Arusha, Tanzania – April 13, 2026

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), sitting in its 4th Session of the 5th Assembly in Arusha, has taken a significant step toward strengthening regional efforts against human trafficking by considering the introduction of the East African Community Counter-Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2026.

The motion, moved by Fatuma Ndangiza, a Member of EALA representing Rwanda, and seconded by Gai Deng of South Sudan, seeks leave to table the Bill. The proposed law aims to establish a binding regional legal framework to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and enhance cross-border cooperation among East African Community (EAC) Partner States.

“The EAC must strengthen harmonized prevention and prosecution approaches while ensuring that victims receive comprehensive, rights-based support and meaningful access to justice,” said Ndangiza during the session.

A Stronger Regional Legal Framework

The proposed legislation responds to the evolving nature of trafficking, including the use of digital recruitment and organized criminal networks. It aligns with international instruments such as the Palermo Protocol, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Maputo Protocol.

The Bill emphasizes:

• Survivor-centered and human rights-based approaches

• Gender-responsive and child-sensitive protection measures

• Enhanced regional cooperation in investigations and prosecutions

• Addressing root causes such as poverty, inequality, and conflict

It also mandates victim support services, including medical care, legal aid, education, and safe, voluntary repatriation.

Agroecology Bill Also Introduced

In a parallel development, EALA also considered the East African Community Agroecology Bill, 2026, introduced by Gideon Gatpan Thoar, a Member representing South Sudan, and seconded by Falhada Iman Dekow of Kenya.

The Bill aims to mainstream agroecological farming across the region by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and food security.

“This Bill provides a coherent framework for integrating ecological and social approaches into agriculture while safeguarding food sovereignty,” Thoar noted.

Key proposals include:

• Establishment of National Agroecology Councils

• Promotion of farmer-led innovation and traditional knowledge

• Reduction of hazardous pesticide use

• Strengthening climate resilience and sustainable food systems

The initiative has received support from Willow International, which focuses on restorative support services for trafficking survivors.

Oath-Taking Ceremony

During the same sitting, the Speaker of EALA, Joseph Ntakirutimana, presided over the swearing-in of James Kinyasi Milya as an ex-officio member.

Milya currently serves as Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, responsible for EAC Affairs. He previously served in EALA before being elected to Tanzania’s Parliament representing Simanjiro constituency under Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Salary Crisis Sparks Concern

Meanwhile, the Assembly addressed concerns over delayed salaries for its members and staff. A motion moved by Kennedy Mukulia, representing South Sudan, led to the adoption of two resolutions urging immediate intervention.

“The Council of Ministers must urgently address the non-payment of salaries and ensure all deducted funds are returned,” Mukulia emphasized.

EALA members and staff have reportedly gone for months without pay, raising concerns about operational stability within the regional body.

The developments highlight EALA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional integration through legislative action, while also addressing internal challenges affecting its workforce.

SAME, TANZANIA – Former Prime Minister John Samuel Malecela has called on Tanzanians to prioritize the tourism sector, describing it as a vital engine for foreign exchange earnings and national economic growth.

Speaking during the official opening of the third edition of the Same Utalii Festival in Same District, Malecela noted that many nations globally sustain their economies primarily through tourism. He emphasized that for Tanzania to fully realize this potential, citizens must maintain peace and uphold the spirit of hospitality.

“In tourism, it is like having a flock of ten thousand pigeons gathered in one spot; if a single stone is thrown, they all scatter. Therefore, the foundation of our tourism must be the peace of our country,” Malecela remarked.

The veteran statesman, who served in government for over 40 years, highly commended the Same District Commissioner (DC), Kasilda Mgeni, for her innovation in establishing the festival. He admitted that throughout his long career, he had rarely seen a district-level initiative successfully attract such a massive and diverse audience to promote local attractions.

District Commissioner Kasilda Mgeni reported that the festival, which debuted in 2023, has already yielded significant results. According to DC Mgeni, tourist arrivals at Mkomazi National Park have surged from 4,000 to 11,000 annually. Similarly, visitors to the Chome–Shengena Nature Forest Reserve increased from 72 to 200 per year.

Despite the success, the DC urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to improve infrastructure leading to key attractions. She also proposed specialized training for "bodaboda" (motorcycle taxi) operators to empower them to act as professional local guides for visiting tourists.

Representing the central government, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mloba Mabula, pledged continued collaboration with the Same District. He stated that the ministry aims to use Same as a model for other districts in promoting grassroots tourism across the country.

Would you like to focus the social media captions for this story on the economic growth figures or Malecela’s "pigeon" peace analogy?

 

ARUSHA: Serikali imewahimiza watengeneza maudhui nchini kuchangamkia fursa za uwezeshaji zinazotolewa ili kukuza taaluma zao na kujiimarisha kiuchumi kupitia sekta ya ubunifu inayokua kwa kasi.

Rai hiyo imetolewa jijini Arusha Aprili 8, 2026  na Kaimu Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Habari Maelezo, Kelvin Kanje, wakati akifunga mafunzo maalum yaliyoshirikisha zaidi ya watengeneza maudhui 450. 

Mafunzo hayo yaliandaliwa na Wizara ya Habari, Utamaduni, Sanaa na Michezo kwa kushirikiana na Mfuko wa Utamaduni na Sanaa Tanzania.

Kanje Aliwapongeza watengeneza maudhui hao kwa kushiriki mafunzo kwa awamu ya kwanza, akiahidi kuwafikia watengeneza maudhui katika mikoa mingine.

Aidha, amewataka Watengeneza Maudhui walioshiriki mafunzo kwa awamu va kwanza kutumia mafunzo havo kuboresha kazi zao ili ziwaingizie kipato.

"Kwa wale mnaoanza mafunzo haya yatawasaidia kuinuka na wale ambao tayari mmeanza mfanye vizuri zaidi," amesema Kanje.

 Nidhamu ya Fedha na Mikopo

Akizungumza katika mafunzo hayo, Mkurugenzi Msaidizi wa Haki za Wasanii, Dk. Asha Mshana, alibainisha kuwa ongezeko la watengeneza maudhui ni fursa kubwa ya ajira, lakini mafanikio yake yanategemea nidhamu ya kifedha na uelewa wa kibiashara.

"Mfuko wa Utamaduni na Sanaa unatoa mikopo bila upendeleo kwa lengo la kuwawezesha wabunifu. Ni wajibu wa wanufaika kutumia fedha hizo kwa malengo yaliyokusudiwa na kurejesha kwa wakati ili kuendeleza mzunguko wa kuwainua wengine," alisisitiza Dk. Mshana.

Ubora wa Maudhui na Maadili

Mbali na usimamizi wa fedha, washiriki walihimizwa:

 Kuzingatia ubora wa kazi zao ili kushindana kimataifa.

 Kutumia lugha za kimataifa ili kupanua wigo wa soko lao.

 Kulinda maadili na usalama wa taarifa binafsi katika majukwaa ya kidijitali.

 Balozi wa Nishati Safi ya Kupikia

Katika hatua nyingine, Mhandisi Benezeth Kabunduguru kutoka Kitengo cha Nishati Safi ya Kupikia, aliwaomba wabunifu hao kutumia ushawishi wao kuelimisha jamii kuhusu matumizi ya nishati rafiki kwa mazingira.

Alieleza kuwa kupitia video fupi na vichekesho, wasanii wana nafasi kubwa ya kuunga mkono jitihada za Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan za kufikia asilimia 80 ya matumizi ya nishati safi ya kupikia ifikapo mwaka 2034.

Akihitimisha mafunzo hayo, Kanje aliwapongeza washiriki kwa kujitokeza kwa wingi na kuwasisitiza kushirikiana na taasisi mbalimbali za serikali na binafsi ili kuboresha kazi zao na kuchangia katika ukuaji wa uchumi wa nchi.

 

Mwandishi wetu, Arusha 

Mkurugenzi wa Taasisi ya Wajane Tanzania (TAWIA), Rose Sarwatt ametembelea Ofisi za Taasisi ya Wanahabari ya usaidizi wa jamii  za pembezoni (MAIPAC)  kufanya mazungumzo juu ya maandalizi ya maadhimisho ya siku ya Wajene Tanzania ambayo yatafanyika Mkoa wa Kilimanjaro June 23 mwaka huu.

Siku ya Wajane Duniani inatambuliwa na umoja wa mataifa na Tanzania imekuwa ikiadhimishwa Kwa ushirikiano WA TAWIA na Serikali.

Akizungumza katika ofisi za MAIPAC jijini Arusha, Leo April 3, 2026, Sarwatt amesema maandalizi muhimu ya maadhimisho ya siku ya wajane yameanza.

Amesema maadhimisho Kitaifa yatafanyika Moshi mkoa wa Kilimanjaro na maadhimisho ya kidunia yatafanyika nchini Uingereza.

"Nimekuja MAIPAC kama mmoja wa mashirika ambayo yamekuwa yakifanya kazi na Wanawake wajane hasa kutoka jamii za pembezoni hivyo ni muhimu kushirikiana "amesema 

Amesema TAWIA tayari imekuwa na ushirikiano na Wizara ya Maendeleo ya Jamii, Jinsia na Makundi Maalum na ofisi ya Mkuu wa Mkoa Kilimanjaro kufanikisha maadhimisho hayo.

"Ingawa tutashirikiana na Serikali nimeona kuna muhimu wa kushirikiana pia na  CSOs ambazo zimekuwa zikisaidia Wanawake kama nyie MAIPAC na wengine katika kufanikisha maadhimisho haya"amesema

 *Amesema katika maadhimisho ya mwaka huu, licha ya kuwepo kongamano Maalum pia wajane watapanda mlima Kilimanjaro, wengine watatembelea hifadhi nyingine za Taifa"amesema.*

Amesema bado TAWIA inaomba wafadhili wajitokeze kuwezesha maadhimisho haya ya kihistoria ambayo yatakutanisha zaidi ya wajane 500 toka nchi nzima.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa MAIPAC, Mussa Juma Siwayombe amesema  wapo tayari kushirikiana na TAWIA katika maadhimisho hayo.

Juma amesema MAIPAC imekuwa na miradi ambayo imeshirikisha Wajane katika wilaya za Monduli, Longido na Karatu hivyo kushiriki katika maadhimisho haya ni jambo muhimu.

"MAIPAC tunakuhakikishia ushirikiano mkubwa ikiwepo pia kushirikisha vyombo vya habari vingi katika maandalizi na maadhimisho ili kuongeza uelewa wa siku ya Wajane"amesema

Naye Afisa Utawala wa MAIPAC, Andrea Ngobole amesema MAIPAC ambayo inawanachama wanahabari Zaidi ya 100 nchi nzima itatumia maadhimisho hayo kuhamasisha haki za Wajane na kuelezea umuhimu wa kuandika Wosia Kwa wanafamilia ili kupunguza mgogoro baada ya mmoja wa wanafamilia kufariki.

Happy Lazaro,Arusha

MAWAKALA WA BIMA wametakiwa kuzingatia  uadilifu, pamoja na kujenga mahusiano imara na wateja, pamoja na kuendelea kujifunza ili kuendana na mabadiliko ya soko.

Hayo yamesemwa leo jijini Arusha na 

Meneja wa Bima kanda ya kaskazini (TIRA) Dokta  Emmanuel Lupilya wakati akizungumza kwenye kikao maalumu kilichowakutanisha mawakala wa bima kutoka jijini Arusha .

Dokta Lupilya amesema lengo la kikao hicho ni kujadili na kuweza kuboresha maswala mbalimbali ya bima pamoja na kusikiliza changamoto zinazowakabili na kuzipatia ufumbuzi wa haraka.

Dokta Lupilya amesema kuwa,Wakala wa bima wametambuliwa kwa mchango wao mkubwa katika kulinda maisha na mali za Watanzania .

Dokta Lupilya amesema kuwa,kusanyiko hilo limewaleta kutambua mchango mkubwa hasa kwa mawakala wanaofanya kwa ajili ya  nchi yetu  .

"Ni dhahiri kuwa wanaendesha biashara hizi kwa kuzingatia weledi kwa  kuthamini utu wa wananchi pamoja na udhubutu wao katika kuhakikisha wanalinda ndoto za watanzania ."amesema .

Ameongeza  kuwa, mafanikio  yao wanayofanya yasihesabiwe tu katika mikataba wanayoandika bali ihesabiwe katika watu wangapi wamewahubiria habari za bima watu wangapi wamewasaidia katika maswala yao pamoja na familia walizosaidia katika kuingia kwenye mfumo mzima wa bima .

"Kwa kufanya hivyo watakuwa wamehesabiwe ile thamani yao kwa kuelimisha jamii na imani waliyoonyesha kwa jamii kuwa bima sasa sio kitu cha anasa bali  ni kitu cha muhimu na kila mwananchi lazima awe nacho ."amesema Dokta Lupilya. 

"Swala la kutoa huduma z bima sio swala dogo ni swala zito na ni swala ambalo linahitaji weledi zaidi na mawakala hawa wamekuwa mfano wa kuigwa kwani wamekuwa lango la kuwezesha uelewa wa maswala la bima kwa  jamii."amesema .

"Kilio changu mimi ni kuhakikisha kuwa kukua kwa sekta ya bima kuna mchangao mkubwa sana wa mawakala  kuwezesha sekta kukua na mawakal hao wanafanya kazi kubwa ."amesema  Dokta Lupilya. 

 Amesema kuwa lengo ni kuhakikisha mawakala wanakuwa na wao kama  mamlaka ni kuhakikisha wanawawekea mazingira rafiki ambayo yatawawezesha kufanya kazi kwa uadilifu mkubwa .

Aidha amewataka pia mawakala kufanyiwa mafunzo mara kwa mara katika maswala ya fedha ili wajue namna ya kutunza kile wanachokipata .

Aidha ametoa kwa makampuni kuonyesha mfano kwa maana ya kupeleka mafunzo ya maswala ya mahesabu ili wajue namna ya kuweza kukua na kuweza kujifunza teknolojia mpya kwani kuna wakati wataanza kuuza bidhaa zao kupitia teknolojia kwan8 teknolojia inauza zaidi .

"Tuwafundishe hawa namna ya kutumia teknolojia kwenye biashra ya bima na kwa kufanya hivyo tutafanikiwa kwa kiwango kikubwa sana ."amesema Dokta Lupilya. 

Nao Baadhi ya mawakala wakizungumza kwenye kikamo hicho , wamesema kuwa ,malalamiko makubwa wanayolalamikia.ni swala la mzigo mkubwa ambao mawakala wanayabeba jambo ambalo mawakala wengi wanashindwa kuendesha hiyo biashara kutokana na changamoto hizo kwani soko limekuwa na ushindani mkubwa na gharama za uendeshaji zimekuwa kubwa kwani mabenki yameingia ambapo ameomba mamlaka hiyo iangalie namna ya kuwabeba mawakala na mawakala ndo wenye biashara ya moja kwa moja .

"Tunachoomba mhakikishe mnawabeba hawa mawakala kwani mzigo ni mkubwa sana na hawawezi na mjitahidi  kuwawezesha mawakala na muwape  motisha pia ."amesema .

Waziri wa Habari, Utamaduni, Sanaa na Michezo, Paul Makonda, amesisitiza kuwa thamani ya mtu haipaswi kupimwa kwa nafasi aliyonayo, kazi yake, dini au kabila lake, bali inatokana na vipawa na talanta alizowekewa na Mungu.

Akizungumza katika kikao kazi cha Maafisa Michezo kilichofanyika katika Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), jijini Arusha, Waziri Makonda alieleza umuhimu wa kuwekeza zaidi katika sekta za utamaduni, sanaa na michezo kama nyenzo muhimu ya kukuza vipaji vya Watanzania.

Alibainisha kuwa sekta hizo zina mchango mkubwa katika kujenga heshima ya taifa, kukuza ubunifu, pamoja na kuongeza ajira kwa vijana. Hivyo, alihimiza kuwepo kwa mikakati madhubuti ya kutambua na kuendeleza vipaji vilivyopo nchini.

Aidha, Waziri Makonda aliwataka watumishi wa sekta ya michezo kufanya kazi kwa weledi na viwango vya juu, kulinda heshima ya ofisi zao, na kutumia nafasi walizonazo kuhakikisha wanabaini na kukuza vipaji kwa manufaa ya kizazi cha sasa na kijacho.

Kauli ya Waziri Makonda ni wito kwa jamii nzima kutambua kuwa kila mtu ana thamani ya kipekee inayotokana na vipawa vyake. Ni jukumu la kila mmoja wetu kuvibaini, kuvikuza, na kuvitumia kwa maendeleo binafsi na ya taifa kwa ujumla.

 

Watu 14 wamepoteza maisha huku wengine 25 wakijeruhiwa vibaya kufuatia moto mkubwa ulioteketeza kiwanda cha kutengeneza vipuri vya magari katika mji wa Daejeon, Korea Kusini.

Kwa mujibu wa mamlaka za usalama, moto huo ulizuka majira ya mchana siku ya Ijumaa wakati wafanyakazi wakiwa kwenye mapumziko ya chakula. Juhudi za kuudhibiti zilifanikiwa kufikia saa 5:48 usiku. Aidha, watu wengine 35 waliripotiwa kupata majeraha madogo katika tukio hilo.

Kiwanda hicho kinamilikiwa na kampuni ya Anjun Industrial, ambayo huzalisha vifaa vya injini kwa ajili ya makampuni makubwa ya magari yakiwemo Hyundai Motor na Kia Corp, kwa mujibu wa taarifa za kampuni hiyo.

Kupitia taarifa rasmi, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa kampuni hiyo, Sohn Ju-hwan, aliomba radhi kwa tukio hilo na kueleza kuwa kampuni itashirikiana kikamilifu na mamlaka kuchunguza chanzo cha moto huo. Pia aliahidi kufanyika kwa tathmini ya kina ya mifumo ya usalama na utekelezaji wa hatua madhubuti za kuzuia ajali kama hiyo kutokea tena.

Serikali ya Korea Kusini iliunda kikosi maalum cha kukabiliana na majanga kikijumuisha idara mbalimbali, kufuatia agizo la Rais Lee Jae Myung la kutumia rasilimali zote zilizopo kudhibiti moto huo na kuokoa maisha ya watu.

 

Happy Lazaro Arusha.

MAMLAKA ya usimamizi wa Bima (TIRA) kanda ya kaskazini imeandaa Tamasha kubwa la elimu ya bima na michezo katika chuo cha uhasibu Arusha kwa lengo la kujengea uwezo kuhusu maswala ya bima ambapo zaidi ya wanafunzi mia tatu wamehudhuria tamasha hilo .

Akizungumza kwenye hafla hiyo jijini Arusha leo Meneja wa Bima kanda ya kaskazini Dokta Emmanuel Lupilya amesema kuwa, kupitia tamasha hilo wanafunzi hao wameweza kupata elimu kuhusu maswala mbalimbali ya Bima na kuweza kuzijua faida za kukata bima mbalimbali.

Dkt.Lupilya amewaasa wanafunzi waliopo vyuo mbalimbali nchini kuhakikisha swala la bima haliepukiki kwani ndio uti wa mgongo katika kuhakikisha uchumi unajengwa sio tu kwa fedha bali kwa misingi ya kuwekeza kwenye bima kukinga mali afya pamoja na jamii yote kwa ujumla wake.

"jamii inayofundishwa na kuelimishwa juu ya elimu ya bima hakika serikali yake haiwezi kubeba mzigo mzito wa majanga hivyo tunahamisha hayo majanga kuelekea kwenye makampuni ambayo tunayasajili sisi kama mamlaka ili kuona kuwa shughuli zote za uchumi kijamii zinazoendeshwa na wananchi zinaenda kukingwa na bima ."amesema Dkt.Lupilya.

Amesema kuwa ,mamlaka ya Bima ipo kwa ajili ya kukinga ndoto za wadau wote wakiwemo jamii,wanafunzi ,na ndicho kimewafanya kufika chuoni hapo kutoa elimu upande wa bima na michezo ili michezo iwaandae vijana hawa kuwa wabunifu na weledi katika maswala ya kuonesha ukomavu kwenye uongozi kwa baadaye .

"Tumeanza leo kwenye chuo cha uhasibu Arusha lakini ndoto zetu ni kufika mikoa na wilaya zote ambazo tunazisimamia kupitia Kanda hii ya Kaskazin ."amesema .

Aidha ametaja matarajio yao ya baadaye ni kufikia walengwa zaidi hususani jamii ambayo haijafikwa na bima na kuweza kufika vijijini na hata maeneo ambayo wanananchi wanahitaji huduma hiyo ya bima .

"Tumepanga utaratibu wa kuwafungulia wakala ambao utakuwa ni shirikishi kwa maana ya chuo wanakuwa na uwakala ili shughuli zote za kusimamia maswala ya kijamii katika chuo hiki.ziweze kufanikiwa, tutahakikisha makampuni yetu yanatengeza bidhaa ambazo zinajibu changamoto ambayo imekuwa kubwa katika nchi yetu na kuondokana na utegemezi kuomba fedha kila wakati na kuona namna ambavyo bima itasaidia nchi na kusonga mbele na kuhakikisha ndoto za hawa wanafunzi zinafikiwa ."amesema Dkt.Lupilya.

Kwa upande wake Afisa bima kutoka Tira Goodluck Massawe amesem kuwa ,lengo la kuandaa tamasha hilo kwa wanafunzi hao ni ili waweze kuwa mabalozi wazuri wa kueneza ujumbe huo wa maswala ya bima popote wanapokwenda .

Massawe amesema kuwa,wanafunzi zaidi ya Mia tatu wamejitokeza kupata elimu ya maswala ya bima ambapo kupitia tamasha hilo ambalo limeleta hamasa kubwa sana wameweza kuwafikia watu wengi zaidi.

"Natoa wito zaidi kupitia Tamasha hili wanachuo na wananch kwa ujumla wajue umuhimu wa kukinga mali zao dhid ya majanga kupitia Bima na kulinda afya zao kwakuwa na bima ."amesema .

Amesema lengo la kufika chuoni hapa ni utaratibu wao kama Mamlaka kwa ajili ya kutoa elimu hivyo kundi hili la chuo ni moja ya wadau ambao wanafanya nao kazi kwa karibu sana na lengo kubwa ni kuwandaa kuwa mabalozi wazuri katika kuwafikia wananchi kupitia utoaji Elimu ya bima ili kuendeleza SOKO la bima nchini.

Nao baadhi ya wanafunzi walioshiriki tamasha hilo ,Abdalah Juma na Jenifa Jeremiah wamesema kuwa kitendo kilichofanywa na Tira ni mfano wa kuigwa na makampuni mengine kwani wameweza kuwajengea uelewa mkubwa kuhusu maswala ya bima na kuahidi kubwa mabalozi wazuri wa kwenda kutangaza elimu hiyo popote watakapokuwa.

 

Mkurugenzi wa Bodi ya Utalii Tanzania Ephraim Balozi Mafuru kwa niaba ya Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Maliasili na Utalii ameongoza timu ya wizara hiyo kwenye kikao cha kimkakati na viongozi wa wizara ya Utalii kutoka Jamhuri ya Zambia huku Mamlaka ya Hifadhi ya Ngorongoro ikijinasibu kwa upekee  wa vivutio vya utalii vilivyopo katika hifadhi hiyo ambapo asili, urithi na maajabu yanakutana eneo moja.

Mkurugenzi Mafuru ameeleza ujumbe huo kuimarika kwa ushirikiano kati ya Tanzania na Zambia kutokana na juhudi kubwa zilizofanywa na Waasisi wa Tanzania na Zambia kuunganisha mshikamano wa kiuchumi na kijamii.

Mafuru amesema Tanzania inasonga mbele katika sekta ya utalii kutokana na kuimarisha  uhifadhi,miundombinu ya utalii pamoja na utafutaji wa masoko ya kimkakati ndani na nje ya nchi.

Akitoa wasilisho la Mamlaka ya Hifadhi  ya Ngorongoro Afisa Masoko Mwandamizi Selestine Saitabau alisema Ngorongoro ni kama kikapu cha zawadi ambapo kimebeba vivutio vingi kuanzia historia ya chimbuko la binadamu, wanyamapori, mazalia ya Nyumbu, mchanga unaohama, misitu, ndege, hali ya hewa ya kuvutia na uoto wa asili wenye mandhari yanayonawirisha ikolojia ya Ngorongoro, Serengeti hadi Masai Mara.

Kamishna wa Uhifadhi wa Mamlaka ya Hifadhi ya Ngorongoro Bw. Abdul-Razaq Badru aliwashukuru wageni hao wakiongozwa na Naibu Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi na katibu Mkuu wa wizara ya Utalii Zambia na kuwaeleza kuwa Ngorongoro ina sifa zote za kuwa Bustani ya Eden na kuwahakikishia wageni hao kuwa wamerudi nyumbani kwenye asili ya Mababu zao wa takriban miaka zaidi ya milioni 3 iliyopita.

 

Arusha. The Government has called on directors of companies with minority public shareholding to ensure their leadership delivers measurable value to both the State and citizens, as the Minority Interest Forum 2026 (MIF 2026) concluded in Arusha.

Closing the three-day forum on March 18, 2026, the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office – Planning and Investment, Hon. Dr. Pius Chaya (MP), emphasized the need for a results-driven approach in managing companies where the Government holds minority stakes.

“The expectation is clear—every Minority Interest Company must generate measurable value for the Government and the citizens at large,” he said.

Dr. Chaya stressed that directors must go beyond routine oversight and ensure that each company contributes meaningfully to national development, warning that public investments cannot afford to underperform amid the country’s growing economic ambitions.

“Leadership decisions must be anchored in accountability and performance,” he added.

He further urged directors to safeguard public equity by not only protecting its value but also ensuring it is consistently enhanced. This includes taking deliberate measures to prevent dilution of Government shareholding and strengthening its strategic position within these companies.

Highlighting the broader significance of public investments, Dr. Chaya noted:

“Government investments are not merely shares in companies; they are shares in the future of our Nation.”

He added: “Our collective responsibility is to ensure that these companies become strong engines of growth, innovation, and prosperity for Tanzania.”

Dr. Chaya also reminded directors that their responsibilities extend beyond corporate governance to stewardship of national interests.

“As Directors, you are entrusted not only with corporate oversight, but with the stewardship of national investments. The decisions you make must create value for the people,” he said.

The forum, which brought together directors, chief executives, policymakers, and experts, provided a platform to reflect on governance challenges and align strategies to improve the performance of Minority Interest Companies.

Dr. Chaya urged participants to translate discussions into concrete actions.

“Let this Forum not be remembered merely as a gathering of stakeholders, but as the moment we collectively committed ourselves to unlocking the full strategic value of Tanzania’s investments in Minority Interest Companies,” he said.

Earlier, Treasury Registrar Mr. Nehemiah Mchechu underscored the importance of strategic discipline and accountability in managing government minority interests, noting that the forum plays a critical role in strengthening leadership effectiveness and corporate governance.

“We remain committed to ensuring that companies with Government minority shareholding operate efficiently, deliver sustainable returns, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term development agenda,” he said.

Mr. Mchechu added that such engagements equip directors and executives with the insights needed to navigate emerging challenges, embrace innovation, and align their strategies with national priorities.

The Minority Interest Forum 2026 was organized by the Office of the Treasury Registrar as part of ongoing efforts to enhance oversight, governance, and performance of companies in which the Government holds minority shares.

Airtel Tanzania Board Chair Mr. Eliud Sanga commended the initiative, describing the forum as a catalyst for improving operations in minority interest companies.

“We use this forum as a platform for the exchange of ideas, experience, and expertise,” he said.

Similarly, the Chairperson of Tanzania Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Mosses Mwizarubi, highlighted the strategic importance of entities under the Office of the Treasury Registrar.

“These entities are key to helping Tanzania attain a $1 trillion economy by 2050. With forums like this organised by the OTR, they will be in an even stronger position,” he noted.

Mr. Godfrey Kitundu, a Board Director at ALAF Tanzania, echoed the sentiment, describing the forum as a vital platform for boosting productivity.

“The Minority Interest Forum is an important tool for increasing the productivity of entities under the watch of the OTR,” he said.

The government has introduced eight key strategic directives aimed at enhancing the performance of companies in which it holds minority shares, as part of broader efforts to accelerate Tanzania’s transition to an upper-middle-income economy under the national development framework, 'Dira 2050'.

The ambitious long-term vision seeks to expand the country’s economy from approximately $85 billion to $1 trillion by 2050. Achieving this target will require stronger returns from public investments, particularly from minority interest companies where the government plays a partial ownership role.

Driving Performance Through Strategy and Governance

Speaking at the opening of the three-day Minority Interest Directors Forum 2026 (MIF 2026) in Arusha, the Minister for Finance, Khamis Mussa Omar, emphasized that the directives are designed to ensure these companies operate with greater strategic focus, transparency, and profitability.

He underscored the importance of aligning corporate strategies with national development priorities and global economic trends, enabling companies to remain competitive while supporting inclusive economic growth.

The minister also called for increased adoption of technology to enhance transparency, strengthen governance systems, and build public trust.

A Shift Toward Forward-Looking Leadership

A central theme of the directives is the need for forward-looking leadership. Boards and executive teams are urged to anticipate risks, respond proactively to emerging opportunities, and adapt to the demands of an increasingly competitive global economy.

The government is also encouraging stronger collaboration among companies to facilitate knowledge sharing, unlock new business opportunities, and generate collective impact.

At the same time, reinforcing governance frameworks grounded in accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership remains a top priority to ensure public investments deliver sustainable returns.

Focus on Results and Data-Driven Decision Making

Companies have been urged to adopt performance-driven strategies that enhance operational efficiency, improve profitability, and maximize value for both shareholders and the government.

The minister highlighted the importance of strengthening economic and competitive intelligence, noting that informed decision-making based on reliable data and market insights is critical for improving productivity and maintaining competitiveness in both regional and international markets.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

The government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with the private sector, recognizing it as a key driver of investment and national development.

Under 'Dira 2050', the government aims to increase the contribution of non-tax revenue to the national budget from 3 percent to 10 percent within five years — equivalent to approximately Sh5 trillion annually.

“This calls for a deliberate shift in mindset and operational approaches — from traditional oversight to foresight-driven leadership that prioritizes innovation, agility, and anticipation,” the minister noted.

He added that optimizing investments in minority interest companies will be essential to achieving maximum financial and economic returns.

Leadership Accountability and Institutional Transformation

The minister challenged directors and executives to embrace change and take full responsibility for improving performance and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“We must move beyond conventional boardroom practices and adopt proactive approaches to identifying challenges and implementing sustainable solutions,” he said, urging leaders to develop actionable strategies that will enhance competitiveness and long-term value creation.

Government Commitment to Business Environment Reforms

The Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office responsible for Investment, Fred Msemwa, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the business environment through policy and legal reforms.

He emphasized that a strong private sector is critical to achieving the goals of 'Dira 2050'.

 A Platform for Strategic Dialogue

In his opening remarks, Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu described the forum — now in its third edition since its launch in 2024 — as a vital platform for dialogue on governance, performance, and the strategic role of minority interest companies in Tanzania’s economic transformation.

The theme of this year’s forum, “From Oversight to Foresight: Advancing Agile and Innovative Leadership under Transformation Pressures,” highlights the need for leaders to move beyond traditional supervisory roles and embrace forward-thinking, adaptive leadership.

“In today’s rapidly evolving economic and technological environment, leadership must not only manage the present but also anticipate the future,” he said.

Growing Impact of Minority Interest Companies

Mchechu noted that government investment in minority interest companies has grown significantly over the past five years, rising from Sh821 billion to approximately Sh3.6 trillion — a clear indication of increasing confidence in public-private partnerships.

Dividend contributions have also surged by 357 percent over the same period, from Sh58 billion to Sh266 billion.

The MIF 2026 forum has brought together around 200 participants, including board directors, chief executive officers, policymakers, and experts from within and outside Tanzania.

Discussions are focused on strengthening governance, enhancing performance, and ensuring that minority interest companies play a more impactful role in driving Tanzania’s sustainable economic development.

As Tanzania advances toward its *Dira 2050* goals, the success of these companies will be critical in shaping a resilient, competitive, and innovation-driven economy.