Week 21 of 2025: 17th to 24th May 2025

This was announced on Friday, May 16, 2025, by the Minister for Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Mr. Deogratius Ndejebi. He was speaking during the fifth Annual Conference of the Association of Registered Estate Property Valuers of Tanzania (AREPTA), taking place in Arusha. He said that the Government’s goal is to ease the financial burden on citizens and encourage the construction of better-quality homes.

Source: The Citizen

Hon. Mr. Silaa said that other priorities include quarterly audits of the NICTBB, supporting the Ministry’s Audit Committee in project oversight, and implementing audit recommendations. He said the ministry will also coordinate project verification activities, respond to audit queries, and conduct public awareness campaigns to inform citizens of ongoing progress. Furthermore, it will oversee the implementation of the National Broadband Infrastructure Geographic Information System (GIS).

19^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
COURT THROWS OUT IPTL SUIT AGAINST GOVERNMENT OVER TEGETA ESCROW SAGA
Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL) has suffered a major legal setback after the High Court dismissed its case against the government, in which it challenged a 2021 settlement agreement over the Tegeta Escrow funds and demanded TZS 100 billion in compensation. The oil-powered electricity generation company filed the lawsuit in 2024, seeking to invalidate the agreement signed with the government, which had previously resolved a long-running legal battle over the controversial escrow funds. In the original case (Civil Case No. 90 of 2018), the government had demanded IPTL refund more than $198.879 million (approximately TZS 536.5 billion) it had received from the Tegeta Escrow Account, jointly held by the Bank of Tanzania, Tanesco, and IPTL.

To settle the dispute, both parties signed a settlement agreement on March 1, 2021, officially concluding the case by March 19, 2021. However, three years later, IPTL filed a new lawsuit (Civil Case No. 14259 of 2024), arguing the agreement was invalid. The company claimed its chairman and CEO, Harbinder Singh Sethi, was coerced into signing the deal while in remand at Ukonga Prison. IPTL also sought TZS 100 billion in compensation for alleged damages.

In a ruling delivered on May 16, 2025, Judge Awamu Mbagwa dismissed the case, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and the agreement as lawfully binding. Judge Mbagwa ruled that, based on the above, the plaintiff has failed to prove its claims on the balance of probabilities. I hereby dismiss this suit for lack of legal standing. The defendants are entitled to recover their legal costs. By way of background, the dispute stems from funds held in the Tegeta Escrow Account, created to resolve payment disagreements between Tanesco and IPTL over electricity tariffs. The funds were to remain in escrow pending resolution of the matter through international arbitration at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA’S DIASPORA STATUS DEBATE REIGNITED AS MINISTER CLARIFIES LEGAL POSITION
In an event organised by Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in Dar es Salaam, the minister in charge of the docket, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, discussed a range of issues, including the three-day state visit by the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and the transformation the ministry has gone through under his stewardship, among others, in the presence of journalists.

The hot topic that has always lingered was the growing Tanzanian community abroad and their recognition, which has been marred by delayed ‘special status’, aborted bills, and a lot of restrictions the diaspora community allegedly faces when coming back to the country of their birth. In his response, Minister Kombo reiterated the government position based on the law strongly. He stated that the law of the land states that any Tanzanian living outside its borders but still maintaining their Tanzanian passport is not a diaspora.

A diaspora is born in Tanzania with a Tanzanian birth certificate, who emigrates to another country and goes through the renunciation of their Tanzanian citizenship to acquire another citizenship. He stated that if one still holds a Tanzanian passport, even if you have lived in another country for 20 years, when you come back, you will still be a Tanzanian, according to Tanzanian law. At the point of return, they can easily apply for the National Identification Card, widely known as the Nida card. According to government data, fewer than 10,000 Tanzanians living abroad fall under the diaspora community. He dared anyone with contrasting data that can prove him wrong to present it.

Source: The Citizen
HOW TANZANIA’S PROFESSOR JANABI WON DELEGATES’ SUPPORT FOR TOP WHO AFRICA JOB
Tanzania’s Prof. Mohammed Yakub Janabi has been elected as the new Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), following a vote by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Geneva. Prof. Janabi’s nomination came after a convincing plea for votes in which he laid out a bold, seven-pillar agenda for transforming health systems across Africa.

His delivery, both passionate and pragmatic, won broad support from ministers and delegates across the continent. The announcement was made by the session chairperson, Liberia’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto. Dr. Kpoto read out the resolution: “The Regional Committee, considering Article 52 of the Constitution, and in accordance with Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, nominates Prof. Mohammed Yakub Janabi as Regional Director for the African Region.” The pronouncement was met with cheers and applause from Tanzania’s delegation, prompting a brief pause in proceedings to allow celebrations.

Prof. Janabi’s nomination now awaits confirmation by the WHO Executive Board. If approved, he will serve a term of five years and eight months. Speaking earlier before the committee, Prof. Janabi appealed for unity and commitment, noting that Africa’s health future depends on collaborative leadership. He emphasised universal health coverage, sustainable financing, improved maternal and child health, and digital innovation as top priorities. He also stressed the importance of reducing reliance on earmarked donor funds and called for increased domestic contributions and partnerships.

Source: The Citizen
OPPOSITION LEADER LISSU FINALLY TAKEN TO COURT IN PERSON TO FACE CHARGES
Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 19, 2025, to face charges of treason and false information publication, after refusing to participate in online hearings for two consecutive sessions. The Chadema national chairperson arrived at the court premises in a white Land Cruiser belonging to the Tanzania Prisons Service. He remained inside the vehicle for approximately three minutes before being escorted inside. A large number of security personnel, some wearing face-obscuring balaclavas, surrounded the vehicle and led him through a rear entrance to prevent him from being seen by members of the public or the media.

One of Mr Lissu’s hands was briefly visible from inside the vehicle as he raised two fingers, a gesture associated with his party, CHADEMA. He was then taken into the courtroom under heavy escort by prison officers who made concerted efforts to block any attempt by journalists to catch a glimpse of the opposition leader. Mr. Lissu appeared in court in connection with two cases: one concerning the alleged publication of false information online and another related to treason, which carries a possible death sentence.

In the cybercrime case, the court session was convened for the prosecution to present its preliminary hearing (PH) submissions before proceeding to witness testimonies. The charges relate to content allegedly published on YouTube. A number of citizens were present at the court to follow proceedings, while both uniformed and plainclothes officers maintained a significant security presence in and around the premises.

20^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA REDUCES FEES AND CHARGES TO BOOST LOCAL INVESTMENT IN TOURISM SECTOR
The government has introduced a raft of regulatory reforms in the tourism sector aimed at improving the business environment and stimulating investment, particularly among local stakeholders. Presenting the 2025/26 budget estimates to Parliament on May 19, 2025, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Pindi Chana, outlined a series of measures, including reductions in licensing fees and the removal of park entry charges for licensed tour guides.

Dr. Chana said that the government will continue to collaborate closely with the private sector to enhance efficiency in conservation and tourism through sectoral dialogues under the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) and other regular stakeholder engagements. Under the new measures, the Tourism Business Licence (TTBL) fees for local investors in accommodation services have been significantly reduced.

Five-star establishments will now pay USD 1,500, down from USD 2,500. Fees for other categories have also been lowered, and all payments will now be made in Tanzanian shillings. In a move welcomed by industry players, the government has also removed park entry fees for all tour guides with valid and active licences. The registration fee for mountain climbing agencies has been reduced from USD 2,000 to TZS 3 million, while the cost of a tour guide licence has dropped from USD 50 to TZS 35,000 per annum.

Source: The Citizen
WHY TANZANIA HAS TURNED TO GLOBAL INVESTORS FOR OIL AND GAS EXPLOITATION
The government has said it is intensifying its drive to attract foreign investment in the oil and gas sector, citing the high costs, substantial risks, and time-sensitive global energy trends as key reasons for outsourcing capital-intensive exploration activities. Speaking during a briefing with editors on May 19, 2025, the Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), Mr. Charles Sangweni, said preparations are underway for Tanzania’s fifth licensing round for oil and gas exploration blocks that seeks to attract oil and gas multinationals into the Tanzanian exploration scene.

The round is aimed at reigniting investor interest, expanding exploration activities, and generating broader economic benefits such as employment creation and increased local content. Mr. Sangweni pointed out that the capital intensity of upstream exploration continues to be a major barrier for local investors. The cost of drilling a single onshore well can reach approximately USD 20 million, while offshore operations may exceed USD 175 million, with no certainty of success.

Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA POLICE WARN AGAINST FAKE AND UNETHICAL POSTS SHARED VIA HACKED SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT
The Tanzania Police Force has issued a warning and announced a crackdown on individuals who have disseminated false, misleading, and unethical information via the Force’s social media platform. It stated that the intention behind the circulation of these statements is to mislead the public into believing that they were issued by the Police Force through its official X account (formerly Twitter). In a statement released today, Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the Police clarified that the circulating information is not authentic, emphasising that the Force could not prepare or share such content on its social media channels.

The Police statement reads that “while investigations are ongoing to apprehend the criminals who created and distributed these messages, we urge members of the public to disregard such statements and refrain from sharing them should they come across them.” The Police stressed that stern action will be taken against anyone involved in the creation or dissemination of the information, including those who continue to share it.

This statement follows an incident that occurred during the night leading into Tuesday when unknown individuals gained unauthorised access to the Police’s social media account and began posting various messages, which the Police have disowned and are currently pursuing those responsible.

Source: The Guardian
SPECIAL STATUS FOR DIASPORA ONLY AWAITING HOUSE SESSION
President Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has, on Monday, 19 May 2025, unveiled updated foreign policy guidelines. The updated policy shifts focus toward economic diplomacy and creates legal pathways for Diaspora engagement, including land ownership for Tanzanians abroad who have not gained citizenship elsewhere. The framework reaffirms Tanzania’s commitment to multilateralism, supporting the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and China, alongside regional integration via the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).

Despite its ambitions, challenges remain, she said, pointing at underutilised Kiswahili in international affairs, cross-border crime, and adapting to global shifts. Since taking office in March 2021, President Samia has conducted over 45 diplomatic missions abroad, hosted 37 heads of state, secured more than USD 15 billion in foreign investments, and raised Tanzania’s global profile, a ministerial profile indicated. The guidelines plan special training for officials and envoys to achieve goals of economic diplomacy, where a key feature is granting special status to the Tanzanian non-citizen Diaspora, formalising their role in national development.

To enable this, the government is amending the Land Act and Immigration Act to allow land ownership and ease of travel for Diaspora members. These bills are currently before Parliament, the president noted. Backed by a ten-year implementation strategy, the policy will be periodically reviewed to meet emerging challenges. The revised foreign policy is structured around ten areas, with economic diplomacy taking centre stage, in the wake of Tanzania securing more than USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment pledges since early 2021, a testament to the country’s renewed investor confidence. Other key components include enhanced regional peacebuilding, particularly in the Eastern DRC, and the elevation of Kiswahili diplomacy.

President Samia successfully lobbied for Kiswahili’s adoption as an official language of the African Union and for UNESCO to declare July 7 as World Kiswahili Language Day. Zanzibar President Hon. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi praised the policy as strengthening global diplomatic ties, urging more foreign consulates in Zanzibar. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister, said the policy explicitly links diplomacy to national priorities like the blue economy, youth empowerment, and regional trade. It aims to promote peace, expand access to international labour markets, increase Kiswahili use in diplomacy, and mainstream gender, youth, and climate issues.

Source: The Guardian
HACKERS TARGET TANZANIAN GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION, SPREAD FALSEHOODS
A series of cyberattacks targeting major government institutions has sparked alarm in Tanzania after hackers breached the official YouTube channel of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and also infiltrated the Tanzania Police Force’s X account (formerly Twitter). The TRA’s YouTube channel, known as TRA Online TV, published false information on Monday following the breach. The incident occurred shortly after a similar attack on the Police Force’s X account, Police Force TZ, where hackers posted misleading and unethical messages intended to appear as official communication from the law enforcement agency.

Authorities have since regained control of both platforms. As of Tuesday, all official accounts, including the Police Force’s X account and the TRA’s YouTube channel, have been restored. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports issued a strong warning on Monday, condemning the deliberate spread of false information online intended to incite fear and unrest.

21^st May 2025
Source: The Citizen
WHAT TANZANIA SEEKS TO ACHIEVE WITH PLANNED NEW CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICY
The government is in the process of developing a national criminal justice policy aimed at strengthening the legal and institutional framework governing Tanzania’s justice system. This was stated by the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Hon. Dr. Damas Ndumbaro. Speaking at a press briefing in Dodoma on May 20, Dr. Ndumbaro said the policy is a product of recommendations made by the Criminal Justice Commission, which was formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman.

He said the policy is intended to offer clear direction and ensure proper oversight of the criminal justice system. In addition to the new policy, the government is also preparing to overhaul several existing criminal laws. Dr. Ndumbaro said a draft Criminal Justice Miscellaneous Amendment Bill is currently under review by legal experts, with four stakeholder consultations already held. He added that the Ministry has worked to enhance the performance of justice delivery systems and institutions over the past four years.

Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS AUTHORITY DENIES HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE CLAIMS IN RUAHA
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has rejected claims by international NGOs alleging human rights violations by park rangers during a recent operation in Ruaha National Park, describing the reports as misleading and exaggerated. The incident in question occurred on May 7, 2025, during a routine patrol by a four-ranger team from the Usangu West unit in Ruaha. According to Southern Zone Commander, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Godwell Ole Meing’ataki, the rangers seized 1,113 animals found grazing illegally in the Mjenje area of the park.

Upon spotting the rangers, around ten herders fled, leaving the livestock behind. The rangers began escorting the animals to Ukwaheri post, approximately eight kilometres away. However, around midnight, the patrol was ambushed by an unidentified group armed with traditional weapons, including spears and arrows, in an attempt to retrieve the seized livestock. On the morning of May 8, the Officer Commanding District (OCD) in Mbarali reported that a man from Iyala village had died as a result of the confrontation.

Source: The Citizen
CONSTRUCTION OF PEMBA AIRPORT BEGINS AND SET TO UNLOCK ZANZIBAR’S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
The Government of Zanzibar has officially commenced construction of the long-anticipated Pemba Airport, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity and unlocking the island’s economic potential. Once complete, the new airport will enable the direct landing of large aircraft on Pemba Island, eliminating the current need for passengers to land in Unguja and transfer via smaller planes or boats. Deputy Minister for Works, Communications and Transport, Hon. Mr. Nadir Abdulatif, confirmed the development on May 20, 2025, during a parliamentary session.

He revealed that groundwork for the project began in November 2024, with the contractor currently finalising the establishment of an operational base to facilitate the arrival of construction equipment. The project is under the supervision of Dar al Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), a globally recognised engineering firm.

Mr. Abdulatif noted that the contract for the project was signed on January 4, 2023, between the Ministry and Brazil-based Propav Infrastructures, with the signing ceremony held at Zanzibar State House in the presence of President Hon. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi. The project entails a significant upgrade of the existing airport, including runway extension, construction of a new passenger terminal, and supporting infrastructure to accommodate Code C aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800.

23^rd May 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA LOSES MORE THAN TZS 4.79 TRILLION ANNUALLY DUE TO ILLEGAL TRANSFER OF MONEY ABROAD
While Tanzania is estimated to have nearly five million registered taxpayers, the government continues to lose significant revenue due to incentives granted to foreign investors, ranging from tax exemptions to non-financial benefits. A report presented in parliament by the Ministry of Finance in September 2023 revealed that, by 30 June 2023, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) had registered approximately 4.7 million taxpayers, equivalent to just 16% of the country’s labour force. Despite this modest tax base, Tanzania continues to offer both local and foreign investors a variety of incentives in an effort to stimulate economic growth and attract capital.

However, analysts say this approach may be contributing to illicit financial flows (IFFs) from the country. According to Global Financial Integrity, Tanzania loses more than TZS 4.79 trillion annually due to the illegal transfer of money abroad. This, experts argue, undermines development and deepens poverty, denying citizens access to quality healthcare, education, clean water, sanitation, reliable infrastructure, and electricity. Among the most scrutinised incentives are those offered under the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA). Investors under this scheme benefit from a range of tax breaks, including tax holidays, exemptions on customs duties and port charges, and VAT waivers on raw materials and essential services.

24^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA MOVES TO RECLAIM GLOBAL CONTROL OF TANZANITE TRADE
Tanzania is intensifying efforts to restore its rightful position as the global epicenter of the Tanzanite trade, following years of value leakage and dominance by foreign markets, particularly India. Speaking during a recent briefing, Minister of Minerals, Mr. Anthony Mavunde, highlighted key milestones achieved over the past four years, including the resumption of international auctions for Tanzanite, the rare blue-violet gemstone found only in the Mirerani Hills in the Manyara Region. The revival of auctions in Mirerani, the sole source of Tanzanite globally, is aimed at curbing mineral smuggling, promoting transparent pricing, and empowering local miners, traders, and jewelry makers.

The auctions allow both domestic and international buyers to access Tanzanite directly from Tanzania, rather than through third-party markets. These efforts come in response to the long-standing concern that Tanzanite, despite being a Tanzanian treasure, is more commonly marketed and sold globally through other countries, especially India. According to a report by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Tanzanite exports from Tanzania reached a value of USD 19.2 million (about TZS 50 billion) in 2024. However, data available online show that in the same year, India exported Tanzanite worth over four times Tanzania’s exports, amounting to approximately USD 80 million (TZS 208 billion).