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Dar es Salaam. In line with efforts to promote the development of sports in the country, as championed by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, Monti International School has announced a 10 day high performance swimming camp to be held in Dar es Salaam.

The camp, which will run from May 5 to May 14, 2026, will take place at the school’s Mikocheni campus and will be led by renowned American coach Austin Pillado. Pillado, currently the associate head coach of the women’s swimming team at Washington State University, was part of the technical bench that guided a title winning team at the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships in 2024 during his time at Arizona State University.

His experience working with Olympic champions and world record holders is expected to add value to the growth of swimming in Tanzania, particularly among young athletes. Monti International School founder and director Fatma Fernandes said the initiative is aimed at raising the standard of local swimmers to match global levels.

She said bringing in elite coaches offers young athletes access to professional training methods and performance analysis similar to those used by top international competitors. The camp will introduce advanced training tools, including underwater camera technology that provides real time feedback to help swimmers refine their techniques.

Participants will also attend sessions on race strategy, nutrition and the modern “Fifth Stroke” concept, which focuses on improving efficiency and overall performance in competitive swimming. Organisers said the programme is modelled on training systems used by universities competing under the NCAA, with emphasis on mastering the four main swimming strokes while improving endurance and speed.

The school noted that its investment in sports infrastructure, including a 25 metre Olympic standard swimming pool, is intended to support both students and the wider community. The camp is expected to attract participants from across East Africa, with limited slots available to allow close monitoring and personalised development.

The initiative is seen as a step forward in efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s presence in international swimming while supporting the broader goal of nurturing talent and enhancing competitiveness in sports. .

I know what it feels like to wonder how you are going to pay the bills while also trying to appear positive, focused, and approachable during job interviews. Losing a job is often discussed as an economic event, but in reality, it’s also a psychological one.

According to the International Labour Organisation, global unemployment affected more than 191 million people in 2023, with professional and white-collar layoffs rising sharply due to restructuring, automation, and cost rationalisation across sectors. Yet data alone fails to capture the lived experience of unemployment: the sudden disruption of routine, income, professional identity, and perceived momentum.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found that job loss has effects on mental health comparable to major life stressors, including bereavement. The challenge, then, is not only how to find the next role, but how to navigate the transition without internalising the loss.

Here are a few mental reframes that may help: 1. Separate your identity from employment status.

While work provides structure, social validation, and a sense of contribution, when employment ends abruptly (by no fault of your own), the mind often fills the gap with self-blame, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. Psychologists refer to this as a fundamental attribution error.

Reframing unemployment as a career transition rather than a personal verdict is not “woo-woo, toxic positivity” thinking; it’s cognitive accuracy. Recognising this distinction helps decision-making quality during the search process.

2. Stabilise before you search.

The few days matter more than the first few interviews. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that emotional suppression following job loss prolongs stress recovery and increases the likelihood of burnout during re-employment efforts.

This results in poorly matched roles, lower negotiation confidence, and visible desperation in interviews. 3.

Secure documentation as soon as possible. Request a formal layoff letter and, where possible, a brief reference.

These documents function as professional signalers, clarifying that your departure was structural rather than performance-related. Hiring managers consistently cite clarity around exits as a trust factor in candidate evaluation.

4. Assess your financial expenses to reduce cognitive load.

Behavioural economists note that financial uncertainty narrows cognitive bandwidth, leading to short-term, suboptimal decisions. In other words, not having a clear understanding of savings, fixed expenses, and discretionary spending can impair your decision-making.

Yet having all of your financial expenses in mind can restore a sense of agency. 5.

Process the emotional impact intentionally. Don’t ignore how you feel; allow for time and space to acknowledge the loss.

This may involve journaling, structured reflection, or conversations with trusted peers. The goal is not indulgence and having a never-ending pity party, but to come to an emotional place of acceptance and understanding.

Unprocessed frustration often resurfaces later, particularly in interviews. 6.

Reconnect strategically. Studies from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph show that strong ties to close friends and former colleagues account for a significant proportion of successful job transitions.

Updating visibility settings, such as “Open to Work,” can materially increase recruiter outreach. 7.

Apply the 70 percent rule to your application requirements. Research consistently shows that candidates, particularly women and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, self-select out of roles unless they meet nearly all listed requirements.

In practice, meeting around 70 percent of the criteria places candidates well within the competitive range, especially during periods of market churn. Unemployment has a way of shrinking time horizons; everything can feel urgent, personal, and precarious.

Yet careers are long, nonlinear systems. Most professionals will experience disruption more than once.

You are not alone. The season, as difficult as it is, does not erase your competence, contribution, or trajectory.

It is a pause imposed by circumstance, not a definition of your worth. The uncertainty may feel uncomfortable, but it is temporary.

Keep job hunting, keep believing in better for yourself. I’m rooting for you! .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is accelerating its shift towards natural gas as a central pillar of its energy and economic strategy, aiming to shield the economy from volatile global fuel prices while reducing costs for businesses and households.

In an interview with The Citizen, the Permanent Secretary for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr Felchesmi Mramba, said the government is expanding the use of domestic natural gas beyond power generation into transport and industry as part of a broader structural energy transition. “The government is promoting the adoption of gas-powered vehicles through incentives, including support for conversion technologies and development of refuelling infrastructure,” he said.

The strategy comes amid persistent fluctuations in global oil markets, which continue to expose import-dependent economies to price shocks and foreign exchange pressures. In Dar es Salaam, petrol currently retails at about Sh3,820 per litre and diesel at Sh3,806 following the latest monthly price cap adjustment.

Against this backdrop, Tanzania is positioning its domestic gas reserves as a stabilising buffer for its energy system. Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi, in his 2026/27 budget speech, said the country had produced more than 41 billion cubic feet of natural gas by March 2026. He said ongoing infrastructure expansion is aimed at ensuring reliable and affordable energy for national development.

He added that more than 20,000 vehicles–including cars, buses, trucks and three-wheelers–have already been converted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). To support the transition, the government has rolled out at least 18 operational CNG refuelling stations, with eight more under construction.

Plans are also underway to introduce mobile refuelling units to improve access beyond major urban centres. Private sector participation is also growing, with several firms licensed to operate across the gas value chain, including distribution, infrastructure development and vehicle conversion services.

According to the minister, the cost of installing gas systems in small vehicles has fallen to between Sh1.5 million and Sh1.8 million, down from as high as Sh2.5 million previously, making conversions more accessible to individual motorists and fleet operators. Parliament has also approved Sh2.5 trillion for the energy sector in the 2026/27 financial year, covering electricity expansion, gas development and infrastructure upgrades.

Uneven pricing in conversion market Despite rising uptake, industry players say the CNG conversion market remains fragmented, with no uniform pricing structure. TAQA Arabia CNG engineer Satary Killimbah said costs vary significantly depending on service providers and installation standards.

“Prices have not really come down uniformly,” he said. “Established companies may offer some level of subsidy, but informal garages often charge differently and sometimes even higher depending on circumstances.

” He noted that global fuel price volatility has also pushed up the cost of key components such as cylinders and conversion kits. “Rising fuel prices have increased the cost of spare parts used in conversions,” he said.

“So while service charges may appear stable in some cases, equipment costs have gone up.” Mr Killimbah said this trend has contributed to rising demand for CNG conversions, particularly among commercial drivers and urban motorists seeking cheaper alternatives to petrol and diesel.

He added that demand is now straining supply chains for cylinders and related equipment, with increased local uptake driving shortages in some cases. Full conversion costs, he said, vary depending on vehicle type and specifications but average around Sh1.6 million in structured service centres.

However, he stressed that the market remains largely unregulated, with prices fluctuating between providers. The growing gap between petrol prices and gas is accelerating the shift towards CNG.

Officials from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), through its Gas Company Limited, which operates the Sam Nujoma Road CNG station, said rising fuel costs are driving consumer behaviour. Gasco senior mechanical engineer Flora Benedicto said there has been a noticeable increase in new users converting vehicles after recent fuel price hikes.

“We are seeing a significant rise in new customers who converted after fuel prices went up,” she said. She noted that CNG, currently retailing at about Sh1,550 per kilogramme, is significantly cheaper than petrol and diesel, which are both around Sh3,800 per litre.

At one station alone, daily usage rose from 492 vehicles, 1,200 tricycles and 37 buses on April 1 to more than 700 vehicles and over 55 buses by April 23. She said this reflects only one station, suggesting national uptake is higher as infrastructure expands. Growing investor interest The rising demand is also attracting investment interest.

BQ Contractors Limited CEO, Mr John Bura, said inquiries into CNG station development have increased significantly. “We are receiving many enquiries from investors interested in CNG infrastructure,” he said.

He added that uncertainty in global fuel markets strengthens the case for long-term investment in gas as a more stable domestic energy source. “Even if fuel prices fall, they are unlikely to drop significantly.

That makes CNG a long-term solution rather than a temporary alternative,” he said. He noted that Tanzania’s large gas reserves provide a strong foundation for expansion, though challenges remain, particularly high conversion costs and limited financing access.

He also pointed to regional trends, citing Rwanda’s push towards alternative energy policies as an example of long-term planning in the transport sector. .

By Angel Navuri In many newsrooms today, the biggest threat to media freedom is not a knock on the door from authorities it is the quiet pressure of the balance sheet. Across Tanzania and much of Africa, media organisations are navigating a difficult reality: the need to remain financially viable while upholding the core principles of independent journalism.

The question is no longer theoretical. It is immediate and practical can media freedom and business survival truly coexist? At first glance, the tension is obvious.

Journalism, at its best, serves the public interest. It questions power, investigates wrongdoing, and amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Business, on the other hand, is driven by revenue, growth, and sustainability. When these two imperatives meet within the same institution, conflicts are inevitable.

One of the most visible pressures comes from advertisers. In many markets, a significant portion of media revenue is concentrated among a small number of large corporate clients.

This creates a structural vulnerability. When a newsroom depends heavily on a handful of advertisers, the risk of influence direct or indirect becomes real.

Stories may be softened, delayed, or avoided altogether, not because of explicit instructions, but because of an internal calculation: “Will this cost us business?” This is where self-censorship begins. It rarely arrives as a policy.

It evolves quietly, through habit and survival instinct. Editors and journalists start to anticipate consequences before they happen.

Over time, this can reshape editorial priorities, subtly shifting focus away from hard-hitting accountability journalism toward safer, less controversial content. Yet blaming advertisers alone oversimplifies the issue.

The deeper challenge lies in the economic model of media itself. Traditional revenue streams print sales and conventional advertising have been under pressure for years.

Meanwhile, digital platforms have captured a growing share of advertising spend, often without investing in content creation. Media houses are left producing the content that fuels public discourse, while competing for shrinking revenues.

In this environment, survival strategies are inevitable. Many organisations are diversifying into events, partnerships, branded content, and digital products.

These are not inherently problematic. In fact, they are necessary.

The danger arises when the lines between editorial independence and commercial interests become blurred. So, can media freedom and business survival coexist? The answer is yes but not by default.

It requires deliberate structure, discipline, and leadership. First, there must be a clear separation between editorial and commercial functions.

This does not mean the two operate in isolation. It means there are defined boundaries and mutual respect.

Commercial teams drive revenue; editorial teams protect credibility. When those roles are confused, both sides lose.

Second, diversification of revenue is critical. The more dependent a media house is on a narrow set of income sources, the more vulnerable it becomes to influence.

Expanding into events, subscriptions, memberships, and strategic partnerships can reduce this risk. A broader revenue base creates more room for editorial independence.

Third, leadership must set the tone. Media freedom is not protected by policy alone; it is protected by decisions made daily what stories to pursue, what risks to take, what pressures to resist.

When leadership consistently prioritises credibility over short-term gain, it sends a clear signal throughout the organisation. Fourth, audiences themselves play a role.

Trust is a form of currency. When audiences believe in a media brand, they are more likely to engage, subscribe, attend events, and support it in other ways.

Building that trust requires consistency, transparency, and a willingness to hold all actors accountable not just those who are convenient to challenge. It is also important to recognise that absolute independence is an ideal, not always a reality.

Every media organisation operates within a broader economic and political context. The goal, therefore, is not perfection, but resilience the ability to maintain integrity even under pressure.

In Tanzania, the media houses that will succeed are those that treat credibility as a business asset, not a liability. In the long run, trust attracts audiences, and audiences attract revenue.

Compromising editorial independence for short-term financial gain may solve immediate problems, but it weakens the very foundation on which sustainable growth is built. Media freedom and business survival can coexist but only when they are seen as interdependent, not opposing forces.

Freedom without sustainability is fragile. Sustainability without freedom is empty.

The future of media depends on finding a way to protect both. .

Dodoma. The Medical Stores Department (MSD) has initiated reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening the supply of health commodities.

The changes focus on increased use of renewable energy, expansion of local production and improved distribution systems. MSD Director General Mavere Tukai said the institution has introduced a “Green Project” to expand the use of solar energy in its operations.

“We are investing in solar power to reduce operating costs and improve reliability. Installations have started in Mtwara, Dodoma and Chato and expansion is ongoing,” he said.

The project, estimated at Sh38.1 billion, has received Sh9.5 billion from the Global Fund for its initial phase. It targets facilities that require stable power, particularly for storing medicines and supplies under cold chain conditions.

Mr Tukai said reliance on grid electricity has posed challenges, including outages and high costs, which can affect storage conditions. Solar energy is expected to provide a more stable alternative.

MSD is also expanding the use of digital systems in procurement, storage and distribution. According to Mr Tukai, ICT systems are now used in about 95 percent of operations, helping improve coordination and reduce delays.

“We are strengthening systems to track supplies from procurement to delivery to health facilities,” he said. In manufacturing, MSD–through its subsidiary Medipharm–is investing in local production to reduce reliance on imports.

By December 2025, a factory in Keko, Dar es Salaam, had produced more than 9.8 million face masks.

A glove manufacturing plant in Idofi, Njombe, which started operations in 2024, has also begun supplying products. MSD is also working with partners to establish pharmaceutical production facilities in Kibaha and revive an antiretroviral (ARV) plant in Arusha.

The aim is to increase domestic availability of essential medicines. At the regional level, Mr Tukai said Tanzania is participating in efforts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to improve coordination in the health sector, although differences in systems among member states remain a challenge.

He noted that global supply pressures have affected the availability and cost of some health commodities. For example, prices of family planning products such as condoms may rise due to production and transport constraints.

MSD has also identified operational challenges, including ageing vehicles used for distribution, which increase maintenance costs and affect efficiency. Data management and demand forecasting remain areas of concern.

Mr Tukai said some medicines expire due to mismatches between supply and demand, although such cases account for less than one percent of stock. To address these issues, MSD has introduced internal reforms, including a contract management unit to strengthen procurement processes.

It is also working with biomedical engineers to ensure medical equipment in health facilities is properly maintained. MSD officials said medicine wastage has been reduced to below one percent, compared to the World Health Organisation’s acceptable threshold of five percent.

The agency said it will continue improving supply systems and working with health facilities to ensure medicines and medical supplies are available where needed. .

Dar es Salaam. The iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has been officially closed for six months to pave the way for major renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Tanzania will co-host starting in June.

The decision marks a significant step in the country’s preparations for the continental showpiece, as authorities aim to ensure the facility meets the required international standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The stadium, which has hosted some of the country’s biggest football matches, is expected to undergo extensive upgrades, with particular focus on the playing surface and VVIP areas.

Stadium Manager Gabriel Maswele confirmed the development, noting that the renovation works are already underway and will be carried out in phases to guarantee quality and durability. Maswele said that the pitch is the top priority, with experts tasked to completely overhaul the turf to meet modern football standards.

He explained that the current surface has experienced wear and tear due to heavy usage over the years, making it necessary to install a new, high-quality playing surface that can withstand frequent matches during Afcon and beyond. “The pitch is a critical component, especially for a tournament of this magnitude.

We are working with specialists to ensure that the new surface meets CAF and FIFA requirements,” said Maswele. In addition to the pitch, significant improvements will be made to the VVIP section to enhance comfort, security, and overall experience for high-profile guests, including government officials, CAF executives, and international visitors expected during the tournament.

Maswele added that the renovation will also include minor upgrades to other key areas such as dressing rooms, media facilities, and spectator amenities to align the stadium with global standards. The closure means that domestic league matches and other events that are usually hosted at the stadium will be temporarily relocated to alternative venues across the country.

Football stakeholders, including clubs and fans, have been urged to remain patient as the improvements are aimed at elevating Tanzania’s football infrastructure. Tanzania, alongside Kenya and Uganda, will co-host the 2027 Afcon in what is expected to be a historic moment for East African football.

The refurbishment of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is seen as a crucial investment that will not only benefit the tournament but also leave a lasting legacy for the country’s sports sector. Maswele expressed confidence that the project will be completed within the scheduled timeframe, assuring the public that the stadium will be ready to host high-profile matches once the renovation is complete.

“We understand the importance of this facility to the nation, and we are committed to delivering a world-class venue that Tanzanians will be proud of,” he said. The renovation underscores Tanzania’s determination to successfully host Afcon 2027 and showcase its capability on the continental stage.

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Dar es Salaam. The submission of the Presidential Commission report on post-election violence following the October 29, 2025 General Election is increasingly being viewed as a potential turning point in Tanzania’s political trajectory, with growing emphasis on reconciliation, accountability and institutional reform as key foundations for future stability.

The report was presented to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House in Dar es Salaam on April 23 after more than 150 days of work. It was prepared by a commission chaired by Retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman and examines the causes, triggers and consequences of the unrest that left 518 people dead and hundreds injured.

It also sets out recommendations aimed at preventing a recurrence and strengthening governance systems. Presidential Adviser on Diplomatic Affairs Lazaro Nyalandu said the government’s response during the unrest should be understood in the context of restoring order and protecting lives.

He said that the report provides clarity on the nature of the events and the importance of national unity moving forward. At the centre of the commission’s recommendations is the proposal to establish a reconciliation mechanism under the President’s authority, widely interpreted as an attempt to institutionalise the 4R framework–Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding–as a guiding approach to national healing.

Political analyst Baraka Mfinanga said the report offers an opportunity for Tanzania to re-examine its political and governance arrangements. He noted that meaningful reforms, particularly in the electoral system and political dialogue, are necessary to rebuild trust and prevent future instability.

Disaster and risk analyst Neema Kasesela said reconciliation must go hand in hand with rebuilding trust in public institutions. She stressed that youth inclusion is particularly important, given the central role young people played in the events surrounding the election period.

The commission identified both structural and immediate causes of the unrest, including long-standing grievances over constitutional and electoral reforms, governance concerns and issues of political inclusion. It also concluded that the demonstrations were organised and coordinated rather than spontaneous, with some participants reportedly recruited and financed.

Despite these findings, the report has drawn mixed reactions from political actors. Opposition parties, including ACT Wazalendo, have called for a fully independent and transparent investigation, arguing that national healing requires broader consensus and credibility in the process.

Chadema Vice Chairman (Mainland) John Heche questioned the independence of the commission, arguing that its composition limited its ability to provide an impartial account of events. In contrast, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Vice Chairman Stephen Wasira defended the report, saying it demonstrates Tanzania’s capacity to address its internal challenges without external validation.

Religious leaders have urged calm and responsibility in implementing the recommendations. Chairman of the National Interfaith Committee on Peace, Justice and Ethics Bishop William Mwamalanga said accountability is essential for restoring public confidence, while also warning against actions that could reignite tensions.

Legal expert Alloyce Komba said the process of truth-telling is essential for reconciliation, drawing comparisons with transitional justice experiences in other countries. University of Dodoma lecturer Conrad Masabo said the effectiveness of the report will depend on how expectations from different groups are managed.

He warned that focusing only on immediate triggers, without addressing deeper structural causes such as delayed reforms, could limit its impact. He also suggested that proposed institutions, such as a council of elders, should include stronger youth representation given the country’s demographic structure.

Prof Benson Bana emphasised that peace, justice and freedom must be pursued together, arguing that none of the three can be sustained in isolation. Chairman of the National Council of Elders David Sendo urged leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements during the implementation phase, saying responsible communication will be key to safeguarding national stability.

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Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) striker Clement Mzize is among three standout Tanzanian athletes shortlisted for the prestigious National Sports Council (NSC) Best Sports Personality of the Year 2025 award, setting up a compelling contest against celebrated long-distance runner Alphonce Simbu and professional boxer Salmin Khamis.

The much-anticipated awards ceremony is scheduled for May 9 at the Super Dome, Masaki, in Dar es Salaam, where the country’s top sporting talents will be recognised for their achievements over the past year. Mzize earns his nomination after an impressive season with Young Africans S.

C., where his attacking prowess and consistency in front of goal have made him one of the most exciting young footballers in the country.

His inclusion in the top category highlights football’s continued influence in Tanzania’s sporting landscape. However, he faces stiff competition from Simbu, one of Tanzania’s most accomplished athletes on the global stage, known for his strong performances in international marathons, and Khamis, who has been making waves in professional boxing with notable victories that have elevated Tanzania’s profile in the sport.

The Best Sports Personality (Female) category is equally competitive, featuring Stumai Abdallah (football), Magdalena Shauri (athletics), and Merciana Kizenge (basketball), all of whom have excelled in their respective disciplines. In the team categories, the Best National Team (Men) award will be contested by Tanzania national football team, the U-19 cricket team, and the Tanzania Amateur Boxing team.

On the women’s side, Tanzania women’s national football team, the national basketball team, and the wheelchair tennis team are nominated. Individual excellence will also be recognised in officiating, where the Best Referee (Male) category includes Ahmed Arajiga (football), Shaaban Mahobonya (basketball), and Jeremia Keema (swimming).

For women, Tatu Malogo (football) and Dariso Mwidadi (basketball) are in contention. Coaching honours feature top tacticians across disciplines.

In the women’s category, Esther Chabruma (football) and Mariamu Kiwelo (basketball) are nominated, while the men’s shortlist includes Mohamed Mbwana (basketball), Anthony Mwingereza (athletics), and Samwel Kapungu (amateur boxing). The future of Tanzanian sport is also highlighted through youth categories.

The Best Youth Player (Boys) award will be contested by Luqman Mbalasalu (football), Raphael Michael (basketball), and Raymond Francis (cricket). In the girls’ category, Esther Maseke (football), Rose Katamboy (basketball), and Jenifer Kimaro (cricket) are nominated.

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By Wanjira Mathai Eight decades have passed since the world last had to rebuild itself from total ruin. It is easy, across that span of time, to forget what made the rebuilding necessary.

The United Nations came into being in 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, with one central mission and that was to maintain international peace and security. The Charter it was founded upon was an important document that became one of the pillars of the international system in which we live today, a framework born directly from the catastrophic failure of nations to talk, cooperate, and restrain themselves before two global wars consumed tens of millions of lives.

Idealistic experiment Multilateralism was actually not an idealistic experiment but rather our human family’s best and painful effort to counter what happens when nations act alone. Multilateralism is the alliance of multiple countries toward a common goal and this means that even the smallest powers have voice in global matters.

From that founding principle grew not just the United Nations, but the entire architecture of modern international cooperation which includes the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, UN climate change (UNFCCC) and many other frameworks through which nations have chosen negotiation over confrontation. From 51 founding member states in 1945, that community of nations has grown to 193 today.

We must celebrate this as a testament to how deeply the world has embraced the idea that shared problems demand shared solutions. Yet as we marked International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

The day came at a time when multilateralism and peace are under great strain. It seemed less of a celebration and more like an urgent reminder of the scary space we are entering.

The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace highlights a fundamental truth and that is that no country can solve today’s challenges alone. Dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral solutions provide the surest path to a peaceful and just world.

The system built in the aftermath of World War II was designed precisely for moments like this. To abandon it now through isolationism, unilateralism, or simple indifference would be a dangerous mistake.

It is in precisely such moments of fracture that multilateralism and peaceful coexistence become both aspirational and existential. Across Africa, rising energy prices are assaulting everyday life, and if left unaddressed through coordinated international action, the pressure they create will be massively disruptive and could translate into social and political unrest that no single government can contain alone.

At its core, multilateralism is built on the understanding that the world’s challenges are shared, and that we are bound to each other in ways that no wall or tariff can dissolve. This January, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gave voice to what many had long feared to say plainly.

He spoke of a rupture in the world order, the end of a pleasant fiction, and the beginning of a harsh reality where the actions of great powers are submitted to no limits, no constraints. His warning was strong.

“The old order is not coming back.” It was a candid acknowledgment of the unfortunate dynamic that the strong do as they will, and the weak endure what they must.

And yet, against that bleak backdrop, something quietly hopeful unfolded at United Nations headquarters in New York this week. Four candidates vying to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stepped before the General Assembly in a series of interactive dialogues, outlining their vision for the United Nations and answering questions from Member States and civil society representatives.

They were Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Macky Sall (Senegal) and Michelle Bachelet (Chile). As General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock reminded the room, the next Secretary-General will not only shape the future of the institution but, in their role as the strongest defender of the UN Charter, also that of the international rules-based order itself.

That candidates still present themselves for the SG office is itself an act of faith in multilateralism. It is the system refusing to surrender and that we must celebrate.

In light of dwindling Overseas Development Aid (ODA), what African countries must do is form a united front. Not tomorrow, but now.

Because for too long, the continent has arrived at the international stage divided, negotiating as fifty-four separate voices when we could speak as one. A single stick is easily broken.

A bundle is not. Ancient wisdom That ancient wisdom has never been more urgently needed than at this moment.

This also means empowering the African Union as a genuine instrument of collective will. Together, Africa holds the keys to the world’s sustainable tomorrow.

The multilateral system will not disappear and we should not wish it away. Humanity will always need mechanisms to collaborate, to resolve disputes, to pursue common goals.

But the multilateralism that emerges from this period of rupture must be one rebuilt on fairness and equality, where every nation arrives at the negotiating table with equal standing and equal voice. Wanjira Mathai is MD for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute and Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s growing demand for fertility treatment is driving investment in advanced reproductive healthcare, as specialists say improved local capacity could reduce the need for patients to seek expensive treatment abroad.

Local infertility consultant and the director of NuLife Advanced Fertility Centre Dr Madhav Hirani said advancements in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), genetic screening and minimally invasive surgery are making treatment more accessible for couples facing infertility challenges. Speaking in Dar es Salaam over the weekend the expert said Tanzania has made significant progress in building local expertise and infrastructure in artificial reproductive technology (ART), supported by government efforts to improve the sector.

“The government has been extremely supportive, not only to us but to the entire field of artificial reproductive technology,” Dr Hirani said. He said one of the landmark developments came in 2023 when the government engaged both private and public fertility centres to help develop a national framework for ART services.

According to him, NuLife helped facilitate a six-to-seven-day technical workshop in Dar es Salaam that brought together 27 government representatives from across the country to draft working guidelines for fertility treatment services. Dr Hirani said the government is also working to address one of the major barriers to fertility care the high cost and limited access to IVF drugs.

“IVF drugs are comparatively much more expensive than many other pharmaceutical products. The government is trying to ease supply pressures so that the cost of treatment can come down,” he said.

Speaking at the event, renowned Indian fertility expert Dr Nayana Patel, who has more than 40 years of experience in infertility treatment and regenerative medicine, said advances in reproductive science have dramatically improved treatment outcomes. “What was basic IVF four decades ago is now a totally different ball game,” Dr Patel said.

She said modern fertility medicine now includes advanced diagnostic and treatment options such as genetic screening, blastocyst biopsy and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which help identify viable embryos and reduce the risk of repeated miscarriages. “There are couples who experience repeated miscarriages.

Today we can investigate the cause, whether it is genetic, immunological or linked to the quality of the egg or sperm, and provide targeted treatment,” she said. “Fibroids and endometriosis are a huge problem in Tanzania and many African countries,” she said.

She noted that changing social trends, including delayed marriages and couples postponing childbirth until they are financially stable, are further affecting fertility outcomes. “Many couples wait for years before trying to conceive, and by then egg and sperm quality may have declined due to age, environmental toxins, stress and unhealthy lifestyles,” she said.

According to her, one of the biggest opportunities for Tanzania lies in bringing world-class fertility care closer to patients, sparing them the financial and emotional burden of travelling overseas. “When treatment is available at their doorstep, couples are more encouraged to seek help.

They no longer need to incur travel costs, lose work hours or go through the stress of travelling abroad,” she said. She said the model of transferring technology and medical expertise to local teams is helping expand access across underserved markets.

“We may not be able to reach every couple from India or the US, but by exporting the technology and training local teams, patients can benefit while staying at home,” she said. .