Category: The Citizen

Arusha. While the opposition party Chadema has announced the expulsion of its member, Charles Odero, the member says he is unaware of the decision and that he has seen the letter online and will contact his lawyer to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

Earlier, Chadema in the Northern Zone had suspended Mr Odero, who was the Secretary of the party’s Legal and Human Rights Committee, to allow investigations into allegations against him. Mr Odero was the party’s chairmanship candidate in the election held on January 21, 2025, competing with former chairman Freeman Mbowe and incumbent chair Mr Tundu Lissu.

In that election, Mr Odero garnered one vote. The expulsion notice was issued through a letter with reference number CDM/ARM/OLO/ODERO/03, dated April 23, 2026, and signed by the Olosiva branch secretary located in Olorien Ward in Arumeru West Constituency.

According to the letter, Mr Odero’s membership number is stated as CDME457264. The letter cites the party’s 2006 constitution, 2019 edition, specifically Article 7.2.

11(e) together with Article 5.4.

3. It claims that Mr Odero was given letters with reference numbers CDM/ARM/OLO/ODERO/01 and CDM/ARM/OLO/ODERO/02 informing him of the allegations against him and requesting his cooperation; however, he failed to do so.

“A lawful branch meeting, after considering the provisions of the Constitution and Regulation 6.5.

1 (a-c), has found that you have gone against Articles 5.3.

3 and 5.3.

4 of the Chadema constitution,” reads part of the letter. “By the authority of Article 7.

2.11(e) and in accordance with Article 5.

4.3, the Branch officially resolves to expel you from Chadema effective from the date of this letter.

You have the right to appeal in accordance with Article 5.4.

3 of the Chadema Constitution,” the letter concludes, a copy of which was sent to the Olorien Ward Secretary and the Constituency Secretary. Odero responds Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Mr Odero claimed he knows nothing about the letter and that he saw it online and cannot respond to something he has only seen.

“I saw that document just as you have seen it online and since today is not a working day, I will contact my lawyer to report the matter to the relevant authorities,” he said. “Because in this country we have enacted a Personal Data Protection law, now when you wake up in the morning and find information that resembles yours in terms of names and political party membership card number, I have to report it,” he explained.

He said the second thing he will do is write a letter to the Chadema Secretary for Arumeru West Constituency to confirm whether the letter circulating online bearing the party’s logo originated from their office with his name and details. “Since I have only seen it online and do not know its source, and I do not like to accuse anyone or respond to something I have only seen, the relevant authorities will have answers after conducting investigations and satisfying themselves who circulated the information that contains details similar to mine,” he said.

Earlier decisions Earlier, the announcement of Mr Odero’s suspension within Chadema Northern Zone was issued on July 30, 2025, by the then Northern Zone Secretary, Mr Ndonde Totinan, after receiving allegations against the cadre of unsatisfactory conduct. “Due to the seriousness of the allegations made against him and in ensuring justice is done to both sides, Mr Odero Odero will step aside as Secretary of the Legal and Human Rights Committee to allow a athorough investigation into the allegations facing him,” the party stated in a letter.

On August 13, 2025, Mr Odero complained about delays in the decision regarding the allegations against him, while the leadership said it would complete the task within that month. In his complaint, he said if the leadership continues to remain silent, he will decide to fight against injustice, oppression, humiliation, and the ongoing decision.

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By Omar Ahmed Guest Columnist Zanzibar’s investment story over the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable–and the numbers now firmly back that narrative. The archipelago, long known for its rich cultural heritage and pristine beaches, is rapidly positioning itself as a serious player in the global investment landscape.

Data from the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority shows that by early 2026, cumulative registered investments had surpassed $14.4 billion (about Sh37.4 trillion) across 1,351 projects (The Citizen). This is not incremental growth–it is a surge that signals a structural shift in Zanzibar’s economic trajectory.

A closer look at the figures reveals just how steep this upward curve has been. Between November 2020 and September 2024 alone, more than 350 high-value projects were registered, with a combined value of between $5.5 billion and $6.9 billion.

Even in the immediate post-2020 period, momentum was clear: 181 projects worth $3.056 billion were recorded between 2021 and 2022. The pace has not slowed. In just the first 100 days of 2026, 45 new projects were registered–an indication that investor appetite remains strong.

This growth is underpinned by a deliberate policy shift toward the Blue Economy, with targeted expansion in tourism, marine transport, manufacturing, and real estate, and an ambition to register at least 150 projects annually. Importantly, the benefits are tangible.

The investment boom is estimated to have generated between 20,000 and 28,000 jobs, while also boosting government revenues and enabling improvements in infrastructure and social services–from roads to schools and healthcare facilities. The property and hospitality sectors, in particular, have been at the forefront, attracting globally recognised brands and developers eager to secure a foothold in what is increasingly seen as the “next frontier” for luxury tourism and real estate.

Yet beneath this impressive growth lies a structural weakness that threatens to undermine Zanzibar’s momentum: persistent delays and inconsistencies in the issuance of permits. For investors, time is not just money, it is value.

Every delayed permit translates into escalating project costs, missed market opportunities, and, in some cases, diminished investor confidence. This is not a trivial bureaucratic inconvenience.

It is a systemic risk. When investors commit millions–sometimes hundreds of millions–of dollars into projects, predictability and regulatory clarity are non-negotiable.

Without them, even a destination with $14.4 billion in committed investments can quickly lose its competitive edge. There are lessons Zanzibar can draw from peers who have faced similar challenges and successfully addressed them.

Take Rwanda, for instance. Over the past two decades, it has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most efficient investment destinations.

A key pillar of this success has been the streamlined, one-stop investment framework under the Rwanda Development Board, where investors can secure key approvals within days–not months–and with assurance that those approvals are final. Island economies offer even more relevant parallels.

Mauritius has long demonstrated how regulatory efficiency can drive high-value investment. Through institutions such as the Economic Development Board, the country has centralised approvals, minimised red tape, and ensured legal certainty–factors that have been critical in attracting global real estate and hospitality capital.

Similarly, Seychelles has adopted coordinated regulatory frameworks suited to its island economy, emphasising inter-agency collaboration, digitalisation, and clear approval timelines. The result is a system where investors are not trapped in bureaucratic limbo.

The common thread across these examples is not just efficiency, but coordination. Investors are not forced to navigate competing authorities with overlapping mandates.

Governments speak with one voice, backed by clear and enforceable institutional frameworks. Zanzibar, with its current trajectory need this clarity.

The inflow of capital, the rise in registered projects, and the continued interest from global investors all point to immense potential. But potential alone is not enough.

Without urgent reforms to address permit delays the very growth Zanzibar celebrates today could begin to slow. What is needed is not a reinvention of the wheel, but a deliberate alignment of systems.

A strengthened one-stop investment centre with binding authority, clearer delineation of roles among regulatory bodies, and strict timelines for approvals would go a long way in restoring investor confidence. Digital tracking systems could further enhance transparency and accountability, reducing opportunities for arbitrary delays.

Ultimately, the question is simple: can Zanzibar match its investment ambition with regulatory efficiency? If it can, the islands are well on their way to becoming a leading investment hub in the Indian Ocean. If it cannot, investors–who always have options–may look elsewhere.

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Kishapu. In a move to curb predatory loans extended to citizens by microfinance lenders in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, councillors have resolved to investigate the institutions.

The probe will involve establishing charged interest rates and assessing compliance with financial regulations. The move aims to make lending terms fair and affordable for citizens, with the broader goal of increasing financial inclusivity among Tanzanians.

Speaking on Friday, April 24, 2026, during the council session, several councillors, including Special Seats Councillor from Sekebugoro Ward Ajihath Kasenene, emphasised the need for the council to closely examine and regulate interest rates imposed by microfinance institutions. “To ensure financial laws are followed, the council must monitor and investigate interest rates charged by microfinance lenders, especially those considered exploitative, and ensure they are friendly to citizens rather than economically oppressive,” said Ms Kasenene.

Councilors during a council meeting held at Kishapu District Council in Shinyanga Region. Following the discussions, the council, chaired by Kishapu District Council Chairman Josephat Limbe, resolved to proceed with investigations and oversight of microfinance institutions to safeguard citizens’ interests in line with financial laws.

Mr Limbe also stressed the importance of completing development projects on time, particularly in the education sector. He noted that this would support students in Grades Five and Six to graduate together by 2027 as the country prepares to commence the double cohort under broader education reforms.

“The council has directed the executive director and management to ensure all education projects are completed by May 25, 2026 as part of implementing the 2023 education policy aimed at improving the education system, including enabling Grade Five and Six pupils to graduate together by 2027,” he said. Meanwhile, Kishapu Township Authority Chairman, Mr Fabiani Makongo, commended the councillors for standing firm in defending citizens’ interests, especially those of small-scale traders.

He said the move brings renewed hope and strengthens public trust in leadership. “This stance encourages citizens to actively participate in economic and development activities, while safeguarding the interests of small-scale entrepreneurs as an essential pillar for local economic growth,” said Mr Makongo.

The district’s transport officer, Mr Ezra Leonard, said that leadership that listens to and cares for its people is key to sustainable development. He emphasised the need to continue such efforts to build a prosperous, cohesive society with equal opportunities for all.

On revenue collection, the council directed that by June 30, 2026, the district should achieve 100 percent of its internal revenue target. It also approved the formation of a special committee to address student absenteeism and teenage pregnancies, measures aimed at improving education standards in the district.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s growing success in curbing drug trafficking and abuse has earned international recognition, with the Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) receiving state-of-the-art laboratory equipment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to a DCEA statement, UNODC’s Regional Representative for Eastern Africa, Ali El-Bereir, commended the country for its sustained efforts to combat illicit drugs and precursor chemicals. Mr El-Bereir said the equipment has been provided under the global Port Security and Safety of Navigation Programme (EU PSP), an initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacity to tackle transnational drug trafficking and related crimes.

“The new machines are capable of rapidly detecting a wide range of narcotic drugs and controlled substances, even when concealed within sealed packages, thereby significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of investigations,” he said. “The boost is expected to enhance DCEA’s operational effectiveness and reinforce Tanzania’s position in regional and international anti-narcotics efforts,” reads another part of the statement.

UNODC further pledged continued collaboration with Tanzania, including specialised training programmes designed to build the capacity of DCEA officers and sustain the country’s momentum in the fight against drugs. .

Hai. Former national chairman of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), Freeman Mbowe, has called on residents of Hai District to forgive former Hai District Commissioner Lengai Ole Sabaya, insisting that no human being is without fault.

Mr Mbowe made the appeal on April 23, 2026, when the two met during the funeral of the mother of Hai Constituency Member of Parliament (CCM), Saashisha Mafuwe. The burial was held at the family cemetery in Uduru Village, Machame North Ward.

Mr Sabaya was, in 2021, charged with several offences, including abuse of office, money laundering, obtaining money through corruption, and economic sabotage during his tenure as district commissioner. Addressing mourners, Mr Mbowe said he found Mr Sabaya already speaking upon arrival, describing him as both a younger brother and a friend.

“As you know, bereavement brings us together, humbles us and at times even restores strained relationships,” he said. He added that, despite past differences, society must embrace forgiveness and move forward.

“My brother Sabaya, it has been a long time since we last met. When I arrived, I found you explaining certain matters.

I too am educated and have gone through various experiences. I therefore urge fellow mourners to reflect on this.

My message is to encourage the family and remind everyone that there is life beyond politics,” he said. Mr Mbowe further called on leaders entrusted with authority to uphold justice for the benefit of all citizens.

“This nation belongs to all of us. The humility we demonstrate here today should guide us at all times.

We need one another. Those in positions of power must ensure justice prevails so that every citizen can live with dignity,” he said.

He added: “As for Sabaya, we have already forgiven him completely. People of Hai, life must go on.

If you see me with my brother Sabaya, even come home and I will offer you coffee. I bear no grudge; my heart is clear.

My brother, be at peace. I have long sought forgiveness for you from the people of Hai.

” For his part, Mr Sabaya said the challenges he had faced had transformed him. “I served as Hai District Commissioner for nearly two years before making mistakes.

While in prison, I found faith, and since then my conduct has changed. You can see that even my speech is now more respectful.

God has transformed me,” he said. He added that he shares a close relationship with Mr Mafuwe and has become more self-aware following his experiences.

“I came to mourn a mother I knew well. Losing a mother is like losing my own.

When I was in prison, you stood with me through difficult times. That place is like half of hell; if one goes through it and does not change, then one is lost.

That is why you can now see how much I have changed,” he said. .

Arusha. Through improvements in digital revenue collection systems, NMB Bank says it has enabled the government to collect more than Sh9.8 trillion via its digital platforms and inclusive financial services.

Speaking during the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) special general meeting held in Arusha, NMB Director of Investor Relations, Sustainability and Communications, Mr Innocent Yonazi, said the contribution was the result of close collaboration between the bank and public institutions in strengthening government revenue administration. He said NMB has invested in modern payment systems that enable citizens, traders, and institutions to make government payments more easily, transparently, and efficiently, helping to reduce loopholes associated with revenue loss.

“We have been part of the transformation of government revenue collection systems, and the result has been a significant increase in efficiency, with more than Sh9.8 trillion collected through our systems since 2018,” said Mr Yonazi. He added that the bank has continued to extend financial services to rural areas, reaching more than 3,000 villages across the country while opening more than two million new accounts for citizens.

Mr Yonazi also said NMB has continued to strengthen financially, with the bank’s asset base rising from Sh7.1 trillion in 2020 to Sh17.2 trillion in 2025, equivalent to a 142 percent increase. On profitability, he said the bank posted profit before tax of Sh1.1 trillion, a performance he said reflects the strength of the country’s financial sector.

Opening the meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba urged local government leaders to nurture the private sector so it can further drive national economic growth and support the country’s ambition of attaining a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2050. He said the private sector is expected to contribute more than 70 percent of economic growth towards the National Vision 2050. Dr Nchemba called on local government authorities to remove unnecessary barriers for investors and instead create a more enabling environment that will allow the private sector to grow and sustainably increase domestic revenue. “Nurture the private sector because we depend on it greatly in creating jobs for women, youth, and special groups, while also paying taxes and making a major contribution to national revenue and the economy,” he said.

He added that revenue growth does not depend on collections alone, but also on the health of the private sector, underscoring the need to improve the investment and business environment. The premier also urged local government leaders to be more innovative in collecting domestic revenue, improving financial systems, and sealing loopholes that lead to the loss of public funds to accelerate the implementation of development projects.

For his part, ALAT Chairman Murshid Ngeze said the meeting aims to elect new leaders who will guide the association for the next five years, with more than 400 delegates taking part. He said the election meeting is being held under the theme: “Choose leaders who value work and human dignity to achieve the goals of Vision 2050.” .

By Annette Nkini Each year, Earth Day invites reflection. This year, the question feels closer to home.

As Tanzania grows, builds, and expands, what does responsible growth look like in practice? Across the country, progress is visible. Cities are expanding.

Businesses are scaling. Opportunities are opening up across sectors.

This growth carries energy and ambition. It also brings a shared responsibility to ensure that the way we grow today supports the future we want to see.

For a long time, growth was measured in output, expansion, and speed. That thinking has shifted.

Today, there is a broader understanding that how growth happens matters just as much as how much is achieved. The way businesses use resources, engage communities, and plan for the long term now sits at the centre of that conversation.

In Tanzania, this shift is taking shape within a strong foundation. The country continues to place value on its natural resources, its communities, and its long term development path.

This creates a clear opportunity to align economic progress with environmental care in a way that strengthens both. At its core, sustainability is not a technical concept.

It is a practical one. It is about how decisions are made every day.

It is about how businesses manage what they use, how they operate within communities, and how they think about the future beyond immediate returns. When done well, it becomes part of how an organisation works, not an activity that sits on the side.

This approach also makes business sense. Organisations that manage resources responsibly tend to be more stable.

They build stronger relationships with the communities they serve. They create trust.

Over time, these factors support resilience and long term growth in a way that short term gains cannot sustain. There is also a clear connection between business success and community well-being.

Businesses do not operate in isolation. They grow within communities, depend on local environments, and rely on people.

When communities are stronger and environments are healthier, businesses are better positioned to succeed. This is a shared journey.

Environmental action often starts with practical steps. Tree planting is one of the most visible examples.

It supports cleaner air, protects water sources, and improves the quality of shared spaces. It is also a reminder that small, consistent actions can contribute to long term change when they are sustained over time.

Beyond visible action, there is a growing need for knowledge and awareness. Many businesses are ready to take steps but are not always sure where to begin.

Building understanding and providing access to practical tools is an important part of moving from intention to action. At Stanbic Tanzania, this thinking has shaped how we approach growth over time, including initiatives such as Blue Roots, which focuses on planting one million trees across Africa, alongside efforts to support businesses with practical tools that help integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Tanzania stands at an important point in its development journey. The pace of growth is strong.

The opportunities are significant. This creates the right moment to embed approaches that ensure this progress is not only sustained, but strengthened over time.

This is not a responsibility for one organisation or one sector. It is a collective effort.

Businesses, institutions, and communities all have a role to play in shaping a future that balances progress with care. As we reflect on Earth Day, the focus is not only on what has been done, but on what comes next.

The choices made today will shape the environment, the economy, and the communities of tomorrow. Growth will continue.

The opportunity now is to ensure it happens in a way that protects what matters and builds a future that works for everyone. Annette Nkini is Specialist, Sustainability and ESG Performance, Stanbic Bank Tanzania .

Songwe. As a deepening global financing crisis tightens its grip on education systems, Tanzania is witnessing a notable shift, one that could redefine how the sector is funded and sustained.

From the rolling hills of Momba District in Songwe Region, a new strategy is taking shape: one rooted in collective responsibility, domestic resource mobilisation and grassroots action. During the 2026 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) which started April 20, 2026 more than 66 organisations under the Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET), an umbrella body of over 200 civil society groups, fanned out across schools and villages in some of the region’s most remote areas.

Their mission was not ceremonial; but to identify gaps, assess urgent needs and commit to co-financing solutions alongside government efforts. Their findings reflect a familiar but urgent reality- schools without adequate classrooms, a shortage of desks and science laboratories, insufficient teachers, and pupils walking long distances to access basic education.

These are not new challenges, but the response being proposed signals a shift in thinking. “We are positioning ourselves at the forefront of supporting the government to ensure all Tanzanians, regardless of their background, access inclusive and quality education,” said TEN/MET national coordinator, Ms Martha Makala.

She pointed to shrinking global aid and shifting international priorities as a wake-up call. “The continued decline in funding for key social sectors like education and health due to global policy shifts is a clear signal.

It requires us to mobilise our own resources and work in unison to support the implementation of the 2023 Education and Training Policy and the improved curricula,” she added. Her remarks echo a broader global concern.

According to the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, the world is off track in achieving SDG 4 on quality education by 2030. The number of out-of-school children has risen to 272 million globally, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the largest burden. At the same time, a financing gap estimated at nearly $100 billion annually continues to hinder progress in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Even more telling, about 41 percent of countries do not meet the recommended benchmarks of allocating 4 to 6 percent of GDP or 15 to 20 percent of public expenditure to education. Tanzania is not immune.

Although the government has consistently increased its education budget over the years, it still falls short of global benchmarks. This makes the current shift towards domestic and partnership-driven financing not just timely, but necessary.

Songwe Regional Commissioner, Mr Jabir Makame, acknowledged both the progress made and the challenges ahead. “Education is the heart of the nation.

If we want to progress as a country, we must invest in it, through institutions, laboratories and qualified teachers,” he said. While noting ongoing infrastructure improvements, he admitted that the government cannot do it alone.

“The implementation of the 2023 education policy will not be possible if the government carries the burden alone. We need stakeholders, especially as we approach 2028 when two student cohorts will transition to secondary education,” he said.

The region has already allocated Sh6.4 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to support education projects, signalling commitment at the sub-national level. However, Mr Makame was clear: “We have done a lot, but we cannot manage on our own.

We need stakeholders’ investment to complement government efforts.” This is where TEN/MET’s model stands out.

By bringing together civil society organisations, local governments and communities, the network is pushing for a shared responsibility approach. Their engagements in Songwe included direct consultations with teachers, parents and local leaders, ensuring that proposed interventions reflect real needs.

Education experts say this model aligns with global recommendations. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has consistently emphasised domestic financing as the most sustainable backbone of education systems.

While international aid remains important, especially for programmes like early-grade literacy, school feeding and girls’ education, it is increasingly constrained. UNESCO data shows that although global education aid reached a record $16.7 billion in 2023, its share in total development assistance has declined.

Meanwhile, donor countries are redirecting funds towards humanitarian crises, debt servicing and geopolitical priorities. An education policy analyst based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Asha Mbelle, says Tanzania’s approach could serve as a blueprint.

“What we are seeing is a pragmatic shift, from dependency to co-creation of solutions. When communities, NGOs and local authorities invest in schools, accountability improves and interventions become more sustainable,” she noted.

Indeed, TEN/MET’s emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring access for rural learners, girls and children with special needs, reflects a broader understanding that equity must be central to financing strategies. .

Dar es Salaam. Rising fuel prices are rapidly reshaping the country’s transport energy mix, triggering a surge in demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) and opening fresh investment opportunities across the value chain as consumers and businesses seek more affordable and predictable energy options.

As of April 2026, petrol is retailed at about Sh3,820 per litre and diesel at Sh3,806 per litre in Dar es Salaam, following a sharp increase in the latest monthly price cap. The surge in global fuel prices has been driven partly by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The situation has created supply uncertainties in global oil markets, especially in the Middle East, a key region producing a significant share of the world’s crude oil. For many motorists and businesses, the spike has translated into higher operating costs, prompting a shift towards alternative fuels that offer greater stability and affordability.

It is within this context that CNG is gaining rapid traction. Speaking to The Citizen yesterday, officials from Gas Company Limited (GASCO), which operates the CNG mother station along Sam Nujoma Road said the widening price gap between conventional fuels and gas is now driving behavioural change in the market.

GASCO senior mechanical engineer, Ms Flora Benedicto, said the company is witnessing a notable increase in new customers converting their vehicles to run on gas, with many citing recent fuel price hikes as the main trigger. GASCO is a subsidiary company of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

“In the CNG business, it is easy to distinguish between existing and new customers. Recently, we have seen a significant increase in new users who have converted their vehicles, and many of them tell us they made the switch shortly after fuel prices went up,” she said.

She added that the affordability of CNG, currently retailing at around Sh1,550 per kilogramme, is proving to be a major attraction compared to petrol and diesel, which are both hovering at about Sh3,800 per litre. Ms Benedicto said the growing demand is clearly reflected in station data.

On April 1, the station served 492 vehicles, 1,200 tricycles and 37 buses. By April 23, the numbers had risen to more than 700 vehicles, 1,223 tricycles and over 55 buses daily, including those operating under the Dar Rapid Transit (Dart) system.

She said the figures reflect only one station, meaning national uptake is likely higher as more CNG stations are established and supply reliability improves. The surge in demand is also attracting investor interest in CNG infrastructure and services.

BQ Contractors Limited chief executive officer, Mr John Bura, said his company has recorded a growing number of inquiries from individuals and firms interested in investing in CNG stations. “We are receiving many inquiries from investors who want to understand how to establish CNG stations and the requirements involved.

This clearly indicates strong demand and viable business opportunities,” he said. Mr Bura said uncertainty over future fuel prices is reinforcing the case for long-term investment in gas as a more stable and locally available energy source.

“Even if fuel prices go down, they are unlikely to fall significantly. That makes CNG not just a temporary alternative, but a sustainable long-term solution,” he said.

He added that Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves provide a strong foundation for expansion, although challenges remain, particularly high upfront conversion costs and limited access to financing. He further noted that countries such as Rwanda have already adopted strong policies promoting alternative energy, including a target of ensuring that at least 30 percent of vehicles use electricity.

He said such measures help countries cushion themselves from global fuel price shocks. .

Africa stands at a rare moment in its economic and environmental history, the rise of the Dangote Refinery. Operating at full capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day with its growing exports across the continent, this signals an industrial milestone.

It represents the early foundations of Africa beginning to supply itself. Early shipments, estimated at 456,000 tonnes (about 608 million litres), have already reached countries including Tanzania, Ghana, Ca’te d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Togo.

Additional demand from South Africa and Kenya underscore a rapidly shifting dynamic. For a continent that has long exported crude oil only to re-import expensive refined products, this is a structural break from the past.

But beyond economics and geopolitics, this transformation carries deep environmental implications, and if managed wisely, it could become one of Africa’s most important unifying forces. For decades, Africa has suffered from a paradox: it produces vast amounts of crude oil, yet lacks sufficient refining capacity.

As a result, the continent has depended heavily on imports from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This has meant long supply chains, higher costs, and increased carbon emissions associated with transporting fuel across oceans.

The emergence of a major refining hub within Africa changes this equation. Regional exports (now estimated at roughly 90,000 barrels per day) are beginning to reduce reliance on distant markets.

This is not yet full self-sufficiency, but it is a decisive first step toward energy sovereignty. From an environmental standpoint, shorter supply chains translate into reduced maritime emissions, lower risk of oil spills during long-distance transport and environmental compliance.

Refining fuel closer to where it is consumed reduces the continent’s carbon footprint per litre of fuel delivered. It may seem counter-intuitive for an environmentalist to celebrate fossil fuel infrastructure.

But the reality is nuanced. Africa’s immediate development needs still depend significantly on petroleum products especially for transport, industry, and energy stability.

The key question is not whether fossil fuels are used, but how efficiently and responsibly they are managed. The Dangote Refinery introduces several environmental advantages: 1.

Cleaner fuel standards: Modern refineries are capable of producing low-sulphur fuels, which significantly reduce air pollution. Many imported fuels historically used in Africa have been of lower quality, contributing to urban air crises.

Cleaner fuels mean less respiratory diseases and lower particulate emissions, hence improved urban environmental health. 2.

Reduced waste and inefficiency: Local refining minimises the inefficiencies of exporting crude and re-importing refined products, a process that has historically wasted both energy and resources. 3.

Opportunity for regulatory control: African governments now have greater leverage to enforce environmental compliance, emissions standards oil and petrol-waste management protocols. However, without strong governance, the environmental benefits could be undermined by poor oversight and pollution.

Perhaps the most powerful implication of this development is political and economic rather than industrial. Energy has always been a unifying force in regional blocs.

Europe’s integration, for example, was built in part on shared energy systems. The current model (where many shipments are still sold to international traders rather than directly between African states) limits this potential.

It keeps Africa within a global system where value chains are externally controlled. To transform this into a true continental advantage, Africa should prioritise state-to-state energy agreements, strengthen regional trade under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and develop shared infrastructure corridors for fuel distribution.

Without these steps, Africa risks remaining a supplier within global systems, rather than becoming a fully integrated energy market. A call to the African Union and governments If this moment is to become a true turning point, coordinated action is essential.

1. Build a continental energy strategy: The African Union must lead in developing a unified framework that aligns refining, distribution, and environmental standards.

AU must lead in encouraging intra-African trade in refined products and reduces reliance on external intermediaries. 2.

Invest in green refining and transition technologies: Africa must not repeat the environmental mistakes of industrialised nations. Governments should incentivise cleaner refining technologies and integrate renewable energy into refining operations.

3. Strengthen environmental regulation: Refining expansion must be matched with strict emissions controls, transparent environmental monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent pollution 4.

Develop regional infrastructure: Pipelines, storage facilities, and transport networks must be expanded to reduce inefficiencies, lower costs and minimise environmental risks. The choice, as always, is Africa’s to make.

Toshi Bwana is the Founding Trustee of Umoja Conservation Trust (UCT) .