benefit from digital technologies,” he said.

The programme also addresses emerging risks associated with the misuse of AI, methods for securing digital infrastructure and best practices in protecting personal information.

An ICT officer from the President’s Office, Records and Archives Management Department, Mr Joseph Moshi, said the training would strengthen the protection of government records and institutional data as more public services migrate to digital platforms.

He noted that the government is also working to expand the use of AI across public institutions to improve service delivery while developing national guidelines to ensure the technology is deployed responsibly.

“As institutions increasingly adopt digital systems, they must have effective mechanisms for safeguarding information. At the same time, we are developing AI guidelines to support its safe and responsible use across government,” he said.

The European Union says the initiative forms part of broader efforts to support Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda.

The Resident Adviser for the Digital Transformation Support Project, Jani Ruuskanen, said the partnership between the EU and Tanzania is designed to accelerate progress towards the country’s long-term development goals.

“Tanzania is well positioned because of the rapid growth of digital solutions. Our project focuses on strengthening the capacity of local professionals by drawing on the expertise of specialists from European public institutions,” he said.

Ruuskanen emphasised that the partnership is based on mutual learning rather than one-way knowledge transfer.

“This is not a one-sided project. European experts also learn from Tanzania’s experiences and take those lessons back to Europe, making the partnership beneficial for both sides,” he added.

As Tanzania continues expanding digital public services, e-government systems and AI-powered solutions, experts believe investing in skilled professionals and stronger cyber resilience will be critical to protecting digital infrastructure while unlocking the full potential of the country’s digital economy.

When I was invited by this newspaper to write a tribute to our late President Benjamin William Mkapa, I demurred – for two reasons.

First, since his passing last week, most that needed to be said about him has already been said. Secondly, in describing his personality, leadership and legacy, I cannot match the precision and eloquence of those who worked with him for many years and knew him best. Nevertheless, I was convinced that sharing a personal take is worthwhile.

I turned 18 in 1992, and therefore had an opportunity to vote for the first time in 1995. In electoral politics, you either fall in love with a candidate that touches your soul or fall in line behind your party’s choice. I fell in love with ‘Candidate Mkapa’ on the day of the first, and since then, the only presidential debate to have ever taken place in Tanzania.

The election was set to be fiercely competitive; the opposition party NCCR-Mageuzi had a formidable and widely popular candidate in Augustine Lyatonga Mrema, who was sweeping the country with enviable, but scary, euphoria.

The debate was set up at the then Kilimanjaro Hotel, with four leading candidates participating. The general mood leading up to the debate was anticipatory. Mkapa, a technocrat in practice, was neither a political or CCM party fixture, nor was he known for rousing oratory, such that Mrema dubbed him ‘Bubu'(a mute). If the narrative was that Mkapa couldn’t speak, his debate performance was going to be proof of his life.

Few weeks before, the then Speaker of Parliament, Pius Msekwa, had claimed that ‘Mr. Mkapa is made of ferrous material of the highest quality and of exceptional tensile strength…during the next month or two, the opposition parties and indeed the rest of the country will learn of what metal Benjamin Mkapa is made of’.

Few days before the debate, Mr Kingunge Ngombale Mwiru, then CCM party ideology and publicity secretary, had boasted that ‘our candidate is ready to debate anywhere, at any time, and in any language – be it in English, Kiswahili or French.’ These assurances by Msekwa and Ngombale didn’t go much further in assuaging the worry that CCM supporters had about Mkapa as a campaigner.

So, on debate day, I sat alone with a borrowed radio and tuned in, almost trembling. Halfway through the debate, Cheyo was delivering flat jokes, Mrema was confused and Lipumba was meandering. And, in a booming, clear and confident voice Mkapa delivered a masterful performance which left no doubt about his vision for the country and readiness for the presidency.

While there were still many weeks of campaigning ahead, it was clear that CCM had picked a leader. Among the candidates, he may not have been a celebrity, but he was cerebral.

For me, that performance was among the first classes in my political education – in that, verbal flights, comedy and lectures are not the ways to convince the electorate that you merit their trust; that high office has to be pursued with solemnity and seriousness that it deserves, and that competence in the language of political communication is extremely important as it empowers a political leader for exact and considered expression. The debate performance introduced me not just to Mkapa’s political style but also to his personality – preparedness, earnestness, and seriousness.

Two years after he became President, I went to study abroad. While there, whenever I came across books that I thought he would like, I would pack them and send them to him through his long term personal assistant, Ambassador Ombeni Sefue.

On occasions, I would get a letter of thank-you signed by him. In my education, I have been a beneficiary of his legendary immense quiet generosity. And when I got married, he came to my wedding and gave the best of compliments.

Fast forward, I joined State House late 2005 as an aide to President Jakaya Kikwete. One of my tasks at State House was handling presidential correspondences – reading hundreds of letters that the President receives and drafting responses for his review and signature. To orient myself to this task, I went through old files – to learn how past presidents wrote their letters.

In Mkapa letters, I found tremendous lessons in courteousness, gentlemanliness and a sharp pen, which inspired me to attempt to write just a fraction as good. I recall seeing a 2003 letter in which the former President of Gabon, the late Omar Bongo, wrote to all African leaders informing them of an addition to his surname, writing that he should now be addressed as Omar Bongo ONDIMBA. The letter was simple and general, but Mkapa’s response was beautiful and personal, which spoke of his esteemed manners.

I saw an additional side of Mkapa, and learnt another lesson from him, when I traveled with him to Bloemfontein, South Africa, in January 2012 for the ANC Centenary Celebrations. I was then CCM’s Head of Political Affairs and International Relations department. He was head of our (CCM’s) delegation for the visit.

At the gala dinner, I felt our table placement was not sufficiently prominent, given Mkapa’s stature and Tanzania’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle. My anxiety was made worse when the Master of Ceremonies, which incidentally was Cyril Ramaphosa, back then not yet the President, forgot to recognize us. I fretted and attempted to pass a note to him on stage. Mkapa recognized my anxiety and held my hand and said, ‘relax, the most important thing is that we are here’.

Fortunately, much later, we were recognized – and Ramaphosa spoke at length about Tanzania. We felt good and proud. Through that moment, Mkapa taught me that prominence is good when it comes to you, not when you seek it.

My last engagement with Mzee Mkapa was last year, when he agreed to headline a fundraiser requested by a local church in my home district of Lushoto. It was a humble and small event, and some in our team felt that he might feel that it does not befit his stature. But he agreed because, for him, the cause, not the spotlight, was the most important thing.

To guarantee a decent attendance for the fundraiser, we requested him to write an invitation letter to people we were going to ask to donate money. He agreed but requested that we provide him with a draft of the letter. I did the draft. When his signed letters came back for distribution, I read it again. He didn’t change a word. I was as giddy as a standard 7 student who got an A on a mock exam he didn’t expect to do well.

We have lost not just a great leader but also a good, decent man who represented, to the world, the best of Tanzania. The new generation of political leaders has a lot to learn from his example. May he rest in eternal peace.

Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania has launched the M-Health Patient Portal, a digital platform that allows patients to access test results, track medical histories and communicate with doctors through their mobile phones.

The initiative aims to simplify access to healthcare services and improve continuity of treatment by reducing the need for patients to visit hospitals for routine follow-ups.

The launch coincided with the official opening of The Aga Khan Specialised Polyclinic Masaki, a new specialist healthcare facility established to bring medical services closer to residents and workers in Masaki, Oysterbay, Mikocheni and surrounding areas. According to the institution, the M-Health Patient Portal enables patients to view laboratory results, store medical records and consult doctors remotely.

The system also links doctors at the Masaki Polyclinic with specialists at Aga Khan Hospital in Upanga in real time, allowing faster medical consultations and decision-making, particularly for patients requiring urgent care, including those with heart-related conditions.

In a statement issued yesterday, July 28, 2026, Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania chief executive officer Sisawo Konteh said the launch of the platform complements investment in modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at improving access to quality services.

He said the decision to relocate to the new Masaki Polyclinic building was driven by rising demand for services and feedback from patients seeking more accessible care, larger facilities and improved healthcare environments.

‘This facility strengthens our ability to bring specialist services closer to the community while using technology to ensure patients access care more conveniently,’ he said.

The polyclinic provides specialist services including women’s health and reproductive care, paediatrics, internal medicine, orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat (ENT), eye care, dental services and family medicine.

The Head of Family Health at Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania, Dr Nancy Matilia, said the facility has expanded services previously offered at the former clinic on Chole Road and now provides a wider range of healthcare services under one roof.

She said family physicians would provide care for children, adolescents, adults and older people, while patients requiring specialist treatment would receive care without necessarily having to visit the main hospital.

‘We want patients who come here to access all essential family healthcare services without having to look for another facility. This is the true meaning of integrated healthcare,’ she said.

Besides treatment, the facility will offer preventive services and regular wellness checks aimed at helping detect diseases early and promoting a culture of routine health screening.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Acting Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer Dr Progest Mtasingwa said the investment supports government efforts to improve healthcare access through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

He said the government continues to encourage investment in the health sector to bring services closer to citizens while urging people to undergo health check-ups before falling ill.

‘We have a culture of avoiding early health checks. The closer we bring services to people, the more we increase the chances of citizens coming forward for screening and detecting diseases early,’ he said.

According to Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania, the launch of the M-Health Patient Portal and opening of the Masaki Polyclinic form part of its strategy to use technology and expand specialist healthcare services, strengthen preventive care and improve the health of Tanzanians.

A teacher at Galula Secondary School in Songwe District has died after allegedly being assaulted by a group of livestock keepers while attempting to stop them from driving cattle through the school compound.

Nisetas Dimoso died on July 28, 2026, at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the alleged attack on the night of July 26.

According to preliminary reports, the incident began when two young men allegedly attempted to drive livestock through the grounds of Galula Secondary School. Dimoso intervened, leading to an argument that escalated into a confrontation. One of the two men is alleged to have called other people believed to be the livestock owners, who arrived at the scene and assaulted the teacher before fleeing.

Teachers and local residents rushed Dimoso to Mbuyuni Health Centre for first aid before he was transferred to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.

Galula Ward councillor Mikozi Mwavilundo confirmed the incident, saying it involved people allegedly linked to the family of an individual whose identity has been withheld.

He said the matter was reported promptly to Galula Police Outpost and that the suspects were known to the authorities. However, no arrests had been made by the time of reporting, raising concern among residents.

Mwavilundo said this was the second fatal attack on a public servant in the area this year. In March, a sub-village executive officer was allegedly attacked and killed by livestock keepers.

Songwe Regional Police Commander SACP Augustino Senga confirmed Dimoso’s death and said investigations were continuing to identify and arrest everyone involved in the attack.

He said the suspects and the livestock owners were known and urged those involved to surrender to the police.

Senga added that the police were continuing to educate communities on preventing violence involving livestock keepers, particularly during the harvest season.

“We urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands, but instead to use the relevant legal and government authorities to resolve disputes arising within their communities,” he said.

Thousands of residents in rural Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga regions are experiencing the benefits of improved digital connectivity following Airtel Tanzania’s expansion of its 4G network to previously underserved communities, opening new opportunities for communication, mobile banking and small businesses.

The telecommunications company recently commissioned three new 4G towers in Hombolo Makulu in Dodoma Region, Katesh in Manyara Region and Duga Maforoni in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, extending reliable broadband services to farming, livestock, fishing and cross-border trading communities.

In villages where poor network coverage once forced residents to climb hills or walk long distances just to make phone calls, many are now purchasing and registering Airtel SIM cards, opening Airtel Money businesses and using high-speed internet to support their livelihoods. In Hombolo Makulu, a village of more than 10,800 residents according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, years of unreliable network coverage had made it difficult for people to communicate with relatives, access internet services and complete mobile money transactions.

Village Chairperson Amos Paulo Chiboni said the poor network had forced many residents, including himself, to stop using Airtel despite having relatives and business partners on the network.

“I stopped using my Airtel line because the network was unreliable,” Mr Chiboni said. “When Airtel switched on the new tower, I immediately bought and registered another SIM card. Now I enjoy fast 4G internet and reliable communication.”

He said many villagers are returning to Airtel because of its affordable voice and data services, dependable network coverage and Airtel Money platform.

“For a long time we struggled because our relatives across the country use Airtel, but communication was difficult. The first thing that happened after activating my SIM card was receiving money through Airtel Money. The transaction charges are also lower compared to some other networks,” he said.

Mr Chiboni said improved connectivity would enable farmers and livestock keepers to communicate more efficiently, expand their businesses and embrace digital payments. He also appealed to Airtel to extend coverage to nearby hamlets that still experience weak signals.

For local food vendor Hawa Lugano, the improved network is already boosting business.

She said unreliable internet had previously prevented her from receiving customer orders sent through WhatsApp, affecting her daily sales.

“Sometimes customers would place orders, but I wouldn’t receive their messages because of poor connectivity,” Ms Lugano said. “Now communication is much easier. I can respond quickly and serve more customers.”

Ms Lugano has also started using Airtel Money’s Timiza digital micro-loan service to finance her business.

“I started with a Sh5,000 loan, and after repayment my borrowing limit will increase. Timiza is simple because it doesn’t require collateral or guarantors. Within a minute, the money reaches your account,” she said.

The Hombolo Makulu telecommunications site is powered by the national electricity grid with diesel backup, strengthening Airtel’s existing infrastructure while significantly improving network capacity across the village and neighbouring communities.

In Katesh Village, Manyara Region, Airtel commissioned another 4G tower serving about 6,000 residents. Powered by both solar energy and the national electricity grid, the site is improving connectivity for farming and livestock communities.

Airtel Tanzania Zonal Business Manager Bartholomew Masatu said reliable connectivity is creating new economic opportunities in rural communities.

“Improved network coverage is doing more than connecting people. It is creating opportunities for entrepreneurship through Airtel Money services, SIM card registration, airtime businesses and easier access to digital services,” Mr Masatu said.

Further north, Airtel also commissioned a 4G tower at Duga Maforoni in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, near the Kenya-Tanzania border.

The tower serves fishing communities, traders and cross-border travellers whose livelihoods depend on reliable communication and digital financial services.

Airtel Tanzania Zonal Business Manager Nassor Laizer said the investment is strengthening economic activity in the border community.

“Fishing and cross-border trade are the main economic activities here. Reliable connectivity enables people to communicate more efficiently, access the internet and use mobile financial services to support their businesses,” Mr Laizer said.

Tanzania’s judo representatives Andrew Thomas Mlugu and Ibrahim Mohamed Hamis are confident of making the country proud as they prepare to step onto the mat at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The duo, who arrived in Scotland ahead of the multi-sport event, will begin their campaign tomorrow as Tanzania continues its search for medals at one of the biggest sporting competitions in the Commonwealth. Mlugu will compete in the men’s 81kg category, while Hamis will represent the nation in the 60kg division.

Under head coach Omari Mgoye, the judokas have been undergoing intensive preparations and believe they are ready to face some of the best athletes from across the Commonwealth. Mgoye said the team understands the responsibility placed on their shoulders, adding that they are determined to deliver strong performances.

‘We have trained hard and we are confident that we can do our best. We know we are carrying the hopes of Tanzanians who want to see us succeed,’said Mgoye.

Tanzania’s judo appearance is part of a 12-member squad competing in Glasgow, with the country also represented in athletics, swimming and boxing. The team includes six athletes in athletics, three amateur boxers, two judokas and swimmer Collins Saliboko, who is also the team captain.

The judo pair enters the competition at a time when Tanzania’s athletes have produced mixed results in the early stages of the Games. Swimmer Collins Saliboko, Tanzania’s sole representative in the pool, has gained valuable experience competing against strong international opposition, while sprinter Winfrida Makenji featured in the women’s 100m and 200m events.

In boxing, Yusuf Lucasi Changalawe made a promising start after defeating Nigeria’s David Akintola on points to progress in the light heavyweight category, raising hopes for Tanzania’s medal ambitions. However, Faki Issa Faki exited the competition after suffering defeat against Zambia’s Mwengo Mwale following a referee stoppage.

“You’ll gain valuable experience.”

If you’re a freelancer, creative, intern or young professional, chances are you’ve heard some version of this before. In a competitive job market, especially at the start of your career, saying yes to an unpaid opportunity can feel like the only way to get your foot in the door.

Sometimes it works. You build your portfolio, gain new skills, make valuable connections and improve your chances of securing paid opportunities later.

But there comes a point when you have to ask yourself: when does gaining experience stop being an investment in your future and become unpaid labour?

When we put this question to our community, the responses showed that people see the issue very differently.

The student-graduate divide

One of the strongest themes was that timing matters.

Several readers felt unpaid work makes sense while you’re still studying. Field placements and internships are often part of the learning process.

As one reader put it:

“Maybe as a field student. But after you graduate you need to pay bills, and exposure doesn’t pay bills.”

Another shared a similar view:

“While still in school, unpaid experience can make sense. But once you graduate, things change. You’re no longer just a student gaining exposure. You already have knowledge and experience to offer, so it’s also your responsibility to recognise your own value.”

For many people, graduation marks a turning point. Experience remains important, but so does earning a living.

Who is really benefiting?

Others felt the debate should not focus on whether exposure is good or bad, but on whether both sides benefit.

One reader explained:

“The question isn’t whether exposure is good or bad. The real question is who captures the value created. If both sides benefit, it’s a fair exchange. When only one side benefits, it’s time to walk away.”

It is a simple but important question. If you are learning, growing and creating opportunities for yourself while contributing to an organisation, the arrangement may be worthwhile. If someone else continues to benefit from your work while you remain in the same position, the situation deserves closer scrutiny.

When “experience” becomes an excuse

Not everyone viewed unpaid work as a stepping stone.

Some readers felt “experience” has become a convenient justification for expecting skilled people to work without pay.

One described it as exploitation disguised as opportunity.

Another joked:

“Employment is everything… do an unpaid internship for five years just to gain experience.”

The humour resonated because many young professionals know exactly what that feels like.

Why is it so hard to walk away?

One point that emerged clearly was that very few people begin an unpaid role expecting it to last indefinitely.

Most tell themselves it is temporary.

Maybe one month.

Maybe until they prove themselves.

Maybe until the next opportunity comes along.

Then another project arrives. Another promise follows. Another reminder that paid work is “just around the corner”.

Psychologists refer to this as the sunk cost fallacy-our tendency to continue investing in something simply because we have already invested so much time and effort. The more we commit, the harder it becomes to leave, even when the arrangement no longer benefits us.

You begin to think: “I’ve already come this far. Leaving now would mean all that time was wasted.”

So you stay.

Not necessarily because the opportunity is still helping you, but because leaving feels like admitting those months were wasted.

In reality, staying longer does not always improve the chances that things will change. Sometimes it simply means investing even more in a situation that has already stopped serving you.

So how do you know the difference?

Not every unpaid opportunity is a bad one.

Sometimes it really is an investment in your future.

A few questions can help you decide:

Are you still learning new skills, or are you doing the same work every day?

Is there a clear timeline, or is the arrangement open-ended?

Are you building a portfolio that will genuinely help you secure paid work later?

Is everyone contributing their time, or are you the only one expected to work for free?

If the opportunity looked exactly the same six months from now, would you still choose it?

Sometimes the answers make the decision much clearer.

Navigating the conversation

There is no single right answer. Sometimes accepting unpaid work is a strategic decision. At other times, the best decision is to walk away. What matters is making that decision deliberately.

If you decide the experience is worthwhile, agree on a timeline from the outset. Rather than leaving the arrangement open-ended, ask to review it after an agreed period. That gives both you and the organisation an opportunity to discuss whether the role can become paid.

If you have consistently delivered good work, do not be afraid to raise the issue of compensation. It does not have to be confrontational. Sometimes simply asking, “Can we discuss what a paid arrangement would look like going forward?” is enough to begin the conversation.

If money genuinely is not available, consider what else you are gaining. Are you receiving mentorship? Building meaningful industry connections? Producing work you are proud to include in your portfolio?

Those benefits have value too, but they should be clear rather than implied.

If the opportunity has stopped helping you grow, it is acceptable to leave. Walking away professionally does not make you ungrateful. It simply means you recognise that your time and skills deserve to be valued.

Final thoughts

Everyone starts somewhere.

Many successful careers begin with opportunities that pay little, or nothing at all.

But experience should move your career forward. It should not become the reason you remain stuck.

Exposure can open a door.

It just should not become your salary.