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Dar es Salaam. CCM presidential candidate and incumbent Head of State, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to building an inclusive and united Tanzania, calling on young people to safeguard peace and stability as the nation approaches the polls.

Speaking yesterday during a campaign rally held at Tanesco grounds in Buza, Temeke, President Hassan emphasised that her government’s development vision is anchored on human dignity, equal opportunities, and unity across all social and economic spheres. “Our founding fathers, including the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, reminded us that for a nation to develop, it must have people, land, sound politics, and good leadership,” she told supporters who had gathered in the sweltering Dar es Salaam afternoon heat.

“We have sung these words for years in CCM, and we continue to live by them. In our current and forthcoming manifestos, we are focusing on the people — empowering them, developing them, and upholding the dignity of every Tanzanian.

” Economic inclusivity and empowerment Turning to the economy, President Samia highlighted her government’s strides in strengthening both large-scale and small-scale economic activities, saying that her administration had worked hard to create a business environment that accommodates all. “In the area of the economy, we have done a good job,” she said.

“We have built an economy that supports big investors while also providing opportunities and spaces for small traders. Our goal is to make sure that every Tanzanian has a chance to participate meaningfully in the nation’s economic growth.

” On matters of justice, she said her government had invested in strengthening the judiciary to ensure timely and fair access to justice. “We have enhanced the independence of the judiciary, and today justice is available and delivered on time,” she added.

She further underscored the importance of freedom of expression — within the bounds of Tanzanian values and traditions — saying, “Freedom of speech, as enshrined in our Constitution, must coexist with our cultural norms and the respect for human dignity that defines us as Tanzanians.” Land and good governance Addressing land management, President Samia admitted that Tanzania had long struggled with planning and fair distribution, but said her party had drawn up concrete strategies to ensure that land was used productively.

“We have vast land resources,” she noted. “In the past, there were gaps in planning and fairness in land allocation.

But CCM is now well-prepared to utilise this land productively — for agriculture, investment, and other development projects that directly benefit our people.” The President also touched on the concept of clean politics, saying that it was central to peace, inclusivity, and accountability in governance.

“Clean politics ensures that people participate in decision-making through committees and commissions. When challenges arise, we talk to each other, we listen, and we resolve issues together,” she said.

“This is what Mwalimu Nyerere taught us — and our governments have continued to uphold these principles at various areas.” Joining her at the rally, Dr Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, praised President Hassan for spearheading initiatives that have opened international employment opportunities for Tanzanian youth.

“One of the key achievements of President Samia’s leadership has been opening up our nation,” Dr Kombo said. “We have now signed agreements that will allow 50,000 young Tanzanians aged between 20 and 35 to work abroad.

These opportunities come as part of our efforts to expand employment beyond our borders.” He added that another 20,000 jobs were in the pipeline as new agreements with other countries were being finalised.

“Our youth should be ready to seize these opportunities. This is a reflection of the President’s commitment to empowering young people both at home and abroad,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Chairperson of the rulling party’s women’s wing, Mary Chatanda, said the women’s wing had already reached 15.7 million out of a targeted 16.7 million women across the country in their campaign to mobilise votes for President Hassan. “Women of Tanzania are ready to ensure you win decisively,” Chatanda told the rally.

“Since your nomination as our party’s presidential candidate, we have been mobilising tirelessly. You have worked hard for four years, and we are proud of you.

Whatever others may say, your record speaks for itself — and we, the women, will honour that with our votes.” As the rally concluded, Samia urged Tanzanians especially the youth — to cherish unity and peace above all else.

“Let us protect our peace. Let us not be misled into destroying what we have built together.

A united and inclusive Tanzania is our shared future,” she said to resounding applause. .

Once upon a regime, yes, in those days there was this Tajiri. You know the type polished suits, a calm smile, and a way of making even his scandals sound sophisticated.

He had “legitimate businesses” (at least that’s what the papers said) and a very long list of people on his payroll. Now, some of these people actually worked for him.

Others not so much. The “not directly” ones were in offices, committees, and boards basically the places where decisions are made, rules are bent, and signatures can change your destiny.

The Tajiri paid them to stay quiet, to look away, and to make problems disappear faster than a soda in Dar heat. When I first heard the story, I laughed.

Because honestly isn’t this bribery? Isn’t this corruption? But no one called it that. They said, “Ah, huyo jamaa ni mjanja.

Ana connection.” And just like that, a crime became a skill set.

And that’s exactly where we are as a society, we’ve turned corruption into a soft skill. It’s no longer something shameful; it’s a survival hack.

People talk about bribery the same way they discuss football scores: casually, loudly, even proudly. Someone gets their passport in two days? “Bwana, I just knew who to talk to.

” Someone skips a traffic fine? “I sorted the officer kidogo.” Someone’s child gets top marks mysteriously? “Ni Mungu tu!” (Sure, let’s call it divine intervention.

) We laugh, we clap, we move on as if these small acts don’t build the big rot we keep pretending to hate. The same people who post online about corrupt leaders are the ones handing kitu kidogo at the police checkpoint.

We have double standards so high they could use their own ZIP code. And here’s the funniest part, we don’t even hide it anymore.

Corruption has gone public. It’s discussed in weddings, whispered in churches, and joked about in offices.

We’ve created an entire vocabulary for it”chai”, “shukrani”, “mambo ya ndani” We have normalised it to the point that refusing to give a bribe now looks suspicious. Try doing things the right way, and people will look at you like you’re the problem.

“Unataka kuhustle eeh?” they’ll ask, half annoyed, half amused. We’ve reached a level where integrity is seen as stubbornness, and cheating the system is celebrated as “knowing your way around life”.

But corruption is not some government thing “up there”. It’s us.

The daily shortcuts, the small favours, the casual justifications. We’ve all played our part in building this monster, brick by brick, bribe by bribe.

We say “everyone does it” like it’s a national motto. But the truth is, corruption is a slow poison it doesn’t kill immediately, it just numbs the conscience until wrong starts feeling right.

So yes, maybe the Tajiri in that story was wrong. But so are we, every time we stay silent, every time we look away, and every time we call corruption by a cute name just to feel better about it.

The moment we stop being shocked by corruption is the moment it wins. And maybe that’s already happened because these days, no one even whispers about it anymore.

It’s said and done openly, like it’s part of the weather forecast. But here’s the thing just because we’ve learnt to live with rot doesn’t mean we should stop cleaning.

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Arusha. Cross-border traders in the East African Community (EAC) are raising fresh concerns over delays and high costs linked to trade permits and certificates — a new bottleneck that is hampering the flow of goods and threatening livelihoods across the region.

At the Namanga border, traders say the growing bureaucracy, coupled with multiple customs checks and frequent cargo inspections, has made cross-border trade increasingly cumbersome. Perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables are reportedly bearing the brunt of the delays, leading to substantial revenue losses.

The grievances surfaced during a two-day publicprivate dialogue on non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that brought together more than 70 stakeholders, including border traders, customs agents and business support organisations. Chairperson of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), Mr Alex Kabuga, said that obtaining trade permits and certificates of origin remains time-consuming, costly and inconsistent across EAC member states.

“These challenges discourage small-scale traders and undermine the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), which was meant to make cross-border trade easier,” he said. Traders further decried the proliferation of roadblocks near border points, which they say slow down the movement of goods.

“On the Kenyan side of Namanga, there are more than eight roadblocks just a few kilometres apart. On the Tanzanian side, there are at least five, many without basic facilities such as toilets or inspection sheds,” said Ms Naseriani Mosses, a produce trader.

“These repeated and unnecessary checks often cause spoilage of perishable goods.” The meeting also heard that some customs officers do not consistently apply the Simplified Certificate of Origin (SCO), while others lack awareness of its purpose — leading small-scale traders to pay unnecessary taxes and fees.

Ms Magreth Christopha, one of the participants from Tanzania, said differences in implementation among EAC partner states continue to undermine the SCO’s benefits. “High permit costs and procedural delays waste time and reduce traders’ incomes,” she said.

The dialogue was organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). It sought to identify the challenges faced by small-scale traders and propose practical solutions to enhance trade efficiency.

EABC Acting Executive Director, Mr Adrian Njau, urged EAC governments to streamline the issuance of trade permits and certificates, reduce fees and align procedures with the Simplified Trade Regime. He cited findings from an EABC study on maize and horticultural trade, which showed that inspection and phytosanitary certificate fees — averaging about $100 per consignment — disproportionately affect small-scale traders, forcing some to use unofficial routes.

“Women and youth traders are the most affected. This dialogue was organised to capture their voices and submit recommendations to EAC leaders for action,” Mr Njau said.

He called for harmonised systems across member states and better training for traders and customs officials to reduce bureaucracy. “Simplifying permits and cutting costs will encourage freer trade, enhance competitiveness and promote regional growth,” he added.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, Mr Amedeus Arbogast Mzee, said the concerns aimed at boosting the EAC economy through the resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), will be presented to the high-level meetings of Heads of State of the member countries. “We are here to identify challenges and propose solutions.

The good thing is that my ministry is responsible for overseeing the implementation of EAC integration agreements. Therefore, I assure you that any barriers raised will be followed up and addressed through resolutions adopted at the highest levels,” he said.

Mr Mzee also urged customs agents and officials from all member states to execute their duties diligently and assist cross-border traders in understanding their rights and responsibilities to prevent conflicts of interest, including being subjected to inspections by unauthorised officers, a practice that can create opportunities for corruption. The dialogue also coincided with the launch of a Trade Information Centre at the Namanga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), aimed at improving access to market information, trade procedures and guidance on the STR.

AGRA Youth Specialist, Ms Barbara Mbabazi, said the EABCTCCIAAGRA partnership seeks to empower women and youth traders by improving their understanding of trade processes and strengthening their participation in agricultural trade. The initiative is part of the “Promoting Intra-EAC Agri-Food Cross-Border Trade by Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to Trade” project, which runs from 2024 to 2026. It aims to increase the participation of women- and youth-led agri-food traders and boost cross-border trade in maize, rice, beans, soybeans and horticultural products along major EAC corridors.

The three-year programme, supported by a $399,900 grant from AGRA and additional funding from the Mastercard Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, targets around 2,440 women and youth traders across the region. “Our focus is on reducing trade costs and delays caused by NTBs, strengthening traders’ knowledge of facilitation tools such as the STR,” Ms Mbabazi said.

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Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared Wednesday, October 29, 2025 a public holiday to allow Tanzanians to take part in the general election.

According to a statement issued on October 24, 2025 by Chief Secretary Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, the decision follows the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) designating that day as the official date for the presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections. “In order to enable eligible citizens, including public servants and private sector employees, to exercise their constitutional right to vote, the President has approved October 29, 2025 as a public holiday,” the statement reads in part.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has meanwhile urged all registered voters to turn out in large numbers on election day and exercise their democratic right to choose leaders who will steer the nation for the next five years. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s largest labour union has praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for a sweeping set of labour reforms that raise wages and restructure pension provisions, describing the measures as transformative for workers’ livelihoods.

The Confederation of Tanzania Trade Unions (TUCTA) commended the government for addressing a long-standing worker agenda that demanded improved pay and enhanced social security protections. Speaking at a press conference in Arusha, TUCTA President Tumaini Nyamhokya confirmed the introduction of a new national minimum wage alongside historic changes to retirement calculations that had been pending for years.

Mr Nyamhokya welcomed a 34.4 per cent increase in the private sector minimum wage, which lifts the floor from Sh275,060 to Sh358,322 per month, with the adjustment to take effect on 1 January 2026. He noted that public servants had received a 35.1 per cent rise in mid-2025. “We commend the Ministry of Labour for its inclusive approach; we participated on the Minimum Wage Board and chaired a specialist committee that provided research-based recommendations to government,” he said. He highlighted significant reforms to pensions and social security, measures intended to reduce retirees’ exposure to economic shocks.

“The minimum monthly pension has been raised by 50 per cent, from Sh100,000 to Sh150,000,” Mr Nyamhokya said, adding that pension payments will be indexed annually by 2 per cent from January 2025 to preserve purchasing power in the face of inflation. He cited a range of complementary interventions that further demonstrate the state’s commitment to worker welfare: the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax rate for minimum wage earners was reduced from 9 to 8 per cent, increasing disposable income for low-paid employees.

The government also removed a 6 per cent levy on Higher Education Loan beneficiaries and extended National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage for members’ children from age 18 to 21. In addition, the administration pledged to fund promotions for hundreds of thousands of public servants over 2024 and 2025, a move Mr Nyamhokya said would improve morale and progression prospects. He concluded with a direct appeal to the nation’s workforce: “To thank is to ask again.

” He urged workers to turn out for the 29 October 2025 General Election and to endorse leaders committed to advancing labour rights. Mr Nyamhokya said the reforms set a new benchmark for labour relations in Tanzania.

TUCTA said it will monitor implementation closely and urged employers, labour inspectors and regulatory bodies to collaborate to ensure effective, timely and transparent enforcement nationwide. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) has seen steady transformation in recent years, expanding its membership base and strengthening its voice as a key player in the country’s tourism and travel sector.

For outgoing Chairperson Mrs Agnes Rwegasira, this growth is not just about numbers–it’s about unity, innovation, and resilience in a fast-evolving global industry. As she prepares to hand over leadership at TASOTA Mrs Rwegasira reflects on her tenure with a sense of pride.

Her most significant achievement, she says, has been the association’s remarkable growth in membership. “When I took the chair, we had about 39 to 40 members.

Today, we have doubled that to over 80,” she says. “For me, that was the biggest thing because the association is its people–the membership is TASOTA’s lifeblood.

” A stronger voice in a changing landscape Established in 1980, TASOTA represents over 120 stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector, including travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and hotels. Under Mrs Rwegasira’s leadership, the association has become more adaptive and visible, engaging with both government and private sector players to address emerging challenges in the industry.

She notes that the association has navigated significant shifts in how travel businesses operate, especially through the global distribution systems (GDS) that connect agents to international airlines, hotels, and booking platforms. “We arranged for extensive training with the GDS providers,” she explains.

“These systems are now easier to use, more efficient, and have helped our members connect globally–within Africa and beyond. That has made our work faster and more transparent.

” TASOTA’s digital transformation, she adds, has been instrumental in modernizing travel operations in Tanzania and equipping members to compete effectively on the global stage. Balancing diverse interests Representing a wide mix of members–airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel agents–requires tact and understanding.

Mrs Rwegasira believes that open communication has been key to keeping the association united. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach,” she says.

“Our stakeholders have different needs, and it was up to us as a committee to communicate with each of them effectively, addressing individual concerns while maintaining a shared vision.” Her tenure, she adds, has been guided by a philosophy of inclusivity–making every member feel heard and supported, whether they operate in Zanzibar, Arusha, or Dar es Salaam.

Policy advocacy and government engagement TASOTA’s advocacy role has also been a defining part of Mrs Rwegasira’s legacy. She highlights a major success in reducing the annual government license fee for travel agents from $2,000 to $500, achieved through consistent lobbying with the Ministry of Tourism.

“It was a huge relief for our members,” she says. “Not everyone could afford the old rate, and this reduction allowed many small agencies to continue operating.

” The association has also engaged with government institutions such as the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) to address regulatory and operational concerns–especially around currency issues. “There was a time when obtaining dollars was a serious challenge,” she recalls.

“Since most of our transactions–air tickets and park fees–are paid in dollars, we opened dialogue with the authorities to ensure smoother operations.” Navigating challenges and building resilience The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most testing periods for Tanzania’s travel industry.

While global travel came to a standstill, Tanzania’s domestic operations remained partially active. “We were lucky because the country never had a full lockdown,” says Mrs Rwegasira.

“Local carriers like Precision Air and others continued operating. We held regular Zoom meetings with our members to address emerging issues and keep everyone connected.

” TASOTA’s ability to adapt through virtual meetings and remote training ensured continuity and helped members stay informed even during uncertain times. Preparing the next generation As she steps down, Mrs Rwegasira urges the incoming TASOTA executive committee to maintain the momentum–by embracing technology, strengthening collaboration, and continuing to expand membership.

“The next leadership must keep innovation at the forefront,” she advises. “Artificial intelligence is coming into the travel space, and we must be ready to embrace it.

Collaboration with other associations in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda will also help us grow stronger together.” A legacy of dedication Having spent over 30 years in the travel industry, including a stint in Europe with Eurocontrol, Mrs Rwegasira brings both global perspective and local experience to her leadership.

She continues to run her family’s travel agency, which has operated in Tanzania for over 25 years. “I’ll miss working with my executive committee and our partners, but I’ll still be around,” she says with a smile.

“My office is always open–TASOTA members can still reach out for advice anytime.” Her enduring passion for the industry is unmistakable.

For her, TASOTA’s journey is far from over–it’s simply entering a new chapter. “We’ve built a stronger, more connected association,” she concludes.

“The task ahead is to keep growing, to innovate, and to ensure that Tanzania’s travel industry continues to thrive in a changing world. .

Dar es Salaam. Fraudulent activities targeting Tanzania’s mobile networks fell by 10 percent in the quarter ending September 2025, according to new data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

The regulator’s latest telecom report shows a total of 12,475 fraudulent attempts were recorded between July and September, compared to 13,837 in the previous quarter ending June. Despite the decline, two regions — Rukwa (4,394 cases) and Morogoro (3,586) — continue to account for nearly two-thirds of all incidents, underscoring persistent regional vulnerabilities in the fight against telecom-related fraud.

Among the mobile operators, Vodacom Tanzania managed to reduce the number the number of fraudulent attempts by six percent while Airtel managed to cut the number of such attempts by 40 percent. Halotel managed to cut attempts by 21 percent.

In contrast, TTCL’s reported cases surged by 34 percent while Yas remained largely unchanged. According to TCRA Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager Rolf Kibaja, the reduction in fraudulent attempts in the last quarter is the result of increased consumer awareness and joint anti-fraud campaigns conducted nationwide.

“There has been increased public and consumer awareness on network security through TCRA’s countrywide campaigns,” he said.Mr Kibaja cited the authority’s flagship campaign, SITAPELIKI, as a major contributor to the decline.

Conducted in partnership with mobile operators, the campaign educates users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities. “Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant online by using secure personal identification numbers (PINS) in mobile money transactions and to protect them.

” Mr Kibaja also stated that, “They have also established responses to mobile provider inquiries made through short code 100 and encouraging consumers to report any fraudulent attempts through short code 15040”. He added that consumers are also encouraged to use 106# in verifying registered SIM Cards and erase the ones they do not recognize.

Despite the overall decline, Rukwa and Morogoro remain the country’s major hotspots, together accounting for 64 percent of all cases. In Rukwa, most incidents were linked to TTCL and Halotel, while Vodacom and Yas dominated cases in Morogoro.

Dar es Salaam followed with 1,063 cases, while other regions such as Mbeya (641), Kilimanjaro (271) and Arusha (226) reported relatively fewer attempts. Telecom expert and techpreneur Jones Mrusha noted that while the decline is encouraging, the tactics used by fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated.

“I can confirm these fraud incidents are widespread and I am personally a victim. The methods are constantly evolving.

It initially began with simple SMS scams, like ‘send money to this number,’ which often tricked people who were already planning a payment,” he said According to Mr Mrusha, fraudsters are increasingly using direct phone calls and WhatsApp hijacking to impersonate trusted contacts and solicit urgent money transfers. “The reporting system is good, but it could be improved by introducing incentives for people who report fraudsters,” he added.

Mr Mrusha emphasised that, “We also need stronger collaboration between the government, TCRA and local cybersecurity experts — especially tech-savvy youngsters. Their specific knowledge is the best weapon we have to effectively fight and stay ahead of these digital attacks on our economy.

” Overall, the decline in fraudulent attempts across most operators between June and September 2025 signals progress in Tanzania’s fight against telecom fraud. The TCRA’s coordinated measures — including the deployment of real-time monitoring systems, stricter SIM card registration protocols and public education campaigns — appear to be paying off.

As the telecom industry continues to expand its digital services, maintaining vigilance and investing in advanced cybersecurity tools will be key to ensuring consumer protection and maintaining trust in Tanzania’s digital economy. .