Category: The Citizen

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said Tanzania’s ambition to become a major trade hub in Africa depends on maintaining peace and stability, warning that development cannot thrive without a secure environment.

She said strategic investments in infrastructure, including the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Tabora and Kigoma, the acquisition of four new cargo vessels on Lake Tanganyika, the upgrading of Kigoma Port and other projects, are aimed at helping Tanzania maximise its geographical advantage and strengthen its position in regional trade.

Speaking on Monday during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Tabora-Kigoma SGR project and the launch of the cargo vessels, President Samia said protecting peace and security must remain a national priority because the infrastructure projects involve huge financial resources.

“I would like to emphasise the importance of peace, security and the development of our country. These investments involve a lot of money,” President Samia said.

She urged Tanzanians to put security first, saying the country’s development goals can only be achieved in an environment of peace and stability.

“Let us all embrace the principle of putting security first because without security there is no development,” she said.

President Samia said the government will continue working to protect strategic national infrastructure, directing security organs to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport in establishing effective and inclusive measures to safeguard railways, ports, roads and other public assets.

Tanzania’s digital health ambitions are increasingly being anchored on technology infrastructure, with telecom operators positioning connectivity as a critical tool for improving healthcare access, data systems, and service delivery.

Yas Tanzania says it has invested Sh1.2 trillion over the past four years to expand access to advanced technologies, including 4G and 5G networks, as the country moves towards a digitally enabled healthcare system.

Speaking during the final day of the fourth Mkapa Legacy Summit in Zanzibar, Yas Tanzania Chief Financial Officer, Mr Innocent Rwetabura, said technology would play a central role in transforming healthcare delivery and supporting Tanzania’s Vision 2050 ambitions.

He said that while healthcare development has historically focused on strengthening physical infrastructure and institutions, digital solutions are increasingly changing how health services are delivered.

Technology is transforming how healthcare is delivered today. We are already witnessing digital technology supporting telemedicine, diagnostics, continuous learning for healthcare workers, and faster emergency response across the country,” Mr Rwetabura said.

The summit, attended by President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who is also the Settlor of the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation, highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing healthcare and sustainable development.

Mr Rwetabura said the late President Benjamin Mkapa’s focus on institution building, partnerships, and investing in future generations remains relevant as Tanzania embraces technology-driven solutions.

He said the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure has created opportunities for digital health innovations, allowing more Tanzanians to access services beyond traditional healthcare facilities.

“Investments by mobile operators have made it possible for world-class technology, including 4G and 5G, to reach different parts of Tanzania,” he said.

Beyond connectivity, Yas highlighted several health-related initiatives implemented through partnerships with government institutions and development organisations.

In collaboration with the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) and UNICEF, the company supported the strengthening of Tanzania’s birth registration system for children under five years. The initiative used mobile technology to allow parents to register children and receive birth certificates through SMS services, resulting in more than 13 million children being registered, according to Yas.

The telecom operator has also partnered with the Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT) Hospital to support treatment for children born with clubfoot, helping expand access to corrective care.

In another initiative, Yas said it continues to support free eye screening and treatment services across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, reaching more than 23,000 Tanzanians and helping restore sight among underserved communities.

Mr Rwetabura said the company is also exploring a strategic partnership with the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation to advance health and development programmes targeting women, children, and young people.

He said collaboration between the government, the private sector, development partners, and communities remains essential in improving healthcare outcomes.

“President Mkapa believed in public-private partnerships as a strong instrument for accelerating development. That same spirit continues to guide our work as we invest in innovative technological solutions that strengthen health systems,” he said.

The growing role of telecom companies in healthcare reflects a broader shift where digital platforms are being used to address challenges such as limited access to specialised care, weak health information systems, and delays in service delivery.

For Tanzania, where connectivity gaps have historically affected rural communities, expanding digital infrastructure is increasingly seen as a foundation for delivering more inclusive healthcare services.

Mr Rwetabura said Yas remains committed to supporting innovation and empowering young people, engineers, and social entrepreneurs to develop technology solutions that address challenges in healthcare delivery.

“Together, we can build a healthier, more connected, and more resilient Tanzania,” he said.

More than Sh2.2 billion has been raised to support life-saving kidney treatment and bone marrow transplants for underprivileged patients at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, exceeding the Sh1.5 billion target set by organisers.

The fundraising gala, organised by the Women’s Wing of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, popularly known by its Kiswahili abbreviation as UWT, is part of efforts to help the hospital mobilise Sh7 billion to finance specialised treatment for patients who cannot afford the high cost of care.

Cash donations and pledges pushed the total collection beyond the target, with the President’s Office contributing Sh50 million and the Prime Minister’s Office donating Sh30 million.

Benjamin Mkapa Hospital executive director Prof Abel Makubi said the funds would help address a growing backlog of patients requiring specialised treatment.

He said 50 children are waiting for bone marrow transplants, while another 50 patients are awaiting kidney treatment.

According to Prof Makubi, a bone marrow transplant costs Sh75 million per child, requiring Sh3.75 billion to treat the 50 children. Kidney treatment costs Sh40 million per patient, bringing the total for the 50 patients to Sh2 billion. Altogether, the hospital requires Sh5.75 billion to treat the 100 patients.

He said although the procedures are highly specialised, they are significantly cheaper than seeking treatment abroad.

Prof Makubi added that Benjamin Mkapa Hospital has increasingly become a referral centre for neighbouring countries, citing recent treatment of children from Burundi with heart conditions.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba urged Tanzanians to embrace a culture of giving to support healthcare services and help patients who cannot afford.

“Tanzania must reach a point where it becomes a referral destination for other countries, with patients coming here for treatment. But first, we need our own people to enjoy good health. I urge everyone to contribute because these donations will help save lives,” he said.

UWT chairperson Mary Chatanda said the fundraiser was launched after the organisation recognised the urgent need for financial support for patients requiring specialised treatment.

“A child requiring a bone marrow transplant would cost about Sh120 million if treated abroad, compared with Sh75 million in Tanzania. Kidney treatment abroad would cost around Sh90 million per patient. When we saw this, we felt compelled to act,” she said.

Ms Chatanda said UWT would continue the fundraising drive by engaging local and international partners to expand access to specialised treatment for vulnerable patients.

The long-held dreams of Songosongo island residents in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, to secure reliable transport will finally materialise following the commencement of a modern ferry construction project designed to provide safe travel and boost the local economy.

The Sh5.7 billion ferry, fully funded by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is being constructed by the contractor Qiro Group Ltd.

Speaking on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during the project’s official launch at the Malindi port slipway in the Urban West Region of Unguja, Lindi Regional Commissioner Zainab Telack said the ferry would bring immense relief to the islanders who have long endured severe transport hurdles.

She noted that despite the island’s critical importance to the national economy, driven by its natural gas reserves and luxury tourist hotels, transportation has remained perilously unreliable, with residents sometimes getting lost at sea while using makeshift vessels.

“This island is vital to our economy; it produces substantial natural gas and serves as a premium tourism destination boasting large hotels. Until now, our tourists have strictly relied on air travel,” Ms Telack stated.

“We are now confident that this modern ferry will offer tourists an alternative, safe route to explore our country. Tourism drives our economy. Therefore, alongside providing safe transit for Songosongo residents, we are unlocking the doors to accessible tourism on these islands, which will ultimately boost the economy for both the citizens and the nation at large,” said the regional commissioner.

Songosongo Ward councillor Hassan Mbai said the island’s 5,600 residents feel as though they have been reborn, noting that since independence in 1961, they have relied on highly unreliable and dangerous maritime transport.

“To tell the truth, if we were not in paradise, then we must be near its gates. God has miraculously protected us all these years, even though our local ferries were incredibly unsafe,” Mr Mbai reflected.

He added that the dire transport situation forced government experts and institutional officials to execute local projects remotely via phone calls, as reaching the island was considered too hazardous.

“On behalf of the residents of Songosongo and Kilwa, we are overjoyed today. We firmly believe our travel safety will drastically improve once this modern vessel is completed,” he said.

For his part, acting TPDC executive director, Mr Francis Mwakapalila noted that the corporation deeply recognises the immense economic and strategic contributions of Songosongo island through its continuous natural gas production.

“Consequently, this investment forms a core part of our CSR strategy to uplift the welfare and living standards of the communities surrounding our project areas,” said Mr Mwakapalila.

He revealed that TPDC allocated Sh5.76 billion for the project, with 100 percent of the funding derived from the corporation’s effective internal revenue management, ensuring that national energy resources directly benefit the citizens.

Furthermore, the Director of Ferries at the Tanzania Electrical and Mechanical Services Agency (Temesa), Mr Lukombe King’ombe, noted that alongside the Songosongo project, the agency is managing the construction of six other similar vessels to serve various regions across Mainland Tanzania.

“We are currently constructing a new ferry for the Mafia-Nyamisati route, which will serve as the second operational vessel there. Additionally, we are building five other ferries designated to serve communities across Lake Victoria,” explained Mr King’ombe.

A consulting engineer from the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI), Mr Lazaro Isaac, detailed that the new ferry will measure 28.8 metres in length and 8 metres in width.

It will boast the capacity to carry 54 seated passengers, two small vehicles, and an estimated 10 tonnes of general cargo.

He noted that the eight-month project commenced following an advance payment of Sh1.5 billion on June 16, 2024.

Execution has currently reached 31 percent, and the contractor is expected to complete the vessel by February 2027, as per the contract.

Wrapping up the launch, Qiro Group Ltd managing director, Mr Yang Hao, popularly known locally as ‘Makame Mchina’, assured stakeholders that his company is fully committed to delivering the ferry on schedule while strictly adhering to all stipulated quality and safety requirements.

More than Sh2.2 billion has been raised to support life-saving kidney treatment and bone marrow transplants for underprivileged patients at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, exceeding the Sh1.5 billion target set by organisers.

The fundraising gala, organised by the Women’s Wing of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi, popularly known by its Kiswahili abbreviation as UWT, is part of efforts to help the hospital mobilise Sh7 billion to finance specialised treatment for patients who cannot afford the high cost of care.

Cash donations and pledges pushed the total collection beyond the target, with the President’s Office contributing Sh50 million and the Prime Minister’s Office donating Sh30 million.

Benjamin Mkapa Hospital executive director Prof Abel Makubi said the funds would help address a growing backlog of patients requiring specialised treatment.

He said 50 children are waiting for bone marrow transplants, while another 50 patients are awaiting kidney treatment.

According to Prof Makubi, a bone marrow transplant costs Sh75 million per child, requiring Sh3.75 billion to treat the 50 children. Kidney treatment costs Sh40 million per patient, bringing the total for the 50 patients to Sh2 billion. Altogether, the hospital requires Sh5.75 billion to treat the 100 patients.

He said although the procedures are highly specialised, they are significantly cheaper than seeking treatment abroad.

Prof Makubi added that Benjamin Mkapa Hospital has increasingly become a referral centre for neighbouring countries, citing recent treatment of children from Burundi with heart conditions.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba urged Tanzanians to embrace a culture of giving to support healthcare services and help patients who cannot afford.

“Tanzania must reach a point where it becomes a referral destination for other countries, with patients coming here for treatment. But first, we need our own people to enjoy good health. I urge everyone to contribute because these donations will help save lives,” he said.

UWT chairperson Mary Chatanda said the fundraiser was launched after the organisation recognised the urgent need for financial support for patients requiring specialised treatment.

“A child requiring a bone marrow transplant would cost about Sh120 million if treated abroad, compared with Sh75 million in Tanzania. Kidney treatment abroad would cost around Sh90 million per patient. When we saw this, we felt compelled to act,” she said.

Ms Chatanda said UWT would continue the fundraising drive by engaging local and international partners to expand access to specialised treatment for vulnerable patients.

Plastic waste that would otherwise end up polluting rivers and the ocean is being transformed into economic opportunities for young Tanzanians, following an initiative that has seen 120 students convert discarded materials into marketable products through innovation and recycling.

The students, drawn from eight primary and secondary schools in Dar es Salaam and Lindi regions, displayed chairs, decorative items and other practical products made from recycled plastic waste, illustrating how environmental conservation can go hand in hand with youth employment and entrepreneurship.

The Tanzania Civil Society Forum on Climate Change (FORUMCC) says the initiative demonstrates that addressing plastic pollution can simultaneously create sustainable livelihoods for young people.

Speaking during an awards ceremony held in Dar es Salaam on July 17, 2026, FORUMCC Executive Director Sarah Ngoy said the programme was intended to inspire students to view recycling not only as an environmental solution but also as a viable economic opportunity.

‘Our objective was not only to teach young people about environmental conservation. We want them to see recycling as a viable livelihood and a pathway to self-employment after completing their studies. Schools can also develop income-generating projects from these innovations,’ she said.

Ms Ngoy said participants first received training on the impact of plastic pollution on rivers, coastal areas and marine ecosystems before developing innovative ideas that were later converted into products with commercial value.

She noted that the initiative had shown how materials commonly regarded as waste could instead become valuable economic resources.

‘We want young people to understand that environmental innovation is not just about protecting nature. It can also create jobs, generate income and support community development,’ she said.

The competition was organised under the Bahari Yetu (Our Ocean) project, funded by the European Union and coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in collaboration with WWF, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

According to Ms Ngoy, the project aims to strengthen the conservation of Tanzania’s coastal and marine ecosystems by improving marine resource management, encouraging community participation in conservation efforts and reducing plastic pollution.

She added that FORUMCC has also been implementing public awareness campaigns and supporting the development of plastic waste management strategies in Kinondoni, Ilala, Temeke and Mafia districts.

Former Ilala Mayor and Vingunguti Ward Councillor Omary Kumbilamoto commended the students for demonstrating that waste can be transformed into a valuable resource.

‘You have shown that plastic waste is not merely rubbish. It can be transformed into valuable products and become a source of income. This is how we build a generation that protects the environment while creating its own economic opportunities,’ he said.

He urged the students to continue promoting recycling within their schools and communities, stressing that wider public participation would be essential in reducing indiscriminate plastic disposal.

‘Do not let this initiative end with the competition. Continue educating your peers and communities that protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility,’ he said.

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Tanzania National Partnership Manager for Action Against Plastic Pollution, Flavian Mgeni, announced that Kilindoni Primary School in Mafia District emerged as the overall winner among the eight participating schools.

Kitomondo Secondary School finished second, followed by Ilala Primary School in third place and Mtongani Secondary School in fourth.

The remaining positions were taken by Juhudi Secondary School, Kibasila Secondary School, Mbweni Teta Secondary School and Kitomondo Secondary School.

The participating students exhibited a wide range of products made from recycled plastic waste and used cardboard, including chairs, decorative items and household products, showcasing the potential of recycling to reduce pollution while creating economic opportunities for young people.

Tanzania’s athletes heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, have been challenged to return home with medals as the country targets a strong showing at one of the world’s biggest multi-sport competitions.

The call was made yesterday by National Sports Council (NSC) secretary general Neema Msitha during the official flag handover ceremony held in Dar es Salaam.

Msitha said the government had fulfilled its responsibility by providing the team with the required support, including funding training camps, allowances and travel tickets, and now the responsibility had shifted to the athletes to deliver results on the international stage.

She reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes of Tanzanians, who expect them to justify the investment made in their preparations by producing impressive performances in Glasgow.

‘The government has done its part by ensuring that you receive all the support needed, including training camps, allowances and tickets.

The remaining responsibility is now with you as athletes to go out there and do your best for the nation,’ said Msitha. ‘You must understand that you have a debt to Tanzanians. People will be following your performance and expecting good results. Go to Scotland with confidence, compete with determination and fight for medals.’

Msitha also urged the athletes to maintain discipline, focus and commitment throughout the Games, saying representing Tanzania at such a prestigious event was a great honour.

‘Tanzania is not going there just to participate. We want to see our athletes compete strongly and show the world what we are capable of achieving,’ she added. Tanzania will be represented by a 12-member squad in Glasgow, comprising six athletes in athletics, three amateur boxers, two judokas and one swimmer.

The athletics team features Cecilia Panga, who will compete in the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m races, Hamida Nassoro in the 1,500m and 5,000m events, and sprinter Winfrida Makenji in the 100m and 200m races. The men’s athletics team includes Daniel Sinda in the mile race, Benjamin Fernandi Ratsim in the 10,000m, and Josephat Gisemo, who will compete in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races.In boxing, Yusuf Changarawe (80kg), Fai Issa Faki (55kg) and Zawadi Amos Kutaka (women’s 57kg) will represent Tanzania, while the judo team consists of Andrew Thomas Mlugu (81kg) and Ibrahim Mohamed Hamis (60kg). Swimmer Collins Saliboko, who competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, will lead the team as captain and is currently training in South Africa under coach Kanisi Mabena.

Saliboko said the athletes understand the expectations placed on them and are ready to make the country proud.

‘We know Tanzanians are expecting good results from us. We have prepared well and we are ready to compete at the highest level,’ he said.

Head of delegation Henry Tandau said the team will depart on July 21, ahead of the Games scheduled from July 23 to August 2.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth teams, with 215 medal events set to be contested across 10 sports.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has appointed four new judges to the Zanzibar High Court bench, including the House of Representatives Secretary, Raya Issa Msellem.

He also appointed Dr Mahadhi Juma Maalim as chairman of the Zanzibar Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission.

A press statement signed by Chief Secretary, Dr Mansura Mosi Kassim confirmed that the appointments took effect on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The statement named the other newly appointed judges as Valentine Andrew Katema, who previously served as the Zanzibar High Court registrar.

Another appointee is Khamis Ali Simai, who previously served as a resident magistrate.

Following these appointments, the Zanzibar High Court bench has 18 judges.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has appointed four new judges to the Zanzibar High Court bench, including the House of Representatives Secretary, Raya Issa Msellem.

He also appointed Dr Mahadhi Juma Maalim as chairman of the Zanzibar Public Leaders’ Ethics Commission.

A press statement signed by Chief Secretary, Dr Mansura Mosi Kassim confirmed that the appointments took effect on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The statement named the other newly appointed judges as Valentine Andrew Katema, who previously served as the Zanzibar High Court registrar.

Another appointee is Khamis Ali Simai, who previously served as a resident magistrate.

Following these appointments, the Zanzibar High Court bench has 18 judges.

Tanzania’s drive to revive the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) gained fresh momentum on Friday, July 17, with the launch of a railway training centre designed to produce a new generation of skilled professionals for the country’s expanding rail sector.

Established under the TAZARA Revitalisation Project, the facility will train railway technicians, engineers and operators while also serving students and professionals from across the region.

The government said the centre would help bridge a long-standing shortage of specialised railway expertise as Tanzania continues investing heavily in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) and TAZARA’s Cape Gauge network.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Railway Training Centre and Operations Control Centre, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyarara, said the investment marked a major step forward in strengthening railway skills development in Tanzania.

He said the centre would initially support the TAZARA revitalisation programme before expanding to provide professional training for aspiring railway specialists.

“The revival of TAZARA has brought an additional benefit. We are establishing an international railway training institution that will offer specialised education in railway operations and technology,” Prof Kahyarara said.

He noted that Tanzania had long depended on employees acquiring railway skills after entering the workforce, limiting the availability of specialised expertise.

“That gap is now being closed. Rather than learning solely on the job, young people will now have the opportunity to specialise in various railway disciplines before entering employment,” he said.

According to Prof Kahyarara, the institution will offer courses in railway signalling, locomotive operations, rolling stock maintenance and railway engineering. The centre will also feature modern workshops and advanced technology that meet international railway training standards.

The launch comes as Tanzania accelerates the expansion of its railway infrastructure, with the SGR network expected to exceed 4,700 kilometres once completed.

Prof Kahyarara said the growing railway network would strengthen regional connectivity by linking landlocked neighbouring countries that rely on the Port of Dar es Salaam for international trade.

“Our port serves six neighbouring countries. Our long-term vision is to connect all of them through the SGR, creating a vast regional railway network that will require a highly skilled workforce,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said the training centre would establish a professional railway education system tailored to TAZARA’s operational requirements.

She said China was committed to working with Tanzania to develop the institution into a leading regional hub for railway vocational education capable of producing highly skilled professionals.

“This centre has been designed to build a professional training system that responds to TAZARA’s practical needs while cultivating skilled local talent,” Ambassador Chen said.

She added that the launch followed the recent commemoration of TAZARA’s 50th anniversary, which renewed commitments to restoring the railway’s strategic importance.

TAZARA Managing Director Eng Bruno Ching’andu said the centre would play a pivotal role in developing the technical and managerial expertise required to operate a modern railway system.

He said it would also facilitate knowledge transfer, enabling railway personnel to operate and maintain new equipment introduced under the revitalisation programme.

“The Operations Control Centre will enhance train monitoring, communication and operational decision-making, improving safety, reliability and efficiency across the railway network,” he said.

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Chairman Li Chongyang described the new facilities as another milestone in strengthening railway cooperation between China and Africa.

He said the training centre would focus on localisation, digitalisation and structured skills transfer to ensure Tanzanian professionals acquired the expertise needed to manage future railway operations independently.

“We believe in teaching people how to fish rather than simply giving them fish. This training centre will develop a highly skilled local railway workforce capable of driving the future of the industry,” Mr Li said.