Louis Kolumbia

Journalist at The Citizen (Tanzania)

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Articles

Tanzania completes initial designs for 1,000-kilometre Mtwara - Mbamba Bay railway line

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. The government has completed a feasibility study and preliminary design for the proposed 1,000-kilometre railway line from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay, with an additional branch line extending to Liganga and Mchuchuma, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday, May 7.
Tanzania’s former Prime Minister Cleopa Msuya dies at 94

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is in mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and First Vice President, Cleopa David Msuya, who passed away on Wednesday, May 7, at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam, aged 94. President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed Mr Msuya's death in a recorded video, stating that he passed away at 9 a.m. on May 7, 2025, while receiving treatment for cardiac complications. “The nation has suffered a great loss.
Mental health services included in NHIF package, says government

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. The government has confirmed that mental health services are already part of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) package, as outlined in the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG). Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Godwin Mollel, clarified in Parliament on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, while responding to a question from Iringa Urban MP Jesca Msambatavangu (CCM). In her main question, the lawmaker asked when the NHIF would begin covering mental health services.
Report exposes political dimension of Tanzania’s abduction crisis

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

What you need to know:The report, titled The Resurgence of the Unknown Assailants, was launched on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam.
Arusha tipped to rival Kigali in conference tourism

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. 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.
Tanzania, Malawi reaffirm trade commitments after diplomatic talks

1 week ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Malawi have jointly agreed to lift trade restrictions, reaffirming their commitment to finalise legal frameworks required for the signing of the Simplified Trade Regime Agreement (STRA). The two countries resolved to begin implementation upon completion of internal legal procedures by 30 May 2025 and to act on the meeting’s resolutions for the benefit of their citizens.
Tanzania saves Sh232.7 billion in legal wins

2 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. The government has saved Sh232.65 billion after winning 831 civil and arbitration cases both domestic and international filed between July 2024 and April this year, parliament was told yesterday. The revelation was made by the minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, when tabling the Sh687.7 billion budget estimate for the 2025/26 financial year. The tabled budget reflects a 41.4 percent increase from the Sh486.3 billion approved for the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Lawmakers call for postpaid rural power connection

2 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. MPs on Tuesday appealed to the government to reform Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited’s power connection system and a shift from pre-paid to post-paid electricity connections to expand electricity access in rural areas. They also proposed the provision of subsidies to Tanesco to expedite connections or allow the utility to secure loans for this purpose, which would be recovered through deductions when beneficiaries buy electricity.
Lake Tanganyika fishing ban boosts Tanzania's fish harvest by 55 percent

3 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania earned Sh324.85 billion from fishing products sourced from Lake Tanganyika between September and December 2024, marking a 55.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, Parliament was informed. During that time, 38,999.82 tonnes of fish were harvested, compared to 25,113.43 tonnes, valued at Sh166.47 billion, collected in 2023.
How Coop Bank plans to tackle unlicensed middlemen exploitation

3 weeks ago | thecitizen.co.tz | Louis Kolumbia

Dar es Salaam. Coop Bank Tanzania has unveiled strategic financial solutions aimed at tackling kangomba—a widespread exploitative practice affecting cashew farmers in Tanzania’s southern regions. In the local cashew trade, kangomba refers to the informal and often exploitative practice where unlicensed middlemen purchase raw cashew nuts (RCN) from farmers before the official marketing season begins, typically at prices far below those set at formal auctions.