Aspiring player wins P1-million MPBL halftime challenge

Francis Ablan became an instant millionaire on Monday when he won the SportsPlus 1 Million Clutch Time Challenge at the San Jose Del Monte Sports Complex in Bulacan.

The 22-year-old Ablan, an aspiring player for La Concepcion College in San Jose City, made his undergoal shot right away, sank his second free throw attempt, converted his first triple try, and also needed just one shot from half court to complete the 45-second, four-shot challenge in just 25 seconds.

Ablan, a 5-foot-10 shooting guard in San Jose’s Inter-Barangay league, became the first winner of the event initiated by SportsPlus, the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season major sponsor, during the halftime break of the Abra Solid North-Batangas City Tanduay encounter.

A third-year Hospitality Management student, Ablan said he would use the prize money for repairs in their house in Barangay Gumaoc, San Jose City.

The P1-million prize is the biggest ever for a side event in local basketball annals.

Transforming care in Visayas: Next-generation cancer and heart technologies at Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue

Cancer and heart disease continue to be two of the Philippines’ most pressing health challenges-both marked by rising cases, late diagnoses and growing demand for advanced, accessible treatment options.

In the Visayas and Mindanao regions, the need for specialty care close to home has never been more critical. Responding to this call, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue has taken significant strides forward with the installation of two state-of-the-art systems: the Varian Halcyon with HyperSight Linear Accelerator for cancer care, and the ARTIS Icono system for cardiovascular care-both from Siemens Healthineers.

Strengthening cancer care with Halcyon HyperSight

Late-stage cancer diagnosis remains a widespread concern in the country. Many patients seek medical attention only after symptoms have progressed, a pattern known as the late-stage presentation crisis.

The Philippine Cancer Society’s recently launched Access to Cancer Treatment Operations Manual highlights that 60-70% of breast cancer patients are first seen at advanced stages, reducing survival rates significantly.

About two-thirds of lung cancer patients present with metastatic disease at first consult, leaving few effective treatment options. These realities emphasize the urgent need for earlier detection and locally available advanced treatments.

To help address these gaps, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue has expanded its oncology portfolio through the installation of the Varian Halcyon with HyperSight Linear Accelerator (LINAC)-the hospital’s second LINAC system. This next-generation radiotherapy platform delivers CT-like image quality in seconds, enabling clinicians to visualize fine anatomical details with precision.

Its ultra-fast imaging reduces the time patients spend on the treatment table, enhances comfort, and allows oncologists to adjust treatment to daily anatomical changes-critical for cancers of the lung, liver, breast, and abdomen where organ motion affects accuracy.

‘The acquisition of the Halcyon Focus with HyperSight underscores Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue’s dedication to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home. By combining precision technology, clinical expertise, and patient-centered care, the hospital strengthens its mission to provide hope, healing, and comfort to every individual facing cancer-maximizing each patient’s chance for recovery and elevating the standard of radiotherapy in the region,’ explained Doc Helen Po, president and CEO of Chong Hua Hospital.

With the new Varian Halcyon with HyperSight, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue continues to close geographical care gaps, ensuring that families across Cebu, the Visayas and even Mindanao have access to world-class radiotherapy without the burden of long-distance travel.

Precision heart care through the ARTIS Icono cathlabHeart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the country, and Central Visayas reflects the same trend, with cardiovascular conditions consistently topping regional mortality statistics. In Cebu, clinicians report seeing not only a high volume of cases but also younger patients presenting with heart disease-often driven by lifestyle factors such as diet, inactivity and chronic stress.

To strengthen its cardiovascular services, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue has enhanced its Heart and Vascular Institute with the ARTIS Icono, an advanced cath lab system from Siemens Healthineers engineered to deliver exceptional clarity, speed, and precision in cardiac imaging and interventions.

Featuring AI-powered image processing, high-speed 3D visualization and workflow-optimizing innovations, the ARTIS Icono enables cardiologists to diagnose and treat complex heart conditions with greater accuracy and efficiency. This elevated level of precision not only improves procedural safety but also supports better clinical decision-making-ensuring that patients receive world-class, minimally invasive cardiovascular care closer to home.

With the combined installation of the Halcyon HyperSight and the ARTIS Icono, Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue reinforces its mission to deliver advanced, compassionate, and accessible specialty care. These state-of-the-art technologies strengthen its role as one of the leading healthcare institutions in Visayas and Mindanao-ensuring that more patients receive the precise, timely, and life-saving care they deserve, right where they need it most.

Film project to showcase women’s climate solutions in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. As climate change continues to disrupt livelihoods, women across Tanzania are increasingly taking the lead in adopting resilient strategies to cope with its growing impact on daily life.

From prolonged droughts to destructive floods, women–particularly in communities reliant on agriculture and natural resources–are devising innovative ways to sustain their families amid harsh and unpredictable environmental conditions. Despite their frontline role, experts say women’s voices have often remained underrepresented in climate discourse, prompting fresh efforts to amplify their experiences and locally driven solutions.

In response, My Legacy has launched an initiative that uses creative arts to document and highlight women’s responses to climate change. The project, dubbed Green Frames, will involve women producing short films that capture their lived experiences, the environmental challenges they face and the adaptive strategies they employ within their communities.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Dar es Salaam that brought together development partners, environmental actors, artists, civil society organisations and the media, My Legacy executive director Ms Fortunata Temu said there was a need to create space for women to tell their own stories. “Women are experiencing the effects of climate change in profound ways, but they are also actively responding to them.

It is important that they are given space to share their realities and the solutions they are creating,” she said. A stakeholder, Ms Magdalena George, noted that women and children remain among the most affected by climate change due to their roles within households and communities.

However, she said women continue to demonstrate resilience by adopting climate-smart solutions, particularly in agriculture. Citing Dodoma as an example, she said some women have embraced drip irrigation technologies, enabling them to use limited water resources more efficiently and sustain crop production during drought.

“This shows that communities themselves can be part of the solution. Women, in particular, are leading innovation, and their efforts need recognition and support,” she said.

Meanwhile, programme manager for the Vijana at Work project implemented by CIDEA in collaboration with CT Institute and funded by the European Union, Mr Mandolin Kahindi, underscored the role of creative arts in advancing social change. He said platforms such as film, theatre and community radio enable young people to raise awareness and engage communities on cross-cutting issues, including climate change, gender equality and freedom of expression.

“We believe collaboration is key. That is why we encourage partnerships among young people and between youth and local government authorities to address these challenges and drive development,” he said.

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Government reserves select mining service types for local firms

Dar es Salaam. The government has moved to deepen local participation in the mining sector by reserving 20 categories of goods and services exclusively for companies fully owned by Tanzanians.

The move forms part of a broader strategy to expand value addition and ensure that a greater share of mining benefits remains within the domestic economy. Presenting the 2026/27 his portfolio’s budget in Parliament yesterday the minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, said the measure is intended to ensure that sector growth translates into Tanzanian-owned contracts, sustainable employment, skills development and increased public revenue.

He said strengthening local content requirements is central to the government’s ambition to build a resilient supply chain linked to the country’s mineral wealth. He explained that the Mining Commission will continue publishing an updated list of goods and services that must be supplied strictly by companies owned 100 percent by Tanzanians.

He emphasised that non-Tanzanian firms are not permitted to operate within these reserved areas, in line with existing local content regulations. The categories identified include services and supplies that are fundamental to daily mining operations.

These include transport and haulage, logistics management, warehousing, clearing and forwarding, catering and camp management, and cleaning and laundry services. The list also covers the supply of personal protective equipment, cement and building materials, vehicle hire, civil works and construction of access roads.

Other reserved activities include legal services, rental of power equipment, ground-based surveys and selected operational supplies. According to the minister, these areas were selected because they present strong opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand and participate meaningfully in mining operations without requiring excessive capital investment.

Mr Mavunde said the policy is designed to strengthen the domestic supplier base that supports mining activities. He added that greater participation by Tanzanians in procurement processes will ensure that wealth generated from minerals circulates more widely within the national economy.

“The sector must continue to generate exports and public revenue, while expanding opportunities for Tanzanians through procurement, services, employment and enterprise development,” he said. He stressed that local businesses must be adequately prepared to meet required standards of quality, safety and efficiency in order to remain competitive.

The policy comes as the government intensifies its focus on strategic minerals as part of its long-term industrialisation agenda. These minerals are considered essential for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Among the projects attracting attention is the niobium development in Mbeya Region. Mr Mavunde said the Mbeya niobium project is expected to generate approximately Sh2 trillion in government revenue over its operational lifespan.

The projected earnings will arise from royalties, corporate taxes, levies and dividends tied to the government’s 16 percent free-carried interest in the project. He noted that the development agreement for the project was signed on March 24, 2026. He added that the project is also expected to generate about $1.77 billion in local procurement opportunities.

This level of spending is expected to create significant business openings for Tanzanian firms when major projects are linked to clear local content obligations. According to ministry projections, the niobium project is expected to create about 1,600 direct jobs and 6,336 indirect jobs across related sectors.

These positions will span construction, logistics, services and operational support. The project is also expected to position Tanzania among recognised global producers of niobium, a mineral widely used in specialised steel production and advanced electronics.

Mr Mavunde further observed that global demand for several minerals continues to rise steadily. These include lithium, graphite, helium, nickel, cobalt, titanium, copper, aluminium, niobium and rare earth elements.

He said demand is driven by their extensive use in modern technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and digital infrastructure associated with the global transition towards cleaner energy sources. Mining remains one of Tanzania’s most significant economic sectors.

The minister reported that mineral exports increased to $5.401 billion in 2025 from $4.119 billion in 2024. This represents an increase of 31.1 percent within a single year. The figures underline the growing influence of mining on the country’s export earnings.

He added that the sector accounted for 52.57 percent of total goods exports in 2025, compared with 45.17 percent in the preceding year. This upward trend reflects the expanding importance of mineral commodities in Tanzania’s external trade structure.

Mining’s contribution to gross domestic product also recorded steady growth. The sector contributed 10.1 percent in 2024, compared with 9.

1 percent in 2023. By the third quarter of 2025, the contribution had reached an average of 11.9 percent, reinforcing the sector’s position as a major pillar of economic growth. Investment inflows into mining have also remained strong.

Foreign direct investment stock in the sector reached $9.79 billion in 2024. This compares with $9.15 billion in 2023 and $8.64 billion recorded in 2022. Mr Mavunde attributed this upward trend to improvements in the investment environment and stronger regulatory oversight. To support implementation of sector priorities, the minister requested Parliament to approve Sh174.98 billion for the Ministry of Minerals in the 2026/27 financial year Of this amount, Sh71.51 billion has been allocated to development projects, while Sh103.48 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.

The government has set a target of collecting Sh1.406 trillion in revenue from the mining sector during the financial year. This target will be supported by improved monitoring systems, wider use of digital technologies and strengthened compliance mechanisms aimed at minimising revenue leakage.

Mr Mavunde said the ministry will continue expanding geological surveys and strengthening mineral resource management systems. These measures are intended to improve sector performance and enhance investor confidence.

He added that accurate geological data remains critical for identifying new mineral prospects and supporting sustainable resource planning. The government also plans to increase coverage of high-resolution geoscientific surveys from the current 16 percent to 34 percent.

A longer-term objective seeks to expand coverage to 50 percent by the year 2030. This expansion is expected to improve understanding of the country’s mineral potential and guide future exploration. In addition, programmes designed to increase participation of women, youth and people with special needs in the mining value chain will continue.

Support will also be extended to small-scale miners through improved access to markets, geological information and financing opportunities. State participation in mining projects will be reinforced through institutions such as the State Mining Corporation (Stamico).

The goal is to increase national returns from mineral resources and strengthen government oversight in strategic projects. However, the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals raised concerns regarding a decline in development spending.

The committee noted that development allocations had fallen to Sh71.51 billion from Sh124.60 billion in the previous financial year. Members of the committee said the reduction was largely attributed to decreased external financing.

They cautioned that continued reliance on external funding sources could slow implementation of key projects. The committee urged the government to strengthen domestic financing mechanisms and ensure more predictable investment flows into the mining sector.

Such measures, it said, would support long-term development objectives and sustain the sector’s contribution to national economic growth. .

Sido rolls out farm technologies to boost productivity

Mbeya. The Small Industries Development Organisation (Sido) in Mbeya Region has unveiled locally developed agricultural technologies aimed at helping farmers adopt modern tools and reduce reliance on costly imports.

The move follows growing demand for farm equipment, particularly during the planting season, which has forced many farmers to rely on hand hoes and hired labour. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday April 28, 2026, Sido Technology Development Centre workshop engineer Fredy Mapunda said the innovations are expected to reach at least 2,190 farmers across the Southern Highlands zone.

He said the initiative supports government efforts to modernise the agriculture sector by providing practical, long-term solutions that enable farmers to shift away from traditional tools. “The use of improved agricultural technologies will enable farmers to prepare land, weed and plant within a shorter time.

This will help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for industries,” he said. Mr Mapunda added that the centre’s strategy focuses on addressing key challenges in the agriculture sector while equipping farmers with knowledge and access to modern production technologies.

“On average, we receive between six and 10 farmers per day, translating to about 2,190 annually. However, demand continues to grow as more farmers seek different types of modern equipment tailored to their needs,” he said.

Sido Mbeya regional manager Ms Salma Galasi said the initiative is part of broader efforts to transform agriculture by promoting the use of efficient production tools .”These technologies are already reaching areas beyond the Southern Highlands, including neighbouring countries such as Malawi and Zambia,” she said.

She added that Sido will continue conducting outreach programmes, particularly in rural areas, to ensure farmers benefit from accessible and affordable technologies. “We are focusing on education and awareness to ensure communities, especially in villages, can adopt these simple but effective technologies to improve production,” she said.

Meanwhile, the centre’s chief technician, Mr Japhet Mwakasonda, said the initiative aims to phase out the use of hand hoes by encouraging farmers to embrace mechanised solutions. “The goal is to enable farmers to increase productivity, add value to their produce and meet the growing demand for industrial raw materials,” he said.

Farmers have welcomed the initiative, saying it will improve efficiency and reduce costs. Mr Daniel Mturo, a farmer from Iwindi village in Mbeya District, said the technologies have motivated farmers to increase productivity.

“Previously, we incurred high costs importing equipment or hiring labour, which delayed land preparation and planting. These technologies will save both time and money,” he said.

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Coop Bank Tanzania Plc marks first year of rapid growth and financial inclusion drive

Dar es Salaam. Coop Bank Tanzania Plc is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year of rapid expansion and significant contributions to financial inclusion.

Officially launched on April 28, 2025, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the bank has focused heavily on underserved sectors, particularly agriculture. Managing director, Godfrey Ng’urah, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, cooperatives, and individual customers.

A key differentiator for Coop Bank has been its provision of single-digit lending rates to farmers and agribusinesses, aiming to lower capital costs and boost productivity across the agricultural value chain. The bank is actively participating in national initiatives like the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) Programme and the Mchongo Shambani project, which empower youth and smallholder farmers.

It also collaborates with various agricultural trust funds and cooperative unions to enhance access to essential farm inputs. Operationally, Coop Bank has experienced “cheetah speed” growth.

Within its first year, the customer base surged from 5,000 to over 30,000. Its physical footprint expanded from four to seven locations by the end of the first quarter (Q1) 2026, including Dodoma, Tandahimba, and Dar es Salaam. The bank also strengthened its digital presence, evolving from a single platform to offering integrated services through Coop Net, CooPesa, and Coop Wakala.

Financially, the bank’s total assets more than tripled from S9.3 billion to Sh176.8 billion between December 2024 and December 2025. 8 Managing Director of Coop Bank, Mr Godfrey Ng’urah. PHOTO | COURTESY Customer deposits and the loan portfolio saw similar exponential growth, while profit before tax more than doubled, establishing a solid foundation for sustainable future growth.

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Tanzania eyes strong showing at Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national swimming team will depart on Sunday for Oran, Algeria, ahead of the 2026 Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships scheduled from May 5 to 10. The 17-member squad blends experienced swimmers with emerging talents, all targeting a competitive showing at one of the continent’s premier aquatic events.

The travelling team includes Bridget Donyo Heep, Crissa Denis Dillip, Filbertha Demello, Ibrahim Emmanuel Igoro, Kaysan Kachra, Michael Joseph, Nicolene Johannes Viljoen, Zack Okumu and Zainab Moosajee. Others are Collins Saliboko, Fidel Marsell Kavishe, Aminaz Kachra, Ethan Makala, Lorita Borega, Abbdas Salim, Luke Okore and Kabeer Rizwan Lakhani.

The squad will be under head coach Ally Msazi, assisted by Radhia Shabani Gereza. Hadija Ahmed Shebe will serve as team manager, supported by assistant manager Carmen Firmina Demello.

The delegation will also be accompanied by technical officials as Tanzania looks to make an impact on the continental stage. National Swimming Association of Tanzania (NSAT) secretary general Inviolata Itatiro said the team is well-prepared and motivated ahead of the trip.

“We have selected a balanced team of experienced swimmers and promising young athletes. Preparations have gone well, and the swimmers are determined to represent the country with pride,” she said.

She added that the early departure is aimed at ensuring proper acclimatisation before the start of the championships. “Arriving early will allow the team to adjust to the conditions in Algeria and fine-tune their preparations.

This will give them the best possible chance to perform at their peak,” she noted. The swimmers head into the championships boosted by encouraging performances in recent local and regional competitions, with several athletes showing steady improvement and raising hopes of stronger results, including potential podium finishes.

Originally scheduled for Ghana, the championships were relocated to Oran after the West African nation withdrew. Despite the change in venue, Tanzania’s preparations have remained on track, with training programmes continuing as planned.

Organised by the African Swimming Confederation (CANA), the biennial event brings together the continent’s top swimmers, offering a key platform for elite competition and international exposure. For Tanzania, the focus goes beyond medals, with the event seen as an important benchmark in the country’s long-term swimming development.

“As an association, we are focused on building for the future. Competitions like this help us assess our progress and identify areas for improvement,” Itatiro said.

All eyes will now be on Oran as Tanzania’s swimmers prepare to test themselves against Africa’s best. .

How Chadema can revive lost momentum

Dar es Salaam. As the opposition party, Chadema, prepares for a Central Committee meeting to review a 309-day period marked by legal and operational challenges, analysts say the party faces a key test in rebuilding its political standing.

Once the country’s main opposition party with representation in Parliament and local councils, Chadema currently has no elected representatives. Besides, there was a High Court order that barred it from conducting political activities.

On April 15, 2026, the Court of Appeal of Tanzania lifted the restriction imposed by the High Court, allowing the party to resume its activities. The decision was delivered by a panel of three judges–Augustine Mwarija, Issa Maige and Abraham Mwampashi.

The case arose from a dispute over the allocation of party resources between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, filed by former vice-chairman Said Issa Mohamed and two members of the party’s Board of Trustees. The two-day meeting, expected to begin tomorrow, will be the first in-person session since April 2025. It is expected to assess the party’s position after the ban and set a new political direction.

The meeting comes at a time when Chadema faces several challenges, including lack of public funding, absence from Parliament and local councils and non-membership in the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD). A political analyst at the University of Dar es Salaam, Richard Mbunda, said the current situation is a test of the party’s resilience.

“If Chadema can continue engaging the public and addressing key issues, it can remain relevant in the political space,” he said, adding that lack of representation does not necessarily limit political activity. He cited ACT-Wazalendo as an example of a party that maintained visibility in its early years without elected representatives.

Another analyst, Conrad Masabo of the University of Dodoma, said the party needs to develop effective strategies to mobilise resources and sustain operations. “The key challenge is how to organise and operate in a changing political environment,” he said.

Chadema Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), Amani Golugwa, said preparations for the meeting were ongoing, with members arriving from different regions. He said the committee would review the political situation and discuss reports, including findings from the Presidential Commission on the October 29 election-related chaos.

The report was submitted to President Samia Suluhu Hassan last week. Golugwa said the meeting would also assess the party’s organisational capacity following months of inactivity.

“We will come out with resolutions on our political direction and programme of activities,” he said. He said that the party would also review the condition of its offices and assets, some of which have deteriorated during the period, and outline a new strategy for its operations.

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Insurance companies’ profits more than double as sector assets increase

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s insurance industry has delivered a strong financial performance, with 15 private insurers reporting combined profits of Sh91 billion in 2025. This figure is more than double the S3 billion recorded in 2024. The results indicate renewed strength across the sector and signal improved operational discipline among market participants.

An analysis of published financial statements shows that total assets for the sampled firms exceeded Sh1.35 trillion for the year ended December 31, 2025. This represents a marked rise from Sh1.04 trillion recorded in the preceding year. Most companies returned to profitability across both life and general insurance segments.

The development underscores the industry’s recovery from earlier pressures and its growing contribution to the wider financial system. The growth has been attributed to sustained economic activity, stronger enforcement of mandatory insurance covers, and the rapid expansion of bancassurance services.

Bancassurance allows insurers to leverage banks’ customer networks, thereby widening their reach and reducing distribution costs. Analysts also point to rising public awareness, particularly in motor, property and life insurance, as an important factor shaping the market’s trajectory.

An industry analyst noted that insurance is becoming more relevant to the broader economy. This relevance is being supported by regulatory enforcement and continued innovation in distribution channels.

The analyst observed that improved customer education has strengthened confidence in insurance products and encouraged greater participation among households and businesses. Despite the overall growth, the market remains highly concentrated.

A small number of large players account for a significant share of total profits. In the life insurance segment, Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Tanzania led the sector after posting S0.6 billion in profit.

This figure represents nearly half of the combined earnings reported by the surveyed firms. In the general insurance segment, Alliance Insurance Corporation stood out with Sh14.1 billion in profit.

Several companies recorded notable gains during the year. CRDB Insurance Company Limited more than doubled its gross written premiums to Sh55.7 billion.

Its profit rose by 107 percent to S.39 billion.

The increase was largely driven by its bancassurance model, supported by the extensive retail network of its parent bank. Bumaco Insurance also recorded strong growth, with profit rising to S billion from Sh700 million in the previous year.

Turnaround performances were observed among firms that had recorded losses in 2024. Meticulous General Insurance and Newtan Insurance Limited both returned to profitability during the reporting period. Other insurers reported steady growth and improving operational stability.

These included Mayfair Insurance Company Tanzania Limited, Reliance Insurance (Tanzania), MUA Insurance Tanzania, Britam Insurance Tanzania, Heritage Insurance Tanzania and ICEA Lion General Insurance. The chairperson of the Association of Tanzania Insurers, Dr Flora Minja, said the results reflect a maturing and increasingly resilient sector.

She noted that performance has been supported by sustained economic activity and growth in mandatory lines such as motor insurance. Expanding uptake in life and health insurance segments has also contributed to stronger financial outcomes.

She added that regulatory reforms, improved underwriting discipline and wider use of digital channels have enhanced operational efficiency. Dr Minja further stated that innovation, particularly in microinsurance and inclusive products, is helping to broaden access to insurance services.

Such initiatives are expected to deepen market penetration and improve financial inclusion across different income groups. The development also supports national objectives aimed at strengthening financial resilience among citizens and enterprises.

The director for compliance and actuarial services at the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority, Mr Alex Rocky, said the results build on a positive trend observed over recent years. He explained that continued economic expansion and increasing appreciation of insurance as a risk management tool have driven growth.

Stronger regulatory oversight has improved compliance with insurance laws and capital requirements. Major players have strengthened their balance sheets, while others are exploring mergers and acquisitions to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Mr Rocky added that continued development of product guidelines, expansion of distribution channels and increased adoption of technology are expected to further improve service delivery. Integration with government systems is also anticipated to streamline operations and enhance monitoring of mandatory insurance covers.

Industry stakeholders have highlighted the need for closer collaboration across the insurance value chain. This includes intermediaries, garages, assessors and other service providers.

Such collaboration is expected to improve customer experience and strengthen public trust in insurance services. Analysts observe that the sector’s improved top- and bottom-line performance signals a shift from volume-driven growth towards a more sustainable model.

This model is anchored on efficiency, better risk pricing and structural transformation. However, maintaining this momentum remains a key challenge.

Strengthening transparency, improving capital positions and delivering long-term value to policyholders will be critical to sustaining progress in the years ahead. .

Experts call for law as free maternal care policy falters

Dar es Salaam. Expectant mothers in Tanzania continue to face charges for medical services despite the National Health Policy of 2007 clearly stipulating that maternal healthcare should be provided free of charge.

The situation has renewed debate among health experts, policymakers and stakeholders over the gap between policy and implementation, with calls growing for the policy to be anchored in law to ensure compliance across all health facilities. Reports from different regions indicate that expectant mothers are being asked to pay between Sh15,000 and Sh30,000 for services at some facilities, while others are required to bring basic medical supplies such as cotton wool, gloves, syringes, disinfectants and delivery materials before receiving care.

Health policy provisions under section 5.3.

4(c)(i) state that the government, in collaboration with non-profit private providers and international partners, shall ensure free services for expectant mothers, users of family planning services and children under five years of age. The policy further classifies expectant mothers as a special group that should not be required to contribute towards the cost of healthcare services, with the intention of promoting equitable access to maternal and child health services.

Section 5.4.

8.3 of the same policy reinforces this position, recognising expectant mothers as a vulnerable group that should be exempted from healthcare charges due to their inability to meet such costs.

Despite these provisions, enforcement on the ground remains inconsistent. Speaking on the matter, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba recently reiterated government directives, calling on health facilities to ensure that expectant mothers are attended to immediately upon arrival without being subjected to delays or additional requirements.

“A expectant mother should not be asked to bring items such as basins or buckets before receiving care. She must be attended to immediately.

Maternal health is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The country has the capacity to provide basic services to mothers and children,” he said during a public engagement.

However, health sector stakeholders argue that such directives are not sufficient without stronger institutional backing. The Chief Executive of the Association of Private Health Providers Tanzania (Aphta), Dr Samwel Ogilo, said the policy remains largely unimplemented due to the absence of legal enforcement mechanisms, clear regulations and adequate budget allocations.

He said most public health facilities rely on funding from central and local government authorities and without dedicated budget lines for exempted groups such as expectant mothers and children under five, implementation becomes difficult. “Policy statements alone are not enough.

They must be supported by legislation, regulations and budgetary provisions. Otherwise, implementation becomes inconsistent and dependent on individual facility management.

” Dr Ogilo further noted that private health facilities face additional challenges in implementing the policy, as reimbursement mechanisms are either weak or unclear. He said contractual agreements between local authorities and private providers are necessary to ensure compliance and sustainability.

He added that the introduction of universal health insurance could provide a more structured solution by pooling resources and ensuring predictable funding for essential health services. Other experts have also suggested alternative financing mechanisms, including the creation of a dedicated maternal health fund supported by government allocations and modest contributions from women during antenatal visits, which could be pooled and managed transparently to support delivery services.

Medical professionals have similarly emphasised the importance of systemic reform. The president of the Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT), Dr Nkoronko Mugisha, said healthcare delivery is inherently costly and requires a stable financing system to ensure that policy commitments translate into real services.

He said without proper funding mechanisms, health facilities struggle to balance service delivery with operational costs, particularly in rural and under-resourced areas. Legal expert Ernest Winchislaus said Tanzania currently lacks a specific law that guarantees free maternal and child healthcare as a legally enforceable right.

He explained that while the National Health Policy and related guidelines provide for exemptions, they do not carry the legal force necessary to hold institutions accountable when charges are imposed. “What exists now is policy and administrative guidance, not law.

This means enforcement varies from one facility to another, especially where resources are limited,” Dr Winchislaus said. He warned that this legal gap has direct implications for maternal and child health outcomes, as access to care may depend on administrative discretion rather than guaranteed rights.

He argued that codifying maternal healthcare entitlements into law would improve accountability, standardise service delivery nationwide and protect vulnerable households from unexpected financial burdens. He added that ongoing discussions around universal health insurance present an opportunity to address these structural challenges if properly designed and implemented.

Senior lecturer at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Yohana Lawi said Tanzania should prioritise the rollout of universal health insurance as a long-term solution rather than relying on fragmented exemptions for specific population groups. He said a unified system would ensure equity, efficiency and predictability in financing healthcare services.

“Instead of categorising services for different groups, a universal system would be more sustainable and easier to manage,” Dr Lawi added. He called for clarity on how the government intends to subsidise contributions for low-income groups and how the private sector will be integrated into the proposed system.

He stressed that the success of universal health coverage will depend on strong governance, adequate funding and effective public-private coordination. As the debate continues, stakeholders agree that while Tanzania has made significant policy commitments towards free maternal healthcare, the absence of a strong legal and financial framework continues to undermine consistent implementation across the health system.

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