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Arusha. The Tanzania High Court at the Songea Registry has sentenced three people to death by hanging after finding them guilty of murdering a bodaboda rider, Mr Fanyeni Adam.

Those convicted are Faraji Liyugana, Said Ponera, and Rashid Fussi, charged with the murder of the deceased, contrary to sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code. Judge James Karayemaha delivered the verdict on September 29, 2025, a copy of which was later uploaded to the court’s website.

According to the judgment, the killing occurred on January 12, 2023, with the body abandoned in bushland near the Tanesco area in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region. After examining evidence from both prosecution and defence, Judge Karayemaha ruled all three were guilty of murder and sentenced them to death by hanging.

Evidence presented Key evidence included confessions by the second and third accused persons, who admitted involvement in the killing in collusion with the first accused. Court testimony revealed the deceased had been riding a motorcycle with registration MC 162 DPT, owned by Abbasy Gangisa, who entrusted it to witness number 12, Faraji Ngonyani, to operate for business and share profits.

Witness number 12 testified that he had given the motorcycle to Mr Fanyeni Adam (the deceased) for business in exchange for Sh10,000 daily payments. Witness number six said on January 12, 2023, the deceased visited his home with a friend, Mr Yasin Lika, saying they were going to a farm in the Tanesco area to collect a hoe, but did not return that night.

Searches began the next day. Efforts to locate him through witness number 12 proved fruitless until January 14, when witness number nine, Mr Mariju Mwenyeheri, found his body in bushland near his farm.

Police recovered the body with injuries. The motorcycle was missing, except for a mobile phone found at the scene.

Witness number two, SP Cathbet Mnogi, said police were informed of the accused’s identities, friends of Yasin, and the deceased. They later recovered the motorcycle at the home of the first accused, who lived with his fiancee, Ms Ziaba Saidi (witness number three).

Witness number three testified that the first accused told her the motorcycle belonged to a friend who owed him Sh300,000. The friend failed to repay, and the motorcycle was taken to recover the debt. Witness number two said the first accused admitted involvement and named the second and third accused as accomplices, adding they gave him the motorcycle after the killing to sell and share proceeds.

The first accused said his friend, Mr Yasin, asked him to keep the motorcycle on January 24, 2023, but he failed to return it before the police confiscated. He denied naming his coaccused and denied knowing them.

The second accused said he was arrested on January 15, informed of the murder charge, denied writing a confession, and denied knowing the others. The third accused said he was arrested on January 15 at home, informed of the charge, and denied knowing the other accused or writing a confession.

Judge’s ruling Judge Karayemaha said two issues remained: whether the death was unnatural and whether the accused committed it with malice. Evidence, including a medical examination showing a severe head injury, confirmed the death was unnatural.

Although no witness directly saw the accused kill the deceased, possession of the motorcycle after his death linked them to the crime. The judge noted confessions by the second accused, who said they planned to seize the motorcycle with Mr Yasin, Mr Rashid, and Mr Faraji, promising Sh1 million afterward.

They lured the rider to Tanesco, attacked him with a machete and sticks until he died, while Mr Yasin was watching. The third accused admitted waiting along the road to ambush the rider and later attacking him with a stick.

The judge said the confessions by the second and third accused, given voluntarily, were crucial. Weighing all the evidence, the court found all three guilty of murder and sentenced them to death by hanging.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s banking sector is enjoying record profits and strong balance sheets, but economists and private sector leaders are warning that excessive concentration in two institutions could undermine competition, stifle innovation and increase systemic risks.

According to Ernest and Young’s (EY) Tanzania Banking Sub-Sector report for 2024, the country hosts 81 institutions supervised by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), including 44 banking and 37 non-banking institutions. Among the 34 commercial banks, only two (CRDB and NMB) control nearly half of the market share by asset size.

The sector’s total assets rose 14.8 percent to Sh62.1 trillion in 2024. At group level, CRDB closed the year with assets of Sh16.7 trillion and NMB with Sh13.7 trillion, giving them a combined Sh30.4 trillion, or almost 50 percent of the market. Medium-sized banks saw their share shrink to 8.

6 percent, while regional and small lenders clung to just 0.6 percent.

EY’s country leader, Mr Joseph Sheffu, said this concentration reflected the strength of large players but warned it highlighted “the need for innovation and strategic support to bolster the competitiveness of smaller institutions.” For some observers, dominance by the top two banks provides stability.

For others, it risks turning the system into a duopoly with disproportionate influence over lending, deposits and innovation. Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) chief executive officer, Mr Raphael Maganga, said over-reliance on the two largest lenders was a concern.

“Yes, Tanzania risks becoming over-reliant on two big banks, and this will continue in the medium to long term,” he said, pointing to similar experiences in the region. He warned that concentration reduces private sector bargaining power, raises systemic risks, and constrains innovation.

“For TPSF and the broader private sector, it is crucial to advocate for financial sector diversification, fintech inclusion and alternative financing mechanisms,” he said. Mr Maganga urged expansion of venture capital, private equity, collective investment schemes and fintech platforms to complement traditional bank lending.

Uneven fortunes According to the report, the sector’s deposits stood at S1 trillion at the end of 2024 while after tax profit rose by 40.9 percent to close 2024 at Sh2.1 trillion. The level of non-performing loans stood at a historic low of 3.

2 percent. Medium-sized banks saw their share of assets fall from 13.4 percent in 2023 to 8.

6 percent in 2024, partly due to reclassifications such as Equity Bank Tanzania and Citibank Tanzania moving into the large-bank category, alongside a Sh1.3 trillion fall in deposits. Development economist Prof Abel Kinyondo of the University of Dar es Salaam described concentration as “both a shield and a vulnerability.

” Large banks can absorb shocks, he said, but if either CRDB or NMB stumbles, the entire economy feels the impact. For smaller lenders, the reverse is true.

“Bad debts eat directly into their thin profit margins,” Prof Kinyondo said. “They don’t have the buffer that CRDB or NMB enjoys.

” Finance lecturer Dr Tobias Swai added that concentration is also geographic. “Most large banks’ networks are in urban areas,” he said.

“Innovation tends to happen where infrastructure is strongest, while smaller banks follow too late.” He noted that mobile and agent banking are helping narrow the gap, but historical advantages–deep government links and payroll management for public servants–keep the two biggest players far ahead.

Dr Swai suggested regulatory reforms beyond entry capital requirements, such as performance thresholds requiring banks to achieve growth within five to ten years. “This would push smaller banks to scale faster, rather than stagnating,” he said.

Systemic pressures Banking analyst Mr Kelvin Mkwawa said the dominance of the top two banks is already reshaping the market. “Small banks are under liquidity pressure,” he noted.

“They struggle to attract deposits, limiting their ability to lend to SMEs, while the large banks effectively set the cost of credit.” He warned that even minor disruptions at a top-tier bank could have outsized effects.

“A small change in CRDB’s core system disrupted millions across the country. That is the systemic risk concentration creates.

” Mr Mkwawa suggested BoT should monitor loan-to-deposit ratios more closely and encourage collaboration among smaller banks to reach underserved populations. Incentives for SME lending and rural expansion could also help level the playing field.

The EY report reinforced these concerns, noting that large banks operate at far greater efficiency–with cost-to-income ratios of 35.7 percent compared to 67.4 percent for smaller institutions. Meanwhile, collective investment schemes such as UTT AMIS are growing rapidly, with a 44.9 percent compound annual growth rate between 2022 and 2024, compared to bank deposits’ 15.8 percent CAGR.

This suggests savers are beginning to diversify. Consolidation trend Recent mergers and acquisitions are also reshaping the landscape.

Access Bank Group’s takeover of BancABC Tanzania and the consolidation of Kilimanjaro and Tandahimba cooperative banks into the Cooperative Bank of Tanzania in 2024 further entrenched the dominance of major players. BoT has introduced reforms to strengthen resilience, including a shift to interest rate-based monetary policy, maintaining the central bank rate at 6 percent, and amendments to accommodate Islamic finance.

The loan-to-deposit ratio edged up to 92 percent, while return on average equity climbed to 23.6 percent. Still, experts warn that concentration could slow innovation and widen inequalities in a country targeting 6 percent GDP growth in 2025. Regional lessons Tanzania’s challenge is not unique.

In South Africa, the top five banks control around 90 percent of assets. In Nigeria, a handful of large lenders dominate despite dozens of licensed players.

Kenya, by contrast, maintains a more fragmented market, where mid-tier banks continue to play a meaningful role. For Tanzania, the lesson is clear: concentration may signal strength, but without diversification, it could also expose the economy to vulnerabilities.

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Kibaha. In the run-up to Customer Service Week 2025, the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has extended support to a youth agribusiness group, Wazito Farm Flex, as part of its community outreach initiatives.

The group, which specializes in horticulture, received farming tools, inputs, and pesticides from the bank. In addition, TADB has organized an exposure visit to Zanzibar to enable the young farmers to exchange experiences and learn from peers who have achieved significant progress in the sector.

Wazito Farm Flex is made up of seven university graduates united by a vision to invest in agribusiness. The group was identified and nurtured under the TADB Mikoani program, which focuses on educating farmers–particularly youth and women–about banking services and opening opportunities in agriculture.

To date, the group has employed 20 other youths from their surrounding village, contributing to job creation and local economic development. TADB Senior Customer Service Officer, Faithful Joshua, said this year’s Customer Service Week will be marked under the theme “Mission Possible”, coinciding with the bank’s 10th anniversary.

“In customer service, we don’t only listen to clients, but also to the community, addressing their challenges and needs. Through such initiatives, we are transforming young farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture,” she said.

On her part, TADB Relationship Manager, Irene John, emphasized the uniqueness of the bank compared to other financial institutions. “TADB is different from commercial banks because we focus exclusively on agriculture, offering short, medium, and long-term loans to drive transformative change in the sector,” she said.

The Customer Service Week is celebrated globally every second week of October, with TADB using the occasion to not only highlight its services but also give back to the farming communities it serves. .

Dodoma. The race for Tanzania’s State House is gaining momentum as political parties and their presidential candidates ramp up their campaigns.

With 17 candidates officially in the race, strategies vary: some engage voters directly through rallies across the country, while others seek legal channels to secure their positions on the ballot. Among the contenders is the United People’s Democratic Party (UPDP).

Their presidential candidate, Mr Twalibu Kadege, has distinguished himself with a campaign strategy that focuses less on criticising rivals and more on presenting clear policies. UPDP leaders emphasise that their priority is to persuade citizens with ideas rather than rhetoric.

At a campaign rally in Dodoma, Mr Kadege unveiled three central pillars of his manifesto: land ownership, strict penalties for lawbreakers, and a new approach to public sector salaries. He asserted that his government would not tolerate corruption, abuse of power, or violations of citizens’ rights, warning that those who cross the line would face severe consequences.

Land policy Mr Kadege explained that the UPDP’s land policy is designed to empower Tanzanians economically. Under his plan, every citizen would be entitled to own at least five acres of land, while farmers would qualify for larger allocations based on their capacity.

“If every farmer cultivates their land productively, Tanzania can power its own economy and feed the African continent,” he said. He further promised that any citizen whose land contains mineral resources would have the right to negotiate directly with investors, without government interference.

Additionally, women entrepreneurs would be eligible for interest-free loans of at least Sh5 million, repayable over ten years, to support small-scale businesses. Strict penalties for offenders Mr Kadege outlined a policy he called Tuzo, which involves imposing strong penalties on individuals convicted of corruption, abuse of power, or dereliction of duty.

He proposed a minimum sentence of 50 years for senior officials implicated in grand corruption or rights abuses. “We will not lead a government of embezzlers and lawbreakers,” Mr Kadege said.

“Every wrongdoer will face justice, regardless of their status or rank. Tuzo will apply equally to everyone.

” He cautioned judges and magistrates that under his leadership, the judiciary would be held to strict standards. Biased rulings overturned on appeal, he warned, would lead to immediate consequences, including removal from office.

“A judge or magistrate who repeatedly delivers flawed judgments should know their career will be at risk,” he noted. Mr Kadege expressed his desire for his government to be remembered for fairness in the administration of justice.

“Every citizen deserves their rights, and every criminal deserves their punishment,” he stated. Salaries and accountability The UPDP manifesto also addresses civil service reform.

Mr Kadege promised to set the starting salary for public servants at Sh2.8 million, arguing that well-compensated staff would perform more effectively. However, he coupled this promise with a stern warning: “Any civil servant who misuses their salary or violates professional ethics will also face Tuzo,” he said.

He highlighted regional commissioners as officials who would be closely monitored, insisting that their conduct should set an example for others. Furthermore, he stated that students sponsored to study abroad would be required to return and serve in Tanzania after completing their studies.

Those who refuse, he warned, would face legal action, including the repayment of public funds. Campaign conduct Mr.

Kadege urged political parties to maintain discipline during campaigns, reminding them of the code of conduct agreed upon by the political parties’ council. He criticised candidates who resort to personal attacks, stating that this fuels unnecessary tension.

“I call on the police to take action against politicians who use inflammatory language,” he said. “They must be arrested, taken to court, and receive their Tuzo in prison.

The campaign should be about policies, not insults.” At the Dodoma rally, attended by a group of boda boda riders waving UPDP flags, Mr Kadege emphasised that his approach is about empowering ordinary Tanzanians.

He also pledged that leaders in his government would operate transparently. Instead of hiding behind tinted car windows, public officials would be expected to interact openly with citizens, greeting them publicly and listening to their concerns.

A different message Mr. Kadege, the youngest of six children from Mzee Ibrahim Kadege’s family in the Lindi Region, stated that his candidacy represents a generational shift in Tanzanian politics.

While many parties include land issues in their manifestos, he argued that UPDP’s approach stands out by directly linking land ownership with national wealth creation. He concluded by urging voters to embrace UPDP’s vision.

“Some doubted whether projects like the Standard Gauge Railway could be delivered, but today they are a reality. If Tanzanians trust UPDP with their votes, we will deliver positive change.

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Nairobi. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has urged African countries to place youth at the center of implementing land governance, environmental conservation, and climate change agendas and calling them the “pillar and decisive card” for sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, and pastoral systems on the continent.

The urged are given at the official opening of the 2nd Post-COP workshop on customary tenure Rights and Agroecology, held from October 23 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. During the official opening, FAO Kenya’s team lead for land Governance and Social Inclusion, Husna Mbarak said that with Africa’s vast youth population, their participation is key to advancing environmental protection policies and strengthening food security.

The urgency is underscored by sobering statistics, Africa’s agricultural productivity has declined by 34 percent due to climate change (AFSA), while over half of the continent’s youth are engaged in agriculture (FAO) and yet many remain locked out of secure access to land. The workshop aims to produce a strategic roadmap and position paper underscoring youth land rights as essential for combating land degradation, strengthening resilience, and advancing climate-friendly food systems.

Africa’s demographics highlight the stakes, in 2025, the continent’s population reached 1.5 billion, with over 75 percent are under 35 years old and making it the world’s youngest region, with an annual growth rate of 2.

34 percent (Macrotrends). “The biggest challenge for young people has been lack of land ownership, through lease agreements, however, they can access and develop land” “It is time African countries move from endless dialogue to concrete action, guided by the lived experiences of communities,” said Mbarak.

She said that FAO and its partners are pushing forward the agenda of land tenure security and customary land rights to counter the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change. “These agendas will not achieve the outcomes we seek if we leave this majority group behind, Countries must not only make commitments in words but must implement the international agreements they have signed, ensuring land, environment, and ecosystems are safeguarded for future generations.

” FAO also underlined the role of agroecology, family farming, and climate-resilient agriculture as vital tools for mitigating land degradation and desertification. The workshop, convened by the Youth and Land Multi-Stakeholder Platform in Africa (YLMPA) in collaboration with FAO Kenya, RECONCILE, ILC Africa, and YILAA, builds on outcomes of the 2024 COP sessions and looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil later this year.

In his remarks, Coordinator of YLMPA, Innocent Antoine Houedji, said the workshop was designed to elevate youth voices on customary land tenure and agroecological practices. He cautioned that there remains a wide gap between climate commitments made at international COP negotiations and the lived realities of young people struggling with land insecurity.

“We cannot protect the environment, biodiversity, and climate if the land itself is not secure, so Land rights, youth empowerment, and investment are the foundations of every sustainable solution,” he said. More than 70 participants attended, including youth from across Africa, representatives from governments, the African Union, IGAD, UN agencies, pastoralist and Indigenous communities.

According to Houedji, the workshop is expected to deliver two flagship outcomes, a youth advocacy position paper for global forums and a roadmap to catalyze collective action toward COP30 and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026). “This position paper will be our collective voice, strengthening the place of young people in shaping the future of land governance and climate resilience,” Houedji added.

Founded by the African Union, IGAD, ILC, Landesa, and YILAA, YLMPA now includes 55 members from 18 countries, supported by YILAA and led in partnership with RECONCILE, DIOP, and CED. Also speaking at the event, Technical Advisor to Kenya’s Council of Governors, Evance Kipruto, affirmed the role of youth in transforming Africa’s agricultural economies.

“We must make agriculture attractive to young people so they are not viewed as a burden on governments” “I urge you to use this opportunity for meaningful dialogue, and I commit to relaying your resolutions to the highest levels of government for action,” he said .

Dar es Salaam. When a Tanzanian hit song climbs the charts, the applause is often reserved for the artiste under the spotlight.

But behind that three-minute track lies a complex ecosystem of creative professionals whose livelihoods depend on every beat, lyric, and video. In Tanzania, music has become more than entertainment it is a growing business engine, providing jobs and opportunities for young people across the country.

The process begins long before the first public performance. Producers craft beats, sound engineers polish vocals, and songwriters fine-tune lyrics.

These professionals may rarely appear in music videos, but they are among the first to earn from a song’s success. Recognising the potential of this creative workforce, the National Arts Council (Basata) has rolled out programmes to support them.

Loans and mentorship initiatives are helping turn talent into sustainable careers, contributing to the broader creative economy. Kelvin Daniel, a 24-year-old producer, explained; “People thought artistes just walked into a studio and sang.

But behind a three-minute track, there were hours of production, mixing, and mastering. That’s how I earn my living.

” Once a song is recorded, another layer of professionals steps in. Artiste managers negotiate contracts, book performances, and handle logistics.

Promoters organise concerts and events, creating temporary yet significant employment for sound technicians, stage crews, dancers, and security personnel. A single live show can engage dozens of people from poster designers to stage installers often for weeks at a time.

Digital platforms have further widened employment opportunities. Today, a song’s success is almost impossible without strong social media visibility.

Digital marketers plan TikTok campaigns, videographers produce viral-ready content, and influencers push songs to online audiences. A viral social media challenge can turn a song into an overnight hit generating income for a host of young professionals working behind the scenes.

Digital promoter Anna Michael said; “I study what’s trending and design content to make people engage with new tracks. When a song goes viral, the artiste wins but so do I.

My work pays my bills, and it’s all linked to the song’s success.” The artiste’s image also fuels more work.

Stylists, make-up artistes, and fashion designers ensure performers stand out on stage and in music videos. Video directors, drone operators, lighting technicians, and editors all contribute to the polished visuals that have given Tanzanian music a competitive edge locally and abroad.

Stylist Amina Musa, who works with emerging Bongo Flava stars, explained how music transformed her business. “Artistes want to look unique in their videos, so they come to us for outfits.

Before, I mainly designed for weddings, but now music is my largest client base,” she said. Together, these professionals form a hidden economy that thrives alongside the public-facing music industry.

A single hit song entertains millions while setting off a chain of earnings for dozens of people, demonstrating the industry’s economic ripple effect. Artiste manager Godfrey Abel underscored this point.

“Every artiste on stage is supported by a network of workers whose livelihoods depend on that success. People see the face on stage and think that’s the whole story, but behind every song are layers of professionals.

The music industry is feeding far more people than most realise,” he said. The industry’s growth is also opening doors for innovation.

Mobile app developers are creating platforms for music streaming and promotion, while entrepreneurs are launching creative agencies, event production firms, and merchandising businesses. Analysts argue that this shows the need to treat music as a serious sector of the creative economy, with policies that protect artistes while empowering the wider workforce.

The rise of Tanzanian music on the international stage has further intensified demand for these roles. As Bongo Flava and other local genres gain fans across Africa and beyond, producers, stylists, videographers, and digital marketers are finding their skills increasingly in demand offering more avenues for youth employment and entrepreneurship.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC will be forced to seek alternative venues for their Mainland Premier League and continental fixtures following the government’s confirmation of a six-month closure of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium for major renovations.

The 60,000-seater national stadium, which has served as the home ground for both clubs this season after they moved away from the smaller KMC Complex, will undergo extensive pitch upgrades starting this month. Yanga have already hosted Angola’s Wiliete FC in the CAF Champions League and Pamba Jiji FC in the league at the facility, while Simba played their league ties against Fountain Gate FC and Namungo FC there, in addition to their CAF Champions League clash with Botswana’s Gaborone United.

CAF’s official fixture list shows that Yanga are scheduled to welcome Malawi’s Silver Strikers in a Champions League return leg on October 25, a week after the first leg in Lilongwe. Their arch-rivals Simba are due to host Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs at the same venue on October 26, following the away leg on October 18. However, these fixtures are now in doubt depending on when the renovations officially commence.

Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, confirmed that the closure affects both clubs. “Simba’s recent match against Namungo was the last league game to be staged at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium before work begins.

Renovations are scheduled to last six months,” said Msigwa. “The venue will only be available for international matches if the timing does not clash with construction.

If work has already started, then even CAF fixtures will be shifted.” To minimize disruption, the government has already proposed alternative venues.

“We have the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar and the Azam Complex in Chamazi. It will be up to the clubs to choose,” Msigwa explained.

He added that another long-term solution is Uhuru Stadium, which is currently under renovation and is expected to reopen on November 21. “Uhuru Stadium will be equipped with high-quality artificial turf approved by CAF and FIFA. Once complete, it will be able to host both international and CAF matches,” he noted.

The closure of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium marks a significant shift for Yanga and Simba, who have enjoyed massive home support at the iconic venue. With crucial CAF Champions League ties around the corner, the two Tanzanian giants now face the challenge of selecting new temporary homes that can maintain their competitive edge and fan atmosphere.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s economy is losing an estimated Sh3.47 trillion ($1.3 billion) every year due to the effects of child undernutrition, according to a new study.

The figure, equivalent to two percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflects increased healthcare costs, strain on education, and reduced workforce productivity. The findings, presented yesterday in Dar es Salaam under the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study, were released as the country hosts the 12th Tanzania Health Summit, which runs from October 1 to 3.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Tanzania has reduced child stunting rates from 50 percent three decades ago to 30 percent today, though the figure remains above the global average of 23 percent. In 2022, nearly 2.

8 million children under five were stunted and over 1.1 million were underweight, most between 12 and 23 months.

The analysis estimates that Tanzania could save up to S.2 trillion annually if stunting fell to 15 percent by 2030. Grade repetitions linked to malnutrition alone cost the country Sh125.2 billion in 2022. Children suffering from stunting are more than twice as likely to repeat a school grade compared to well-nourished peers.

With this launch, Tanzania becomes the 26th African country to join regional efforts to address child undernutrition. Previous COHA studies in 25 other African nations found GDP losses of between 1.

9 and 16.5 percent. Director General of the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Dr Germana Henry Leyna, said the study ensures nutrition remains a policy priority.

“The COHA analysis bridges a gap by quantifying the impact of malnutrition and translating it into monetary terms,” she said. Sanku chief executive Felix Brooks-Church pointed to weak mandates, inadequate laboratories, counterfeit premixes, and poor market monitoring as major obstacles.

“If Tanzania is to succeed in eliminating malnutrition, it must ensure laws and regulations are properly implemented,” he said. From January 2026, producers and sellers of maize flour, wheat flour, salt, and cooking oil will be required to fortify their products.

Nutrition Officer from the Ministry of Health, Peter Kaja, said regulations were gazetted last year and enforcement will begin next year. Mr Kaja said this at the 12th Tanzania Health Summit (THS) which has brought 2,500 local and foreign experts from 25 countries including Tanzania.

“Those who produce or sell unfortified products will not be allowed to operate. Extension officers will be deployed nationwide to inspect shops, and those found with unfortified products will be held accountable,” he said.

The study was led by the Government of Tanzania, covering both Mainland and Zanzibar, in collaboration with WFP, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), TFNC, the Office of the Chief Government Statistician Zanzibar (OCGS), UNICEF, the African Union Commission (AUC), AUDA-NEPAD, and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). WFP said it will continue to support national efforts through school feeding and nutrition programmes that help children stay in school, perform better, and reach their potential.

Experts warn that without urgent action, Tanzania will continue to bear both the human and economic burden of malnutrition for generations. .

In 2007, the Maasai communities living in the foothills of Ol Doinyo Lengai Mountain were in disarray. The rumbling they had been hearing from their ‘Mountain of God’, located in the Ngorongoro district, had finally erupted.

The lava rose more than 18 kilometres into the atmosphere, sending debris and molten rock more than 100 kilometres away. The mountain sits near Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, but the debris flew as far as Arusha, dusting buildings and vehicles.

Locals feared they would choke to death. From September 2007 to early 2008, people lived in constant fear of the destruction emanating from the volcanic mountain.

Yet Ol Doinyo Lengai’s fury did not claim a single human life. Animals in nearby villages, however, were not spared.

The pastoralist community recounted lava landing on their cows. When they tried to wipe it off, it would peel the skin from their cattle.

The destruction could have been much worse, had it not been for the uniqueness of this volcanic mountain. It contains what they call ‘cold lava’.

Unlike other mountains in the world that erupt red ‘basaltic’ lava, the most common type from volcanoes, which reaches 1,000 degrees Celsius, the black lava from Ol Doinyo Lengai is just 500 degrees Celsius. This lower temperature gives it its nickname.

When the lava comes into contact with moisture or the ground, it turns white. Eruptions have been active since 1884, bursting as far as 100 kilometres away.

In doing so, they inadvertently helped preserve early modern human footprints at ancient historical sites, left some 10,000 years ago. The site, on the southern shores of Lake Natron, is known as “The dance floor”.

The Maasai community, who regard the mountain as sacred, felt the need to appease their god, Engai. Elders spoke of rituals they had to perform in early 2008, in accordance with their culture.

They had to find a fat, healthy bull and take it to the mountain amidst volcanic bombs. After the slaughter, they reported that all lava eruptions stopped.

They did not know what had angered their god but were relieved when the commotion ceased and peace returned. Apart from a few cattle consumed by lava, all community members were accounted for.

At 9,718 feet, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the world’s only active carbonatite volcano. The mountain blends science, spirituality, and adventure.

Hikers still climb it under close supervision. It is deemed risky because, despite scientific advancements and years of study by the world’s top geologists, little is known about this strange mountain.

It is one of the few ‘living volcanoes you can stand on,’ and no one knows when it will erupt again. The terrain is steep, and most hikers tackle it at night to avoid the burning sun.

From the top, climbers get a view of the rift valley. On clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro is visible.

The mountain is near Lake Natron, another unique geographical feature, famous for its flamingos. Six years ago, rumblings from the mountain’s underbelly were heard again.

Villagers, recalling past incidents, feared another eruption. This time, however, it died down without incident.

Geologists from across the world have camped near the mountain to study its unique features. They seek to compare the Mountain of God with other volcanic mountains.

Kate Laxton, from University College London, travelled to Tanzania to study this bizarre volcano. Her PhD project was titled Monitoring degassing behaviour and eruption precursors at Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Tanzania.

She attested that the mountain’s remoteness hinders constant monitoring and study. Researchers established that one of the main differences is its composition.

Other volcanoes contain silica, whereas Ol Doinyo Lengai also contains sodium and calcium carbonate, among other minerals. The mountain is inaccessible 100 metres below the crater rim, adding to its mystery.

It is known as the strangest volcano in the world, with the coldest lava on earth. To locals, it is both a tourist attraction and a religious site.

“This is the mountain I consider the source of fertility to the Serengeti. The ashes from Ol Doinyo Lengai supply nutrients that the Serengeti depends on,” said Kate.

The Maasai believe this mountain is where their god, Engai, dwells. Their deity blesses them with rainfall, life, and fertility.

It is a place of worship and community gatherings during sacrificial offerings. During famine, conflicts, or difficult times, elders lead their people in asking Engai for forgiveness, protection, and blessings.

Its aura and geographic formation are as mysterious as they are captivating. In 2003, Hollywood brought Angelina Jolie to film parts of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, using the mountain’s landscape and Rift Valley for their otherworldly appearance.

In 2007, during an expedition, a local guide fell into lava. The story became a testament to the cold nature of the lava.

On any other volcano, the guide’s bones would have melted within minutes. In this case, he escaped with his life and climbed back up.

Despite severe burns, the Maasai guide fully recovered. Very few hikers attempt to summit this active volcano.

Five out of ten never reach the top. It takes seven hours to get there.

An off-road truck is required to navigate roads to the mountain’s foot. The four-hour drive is far from dull.

Along the way, travellers witness the magnitude of wildebeest, giraffes, and many other animals. Once at the base, the ascent begins in pitch darkness, with a headlamp as the only source of light.

Darkness can be a friend, hiding the real length of the journey ahead and helping climbers focus on each step. Above, the sky is full of glittering stars.

After a five-hour midnight march, hikers reach a resting point. There is roughly 30 minutes for snacks and rejuvenation before continuing to the summit.

Like any long hike, fatigue sets in, but one’s spirit must remain resilient and focused. An early start is necessary to beat the sunrise.

The last one and a half hours to the summit is the steepest, requiring extra perseverance. Upon reaching the crater, the smell of lava signals arrival at the top of the world’s only carbonatite volcano.

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Dar es Salaam. Few would imagine that polygamy could emerge as a central plank in a presidential campaign.

Yet in the unpredictable world of politics, bizarre promises often surface. National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) presidential candidate Khamis Faki Mgau has placed polygamy at the heart of his campaign, vowing that if elected as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, men with only one wife will be jailed.

“Young men, get ready. If I become President, it will be illegal in Zanzibar for any man to have only one wife.

We will start with two wives and move forward. Any man who refuses to marry at least two wives will face six years in prison,” Mr Mgau told supporters on the campaign trail.

In addition to his controversial polygamy pledge, Mr Mgau has promised sweeping economic reforms, including a monthly salary for every Zanzibari aged five and above, with a minimum of Sh900,000. Campaign promises and vision Mr Mgau insists that life under his rule would be marked by prosperity, wealth creation, and a strengthened economy. Such growth, he argues, would eliminate any excuse for Zanzibari men to limit themselves to one wife when they can provide for more.

To reinforce his position, he repeatedly declares that clinging to monogamy will not be tolerated. He portrays polygamy not only as a cultural practice but also as a tool for social and economic expansion.

The NRA candidate has also pledged allowances for every child, including newborns, signalling what he calls “a government of inclusive prosperity.” He argues that his leadership would guarantee a higher standard of living for all islanders, promising better salaries for civil servants, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services.

Not his first attempt This is not Mr Mgau’s first bid for Zanzibar’s highest office. He previously contested the 2020 General Election on the NRA ticket.

At the time, his campaign centred on Pemba, where he sought to challenge the late ACT-Wazalendo chairman, Seif Sharif Hamad, long regarded as the island’s political strongman. In his 2020 campaign, he declared, “For many years, that man (Seif) has considered Pemba his own.

I have decided this year to camp in Pemba to liberate the people from his politics.” Mr Hamad died on February 17, 2021, marking the end of an era in Zanzibar politics.

With Hamad gone, Mr Mgau has shifted focus, this time rallying voters around the banner of polygamy. He urges Zanzibaris to embrace multiple marriages and “multiply for the good of society.

” Eye on 2025 General Election Ahead of the 2025 polls, Mr Mgau expresses confidence in his chances, claiming that Zanzibaris understand his language and identify with his agenda. He urges citizens to vote peacefully and return home without incident.

The NRA candidate envisions Zanzibar’s development benchmarked against Dar es Salaam. He cites the Mfugale flyover, Chang’ombe flyover, and the Kijazi Interchange at Ubungo as symbols of modern infrastructure, vowing to deliver even bigger projects.

Zanzibar, under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has already embarked on similar projects, such as the construction of flyovers at Mwanakwerekwe and Aman. Yet Mr Mgau insists that traffic congestion remains a serious problem in the islands’ small cities due to rising vehicle numbers.

His solution is ambitious: building as many flyovers as necessary to ease movement. “Infrastructure will be my top priority once elected,” he stresses.

From Pemba to Unguja Mr Mgau, who currently serves as NRA Vice-Chairman for Zanzibar, hails from Kangagani village in Wete District, Pemba, but now lives in Unguja. His campaign narrative highlights his deep understanding of both islands, positioning himself as a leader who can unify Zanzibar.

Beyond infrastructure, he promises to strengthen the aviation sector, including acquiring modern aircraft capable of carrying at least 250 passengers. He says this would expand Zanzibar’s tourism potential and stimulate economic growth.

Early life and education Mr Khamis Faki Mgau was born on June 12, 1978, in Kangagani, Pemba. He is the fourth of nine children of Mr Faki Mgau Haji and Ms Kame Hamis Saleh, both natives of the island.

He began primary education at Kangagani Primary School in 1989 and completed secondary education there in 2000. After finishing Form Four, he did not pursue higher studies; instead, he turned his attention to politics. Political journey Mr Mgau’s political career began in 2000 when he joined the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), inspired by the then-chairman, Augustino Lyatonga Mrema.

From 2000 to 2004, he served as a member and later became the TLP chairman for Wete District. In the 2005 General Election, dissatisfied with TLP’s performance, he defected to Chadema, convinced the party could perform better.

But after disappointing results, he abandoned the opposition outfit and joined the NRA in 2006. That same year, he was elected NRA Secretary for North Pemba. His organisational skills and political energy impressed fellow members, leading to his promotion in 2007 as NRA Coordinator for Pemba.

By the 2010 General Election, he was nominated as the NRA’s parliamentary candidate for Kojani Constituency in Wete District. Although he finished third behind CUF and CCM, he was credited with raising NRA’s profile in the area.

He contested again in 2015 but came third once more. Two years later, during NRA’s internal elections, he successfully vied for the post of Vice-Chairman for Zanzibar, winning by a landslide.

Leadership style and pledges Mr Mgau insists that his leadership would surpass that of his predecessors. His promises extend beyond polygamy and flyovers, touching on several sectors such as civil service, where he pledges to raise salaries and improve welfare for government employees.

In the tourism and aviation sectors, Mr Mgau promises to expand the aviation sector with larger aircraft to boost arrivals, while citizens aged five and above would be given monthly salaries alongside child allowances to strengthen the Isles’ social welfare. Regarding infrastructure, peace and security, he pledged to prioritise flyovers and road networks to ease traffic congestion, and to safeguard harmony before, during and after the elections.

He says peace will remain the cornerstone of his presidency. “I understand the many challenges Zanzibar faces.

If elected, I will ensure citizens live comfortably in their homeland,” he affirms. Personal life Mr Mgau is married to Ms Hazala Hassan Khamis.

He portrays himself as a family man deeply committed to the values of Zanzibari society. His polygamy stance, he argues, is not merely a political gimmick but a reflection of cultural norms he wishes to strengthen under his leadership.

A candidate who courts controversy With his radical pledges, Mr Mgau stands out as one of the more unconventional figures in Zanzibar’s political landscape. His ideas, ranging from criminalising monogamy to paying salaries to children, have drawn both criticism and intrigue.

Observers say his campaign resonates with some sections of the electorate who view him as a bold, unapologetic politician ready to challenge conventional politics. Critics, however, dismiss his promises as unrealistic and populist.

Yet for Mr Mgau, winning is not only about promises but about connecting with voters. He believes his background, grassroots political experience, and outspoken nature set him apart.

As the 2025 General Election approaches, Mr Mgau is banking on his high-profile pledges to galvanise support. Whether his radical proposals will translate into votes remains to be seen.

For now, he continues to traverse Zanzibar’s towns and villages, urging citizens to embrace his vision of prosperity, multiple marriages, and bold infrastructure. His message is clear: trust me with leadership, and Zanzibar will not only prosper but also chart a new political path.

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