Bob Karashani
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Articles by Bob Karashani
Tanzania banks on self-reliance to fund $24bln budget
Tanzania’s Tsh62.33 trillion ($24 billion) budget for 2026/27 is anchored on raising at least 75 percent of its funding from domestic sources, as the government seeks to offset an expected decline in external support amid lingering concerns over the country’s civil rights record.
Tanzania banks on self-reliance to fund $24bn budget
Tanzania’s Tsh62.33 trillion ($24 billion) budget for 2026/27 is anchored on raising at least 75 percent of its funding from domestic sources, as the government seeks to offset an expected decline in external support amid lingering concerns over the country’s civil rights record.
Samia’s Russia mission: Political signal or economic diplomacy? Original
President Samia Suluhu Hassan will begin a state visit to Russia on Thursday in a trip that could test Tanzania’s long-standing non-alignment policy amid continuing Western concerns over governance and last year’s disputed general election. The visit will be only the second by a Tanzanian head of state to Moscow since independence, following Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s trip in 1969 during the Cold War.
Tanzania firm challenges Kenya’s new glass bottle tax
Tanzania’s major glass manufacturer, Kioo Limited, has challenged Kenya’s plan to impose a 35 percent excise duty on glass bottles imported from East African Community (EAC) member states, warning that the move could trigger a fresh regional trade dispute. In a May 20 letter to the Tanzanian government, the company urged diplomatic intervention to block the measure, arguing that it breaches EAC Customs Union rules on the free movement of goods.
Tanzania firm challenges Kenya’s new glass bottle tax
Tanzania’s major glass manufacturer, Kioo Limited, has challenged Kenya’s plan to impose a 35 percent excise duty on glass bottles imported from East African Community (EAC) member states, warning that the move could trigger a fresh regional trade dispute. In a May 20 letter to the Tanzanian government, the company urged diplomatic intervention to block the measure, arguing that it breaches EAC Customs Union rules on the free movement of goods.
Oil price hike fuels 4% inflation in Tanzania
Tanzania's annual headline inflation rose sharply from 3.2 percent in March to 4 percent in April, a near three-year high, as skyrocketing fuel prices began to impact all economic sectors in the wake of the global oil supply crisis caused by the US/Israel war on Iran. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, transport is the key inflation driver, recording 9.2 percent in April, from 4 percent the previous month.
Oil price hike fuels 4pc inflation in Tanzania
Tanzania's annual headline inflation rose sharply from 3.2 percent in March to 4 percent in April, a near three-year high, as skyrocketing fuel prices began to impact all economic sectors in the wake of the global oil supply crisis caused by the US/Israel war on Iran. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, transport is the key inflation driver, recording 9.2 percent in April, from 4 percent the previous month.
Ruto makes case to Tanzania for Tanga refinery
Kenyan President William Ruto used his state visit to Tanzania to push a proposal for a regional oil refinery, securing cautious political backing while exposing gaps in prior consultation with the host government. The plan, first floated in Nairobi on April 28 at a mining conference attended by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, centres on building a refinery in Tanga to process crude from across East and Central Africa.
Ruto makes case to Tanzania for Tanga refinery
Kenyan President William Ruto used his state visit to Tanzania to push a proposal for a regional oil refinery, securing cautious political backing while exposing gaps in prior consultation with the host government. The plan, first floated in Nairobi on April 28 at a mining conference attended by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, centres on building a refinery in Tanga to process crude from across East and Central Africa.
Tanzania secures $1.28bln for SGR phases with StanChart backing
Tanzania has secured a $1.277 billion financing deal with three European countries for two additional phases of its 2,560km standard gauge railway (SGR), backed by a fresh guarantee from Standard Chartered Plc. The agreement, signed in Dodoma on April 28, involves export credit agencies from Sweden, Poland and Italy, and follows confirmation of renewed backing from the bank’s London headquarters earlier in the day.
Tanzania secures $1.28bn for SGR phases with StanChart backing
Tanzania has secured a $1.277 billion financing deal with three European countries for two additional phases of its 2,560km standard gauge railway (SGR), backed by a fresh guarantee from Standard Chartered Plc. The agreement, signed in Dodoma on April 28, involves export credit agencies from Sweden, Poland and Italy, and follows confirmation of renewed backing from the bank’s London headquarters earlier in the day.
Who killed all those people? Tanzania’s report on chaos turns gun on protesters
Tanzania’s report into post-election violence this week left unanswered questions on perpetrators of deadly violence that killed hundreds in the wake of general elections last year in October. The Commission of Inquiry, formed to determine causes of the violence and how to prevent it in future, said 518 people were killed and over 2,200 injured in the chaos, a lower figure than what activists had earlier claimed.
How the Middle East crisis chokes East Africa’s revenue lifeline ?
East African governments are facing increasing pressure to either abolish or lower fuel taxes to cushion citizens from a high cost of living triggered by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East which has adversely disrupted global oil supply, leading to a surge in the pricing of the precious commodity. The US-Israel war on Iran which began on February 28 has, indeed, destabilised the fiscal positions of many governments globally and largely the oil importing nations.
How the Middle East crisis chokes East Africa’s revenue lifeline
East African governments are facing increasing pressure to either abolish or lower fuel taxes to cushion citizens from a high cost of living triggered by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East which has adversely disrupted global oil supply, leading to a surge in the pricing of the precious commodity. The US-Israel war on Iran which began on February 28 has, indeed, destabilised the fiscal positions of many governments globally and largely the oil importing nations.
Tanzania appeal court reopens political space for Chadema
Tanzania’s Court of Appeal has lifted a High Court order that barred the main opposition party, Chadema, from conducting activities, reopening political space after nearly a year of restrictions.
Why East Africa fuel crisis will linger after Iran war ceasefire ?
East Africa’s fuel crisis is unlikely to ease quickly, even after the recent two-week ceasefire in the Gulf. The situation arises from the region’s reliance on imports of refined oil products, with most supplies coming from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had assured consumers of sufficient reserves, but these may only last until mid-May.
Why East Africa fuel crisis will linger after Iran war ceasefire
East Africa’s fuel crisis is unlikely to ease quickly, even after the recent two-week ceasefire in the Gulf. The situation arises from the region’s reliance on imports of refined oil products, with most supplies coming from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had assured consumers of sufficient reserves, but these may only last until mid-May.
Chakwera finally begins Tanzania post-election scrutiny
Former Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera arrived in Tanzania on Wednesday evening to assess the country’s political landscape for the Commonwealth, following a violent general election in October 2025. His visit comes nearly five months after his appointment as Special Envoy by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, tasked with mediating the crisis triggered by the disputed vote.
Tanzanian President Samia orders car pooling for officials to curb rising fuel costs
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday ordered a sharp reduction in motor vehicle use in government activities, directing carpooling and bus transport for officials. The move, starting with her own office, is meant to address spiralling fuel costs linked to the US–Israel–Iran conflict in the Middle East.
Samia orders car pooling for officials to curb rising fuel costs
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday ordered a sharp reduction in motor vehicle use in government activities, directing carpooling and bus transport for officials. The move, starting with her own office, is meant to address spiralling fuel costs linked to the US–Israel–Iran conflict in the Middle East.
Tanzania: Samia fires energy regulator chief after sharp fuel price rise
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday sacked the head of Tanzania’s fuel price regulator, a day after it announced sharp increases in pump prices despite government assurances that fuel reserves were sufficient until at least mid-May, regardless of developments in the Middle East conflict.
Samia fires energy regulator chief after sharp fuel price rise
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday sacked the head of Tanzania’s fuel price regulator, a day after it announced sharp increases in pump prices despite government assurances that fuel reserves were sufficient until at least mid-May, regardless of developments in the Middle East conflict.
Tanzania holds the line as Kenya’s fuel market comes under strain
Fuel supply pressures are emerging across East Africa as disruption to Middle East shipping lanes exposes diverging policy responses in Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, independent fuel retailers warn of shortages and rising hoarding risks, while Tanzanian authorities insist stocks remain sufficient despite the escalating Gulf conflict.
Tanzania tax review warns of trust erosion, proposes sweeping overhaul
A tax reform commission established by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in October 2024 has warned that Tanzania’s current tax system is eroding public trust and requires a comprehensive overhaul. Presenting its findings at State House in Dar es Salaam on March 18 after a 17-month delay, the nine-member commission proposed new tax policies and legal frameworks aimed at curbing malpractice and improving transparency from central to local government.
Stephen Mbundi: A quiet diplomat steps into EAC’s toughest job
Tanzanian diplomat Stephen Patrick Mbundi takes over as the East African Community (EAC)’s top administrator at a difficult moment, with the bloc grappling with mounting financial sustainability and institutional discipline problems across its expanded membership.
Inside Tanzania’s plan to raise oil reserve capacity
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday flagged off a new oil storage project at the port of Dar es Salaam aimed at boosting the country’s fuel reserves amid fears of rising global oil prices following supply disruptions linked to the US/Israel-Iran conflict. Once completed, the facility will raise the port’s total oil reception capacity by 35.9 percent, from 1.05 million to 1.43 million cubic metres.
Diplomats raise red flags over Tanzania’s business reforms
Diplomats in Tanzania have warned that foreign investors still face regulatory hurdles, complex licensing procedures and an unpredictable tax regime despite government plans for a new reform blueprint. The concerns emerged this week during a workshop in Dar es Salaam where foreign envoys reviewed the government’s proposed National Strategy for Improving the Investment Climate and Business Environment, a key pillar of Tanzania’s Vision 2050 development agenda launched in July 2025.
Diplomats raise red flags over Tanzania’s business reforms
Diplomats in Tanzania have warned that foreign investors still face regulatory hurdles, complex licensing procedures and an unpredictable tax regime despite government plans for a new reform blueprint. The concerns emerged this week during a workshop in Dar es Salaam where foreign envoys reviewed the government’s proposed National Strategy for Improving the Investment Climate and Business Environment, a key pillar of Tanzania’s Vision 2050 development agenda launched in July 2025.
Inside Tanzania’s plan to raise oil reserve capacity
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday flagged off a new oil storage project at the port of Dar es Salaam aimed at boosting the country’s fuel reserves amid fears of rising global oil prices following supply disruptions linked to the US/Israel-Iran conflict. The Tsh701.8 billion ($275.2 million) project will add 15 storage tanks with a combined capacity of 378,000 cubic metres of fuel – diesel (162,000), petrol (135,000) and Jet A1 aviation fuel (81,000).
Tanzania fails to link Lissu to post-election chaos
Tanzania’s High Court has rejected a bid by state prosecutors to introduce fresh evidence linking opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial to last October’s disputed elections, a ruling that coincided with renewed United Nations calls for his immediate release and compensation. The UN had called for Lissu to be released immediately and compensated for his prolonged detention, which it described as “arbitrary” and illegal under international law.
How East Africa’s bodaboda became menace and political tool
On a typical morning in Kampala, engines roar to life at 5am. By 7am, traffic jams choke the city, with Jinja Road, Bombo Road and Entebbe Road reduced to parking lots. That is when bodabodas — motorbike taxis — take over, carrying pillion passengers, sometimes more than one, weaving between vans, buses and cars, and even forcing pedestrians off walkways. During school days, each bike may carry two to four students, some seated precariously as riders manoeuvre through the gridlock.
Gridlock crisis: The high cost of going nowhere in East Africa’s capitals
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East African cities are choking their economies with huge traffic congestions, becoming victims of their own economic progress. One study by the UN-Habitat estimates that Nairobi loses some $600,000 per day in man hours, pollution and fuel in traffic jams. Across the continent, cities have lost up to $340 billion every year, equivalent to annual trade volumes of Africa’s biggest trading partner, China.
By Bob Karashani, Luke Anami Verified, Nelson Naturinda, Patrick Ilunga, Alex Ngarambe, Bernard Busuulwa
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zurl.co
Zanzibar restricts public eating and dress during Ramadan
Zanzibar has tightened guidelines for tourism activities during the Holy Month of Ramadan, which begins early next week, urging visitors to respect local Islamic customs to avoid clashes with law enforcement. In a February 11 notice, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) directed restaurants, bars and food outlets outside hotel compounds to close during daylight hours across the archipelago. They may reopen after sunset for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast.
Samia pledges rail link to give Uganda access to Indian Ocean
Tanzania has outlined plans to extend railway links with Uganda, giving its landlocked neighbour easier access to the Indian Ocean for shipping and cargo.
Tanzania court delays Tundu Lissu treason trial again
Tanzania’s High Court on Monday again postponed the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, this time to Wednesday, February 11, when it is expected to rule on objections he has raised. The case was last adjourned in November after Lissu objected to prosecution witnesses testifying from concealed locations. He opposed the use of hidden compartments and insisted on “face-to-face” cross-examination.
Samia pledges rail link to give Uganda access to Indian Ocean
Tanzania has outlined plans to extend railway links with Uganda, giving its landlocked neighbour easier access to the Indian Ocean for shipping and cargo. The plan, agreed by Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda during weekend talks in Dar es Salaam, includes extending Tanzania’s standard gauge railway (SGR) to Uganda via Lusahunga and building a separate line from Tanga to Musoma on Lake Victoria.
In Dubai, Samia seeks to repair Tanzania’s image after chaotic election
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday seeking what her office described as structured collaboration with her hosts. It was her first foreign trip since a chaotic general election three months ago that was marked by deadly violence and cast a long shadow over Tanzania’s international reputation.
In Dubai, Samia seeks to repair Tanzania’s image after chaotic election
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Monday seeking what her office described as structured collaboration with her hosts. It was her first foreign trip since a chaotic general election three months ago that was marked by deadly violence and cast a long shadow over Tanzania’s international reputation.
Tanzania faces litmus test on universal health cover
Tanzania’s new revised universal health coverage scheme launched this week, is meant to protect vulnerable groups from scourges of expensive care. But the programme is also about lessons from the past where previous bids collapsed under weak cost controls and administrative hurdles. The programme, dubbed Bima ya Afya kwa Wote (health insurance for all), became operational on January 26. It makes enrolment mandatory for all citizens and households.
Tanzania faces litmus test on universal health cover
Tanzania’s new revised universal health coverage scheme launched this week, is meant to protect vulnerable groups from scourges of expensive care. But the programme is also about lessons from the past where previous bids collapsed under weak cost controls and administrative hurdles. The programme, dubbed Bima ya Afya kwa Wote (health insurance for all), became operational on January 26. It makes enrolment mandatory for all citizens and households.
Edwin Mtei, the man who defied Nyerere and lived to tell the story
For Tanzania’s Gen Z, the memory of Edwin Mtei may be limited to the country’s struggle to build a progressive democracy, one in which opposition politics are allowed to thrive rather than be shackled. For older generations, however, he is remembered as one of the very few senior officials in Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s government who openly clashed with the president over policy and, remarkably, emerged unscathed.
Samia meets envoys, pledges Tanzania’s national ‘renewal’
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday said she would use her second and final term to “repair, rebuild, and renew” Tanzania after a disputed election victory underpinned by deadly public unrest last October.
Wang Yi visit signals China’s growing sway in Dodoma foreign policy
China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi arrived in Tanzania on Friday for an official visit that the host government said was intended to bolster trade and investment relations between the two countries. The visit comes amid the prospect of reduced support from Western nations following rights violations linked to last October’s general election.
Tanzania’s Samia elevates Paul Makonda to Information minister
Tenacious Tanzanian politician Paul Makonda was on Thursday appointed Information minister as President Samia Suluhu Hassan ushered in the new year with early Cabinet changes, weeks after naming her team following a controversial general election victory. In a late-night State House announcement, Makonda — a newcomer to the National Assembly after winning the Arusha constituency seat in the October 29 poll — replaced Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, under whom he had previously served as deputy minister.
Suluhu’s fresh headache in 2026 amid poll crisis
Last October’s general election has placed Tanzania in a delicate spot in terms of keeping the domestic economy afloat during the course of 2026, amid a looming threat of a sharp drop in external support due to global concerns about its human rights record.
After Kenya, Tanzania's Amsons ventures into Zambia
Tanzania's industrial conglomerate Amsons Group has made Zambia the latest target of its ambitious regional expansion drive, entering into a $900 million partnership with Lusaka-based Exergy Africa Ltd to develop up to 1,300MW power projects in the country.
After Kenya, Tanzania's Amsons ventures into Zambia
Tanzania's industrial conglomerate Amsons Group has made Zambia the latest target of its ambitious regional expansion drive, entering into a $900 million partnership with Lusaka-based Exergy Africa Ltd to develop up to 1,300MW power projects in the country.
After Kenya, Tanzania's Amsons ventures into Zambia
Tanzania's industrial conglomerate Amsons Group has made Zambia the latest target of its ambitious regional expansion drive, entering into a $900 million partnership with Lusaka-based Exergy Africa Ltd to develop up to 1,300MW power projects in the country.
Tanzania: Samia faces more pressure as US, EU mull funding cuts
Western missions, the United States, United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) are formally demanding government action over the crisis stemming from the election-related protests in Tanzania.
Samia faces more pressure as US, EU mull funding cuts
Western missions, the United States, United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) are formally demanding government action over the crisis stemming from the election-related protests in Tanzania.
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