Category: The Citizen

Arusha Gymkhana Club golfer Jay Nathwani produced a composed final-round display to win the Arusha Open Golf Tournament after finishing with a three-round aggregate score of 223 at the weekend.

Nathwani, representing the host club, carded rounds of 74, 74 and 75 to finish seven-over-par and hold off a strong challenge from clubmate Christopher Botha in one of the season’s most competitive domestic tournaments.

The victory underlined Nathwani’s consistency over the 54-hole championship as he remained in control throughout the three rounds. Both settled for second place on a total of 226 after returning rounds of 77, 77 and an impressive final-round 72 to finish 10-over-par, three strokes behind the champion.

TPDF Lugalo Golf Club’s Isiaka Dunia completed the podium after posting rounds of 78, 72 and 77 for an aggregate score of 227, while his clubmate Enoshi Wanyeche finished fourth on 230 following rounds of 71, 79 and 80.

Victor Joseph of Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club rounded off the top five with a total score of 238 after carding rounds of 82, 77 and 79.

The tournament attracted leading amateur golfers from across the country, with players battling over three demanding rounds on the Arusha Gymkhana course.

The event once again highlighted the growing standard of Tanzanian golf and provided another opportunity for the country’s top players to collect valuable ranking points ahead of upcoming national competitions.

In the subsidiary event, Arusha Gymkhana Club’s Neema Olomi maintained her excellent form by emerging champion with a total score of 151.

The national ladies’ captain, who has enjoyed an outstanding season, opened with 74 before adding 77 to comfortably secure top honours.

Loveness Frank of Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate occupied second place after posting 83 through 16 holes at the time of the leaderboard update. Burhan Jivajee from Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club claimed third position on 171 after rounds of 86 and 85, while Arusha Gymkhana junior Fidel Mrema finished fourth on 173 with rounds of 77 and 96.

Lina Francis, also of Arusha Gymkhana Club, completed the top five after returning rounds of 81 and 93 for a total of 174. The Arusha Open once again lived up to its reputation as one of Tanzania’s premier golfing events, attracting experienced competitors alongside emerging talents.

Mbeya. In Mbeya Region, agriculture is doing more than driving the local economy.

Revenue from major crops is being channelled into education, with district councils building schools named after the commodities that finance them.

The initiative has improved access to education in rural areas, reducing the distance pupils travel to school while contributing to better academic performance.

Regional authorities say the strategy demonstrates how agricultural wealth can be reinvested in social services while encouraging communities to appreciate the value of farming.

Mbeya, one of Tanzania’s leading agricultural regions, produces both food and cash crops, including cocoa, pyrethrum, tobacco, avocados, coffee, sesame, potatoes, bananas and beans.

The sector is the backbone of the region’s economy and a major source of local government revenue.

The government has also supported the sector through fertiliser subsidies and investment in irrigation to boost productivity and help farmers adapt to climate change.

In Chunya District, revenue from tobacco has financed the construction of Mayeka Secondary School, formerly known as Tobacco Secondary School. The girls’ school has reached Form Three, while construction of a dormitory is under way.

District authorities are also planning another school that will be funded through revenue generated from gold mining.

In Mbeya District Council, income from pyrethrum has financed Pareto Secondary School, reflecting the crop’s contribution to the council’s finances. Agriculture accounts for about 80 percent of the council’s own-source revenue.

Rungwe District has used levies from avocado production to build Avocado Secondary School, which is expected to begin operations soon.

Meanwhile, Kyela District has established Cocoa Girls Secondary School using revenue generated from cocoa production. The school has enrolled students up to Form Two, with a dormitory, administration block and additional sanitation facilities under construction.

Residents say the schools have reduced transport costs, improved access to education and eased the burden on parents.

‘Before Pareto Secondary School was built, our children travelled long distances to attend school. Now they study closer to home, arrive on time and perform better academically,’ said Mr Yusuph Mwankenja.

Another resident, Ms Beatrice Aloyce, said expanding schools into rural communities had improved access to education while reducing household costs.

‘The government deserves credit for bringing schools closer to the people. Our responsibility is to support these efforts whenever necessary,’ she said.

Cocoa farmer Faustine Charles said the initiative shows how agriculture can drive broader social and economic development.

‘Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. Farmers should continue adopting good agricultural practices to improve productivity, while stakeholders should keep supporting government initiatives,’ he said.

Agricultural expert Benjamin Alex said other regions could replicate the model by investing agricultural revenue in education and other public services.

‘Investors could also contribute by supporting the construction of health centres, roads and other infrastructure, allowing the government to direct resources to other priorities,’ he said.

He also urged farmers to follow professional advice to improve productivity and enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian produce in local and export markets.

Education stakeholder Benjamin Rafael said every region should consider investing revenue from its leading economic activities in projects that directly benefit communities.

Mbarali District Executive Director Raymond Mweli said the district was planning to establish a school financed through revenue from rice production.

‘We are incorporating the project into our budget plans and identifying a suitable site. We expect to begin implementation once preparations are complete,’ he said.

Kyela District Executive Director Frolah Luhala said the council was also considering building a boys’ school using revenue generated from oil palm production.

Chunya District Executive Director Tamimu Kambona said plans were under way to establish another school, to be named after gold, reflecting the district’s mining industry.

Mbeya District Executive Director Erica Yegela said agriculture contributes about 80 percent of the council’s own-source revenue, enabling continued investment in education and other community development projects.

Tanzania has taken a major new step along the progressive journey towards the adoption of electric mobility after the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) officially issued specific operational guidelines for electric vehicle charging stations and battery swapping systems.

The guidelines open a new chapter for investors and users of this technology, establishing foundations for safety, investment, and operation of the infrastructure required to drive the country’s electric vehicle sector.

For years, the toughest part of winning in African sport often came after the final whistle. Teams could battle for 90 minutes, grind out victories or pull off dramatic comebacks, only to spend weeks-or even months-waiting for the bonuses they had already earned. Too often, the joy of victory faded long before the reward arrived.

Today, that script is being rewritten by betPawa’s Locker Room Bonus (LRB), a performance-driven initiative that ensures players and technical staff are rewarded while the celebrations are still echoing inside the dressing room. Instead of chasing unpaid match bonuses, winning teams receive instant mobile money payments within minutes of victory, turning every hard-earned result into an immediate payday.

The numbers show the programme is gaining serious momentum. Over the past year alone, Locker Room Bonus has delivered more than US$1.67 million through over 47,000 instant payouts, rewarding more than 7,000 players and coaches from 387 clubs across nearly 3,000 football, basketball and volleyball matches in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi and Cameroon.

Behind every payment is pawaPass, a digital verification platform that confirms eligible recipients before bonuses are released directly to their mobile wallets. The technology removes middlemen, eliminates unnecessary delays and allows players to enjoy the rewards of victory before they have even left the stadium or arena.

But Locker Room Bonus is about more than speed-it is also changing the scoreboard for equality. Across every participating country, men’s and women’s teams compete for exactly the same winning bonus. In Ghana, for instance, players in the Malta Guinness Women’s Premier League collect the same reward per victory as their counterparts in the men’s Premier League, proving that a win is worth the same regardless of who delivers it.

For betPawa founder Kresten Buch, the initiative is built on a simple sporting principle: winners deserve to be rewarded when they win. Rather than handing out subsidies, Locker Room Bonus links financial incentives directly to performance, giving players another reason to compete harder and clubs another incentive to chase results.

The programme has also found a strong advocate in Mr Eazi, Chairman of Choplife Gaming and one of its ambassadors, who says instant rewards restore professionalism and respect to domestic sport. In his view, athletes are not asking for favours-they are simply receiving the prize they have earned through discipline, teamwork and performance.

Having already made its mark in football and basketball, Locker Room Bonus is now extending its reach into volleyball through its partnership with the Kenya Volleyball Federation, with more sports and markets firmly in its sights.

As African sport continues to raise its standard on the pitch, court and beyond, Locker Room Bonus is proving that innovation can be as valuable as tactics, talent and teamwork. In this new era, victory is no longer measured only by the scoreline or the trophy-it is also reflected in the instant notification that lands on a player’s phone moments after the match, confirming that the reward for winning has arrived.

A few years ago, I walked into a client meeting convinced I needed to impress him. I had the full “Impress the Client Starter Pack”: case studies, glowing referrals, a polished portfolio, and rehearsed answers to questions he hadn’t even asked yet.

In my mind, this wasn’t a pitch, it was the thin line between financial stress and financial flexibility. I’d already spent the money mentally, I was ready to join the soft life and end my social media posts with ‘#NaEnjoyment’.

When the day arrived, I was ready to explain my process, experience, and services, and convince him that hiring me was the smartest business decision he’d make all year. Then, 12 minutes into the conversation my carefully rehearsed talking points felt completely irrelevant. The client started talking about his pain points and what was frustrating him. I had spent so much time preparing to talk about myself that I hadn’t spent nearly enough time preparing to understand his business needs.

My imaginary brunches were postponed and my soft life era was immediately downgraded to “character-building season.” I took the news particularly hard, but the experience taught me that pitches are not just about proving how impressive you are but rather about helping people feel understood.

Fast forward to five years later, and I’ve landed a very similar project. This time I approached the pitch with the mentality of building trust and understanding the business needs first, rather than proving myself.

Communication experts often refer to a concept called WIIFM, which stands for “What’s In It For Me?” Whether we are pitching a client, investor, employer, or business partner, people naturally view opportunities through the lens of their own needs and challenges. They are not primarily interested in how clever our solution is. They are interested in how it improves their situation.

The mistake I made and others still do when pitching is believing their product needs to sound revolutionary. As a result, they spend most of their time talking about features, credentials, and capabilities. Meanwhile, the person sitting across from them is silently asking a different set of questions. Will this solve my problem? Can I trust you? What could go wrong? Why should I choose you instead of someone else?

Research in communication psychology consistently shows that people are more likely to be persuaded by individuals they perceive as credible, competent, and genuinely interested in helping them. This principle is reflected in what many professionals call the Trust Equation. While there are several versions, the underlying idea is simple: trust increases when expertise and reliability are combined with genuine understanding.

I learnt this lesson the hard way. Early in my career, I thought my job was to impress people with everything I knew. Over time, I discovered that the most successful conversations happened when I spent less time explaining and more time listening.

The next time you prepare a pitch, remember that your audience is probably not wondering how impressive you are. They are wondering whether you understand what is making their job harder and if you can make a difficult situation easier.

The most effective pitches do not sell services. They sell a future where the problem is smaller, the risk is lower, and the path forward is clearer.

Police in Dodoma Region have confirmed the detention of University of Dodoma (UDOM) lecturer Melkisedeki Kaijage, saying investigations are ongoing into allegations against him.

Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Mr Gallus Hyera, told The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi, on Monday, July 20, 2026, that Kaijage was in police custody and would be taken to court once investigations are completed.

‘Yes, we are holding him over those allegations, but we cannot provide further details at this stage because investigations are still ongoing. Once the process is completed, everything will be made public, including whether he will be presented before other legal authorities,’ said Commander Hyera. News of Kaijage’s arrest was first released by the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (UDOMASA), which stated in a document signed by its secretary, Isaack Mahenge, that the arrest was linked to allegations of encouraging participation in planned demonstrations scheduled for July 7, 2026.

According to the UDOMASA statement, on July 3, 2026, Kaijage received a summons through his head of department instructing him to report to the UDOM Police Station on July 8. He complied with the summons and arrived accompanied by two UDOMASA leaders and his lawyer.

‘On the evening of July 8, 2026, Kaijage was taken to the Regional Criminal Investigations Officer’s (RCO) office to provide a statement, where his leaders and lawyer learnt that the lecturer was being accused of encouraging the July 7, 2026 demonstrations,’ part of the statement reads.

UDOMASA said efforts to secure his release on bail were unsuccessful despite their argument that the offence was eligible for bail. The association later decided to pursue legal action through the court, filing a case at the High Court of Tanzania, Dodoma Registry, which is scheduled to be mentioned on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

UDOMASA Chairman Dr Gerald Shija said the association was continuing to seek justice for the lecturer in order to establish whether the matter was solely related to alleged encouragement of demonstrations or whether there were other issues involved.

‘We cannot know what else may be involved, but the charge sheet stated that it was about encouraging demonstrations, including the use of his writings, which neither you nor I know the details of. However, I believe the truth will eventually come out,’ Dr Shija said.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said she was not aware of the matter but promised to follow it up before commenting further.

University of Dodoma Vice Chancellor Prof Lughano Kusiluka said he had no information about the detention of any university employee, explaining that he was away from the university on a special assignment.

Prof Kusiluka said his current location made it difficult to access social media platforms and receive updates on developments at the university.

‘I do not have any information about what is happening at UDOM at the moment. I have been away for some time due to a special assignment, which I am now close to completing. Where I am, communication is also difficult, including accessing my phone,’ Professor Kusiluka said.

UDOM Head of Communications Rose Mdami also said she had no official information regarding the lecturer’s detention.

The construction of four new cargo vessels for Lake Tanganyika, alongside major upgrades at Kigoma Port, is expected to transform trade between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), creating economic opportunities, jobs, and increased revenue.

The investment will strengthen Tanzania’s position as a key regional transport corridor by improving cargo movement between eastern DRC and international markets through the Dar es Salaam Port.

The vessels were officially launched on Monday, July 20, 2026, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a ceremony in Kigoma.

The event also marked the launch of expansion works at Kigoma Port, including the construction of modern cargo and passenger berths and dredging to increase the port’s depth.

Providing an overview, Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) Director General Plasduce Mbossa said the additional vessels would significantly increase cargo handling capacity on the lake and position Tanzania as an important logistics gateway for minerals and other exports from the DRC destined for global markets such as China.

He said the government had entered an agreement with Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd, one of the largest mining investors operating in the DRC, to facilitate cargo transportation through Kigoma Port.

The company owns three major mining operations in the DRC, with reserves expected to sustain production for more than 50 years.

“They will also develop facilities at Kigoma Port and construct a 500-kilometre road linking Manono to Kalemie Port to improve cargo transportation,” said Mr Mbossa.

According to him, the investment will open a new transport corridor serving northeastern DRC, allowing mineral exports to be shipped across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma before being transported onwards to Dar es Salaam for export.

Previously, much of the cargo used alternative overland routes, including the Tunduma border crossing.

“We are opening a new trade corridor that will enable the DRC to access international markets more efficiently through Tanzania,” he said.

Mr Mbossa said the mining company had already built four cargo vessels, each capable of carrying 2,000 tonnes per voyage.

Each vessel measures 70 metres in length and 15 metres in width.

He added that the company plans to build two additional vessels, while the government, through the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (Tasac) programme, is continuing efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity.

The four new vessels will effectively double the number of large cargo vessels operating on Lake Tanganyika.

“At present, the lake has four large cargo vessels-three with a carrying capacity of 2,000 tonnes each and one capable of carrying 3,000 tonnes.

The addition of four more vessels will increase the fleet to eight, significantly boosting cargo transportation between the DRC, Tanzania, and other destinations,” he said.

Alongside the expansion of the fleet, the government is also modernising Kigoma Port to accommodate the anticipated increase in cargo volumes.

Mr Mbossa said rehabilitation of the port’s 310-metre cargo quay is progressing well.

Works are currently being undertaken on a 190-metre section, while the remaining 120 metres remain operational to ensure services continue uninterrupted.

Once completed, the port’s annual cargo handling capacity is expected to increase from 800,000 tonnes to two million tonnes.

The project also includes increasing the port’s water depth from 3.5 metres to six metres, allowing larger vessels to dock safely.

In addition, a new 170-metre modern passenger terminal is under construction.

“The new passenger berth will accommodate up to 400 passengers at a time, compared to the current capacity of only 40. The project is expected to be completed in 2027,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Transport Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa, said the vessels form part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise inland water transport and fully utilise trade opportunities with neighbouring countries.

He said the vessels, built by Golden Logistics Company Limited, will improve cargo transportation between Tanzania and the DRC, as well as other countries bordering Lake Tanganyika.

Prof Mbarawa also said the government is progressing with the construction of a shipbuilding workshop.

“The contractor has already been secured and received an advance payment of Sh24.2 billion ($8.8 million), with a further Sh24.2 billion to be paid upon completion,” he said.

He added that a contractor has also been identified to build another 3,000-tonne cargo vessel to operate between Kigoma and the DRC, with arrangements for the advance payment currently underway.

According to the minister, the investments will generate employment opportunities for Tanzanians, stimulate economic activities in Kigoma, Katavi, and Rukwa regions, and increase government revenue through expanded transport and cross-border trade.

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his former club Newcastle United said on Monday.

Keegan’s family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness.

In June, Keegan, who was nicknamed ‘King Kev’ and ‘Mighty Mouse’ and was one of the most influential figures of his generation in English football, revealed he had stage four cancer.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history,” Premier League Newcastle said in a statement.

“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and ?passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an entertainer.”

Glittering career

Keegan began his career at Scunthorpe United before joining Liverpool in 1971.

He made 323 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, scoring 100 goals over six seasons. He won three First Division titles, the FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the 1977 European Cup during a glittering spell at Anfield.

After moving to Hamburg, Keegan was named European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979, becoming the only British player to win the Ballon d’Or twice. He later returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring in 1984 at the age of 33.

Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England between 1972 and 1982, captaining the side 31 times.

He moved into management at Newcastle in 1992, guiding the club into the Premier League ?and transforming it into one of England’s most entertaining sides.

Keegan’s team came agonisingly close to winning the 1995-96 Premier League title before they were overtaken by Manchester United.

After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, he had a brief spell at Fulham before taking charge of England in 1999 following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.

He resigned after Euro 2000 and a defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, famously saying he was “not good enough” to do the job, at a media ?conference. He won seven of his 18 matches in charge.

Keegan later managed Manchester City before leaving the club in March 2005 and initially announcing his retirement from football. He made an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, though his second spell at the club lasted only eight months.

A lasting legacy

A statement from Keegan’s ?family, quoted by British media, said on Monday: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.”

Tributes ?poured in for Keegan, with Liverpool saying in a statement: “Our ‘Mighty Mouse’, his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”

England Football wrote on X: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away,” while former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer wrote: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss”.

A digital procurement platform, Wintender, is transforming the way businesses in Tanzania access and compete for tender opportunities by providing a centralised ecosystem that connects suppliers, contractors, manufacturers and procuring entities.

The platform’s Business Lead, Mr Chambua Msanga, speaking with The Citizen on the role of digital innovation in improving access to procurement opportunities, said Wintender was developed to address challenges that have traditionally prevented many businesses from effectively participating in the tendering process.

He said many suppliers and service providers continue to face difficulties, including limited awareness of available tenders, complex procurement procedures, inadequate technical support during bid preparation, and challenges accessing financial solutions required to execute awarded contracts.

“Wintender was created to simplify the procurement journey by enabling businesses to discover opportunities, prepare competitive bids, win contracts and successfully execute projects,” Mr Msanga said.

Through its promise of “Apply. Win. Execute,” Wintender provides businesses with access to multiple tender opportunities from different sectors through a single digital platform while offering professional support in tender preparation, procurement expertise and contract execution solutions.

Mr Msanga said the platform has already enabled businesses to participate in procurement opportunities with a combined market value of more than Tanzania Shillings 20 billion, allowing suppliers and contractors to compete for contracts with greater confidence.

He said Wintender is also helping businesses overcome information barriers by bringing procurement opportunities into one digital marketplace, reducing the time and resources companies spend searching for tenders from different sources.

“By creating a single platform where businesses can access opportunities, improve their tender readiness and receive the necessary support, Wintender is changing procurement from a complicated process into a strategic growth opportunity,” he said.

The platform connects suppliers and service providers with available contracts, helps contractors and manufacturers access market intelligence, and enables procuring entities to engage with a wider network of potential suppliers while improving transparency and efficiency in procurement processes.

Mr Msanga said Wintender’s contribution extends beyond technology by supporting the growth of Tanzania’s private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises seeking to expand into larger markets and participate in national development projects.

He said the platform supports Tanzania’s broader economic goals by promoting digital transformation, innovation and inclusive private sector growth, areas highlighted in the country’s Vision 2050 development agenda.

As Tanzania continues to embrace digital solutions across different sectors, Mr Msanga said platforms such as Wintender will play an important role in creating a more accessible, transparent and competitive procurement environment.

“Wintender is committed to empowering businesses with the tools, knowledge and opportunities they need to compete effectively and contribute to Tanzania’s economic development,” he said.

As the world continues to grapple with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the search for new, affordable, and locally available treatments has taken on renewed urgency. For Tanzania, that challenge is prompting an ambitious rethink of how modern science and traditional medicine can work together.

In response, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has unveiled plans to develop a national strategy that will bring medical researchers and traditional medicine practitioners into closer scientific collaboration. The goal is to transform centuries of indigenous knowledge into evidence-based healthcare solutions capable of improving public health while creating new opportunities for scientific innovation and economic growth.

The initiative, championed by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, represents more than a policy shift. It reflects a broader vision of positioning traditional medicine as a scientifically validated component of Tanzania’s healthcare system rather than an alternative that exists outside mainstream medicine.

At the heart of this vision is Prof Mkenda’s belief that science should serve as the bridge between traditional knowledge and modern biomedicine.

Speaking at the 14th Scientific Conference of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Prof Mkenda challenged researchers to move beyond dismissing herbal remedies and instead explore what he described as the “frontier of scientific knowledge.”

“We have so many cases where people say, ‘I used this herb, and I got better.’ Science exists for a good reason,” he said, arguing that whenever credible anecdotal evidence emerges, it is the responsibility of researchers to determine whether those claims can be validated through rigorous scientific investigation.

His vision is straightforward: Tanzania should neither accept nor dismiss traditional medicine on faith alone. Instead, herbal remedies should undergo chemical analysis, laboratory testing, and clinical trials to establish their safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosage.

Such an approach would help standardise what is currently a fragmented system, giving Tanzanians greater confidence that traditional remedies meet the same scientific standards of quality, safety and effectiveness expected of conventional medicines.

Tanzania’s ambitions also reflect a broader international trend. Countries including Thailand and Indonesia have increasingly invested in scientific research to modernise traditional medicine, with Indonesia’s Jamu system serving as one of the most prominent examples of how indigenous remedies can be integrated into national healthcare and commercialised through evidence-based research.

These nations have used modern technology to transform cultural heritage into mainstream healthcare.

By applying Structure-Based Drug Design and computational techniques, researchers can now identify how herbal compounds interact with specific medical target proteins.

Prof Mkenda’s plan to convene a national workshop involving universities, hospitals, traditional practitioners, and legal experts aims to replicate this rigour.

A critical component of this plan is the inclusion of legal experts to safeguard the intellectual property of traditional healers.

This addresses a long-standing barrier where practitioners kept their knowledge secret for fear of losing their “power” or facing exploitation.

By protecting their innovations through patents and formal frameworks, the government intends to foster a collaborative environment where traditional knowledge can be safely shared and scaled.

Tanzania as a global medicine hub

The implications for Tanzania’s status as a regional medical hub are profound. Currently, up to 80 percent of the population in some African countries relies on traditional medicine for primary healthcare.

By scientifically validating these local resources, Tanzania can reduce its heavy dependence on expensive imported drugs.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has noted that traditional medicine could be a pathway for countries to become more self-reliant.

If Tanzania can successfully transform its indigenous plants into approved, standardised phytomedicines, it stands to benefit from a burgeoning trillion-dollar global wellness industry.

The Science Director at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Dr Ally Olotu, has confirmed the institute’s readiness to pivot its world-class clinical trial infrastructure toward domestic herbal resources.

“It has reached a time to direct our efforts into research on medicines derived from Tanzania’s own resources,” Dr Olotu stated, highlighting a shift from merely testing foreign-made drugs to innovating home-grown solutions.

The ministry’s plan is grounded in the harsh lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic. When conventional antivirals were scarce, the world saw a surge in the use of traditional remedies, often without scientific backing.

In Nigeria, multidisciplinary “health outcomes teams” comprising clinicians, pharmacologists, and biostatisticians worked under the oversight of NAFDAC to evaluate indigenous remedies like the IHP Detox Tea.

This Nigerian case study provides a benchmark for Tanzania. The IHP Detox Tea, which contains Garcinia kola (bitter kola), was subjected to pilot randomised controlled trials.

Mechanistic studies revealed that Garcinia kola could significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, providing a biological explanation for its ability to blunt the “cytokine storm” associated with severe Covid-19.

Tanzania aims to adopt this “bench-to-bedside” approach. By understanding the molecular pathways of local herbs, Tanzanian researchers can provide the biological plausibility required for global scientific acceptance.

This level of evidence is essential; as WHO officials have stressed, even centuries-old practices must be established through clinical trials before being recommended broadly.

Technological interventions

Modern technology is finally providing the tools to validate what was once dismissed as unscientific.

Lead of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, Dr Shyama Kuruvilla, notes that technologies like genomics, artificial intelligence, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are changing the game.

For instance, “fMRI can now trace the specific brain pathways affected by meditation, transforming it from ‘woo-woo stuff’ into a validated neuroscience-based intervention.”

In Tanzania, the launch of Next Generation Sequencing at MUHAS is a prime example of this technological leap. These tools will allow researchers to authenticate plant identities through DNA barcoding, preventing the use of adulterated materials and ensuring the safety of herbal products.

Furthermore, nanotechnology offers the potential to enhance the bioavailability of local phytochemicals, ensuring they are absorbed effectively by the body, a common hurdle for natural compounds.

The ultimate goal of linking researchers with traditional medicine is to accelerate Tanzania’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

In rural communities where herbal medicine is often the first point of care, integrating validated remedies into primary health centres can strengthen the entire healthcare system.

“This is not merely about treating minor ailments. Scientific validation is currently being applied to traditional plants for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where modern synthetic drugs often fall short,” said an expert, Dr Maurine Kija.

By targeting multiple pathogenic pathways simultaneously, such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, plant-derived compounds offer a “multi-targeted” approach that single-target synthetic drugs cannot match.

For Tanzania, this initiative also addresses the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

For example, IHI is already using research to monitor malaria drug resistance, and the same rigour can be applied to finding new antimalarial compounds within the local flora.

A new era of scientific respect

The education ministry’s plan signals a new era of “respectful co-existence” between two different but potentially harmonious systems of medicine.

By allowing science to determine where the two meet, Tanzania is not just preserving its cultural heritage; it is weaponising it against the disease burdens of the 21st century.

As Prof Mkenda aptly summarised, Tanzanian scientists are capable of making discoveries that could benefit the entire world.

“We can develop solutions from our own traditional knowledge if we apply science,” he asserted.

If this strategy is implemented with the promised transparency, legal protection, and technological rigour, Tanzania may soon find itself at the heart of a new, evidence-based African medical revolution.