Weekly UpdateWeek 19 of 2025: 05th May to 09th May 2025

An analysis of financial statements from 22 commercial banks reveals that the industry posted solid performance figures, signaling the likelihood of another record-breaking year for the country’s lenders. Non-funded income, which encompasses fees, commissions, and other service charges, increased by 15%, while interest-based income rose by 13% compared to the same period in 2024. This performance pushed the industry’s net profit up by 9%, climbing from TZS 528.96 billion in Q1 2024 to TZS 577.28 billion in Q1 2025.

The banks covered in the analysis include CRDB, NMB, NBC, Exim, Stanbic, PBZ, Azania, Standard Chartered, DTB, TCB, Absa, KCB Bank Tanzania, Citibank, Equity, BoA Tanzania, Ecobank, Bank of Baroda, I&M, NCBA, Maendeleo, DCB, and TADB. The momentum builds on last year’s milestone when the industry’s net profit exceeded the TZS 2 trillion mark for the first time in the country’s history.

Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA AND CUBS UNITE TO SUPERCHARGE LOCAL BIOFERTILIZER PRODUCTION AND STEP UP MALARIA CONTROL
Tanzania has formed a partnership with Cuba aimed at enhancing local production of biofertilizers and biolarvicides. This initiative is designed to reduce import dependency and strengthen the fight against malaria through the Tanzania Biotech Products Limited (TBPL) facility located in Kibaha.

The agreement, signed between the National Development Corporation (NDC) and the Cuban firm Labiofam S.A., will facilitate technology transfer for the local manufacture of biofertilizers, malaria control products, and other biotech inputs, utilizing Cuban expertise and innovations.

Currently, Tanzania imports up to 90% of its fertilization needs. Under the new deal, the Kibaha-based TBPL facility is expected to produce 600 million liters of biofertilizer and six million liters of malaria biolarvicide annually, along with other related bioproducts.

Source: The Citizen
ARUSHA SET TO EMERGE AS A STRONG COMPETITOR TO KIGALI IN RACE FOR CONFERENCE TOURISM DOMINANCE
Arusha has been challenged to leverage its geographical advantages and untapped potential to position itself as a serious competitor to Rwanda in the lucrative conference tourism sector. The call was made by the executive director of the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), Mr. David Kafulila, who noted that Arusha’s larger geographical area 37,000 square kilometres compared to Rwanda’s 27,000 offered a competitive edge.

Speaking during a high-level investment forum, Mr. Kafulila urged strategic investment in infrastructure to support the growing meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. He said that Rwanda earned over USD 88 million from conference tourism last year.

Arusha has the potential to match or even surpass that figure, thanks to its natural assets and the political commitment of President Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Mr. Kafulila pointed to the current limited capacity of the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), which can host a maximum of 1,300 delegates. In contrast, many international events attract upwards of 4,000 to 5,000 participants.

Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN OVER 80,000 ONLINE PLATFORMS FOR HARMFUL CONTENT
The Government of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), has shut down a total of 80,171 websites, social media accounts, blogs, and online platforms found to be publishing content deemed unethical and harmful to children’s mental health. This statement was delivered in Parliament today, Monday, 5th May 2025, in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Mr. Hamis Mwijuma.

He was responding to a question from Special Seats MP, Ng’wasi Kamani, regarding the government’s strategy to regulate harmful online content.

Source: The Citizen
YANGA DEFIES CAS RULING, BOYCOTTS LEAGUE CLASH WITH SIMBA CLAIMING INJUSTICE AND BIAS
Despite a directive from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) instructing Young Africans Sports Club (Yanga SC) to first exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms within the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the club has remained steadfast in its decision not to participate in the second-round Premier League fixture against Simba SC.

In a public statement issued today, Monday, 5th May 2025, Yanga’s Executive Committee confirmed that it had received a response to case number CAS 2025/A/11298, with guidance to follow domestic procedures before lodging an appeal. However, Yanga’s leadership has rejected this directive, citing a lack of trust in the national football authorities.

The club alleges “injustice, serious violations of regulations, and blatant favoritism towards certain teams.” In line with this stance, Yanga has formally announced its withdrawal from the highly anticipated second-round fixture against Simba Sports Club, which is match number 184 of the Mainland Premier League this season.

The club insists it will not participate in the match under any circumstances. The announcement concluded with a rallying call to Yanga members and supporters to be ready to resist by all possible means in order to secure justice and to condemn what they termed “gross injustice and regulatory breaches committed by the football authorities.”

Source: The Citizen
TRUMP IMPOSES 100% TARIFF ON FOREIGN-MADE FILMS TO SAVE DYING HOLLYWOOD
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the country, saying the American movie industry was dying a “very fast death” due to the incentives that other countries were offering to lure filmmakers. Trump said that this is a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda.

Trump said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States. He added: “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on X: “We’re on it.” Neither Lutnick nor Trump provided any details on how the tariffs would be implemented.

06^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
US APPEALS COURT REJECTS TRUMP BID TO REVOKE THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS’ STATUS
A federal appeals court rejected on Monday a request by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to allow it to revoke the temporary legal status of hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans living in the United States. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to put on hold a judge’s order halting the Department of Homeland Security’s move to cut short a two-year “parole” granted to the migrants under Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.

The administration’s action marked an expansion of the Republican president’s hardline crackdown on immigration and push to ramp up deportations, including of noncitizens previously granted a legal right to live and work in the United States. The administration argued Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had discretion to categorically end the migrants’ status and that the judge’s order was forcing the U.S. government to “retain hundreds of thousands of aliens in the country against its will.”

But a three-judge panel comprised entirely of appointees of Democratic presidents said Noem “has not at this point made a ‘strong showing’ that her categorical termination of plaintiffs’ parole is likely to be sustained on appeal.” Karen Tumlin, a lawyer whose immigrant rights group Justice Action Center pursued the case, welcomed the court’s decision. She called the administration’s actions “reckless and illegal.” The administration could now ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene.

Source: The Citizen
COURT REJECTS PROSECUTION’S REQUEST FOR VIRTUAL HEARING IN TUNDU LISSU CASE
The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has rejected a request by the prosecution for opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s case to be heard virtually, instead ordering that he appear in person for upcoming proceedings.

The decision was issued by Senior Resident Magistrate Geoffrey Mhini during a scheduled hearing. Lissu, the national chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, faces charges of publishing false information under Tanzania’s cybercrime laws.

Hon. Magistrate Mhini ruled that, in the interest of justice, he directed that the accused be brought before the Kisutu Court on the next date so that the case may proceed through standard in-person proceedings.

The prosecution had argued for a virtual appearance, citing logistical considerations. However, Lissu’s defense team insisted that his physical presence in court was necessary to ensure a fair and transparent trial.

Source: The Citizen
CRACKDOWN LAUNCHED ON FOREIGN TRADERS USING TANZANIAN IDENTITIES
The government has initiated a sweeping crackdown on foreign nationals allegedly using Tanzanian identities to engage in petty trade, particularly in key commercial hubs such as Kariakoo. Investigations conducted by a special committee have revealed widespread misuse of Tanzanian citizens’ credentials by foreigners, allowing them to unlawfully dominate the local business landscape. Many of these individuals are also accused of evading taxes and leaving behind significant debts in the names of the Tanzanians whose identities they assumed.

In response, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Dr. Selemani Jafo, has called for urgent policy reforms to protect the local business environment from what he described as foreign exploitation. The Immigration Department has launched a special operation targeting foreign illegal traders. As of now, 7,900 foreigners without valid permits have been apprehended. Of these, 4,796 have been deported, 703 fined, and 257 presented valid documentation later.

Source: The Citizen
LATRA INTRODUCES NEW DALADALA ROUTES IN DAR ES SALAAM TO CURB UNREGISTERED RICKSHAW USE
In a move aimed at streamlining urban transport and curbing the unregulated use of three-wheelers, the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has introduced six new ‘daladala’ routes and invited operators to apply for licenses to run commuter buses on them. The initiative, which requires a total of 120 minibuses, is expected to ease congestion and offer reliable public transport alternatives in areas where many commuters currently rely on three-wheelers (Bajajis).

According to LATRA’s statement, the newly designated routes are Kigamboni Ferry to Kibada via Tungi Mjimwema Road, Fremu Kumi to Kilungule via Mwanagati Road, and Kigamboni Wilayani to Kilungule Station via Toangoma-Kongowe Road. Others are Tabata Chang’ombe to Kilungule Station via Vingunguti-Buza Road, Kigogo Sokoni to Kilungule Station via Chanika and Chamazi Road, and Tegeta Nyuki to Nyakasangwe via Bwawani Road. LATRA’s head of Communications and Public Relations, Mr. Salum Pazzy, said the goal is to bring structured and affordable transport services closer to the public.

07^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
COURT ORDERS LISSU TO APPEAR IN PERSON IN FALSE INFORMATION CASE
The Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court has ordered opposition leader Tundu Lissu to be brought physically to court for the hearing of a case in which he is charged with publishing false information on YouTube. Mr. Lissu, who is CHADEMA’s national chairperson, is currently held at Ukonga Prison and is facing two separate cases: one of treason and another involving three counts of disseminating false information.

Senior Resident Magistrate Geofrey Mhini ruled yesterday that the case concerning false information will proceed in open court, citing the importance of public access and transparency. The decision followed arguments between the prosecution, which preferred a video link, and the defense, which insisted on Lissu’s physical presence.

The court directed prison authorities to bring Lissu to court on May 19th, 2025, for the reading of preliminary hearing (PH) submissions. Magistrate Mhini stressed that Lissu’s presence was necessary for signing PH documents and understanding the issues in dispute. The ruling also cited Article 13(6)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees an accused person the right to a fair hearing, as grounds for rejecting the video link option, especially after Lissu declined to participate virtually.

Earlier, State Attorney Tawab Issa told the court that the prosecution was ready for the PH ruling. However, a prison officer informed the court that Lissu had refused to join the session via video.

08^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA SET TO DECIDE WHETHER TO PROCEED WITH URANIUM MINING
The government expects to decide by June 2025 whether to proceed with uranium mining at the Mkuju River site in Ruvuma Region, pending the outcome of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) currently underway. Deputy Minister for Minerals, Hon. Dr. Steven Kiruswa, said that the assessment began in February and is expected to take approximately three months, although it could extend to six months depending on the scope of the study and prevailing weather conditions.

Once the study is finalized, it will be reviewed by the Ministry of Environment. If approved, exploration activities can move forward. The assessment is required due to the mine’s location within the Mwalimu Nyerere National Park, a protected conservation area. Dr. Kiruswa said the SEA is critical for evaluating the potential impact of uranium exploration on biodiversity and ecological stability.

Source: The Citizen
PRESIDENT SAMIA WAIVES WATER BILL PENALTIES FOR CITIZENS
In major relief to Tanzanians facing water service penalties, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially waived all fines related to unpaid water bills under the country’s Water Authorities. Affected individuals have been urged to visit their respective authorities to restore their water supply services, with the grace period running until May 31th, 2025.

The announcement was made in Parliament on Thursday by the Minister for Water, Hon. Mr. Jumaa Aweso, as he presented the Ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year. He said that President Samia has graciously forgiven all penalty charges for water services. He emphasized that even customers whose water supply had been disconnected due to unpaid debts are included in the directive. Those citizens should report to their local offices to be guided on how to settle their dues and have their services restored immediately.

09^th May 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA URGES EU PARLIAMENT TO RESPECT ITS SOVEREIGNTY AND LEGAL PROCEDURES
The Government of Tanzania has expressed disappointment over a resolution by the European Union (EU) Parliament regarding the case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, stating that the decision was based on one-sided information and made without prior diplomatic consultation.

In a statement issued on May 8th, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation emphasized that Tanzania is a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law, and that all legal matters are handled independently by the judiciary. The government highlighted political and legal reforms undertaken since March 2021 under the philosophy of the 4Rs, i.e., Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding, which have led to the restoration of political freedoms, expansion of civil rights, enhanced press freedom, and the establishment of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2024.

However, it lamented that these positive developments have not been acknowledged, while a single legal case is being used to judge the entire country. Tanzania reaffirmed that any cooperation with the EU must be grounded in mutual respect, including respect for constitutional authority, legal systems, national identity, and shared priorities for development, governance, economic growth, and public welfare.

In a resolution adopted during its plenary session on May 7th, the EU Parliament called for the immediate and unconditional release of Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges following his arrest at a political rally in Mbinga on April 9th. The resolution also condemned what it described as an increasing clampdown on opposition voices, civil society, and independent media in Tanzania. It highlighted incidents of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and restrictions on freedom of expression and association. The EU Parliament further raised concern over CHADEMA’s exclusion from the October 2025 general election following its refusal to sign an electoral code of conduct. It urged Tanzanian authorities to ensure the party’s full participation in the democratic process.

Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA UNVEILS SECOND LARGEST CNG STATION IN AFRICA TO DRIVE CLEAN ENERGY SHIFT
Tanzania has launched a state-of-the-art Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother station, Africa’s second largest, marking a significant leap in the country’s transition to clean, sustainable transport. Located along the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (UDART) corridor, the facility is expected to transform urban mobility and reduce dependency on traditional fuels.

With a daily production capacity of 4.2 million cubic metres of gas, the TZS 18.9 billion investment can refuel up to 1,200 vehicles a day, servicing eight vehicles at once. The Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Judith Kapinga, said that this facility offers a lasting solution to long queues at filling stations. She stressed the government’s commitment to cleaner energy and noted that the station will operate on a cashless payment model to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Ms. Kapinga also highlighted the cost benefits of CNG. A journey that would normally cost Sh100,000 per week by petrol can now cost as little as Sh27,000 using gas. It’s not just clean, it’s affordable. The launch also saw the unveiling of Tanzania’s first natural gas-powered public bus, a major step in UDART’s shift from diesel to cleaner alternatives.

Source: The Citizen