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Habari

Tanzania hosts historic 2026 SADC satellite forum as region moves to launch joint space initiative

by Joshua Kiziba February 17, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania has made history by hosting the 2026 SADC Joint Satellite Forum, a five-day summit running from February 16–20, bringing together space and satellite experts from SADC member states to position the region as a leader in satellite technology and Africa’s space economy.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), member states are advancing plans to launch a Joint Satellite aimed at boosting communications, disaster management, weather monitoring, modern agriculture and rural internet expansion, while closing the digital divide and strengthening technological independence.

The forum has convened technical experts, policymakers and international partners, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), to turn policy commitments into measurable actions.

Opening the summit, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Angellah Kairuki described it as a strategic step to enhance regional capabilities, expand services to underserved areas, and improve disaster preparedness.

TCRA Director General Dr Jabiri Bakari reaffirmed commitment to close collaboration with member states and global stakeholders, noting the forum marks a shift from dialogue to concrete implementation, giving SADC a stronger voice in the global space arena.

February 17, 2026 0 comments

Habari

PM Mwigulu launches 526 billion Oxygen Plant in Lushoto, vows zero tolerance on sisuse of public funds

by Joshua Kiziba February 17, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Lushoto, Tanga: Prime Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, has launched an oxygen medical gas production equipment worth 526.8bn/- and demanded that every shilling allocated for development projects be used for its intended purpose.

Speaking shortly after the launch of the oxygen medical gas production equipment at Lushoto District Hospital in Tanga Region on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said that the government will not tolerate situations where responsible public officials fail to monitor the use of funds.

According to the PM, the conduct leads to projects not being implemented to the required standards and quality for the benefit of citizens as intended.

The project has the capacity to produce 120 cylinders of 50 kilograms per day, significantly improving access to this essential service.

Moreover, the equipment has enabled the local council to stop transporting oxygen cylinders to Tanga City, about 175 kilometres away, for refilling, and so far, the plant has produced 1,440 medical oxygen cylinders (50kg) and 200 cylinders of 15kg.

Additionally, the Premier also urged public servants to properly fulfil their responsibilities, noting that no form of laziness will be acceptable from public servants.

“It is improper for a government official to normalise citizens’ problems. Some officials treat citizens’ concerns like greetings, and as a result, problems pile up,” he said.

February 17, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Wasichana 13,000 waliokatisha masomo warejea shule

by Joshua Kiziba February 17, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Zaidi ya wasichana 13,000 wenye umri kati ya miaka 13 na 21 waliokatisha masomo ya sekondari kwa sababu mbalimbali wamejisajili na kurudi shuleni kupitia Mradi wa Kuboresha Elimu ya Sekondari kwa Njia Mbadala (SEQUIP-AEP) ulioanza mwaka 2022 na kufikia mwaka 2026.

Watoto hao waliokatisha masomo kutokana na sababu mbalimbali zikiwemo mimba za utotoni, ajira za watoto, kuolewa kabla ya wakati na hali za kiuchumi za familia, sasa wanaendelea na masomo ya kidato cha tano na sita, vyuo vya kati na vyuo vikuu.

February 17, 2026 0 comments

Fursa Habari

Tanzania’s Digital Transformation Accelerates: Mobile Money and Internet Subscriptions Hit Historic Highs

by Joshua Kiziba February 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Tanzania is witnessing an unprecedented boom in its digital economy, a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to financial inclusion and technological advancement. The latest data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for the quarter ending December 2025 reveals a vibrant sector that is empowering citizens across the nation.

Explosive Growth in Connectivity: The statistics paint a picture of a highly connected nation. Total SIM card registrations have surged by 7.7%, jumping from 99.3 million in September to a staggering 106.9 million by December 2025. This growth is not just about numbers; it represents millions more Tanzanians gaining access to vital communication services.

Furthermore, the government’s push for a knowledge-based economy is bearing fruit. Internet subscriptions have risen by 3.2% to 58.1 million users. More impressively, the actual usage of internet data has skyrocketed by 9.5%, reaching 808 Petabytes. This increase indicates that Tanzanians are not just connected; they are actively utilizing the digital space for business, education, and social development.

Financial Inclusion Triumph: Perhaps the most significant indicator of economic empowerment is the robust growth in mobile money services. The number of active mobile money accounts grew by 6.7%, reaching 76.5 million accounts.

This surge signifies that financial services are reaching the grassroots, facilitating trade and securing savings for millions who were previously unbanked. With mobile money transactions remaining robust, the digital financial ecosystem is proving to be a backbone of our national economy.

February 16, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Vodacom Tanzania sees 19.8% service revenue growth as customer base hits 26 million

by Joshua Kiziba February 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Vodacom Tanzania Public Limited Company has released its unaudited quarterly results for the period ended 31 December 2025, highlighting strong service revenue growth, accelerated network investment, and continued expansion in digital financial services. The trading update, presented by Chief Executive Officer Philip Besiimire, marked the end of the third quarter of the company’s 2026 financial year.

The company recorded a 19.8% year-on-year increase in service revenue to TZS 477.5 billion, supported by strong growth in data and M-Pesa services. Total revenue rose to TZS 484.0 billion, while EBITDA increased by 24.7% to TZS 184.9 billion, with margin expansion of 1.5 percentage points to 38.2%. However, reported net profit after tax declined by 33.4% to TZS 35.5 billion, largely due to higher operating expenses linked to network modernisation, accelerated depreciation of replaced equipment, and a TZS 14.5 billion increase in foreign exchange losses.

Excluding these transitional costs, underlying net profit after tax grew 37.9% to TZS 58.5 billion.

Vodacom Tanzania continued to invest heavily in infrastructure, with capital expenditure reaching TZS 79.7 billion in the quarter and TZS 230.5 billion over the first nine months of the financial year. This exceeds the total TZS 175.0 billion invested in the entire previous financial year. The investment forms part of a US$100 million network modernisation programme, under which more than 1,800 sites have been upgraded across multiple regions. The company also added 15 new 5G sites and 332 new 4G sites, contributing to a 13.7% year-on-year increase in 4G coverage.

Customer growth remained strong, with the total customer base rising 18.0% to 26.01 million. Data customers increased by 14.1%, M-Pesa customers grew by 17.1%, and smartphone users on the network rose by more than 25% over the past year. Data usage expanded by 17.7%, while both the volume and value of M-Pesa transactions grew by nearly 30%.

Digital financial services continued to play a central role in the company’s performance. The wealth management product M-Wekeza surpassed TZS 200 billion in total customer investments just 13 months after launch, offering accessible entry-level investment opportunities starting from TZS 1,000. The Lipa Kwa M-Pesa merchant base grew by 35.8% during the quarter, supporting trade by simplifying digital payments for businesses and consumers.

Vodacom Tanzania also advanced financial inclusion through short-term digital lending solutions, including Songesha and other loan products, disbursing more than TZS 800 billion in digital loans during the quarter. The M-Koba group savings platform recorded nearly 80% growth in total savings, with strong participation particularly among women.

From a cash flow perspective, the group generated TZS 284.2 billion in net cash from operating activities, while net cash used in investing activities stood at TZS 201.8 billion, reflecting continued infrastructure investment. Total assets increased to TZS 3.37 trillion, compared to TZS 2.57 trillion a year earlier.

Looking ahead, the company expects continued commercial momentum driven by sustained investment in network and IT infrastructure, increasing smartphone adoption, disciplined cost management, and ongoing commitment to cybersecurity and data privacy. While near-term profitability remains impacted by modernisation costs, management expressed confidence in stronger long-term returns for shareholders.

The quarterly financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 22 January 2026 and issued in accordance with the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange Rules 2022.

February 16, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Samia’s 100 days: Mining sector reforms in Tanzania deliver early gains as revenue tops 311bn/-

by Joshua Kiziba February 16, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

ONE hundred days into President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s second-term leadership, Tanzania’s mining sector is gaining strong momentum, driven by reforms aimed at accelerating revenue collection, strengthening mineral governance and expanding value addition nationwide.

Between November 2025 and January 25, 2026, the Ministry of Minerals collected 311.8bn/-, exceeding its target by 111 per cent. The ministry had projected collections of 280.6bn/- for the period, but enhanced regulatory enforcement and tighter oversight pushed revenue well beyond expectations.

This achievement places the ministry firmly on track to meet its ambitious 1.2tri/- revenue target for the 2025/2026 financial year.

Presenting the ministry’s 100-day performance report in Dodoma recently, Minister for Minerals Mr Anthony Mavunde attributed the improved performance to reforms strengthening mineral licensing systems, tightening trade controls and intensifying anti-smuggling measures.

He said the measures have significantly reduced leakages and improved compliance across the mining value chain, from exploration and production to trade and export.

As a result, the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy has risen from 10.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024 to 12 per cent within the first 100 days of President Samia’s renewed mandate.

The government is also finalising a Five-Year Mineral Value Addition Strategy (2026/27–2030/31) to consolidate gains achieved under ongoing reforms.

A key driver of growth has been the push for mineral value addition. Six gold refineries are now operational nationwide, alongside four mineral processing plants handling tin, nickel and graphite. Dodoma Region alone hosts nine mineral value-addition factories, strengthening its emergence as a processing hub.

Among the most anticipated projects is Tanzania’s first nickel and copper processing plant in the Bahi District, Dodoma. Once commissioned, the facility is expected to deepen downstream benefits and stimulate local manufacturing.

In Arusha, construction of the 33bn/- Tanzania Gemmological Centre (TGC) has reached 10 per cent completion.

Meanwhile, state-owned STAMICO is finalising installation of a 4bn/- salt processing plant at Lingaula in Kilwa District, Lindi Region. The plant, scheduled to begin operations next month, will process 2,040 tonnes of salt per month, benefiting producers in Dar es Salaam, Coast, Lindi and Mtwara regions.

On local participation, Mr Mavunde said that between November 2025 and January 2026, the government issued 12,130 mining licences, 117.8 per cent of the annual target. A total of 73 licences were revoked for non-compliance and reallocated to small-scale miners, women and youth under the Mining for Brighter Tomorrow programme.

The ministry has also enforced amended Local Content Regulations, reserving 20 categories of goods and services exclusively for Tanzanian-owned firms to deepen domestic participation and retain value within the local economy.

From July to December 2025, mineral trading worth 3.1tri/- was conducted through 44 mineral markets and 117 buying centres. Gemstone auctions in Mirerani and Arusha generated 2.7bn/-, earning the government 247.3m/- in levies.

In support of clean energy adoption, the ministry has procured two Rafiki Briquettes production machines for Tabora and Dodoma, both expected to begin operations between February and March 2026.

Ten containers have also been distributed to support briquette production and storage across Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, Coast, Dodoma, Iringa, Ruvuma, Geita and Shinyanga regions. Additionally, 30 motorcycles have been procured for Rafiki Briquettes agents, with distribution scheduled for February 2026.

On geological development, surveys conducted between July and December 2025 in QDS 221 and 222 in Kibiti and Rufiji districts expanded the country’s surveyed area from 97 to 98 per cent.

The government has also installed 32 seismic monitoring stations and procured modern geophysical and earthquakemonitoring equipment to enhance safety and resilience in mineral operations.

Mr Mavunde noted that 97 per cent of the country has undergone baseline geological mapping, 100 per cent of airborne magnetic surveys have been completed, and 24 per cent of geochemical surveys have been finalised. The government aims to increase geochemical survey coverage to 50 per cent by 2030.

“These achievements demonstrate the mining sector’s growing role in national development and reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring Tanzanians benefit directly from their mineral wealth,” he said.

As the 100-day milestone concluded, the government announced plans to sign major mining agreements this month to extract niobium from the Panda Hill deposit in Songwe Valley, Mbeya Region.

The project, valued at over 1 trillion/-, will include the construction of a smelting and value-addition plant to produce ferro-niobium.

“With this development, Tanzania is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest niobium producer, after Brazil and Canada,” Mr Mavunde said.

The sector is also anticipating new gold discoveries, with global mining giant Barrick Gold preparing to begin deep exploration in Nzega (Tabora Region) and Kahama (Shinyanga Region), a move that could lead to the development of a major new large-scale gold mine.

On the gold purchase initiative, Mr Mavunde said the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has acquired and stored 17 tonnes of gold as part of national reserves in the 14 months since October 2024.

“This stockpile positions Tanzania 10th in Africa, surpassing Mozambique and drawing closer to leading gold-holding countries such as Algeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ministry has begun preparations for new Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) gold processing plants at Mwakitolyo in Shinyanga and Buhemba in Mara, each with a capacity of 120 tonnes per day. Construction is scheduled to begin in February.

February 16, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Umoja wa Mataifa waipongeza Tanzania kwa kuwa mfano wa amani Afrika

by Joshua Kiziba February 15, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Addis Ababa. Umoja wa Mataifa (UN) umeipongeza Tanzania kwa historia yake ya amani na uthabiti, akieleza kuwa, “Tanzania imeendelea kuwa mfano wa amani barani Afrika,” na kutambua juhudi za Rais Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan katika kuimarisha mifumo ya taasisi na utatuzi wa changamoto kwa njia ya mazungumzo na maridhiano.

Hayo yameelezwa na Naibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa, Bi. Amina Mohammed akiwasilisha salamu za Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa, António Guterres, kwa Rais Samia walipokutana kuzunguma jijini Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mazungumzo hayo yamegusia mageuzi ya mfumo wa Umoja wa Mataifa, ushiriki wa vijana katika maendeleo, na umuhimu wa kuimarisha uratibu kati ya Umoja wa Afrika na Umoja wa Mataifa.

Katika mazungumzo hayo, Rais Samia ameeleza dhamira ya Tanzania katika kuendelea kutekeleza mageuzi ya kiuchumi na kiutawala, pamoja na kuimarisha ushirikiano na UN katika utekelezaji wa Malengo ya Maendeleo Endelevu (SDGs), hususan katika sekta zinazogusa maisha ya wananchi wengi ikiwemo afya, elimu, maji safi, usafi wa mazingira, na kupunguza umaskini.

Aidha, amepongeza na kuthamini mchango wa Umoja wa Mataifa na taasisi zake katika jitihada za pamoja za maendeleo nchini, hususan katika nyanja za ushirikiano wa kidiplomasia na msaada wa maendeleo katika sekta mbalimbali.

Pia, ameonesha utayari wa Serikali katika kumpokea mjumbe maalum wa Umoja wa Mataifa aliyeomba kuja nchini kwa ajili ya kuwasilisha ujumbe maalum wa Katibu Mkuu wa UN.

February 15, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Takwimu za mawasiliano kwa mwaka 2025

by Joshua Kiziba February 15, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Takwimu za Mawasiliano za robo mwaka kufikia Desemba 2025_1769162806

February 15, 2026 0 comments

Habari

Tanzania inaongoza njia mapambano dhidhi ya Malaria barani Afrika

by Joshua Kiziba February 15, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Addis Ababa. Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan amesema Tanzania inachukua hatua za kimkakati za kukabiliana na ugonjwa wa Malaria ikitazamia kutimiza lengo la kutokomeza ugonjwa huo ifikapo mwaka 2030, kama ajenda ya Afrika inavyoelekeza.

Amesisitiza kuwa mapambani dhidi ya malaria si suala la afya pekee, bali ni ajenda ya maendeleo, uchumi na ustawi wa rasilimali watu barani Afrika na kwamba kufikia malengo yaliyowekwa Afrika inahitaji uongozi na usimamizi thabiti wa Waafrika wenyewe, umiliki wa kweli wa programu zake pamoja na dhamira ya kisiasa ya muda mrefu.

Ametoa rai hiyo wakati akishiriki katika mkutano wa ngazi ya juu na vyombo vya habari uliolenga kujadili ufadhili endelevu wa mapambano dhidi ya malaria barani Afrika, pembezoni mwa Mkutano wa 39 wa Wakuu wa Nchi na Serikali wa Umoja wa Afrika (AU), jijini Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Hatua ambazo Tanzania inachukua ni pamoja na kuwekeza kwa kiasi kikubwa katika tafiti za kisayansi na ubunifu kupitia Taasisi ya Afya Ifakara (IHI), ikiwemo utafiti wa teknolojia za kisasa za kudhibiti maambukizi ya malaria.

Amebainisha jitihada za Tanzania za kuongeza matumizi ya vyandarua vya kujikinga dhidi ya mbu wanaoeneza malaria, chanjo za malaria, pamoja na kuboresha mifumo ya matibabu na ufuatiliaji wa wagonjwa kama miongoni mwa njia zilizotumika.

Aidha, ameeleza kuwa Tanzania ni mwenyeji wa African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) kama taasisi ya kuratibu mapambano hayo barani Afrika, iliyojengwa juu ya mifumo madhubuti ya uwajibikaji, pamoja na uwezo wa utekelezaji unaolenga matokeo.

Ametumia nafasi hiyo kusisitiza umuhimu wa ushirikiano wa kimataifa, akieleza kuwa pamoja na jitihada za ndani, taasisi za kimataifa na washirika wa maendeleo wanapaswa kutekeleza ahadi zao kikamilifu na kwa wakati, hususan katika kuimarisha Mfuko wa Dunia wa Kupambana na Malaria (The Global Fund) pamoja na matumizi ya rasilimali za Benki ya Dunia kwa ajili ya programu za malaria.

February 15, 2026 0 comments

Fursa Habari

by Joshua Kiziba February 14, 2026

written by Joshua Kiziba

Serikali imepunguza ada za leseni kwa watoa na wakusanyaji wa maudhui mtandaoni, hatua inayolenga kupanua wigo wa ushiriki, kuhamasisha ubunifu wa kidijitali na kuboresha mazingira ya ufanyaji kazi katika sekta ya habari.

Ada ya leseni kwa watoa maudhui mtandaoni imepunguzwa kutoka shilingi 500,000 hadi shilingi 50,000, huku ada ya maombi ikiwa shilingi 10,000.

Kwa upande wa wakusanyaji wa maudhui mtandaoni, ada ya leseni imepunguzwa kutoka shilingi milioni 1 hadi shilingi 100,000, na ada ya maombi kuwa shilingi 20,000 tu.

Hatua hiyo ni sehemu ya mkakati wa Serikali ya Awamu ya Sita chini ya uongozi wa Rais Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan wa kuimarisha uchumi wa kidijitali na kuweka mazingira rafiki kwa wawekezaji na wabunifu wa maudhui ya ndani.

Aidha, serikali imedhamiria kuendelea kuboresha mazingira ya ufanyaji kazi kwa vyombo vya habari, huku ikisisitiza ubora wa maudhui, kuzingatia maadili ya taaluma na kulinda haki miliki.

February 14, 2026 0 comments

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