Category: The Citizen

. Tanzania-based Koncept AI Academy has expanded its regional footprint by taking its artificial intelligence (AI) capacity-building programme to Rwanda, where it conducted a high-level executive masterclass to help hospitality leaders harness AI to improve business performance.

The programme brought together hotel owners, general managers, heads of department and senior executives from leading hospitality establishments across Rwanda.

Participants explored practical applications of AI in hotel operations, customer experience, marketing, revenue management, productivity and strategic decision-making. The Rwanda engagement marks another milestone in Koncept AI Academy’s drive to expand practical AI education beyond Tanzania as organisations across Africa increasingly adopt digital solutions to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Alongside the executive training, the academy used the visit to strengthen partnerships with key institutions in Rwanda, including Mount Kigali University, Royal FM, Paramount Kigali Hotel and stakeholders within the Rwandan government.

According to the academy’s statement availed to The Citizen on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the engagements are intended to lay the foundation for broader collaboration in AI education, digital transformation, innovation and institutional capacity development, while supporting wider adoption of emerging technologies across the continent.

The expansion into Rwanda forms part of Koncept AI Academy’s long-term strategy to establish itself as a regional hub for practical AI training.

Through executive masterclasses, institutional capacity-building programmes and specialised AI transformation initiatives, the academy aims to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and their practical application across African industries.

Its programmes target executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, educational institutions and public sector leaders, equipping them with the skills needed to integrate AI into their operations, improve efficiency, create new business opportunities and prepare organisations for future technological change.

Speaking about the academy’s regional ambitions, Koncept Group founder and chief executive officer, Dr Krantz Mwantepele, said the organisation’s vision extends beyond national borders.

‘Our vision is bigger than one country. Through Koncept AI Academy, we are taking practical AI education and transformation across Africa and beyond. We want to empower leaders, businesses, institutions and governments with the knowledge and capabilities they need to compete in an AI-driven future,’ he said.

Dr Mwantepele said Africa should play a leading role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence rather than remaining merely a consumer of the technology.

‘Africa must not just consume AI. Africa must lead it. The continent has the talent, ambition, creativity and opportunity to become an active architect of the global AI future. Our mission is to help turn that potential into practical impact,’ he said.

They have heard about an opportunity and know you might know someone who can help. Maybe it is a job, a client, or an introduction to someone in your professional network. Whatever it is, they ask you to put in a good word.

Your first instinct is probably to help. For many of us, that is what we have been taught to do. If you have managed to get your foot through a door, you are expected to hold it open for the people coming behind you.

Maybe you have worked with this relative before. Maybe you have watched them lose interest halfway through projects, arrive late one too many times, or take opportunities for granted. You know they are capable, but you are not sure they are consistent. And if they disappoint the person you introduced them to, your name becomes part of that story too.

When we put this question to our community, the responses showed that this is not really a conversation about jobs or business connections. It is a conversation about loyalty, trust, and where we draw the line between supporting our families and protecting the reputation we have worked hard to build.

What you said

When we asked what you would do, the responses fell into three categories:

* Make the introduction. Family comes first.

* I worked too hard for my reputation.

* I will get back to you. ??

The poll itself was divided, but the comments were even more interesting. People were not arguing about whether family matters. Almost everyone agreed that it does. The disagreement was about what helping should actually look like.

Different ways of looking at it

‘Family is family’

‘Your coworkers won’t bury you, it’s the fam… arrange that intro my guys.’

For some people, the answer was simple. If you have access to opportunities that someone else in your family does not, why would you not help?

It is a way of thinking that many of us grew up with. Success is not seen as something that belongs to one person. It is something you are expected to share. So when a relative asks you to make an introduction, saying no can feel selfish, even when you have genuine concerns.

‘Where were they when I needed help?’

‘When I needed help walikuwa wapi?’

Others saw it very differently.

Some people pointed out that family support is not always mutual. There are relatives who only reach out when they need something, or who expect access to your network without recognising how much work went into building it.

That can create resentment. Not because you do not want to help, but because the relationship starts to feel one-sided. When support only flows in one direction, saying yes becomes harder every time.

Helping is not the same as carrying someone

‘Better those who ask for help to get employment. There are those who just want frequent handouts because they can’t be bothered to work.’

This comment touched on something important.

Most of us are happy to help someone who is willing to put in the effort. The hesitation usually comes when we are being asked to create opportunities for someone who has not shown they are ready for them.

We do not often think about recommendations this way, but every recommendation is a reflection of your judgement. When you introduce someone, you are quietly telling another person: ‘I believe this person is worth your time.’

That is why this decision feels so heavy. You are not only opening a door. You are lending someone a little bit of your credibility.

So what do you do?

There is no single right answer, but there are ways to help without putting yourself in a difficult position.

Help them prepare first

Before making the introduction, spend some time with them. Go through their CV. Talk about the opportunity. Ask them questions they might be asked. Sometimes those conversations tell you whether someone is actually ready.

Be honest about what you are offering

An introduction is not a guarantee. You are opening a door, not promising that someone should walk through it. Let the person on the other side make their own decision.

Have the uncomfortable conversation

If your reputation is on the line, it is okay to say that.

Something as simple as, ‘I am happy to introduce you, but I need you to take this seriously because my name is attached to it,’ can completely change how someone approaches the opportunity.

Final thoughts

One of the hardest things about building a professional reputation is that it happens quietly. It is built through years of showing up, meeting deadlines, doing good work, and earning people’s trust. Most of the time, you do not even realise you are building it until people start associating your name with reliability.

That is why these situations feel so complicated.

This is not really about choosing between family and your career. It is about deciding when helping someone also means taking responsibility for the outcome.

Before you make the introduction, ask yourself one question:

If this person was not my relative, would I still feel confident recommending them?

Sometimes the answer is yes.

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is help them become ready before you put your name behind theirs.

Disclaimer: This column is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice. While exploring these psychological concepts can provide helpful insight, it is not a replacement for professional therapy.

If you are struggling with deep family conflict, burnout, or mental health challenges and want to explore these issues further, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or mental health professional for personalised guidance.

Haika Gerson is a mental health advocate with a background in psychology and a focus on modern relational wellness.

Puma Energy Tanzania has opened its 100th retail service station, marking a major milestone in the company’s nationwide expansion and its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s economic and social development.

The new facility, located in Tabora, is the company’s first service station in the region. It was officially inaugurated by Tabora District Commissioner Upendo Wella on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the presence of government officials, community representatives, customers and Puma Energy Tanzania management.

The company said the new station will improve access to safe and reliable fuel in Tabora, an emerging centre for agriculture, trade and transport, while creating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. Puma Energy Tanzania Managing Director Fatma Abdallah said reaching the 100th station reflects the company’s confidence in Tanzania’s future and its long-term partnership with the country.

‘Reaching our 100th service station is about far more than expanding our network. It reflects our long-standing partnership with Tanzania, the trust our customers have placed in us and our belief that access to reliable fuel enables opportunity,’ she said.

She added that the company would continue investing in energy solutions while creating value for communities.

As part of the launch, Puma Energy Tanzania implemented several community initiatives focusing on education, youth support and environmental conservation.

The company donated 100 mattresses to Istiqaama Orphanage Centre to improve living conditions for children, while Usule Primary School in Mbugani Ward, Tabora Municipal Council, received 100 desks to address shortages of classroom furniture.

The company also partnered with the school and local residents to plant 100 trees as part of efforts to support environmental conservation.

‘At Puma Energy, we believe business success and community progress go hand in hand,’ Ms Abdallah said.

Speaking during the event, Mr Wella welcomed the investment, saying the new service station demonstrates continued investor confidence in Tanzania’s economy.

‘Investments such as this strengthen our infrastructure, create employment opportunities, support local businesses and contribute to sustainable development,’ he said.

The opening of the facility brings Puma Energy Tanzania’s network to 100 service stations as the company continues expanding access to fuel and investing in communities across the country.

Knowledge has always been at the centre of human development.

It has been passed from one generation to another, formally and informally. Think about how a child is shaped: at home, in school and later at university.

For a long time, knowledge was expensive and difficult to access. You needed good schools, books, teachers or money.

Then the internet came

Search engines, online videos and digital books opened many doors. But you still had to know what to search for, find the right source and decide which information was correct.

Then AI arrived

Today, you can ask AI to explain almost anything: mathematics, science, farming, history, business, coding, music or law. You can ask it to explain again until you understand. Access is still not equal. Many Tanzanians struggle with internet costs, devices, electricity and digital skills. AI can also give wrong answers.

But something has changed. Knowledge is becoming easier to access. And this raises a serious question.

If almost anyone can learn almost anything, what will truly matter?

For years, institutions had an advantage because they controlled access to expensive knowledge. Now someone with a phone and internet can ask how something works or how to build it.

But let us be careful. This does not mean knowledge is no longer important.

A doctor still needs medical knowledge. An engineer still needs engineering knowledge. Without basic knowledge, you may not know when AI is wrong.

So knowledge will still matter. But simply having information may no longer be enough. The real advantage will be knowing what to do with it.

And that brings us back to the basic question: what problem can you solve?

When people hear the word ‘problem’, they often think about poverty, climate change or disease. Those problems matter, but not every problem must be huge.

A problem can be a farmer failing to find a buyer or a patient spending the whole day at a clinic.

Ask yourself: what problem does TikTok solve?

You may dislike the app. But it gives people entertainment, expression and connection. Someone understood a human need and built something around it. Human problems will continue to change. Our fathers and grandfathers faced problems connected to survival. Many people still face those problems today. But younger generations also face social media pressure, lack of attention, unemployment and loneliness.

Some of their biggest problems may not even be clear to us yet. But someone will notice them and build a solution. The ability to think will matter. Not just the ability to repeat an answer. Our education system has often rewarded students for memorising notes and past papers.

But AI can already answer many exam questions. It can write essays, solve equations and produce computer code.

So what happens next?

Schools and universities will have to change how they test students.

It will no longer be enough to ask, ‘What is the answer?’

We may also need to ask:

How did you reach that answer? Can you explain it? Can you apply it? Can you identify where AI is wrong?

That is where real thinking begins.

But thinking does not come from nowhere.

It comes from experience.

A child always indoors on a phone will think differently from one who plays outside and takes part in community life. Technology is a powerful tool. But children also need real life.

They need to read, write, speak, listen, play, build, make mistakes and try again.

Some people say children should study mathematics and physics. Those subjects are important.

But not every child is made for mathematics and physics.

Some are made for history, music, business, agriculture, language, design or performing arts.

The future will not only need technical people. It will also need people who understand human beings.

So what should matter in the age of AI?

Knowledge will still matter, but knowledge alone will not be enough.

What will matter is the ability to think clearly, understand people, notice real problems and use available tools to solve them.

AI may give us answers.

But human beings must still decide which questions are worth asking.

That is what will matter.

Paul Shilla is a Senior Specialist in the Digital Lab at NMB Bank, working on digital innovation and technology-driven solutions. He is interested in AI, education and Africa’s digital future.

The views expressed in this article are my own and do not reflect those of his employer

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made new appointments and transfers involving deputy permanent secretaries and senior government officials, affecting key ministries and government institutions.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, the changes affect the Vice President’s Office, the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Dr Latifa Mohammed Khamis has been appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Union Affairs.

Before her appointment, Dr Khamis served as Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), where she oversaw trade promotion, marketing and investment initiatives.

President Hassan also appointed Ephraim Mafuru as Director General of TanTrade, succeeding him from his previous position as Director General of the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB).

Other changes include the appointment of Ms Prisca Lwangili as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance.

Before the appointment, Ms Lwangili served as Director of Administration and Human Resources Management at the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG).

President Hassan also transferred Mr Abdallah Mitawi from the Vice President’s Office to the Ministry of Transport, where he will serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary.

Mr Mitawi previously coordinated government policies and programmes in the Vice President’s Office.

His transfer comes as the Transport Ministry continues to oversee major investments in railways, ports, airports and maritime transport.

In another change, Ambassador Baraka Luvanda has been transferred from the Vice President’s Office to the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs as Deputy Permanent Secretary.

Ambassador Luvanda brings extensive experience in diplomacy, public administration and international relations. His appointment comes as the ministry continues to oversee legal reforms, justice and governance matters.

Dr Franklin Rwezimula has been transferred from the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs to the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he will serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary.

“Dr Rwezimula has extensive experience in public administration, legal affairs and governance” reads a statement from the presidential communications directorate quoting Dr Kusiluka.

His new role places him in a ministry responsible for security agencies, immigration, prisons, fire and rescue services, and civil registration.

Furthermore, President Hassan has also transferred Dr Maduhu Kazi from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Vice President’s Office, where he will serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for environment.

“The appointments and transfers reflect the government’s continued efforts to strengthen public administration, enhance accountability and improve service delivery by deploying experienced officials across key sectors,” reads another part

The statement signed by the acting director of presidential communications at State House, Mr Shaaban Kissu, the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed deputy permanent secretaries will be held on a date to be announced.

Young Africans (Yanga) have been handed an early setback ahead of the 2026/27 season after three influential players, Clement Mzize, Dickson Job and Pacome Zouzoua, were confirmed to be unavailable for the opening part of the league campaign due to injury setbacks.

The absence of the key trio is set to challenge new head coach Manqoba Mngqithi as he prepares a squad expected to compete for domestic honours while also carrying the club’s ambitions in continental competitions. Yanga will face Simba in the Community Shield match on August 12 before taking on Namungo FC on August 15 at Majaliwa Stadium in Lindi.

Mzize, Job and Pacome have all played significant roles in Yanga’s recent success, and their prolonged absence means the club will have to rely on squad depth during the crucial opening weeks of the season. Tanzania international striker Mzize is among the players expected to miss the start of the league season after failing to recover in time from his injury. The forward has become a vital part of Yanga’s attacking options, offering pace, movement and a constant threat in the final third. His absence could force Mngqithi to rethink his attacking approach as the coach looks for a reliable goal scoring option while waiting for the striker’s return. Defender Dickson Job will also continue his recovery, with the centre back not expected back until late November or early December. Job’s injury leaves a significant void in Yanga’s defensive structure, considering his experience, physical strength and ability to organise the backline. Yanga information officer Ali Kamwe provided an update on the club’s injured players during an interview with U FM, revealing the progress made by Abubakar Khomeini, Job, Mzize and Pacome.

Kamwe said goalkeeper Khomeini has recovered by about 85 per cent from a hip problem and is now close to making his return to competitive football.

‘Job and Mzize are currently undergoing light training sessions and are expected to return at the end of November or the beginning of December this year,’ Kamwe said. However, Pacome’s situation remains the biggest concern for the Jangwani based club. The Ivorian attacking midfielder, who underwent surgery after suffering a serious injury, has already spent several weeks in hospital before being discharged. Kamwe revealed that Pacome is preparing to travel to Paris, France, for further specialised treatment, a move that could delay his return to action.

The absence of Pacome could have the biggest tactical impact on Yanga. The creative midfielder has been one of the team’s most influential players, providing goals, assists and attacking ideas from the middle of the park.

His ability to unlock defences and connect midfield with attack has made him a key figure in Yanga’s playing style, and his continued absence will require Mngqithi to find alternative solutions. The South African coach, who replaced Pedro Goncalves, favours an attacking 4-3-3 system that depends on creativity, quick transitions and strong attacking movements. Without Pacome, Mzize and Job, he may have to adjust his plans as he builds a team capable of defending Yanga’s domestic dominance.

While the club has been active in strengthening its squad ahead of the new campaign, the latest injury concerns highlight the importance of having enough quality options to maintain competitiveness throughout a demanding season.

For Yanga, the priority will be managing the recovery of their injured stars while ensuring the team remains competitive until their return.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Ole Millya, who is also Simanjiro Member of Parliament, has undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour in South Africa.

A statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by the MP’s secretary, Mr Frank Oleleshwa, says the Deputy Minister underwent the operation on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

‘We thank Almighty God that the surgery was conducted successfully and that our MP’s condition continues to improve. Today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, he is expected to be discharged from the ward to continue with monitoring and recovery,’ reads Mr Oleleshwa’s statement. He said Ole Millya extended his sincere gratitude to citizens, leaders and all Tanzanians for their support, messages of encouragement and prayers.

Mr Oleleshwa asked them to continue praying for the Deputy Minister, so that God grants him good health, a speedy recovery, and enables him to return safely to continue serving the nation and the people of Simanjiro.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi through a WhatsApp message, Mr Ole Millya confirmed that his health was improving following the surgery.

‘I thank God I am doing well. Thank you to all Tanzanians. Let us pray for good health for one another,’ he said.

Some Simanjiro residents have sent messages of support to the ailing minister after learning about his condition.

A CCM member who participated in the party’s parliamentary nomination process in 2025, Lekoko Ngitiri, wished Mr Ole Millya a speedy recovery.

‘May Almighty God grant our leader a speedy recovery. The nation relies on you. By God’s grace and through the faith of all Tanzanians, we pray for your quick recovery, Hon MP and Deputy Minister. May God heal you quickly,’ writes Mr Ngitiri.

‘Very sorry, Hon Ole Millya. We pray that God makes things easier for you so that you can recover quickly and return to your normal state,’ writes Mr Lazaro Lekaita.

‘Let us pray to God for his recovery. We still have much to do together, and he has much to accomplish for us according to the position he sought,’ writes Mr David Charles.

African governments have been urged to invest in digital infrastructure, research and skills development to unlock the economic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while ensuring the technology is used responsibly and inclusively.

Speaking at the Second Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Africa Conference, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda said AI is transforming economies, public services and businesses worldwide, presenting Africa with an opportunity to accelerate sustainable development.

He said this year’s conference attracted more than 100 research papers from scholars in 34 countries, with 46 selected for presentation, reflecting growing interest in AI research across the continent. African governments have been urged to invest in digital infrastructure, research and skills development to unlock the economic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while ensuring the technology is used responsibly and inclusively.

Speaking at the Second Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Africa Conference, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda said AI is transforming economies, public services and businesses worldwide, presenting Africa with an opportunity to accelerate sustainable development.

He said this year’s conference attracted more than 100 research papers from scholars in 34 countries, with 46 selected for presentation, reflecting growing interest in AI research across the continent.

Tanzania’s amateur boxing team and national swimmer Collins Saliboko have departed for Glasgow ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to start on July 23 and run until August 2 in Scotland.

The departing contingent includes three amateur boxers namely Yusuf Changarawe, who will compete in the men’s 80kg division, Faki Issa Faki in the men’s 55kg category, and Zawadi Amos Kutaka in the women’s 57kg featherweight division.

The boxers travelled under the guidance of head coach Samwel Kapungu, assisted by Kassim Hussein Kassim. Saliboko, Tanzania’s sole swimmer at the Games, also left for Glasgow accompanied by his coach Kanisi Mabena.

The 24-year-old swimmer is expected to compete in the men’s 50m and 100m freestyle events, carrying Tanzania’s hopes in the swimming competition. The remaining Tanzanian contingent will depart tomorrow, with six runners leaving for Glasgow as they continue preparations for the multi-sport event.

The athletics team comprises Daniel Sinda, Josephat Gisemo, Benjamin Fernandi Ratsim, Winfrida Makenji, Hamida Nassoro, and Cecilia Panga. The runners are coached by Marceline Gwandu.

Meanwhile, Tanzania’s two judokas, Andrew Thomas Mlugu and Ibrahim Mohamed Hamis, are scheduled to leave for Glasgow on July 27 under coach Omari Mgoye.

Tanzania will be represented by 12 athletes across four sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: athletics, boxing, judo and swimming.

The Games are expected to bring together about 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth teams competing in 215 medal events across 10 sports.

Tanzania’s Ambassador to Oman, Maulidah Hassan, has called for Kiswahili to be used as a tool for promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between Oman and East African countries.

She said the language carries greater development opportunities than previously recognised, noting that Oman holds a unique place in the history of Kiswahili as the country with the largest number of Kiswahili speakers outside Africa.

Ambassador Maulidah made the remarks in Muscat during Kiswahili celebrations organised by the Tanzanian Embassy in Oman, bringing together diplomats, academics and cultural stakeholders. The event was held five years after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declared July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day.

Opening the celebrations, Ambassador Maulidah said Unesco’s recognition of Kiswahili confirmed what millions of people around the world already knew about the language’s importance in society.

She said Kiswahili was not only a means of communication but also carried values of peace, identity, solidarity and the history of communities connected for centuries through the Indian Ocean.

‘Oman has a unique position in the history of Kiswahili because it has the largest number of Kiswahili speakers outside the African continent,’ she said.

She said Kiswahili was not merely a language taught in classrooms but part of everyday life and a heritage passed from one generation to another.

For many Omanis, she added, speaking Kiswahili remains a way of maintaining links with their history, families and heritage connected to East Africa.

However, the ambassador said it was time to view Kiswahili beyond its historical significance and recognise its potential as an economic development tool.

She said Omani traders who speak Kiswahili have an advantage when entering the East African market because they already share a common language with potential business partners.

‘Being able to communicate in the same language removes barriers that slow down trade and investment and strengthens economic cooperation between Tanzania, Oman and the East African region,’ she said.

Ambassador Maulidah highlighted shared cultural links between East Africa and Oman, including foods such as pilau, maandazi, chapati and coconut beans, as well as traditional clothing such as baibui, kanzu and khanjar.

She said music traditions along the East African coast and in Oman also reflected centuries of cultural exchange.

‘Our similarities in food, clothing and music show that our relationship is much deeper than what is recorded in history books,’ she said.

She said the history between Oman and Tanzania was shaped by the winds that carried traditional boats across the Indian Ocean, transporting not only goods such as spices and fabrics but also families, friendships, faith and culture.

She called on the current generation to use that shared heritage to build stronger cooperation in economic diplomacy, investment, tourism, transport, agriculture and the blue economy.

‘We must revive these historical ties and use them to build a future that benefits the people of Tanzania and Oman,’ she said.

The celebrations concluded with taarab performances, cultural exhibitions and displays of traditional Kiswahili cuisine.

The event also featured a discussion involving Kanga Project Zanzibar Founder and Managing Director Muna Ally, Prof Ibrahim Bakri Al Noor and historian Riadh Al Busaidi.

Ms Ally said the kanga has been part of coastal communities’ lives for centuries and continues to represent identity among Kiswahili-speaking societies.

She said the garment is still known as leso in some parts of Oman and Mombasa, a name derived from Portuguese influence, while in Tanzania the name kanga remains widely used as a symbol of East African women’s identity.

The event was attended by Oman’s Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed Al Balushi, alongside representatives from Unesco, the University of Nizwa and the Russian Cultural Centre.