AGP Executive Report

Budget Push Despite Risks: Tanzania will proceed with a Sh62.3 trillion budget for 2026/27, with Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar pointing to tighter fiscal discipline, better revenue collection, foreign exchange stability, and more support for agriculture, climate-smart farming and alternative energy. Tax Moves for Health and Revenue: Parliament also heard proposals to raise levies on cigarettes and sugar to help finance Universal Health Insurance, alongside a new 5% betting excise duty aimed at curbing gambling harms and funding regulation. Digital Economy Relief: Fees for online content licences are set to drop sharply to boost youth participation and reduce barriers for digital businesses. Transport and ID Charges: Motorcycle registration fees are proposed to jump from Sh95,000 to Sh150,000, while new charges would apply for accessing NIDA data. Business Incentive: A one-year income tax exemption is planned for newly registered businesses after they get a TIN. Health Milestone: JKCI reports successful CABG surgery for six Tanzanian patients, strengthening specialized cardiac care ahead of AFCON 2027. Trade and Growth Context: Tanzania’s economy is reported to have grown 5.9% in 2025 as Vision 2050 begins, while coffee prices and production gains are creating fresh export opportunities.

Ebola Preparedness: Tanzania’s health authorities have activated precautionary measures and border screening as the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC spreads into Uganda, with travel advisories urging people to avoid affected areas and expect enhanced checks on arrival. Dodoma Health Upgrade Push: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS wants Benjamin Mkapa Hospital elevated from zonal referral to national status, citing specialist and super-specialist services and calling for stronger universal health insurance and local production of medicines and equipment. Private Sector & Trade Facilitation: Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba in Dodoma backed investor-friendly reforms, highlighting a new customs bonded warehouse as a jobs-and-productivity boost under Vision 2050. Tanzania–Singapore Deal Momentum: Zanzibar President Mwinyi met Singapore President Tharman in a push for deeper economic diplomacy, with focus on trade, investment, skills transfer, and blue economy and tourism opportunities. Regional Budget Watch: East African finance ministers, including Tanzania’s, are set to present 2026/27 budgets as markets worry about Middle East-linked cost shocks and debt pressures. Security & Justice: Dar es Salaam police arrested four suspects over the murder of a Chinese businessman, Bhaozang Ge, after investigations into an alleged factory killing and theft. Agribusiness Finance: NBC launched an agriculture financing drive in Tanga’s sisal belt to expand formal services for farmers and boost value chains. Tourism Connectivity: Tanzania announced direct Moscow–Dar es Salaam flights next month, aiming to cut travel barriers and lift Russian tourism and trade links.

Ebola Preparedness: Tanzania is listed among high-risk countries as health authorities step up vigilance following the WHO’s PHEIC declaration tied to outbreaks in DRC and Uganda, with enhanced screening and travel advisories also circulating regionally. Patient-Centred Healthcare: Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa has ordered hospital leaders to put dignity, compassion and respect for patients at the centre of service delivery, warning that complaints about treatment quality can undermine major government health investments. Tanzania–Singapore Trade Push: President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Singapore leaders are driving a fresh wave of cooperation, with five priority areas including ports and logistics, value addition in agriculture and mining, renewable energy, tourism and financial services, alongside signed agreements on trade facilitation, skills and climate cooperation. Ports and Logistics Growth: Tanzania’s port system is seeing strong cargo momentum, led by RoRo and container traffic, as vehicle imports and DP World container volumes rise sharply—fuelled by expanding trade and infrastructure needs. Uranium Project Revives: The long-stalled Mkuju River uranium project is gaining momentum after talks with Russian partners, with officials signalling movement toward full-scale development. Regional Trade Cooperation: The East African Business Council and Kenya’s consulate in Arusha pledged closer collaboration to cut cross-border barriers, especially around the Namanga border. Youth and Jobs: President Tharman Shanmugaratnam told students at the University of Dar es Salaam that Africa’s jobs gap could sap hope, stressing the need for inclusive growth that creates meaningful work. Green Business Scaling Challenge: Tanzania’s green ventures are growing, but many struggle to scale due to a “missing middle” between early grants and the larger capital needed for expansion.

Tanzania–Singapore ties: President Samia Suluhu Hassan welcomed Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in a historic state visit, with talks focused on trade, investment, digital transformation, healthcare and climate resilience, as both sides push deeper economic cooperation. Digital connectivity: The EU pledged €37m to extend the Google-backed Blue-Raman subsea cable into East Africa, linking Kenya and Tanzania (plus Somalia and Djibouti) to a Europe–Middle East–India digital corridor. Climate finance: Singapore signed an Article 6 carbon market MOU with Tanzania to explore cooperation on carbon credits and set up a legally binding implementation framework for international transfers. Health push: A new study says rural Tanzania is still below malaria bed net targets, with 77.6% owning nets and 77.2% using them—short of the 80% goal—raising concerns for malaria elimination by 2030. AFCON 2027 readiness: Tanzania is stepping up preparations for AFCON 2027 with upgrades and new construction across host cities, including stadium rehabilitation and transport logistics. Clean cooking & energy: Shinyanga’s charcoal trade is being discussed alongside Tanzania’s clean cooking strategy aiming for 80% adoption by 2034, with experts stressing value-chain and governance reforms. Disaster support: Tanzania praised WFP for strengthening disaster management systems, including early warning and preparedness and improved coordination during emergencies.

Tanzania–Singapore Diplomacy & Trade: President Samia Suluhu welcomed Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the first-ever Singapore state visit to Tanzania, with both sides pushing deeper cooperation on trade, investment, logistics, tourism, digital transformation and climate resilience, and talks also pointing to a wider EAC-Singapore Free Trade Agreement push. Financial Sector Reform: The Bank of Tanzania launched an Electronic Matching System for the interbank foreign exchange market to make FX trading more transparent and efficient. Dodoma Water Drive: CCM says Dodoma aims for universal clean water access by 2030, citing progress in reaching hundreds of villages with improved services. Uranium Investment Momentum: After Samia’s Russia trip, Tanzania’s Mkuju River uranium project is getting renewed momentum, with officials saying it is moving closer to full implementation. Energy & Clean Air Impact: EnDev marked 13 years of clean energy work, reaching nearly two million Tanzanians with cleaner cooking and lighting solutions. Governance & Rights Debate: Chadema denied reports it reinstated former lawmaker Halima Mdee, saying any readmission must follow party procedures. Environment & Illicit Trade: A Shinyanga report details how charcoal smugglers use “rat paths” to evade forest checkpoints, raising concerns about enforcement gaps. Regional Politics: Zimbabwe’s governance and public funds management model law discussions drew attention across SADC, while global coverage also highlighted Zelensky’s open letter and Putin’s stance amid SPIEF diplomacy.

Tanzania-Russia Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo says Russia sees Tanzania as a strategic bridge to East Africa and SADC, with talks pointing to investment and trade opportunities. Tanzania-Singapore State Visit: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam begins a three-day visit to Dar es Salaam to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, the digital economy, ports, tourism and infrastructure. Dodoma Court Case: Tanzania Teachers’ Union (CWT) president Suleiman Ikomba appears in Dodoma court facing 14 charges including corruption, criminal conspiracy and economic sabotage tied to billions in alleged unlawful transactions. Digital Payments Growth: Bank of Tanzania reports cross-border mobile money inflows rose 33.45% to Sh698bn in 2025, driven by expanding digital payments and regional trade. Education Push (3Rs): President Samia launches the Scientific Strategic Framework for Foundational Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, directing ministries and local government to implement it nationwide. Health & Research: MUHAS runs a One Health short course to strengthen pandemic preparedness, while researchers gather in Arusha for the 33rd Tanzania Annual Scientific Conference on universal health coverage. TB Treatment Update: A new trial presented at an international conference reports promising results for a 4-month TB regimen including sutezolid, tested in South Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Community Conservation & Livelihoods: The Jane Goodall Institute spotlighted how native bees in western Tanzania are being used to train beekeepers and generate income through sustainable honey and beeswax production, linking conservation to poverty relief. Climate & Industry Innovation: The H&M Foundation named 2026 Global Change Award winners, including Tanzania’s KelTex, turning seaweed into biodegradable leather alternatives as fashion pushes toward lower-emissions materials and recycling. Ebola Response: UNICEF is scaling up emergency support for the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and nearby countries, shipping over 100 metric tons of supplies including PPE, medicines and WASH materials, while warning funding is urgently needed. Weather Risk for Farmers: Tanzania Meteorological Authority says a weak El Niño is strengthening, with experts urging farmers and livestock keepers to prepare for heavier rains alongside flood and disease risks. Governance & Rights: EU lawmakers voted to block €150m in development funding to Tanzania over concerns about the 2025 election aftermath and rights issues. Environment & Illegal Trade: Shinyanga’s charcoal racket is described as a major forest governance failure, with data cited that most charcoal enters markets illegally.

Tanzania-Russia Diplomacy & Investment: President Samia Suluhu Hassan says Tanzania won’t shift blocs, insisting non-alignment and intact diplomatic ties even amid sanctions narratives, while officials project over $2bn in Russian investment and business in 3–5 years, with health manufacturing and vaccines highlighted. Trade & Transport Costs: Maersk has raised China-to-East Africa container surcharges, with Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam and Kenya’s Mombasa hit—20ft to $1,000 and 40ft to $2,000—raising pressure on prices and project costs. Health Innovation: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment for newborns and infants under 5kg, with Tanzania among trial countries and rollout expected soon. Education & Skills: Tanzania’s National Teaching Skills Competition awards 35 teachers, offering plots of land to motivate excellence as reforms push competency-based learning. Governance & Justice: Chadema expelled its former Zanzibar vice chairman over taking the party to court, while the African Court rejected a bid to overturn a 30-year rape conviction. Business & Inclusion: NBC launched “Tunakuona Mbali” to expand banking access, especially for Tanzanians abroad. Environment & Tourism: Tanzania is investing 147bn/- in the southern safari circuit to boost tourism growth and private investment.

Tanzania–Russia Diplomacy & Investment: President Samia Suluhu Hassan says Tanzania won’t “choose East or West,” dismissing any sanctions-driven shift after her Russia visit, while officials project over $2bn in Russian investment and business deals in the next 3–5 years, with health and vaccines among the top targets. Standards & Fuel Integrity: At TBS’s 50th anniversary, SICPA Tanzania showcased a fuel integrity solution to curb adulteration and illicit trade, supporting fair commerce and consumer protection. Financial Inclusion: NBC launched the “Tunakuona Mbali” campaign to expand access for diaspora, women, youth, farmers and other groups through financial education and tailored banking products. Education Innovation: Tanzania’s National Teaching Skills Competition in Dar es Salaam rewarded 35 teachers for innovative classroom methods, with winners set to receive plots as incentives. Public Finance in Parliament: Dodoma MPs heard updates on SGR-related levies, as Yapi Merkezi begins settling 2.6bn/- owed to Nzega District Council, and government plans a new mechanism to collect property tax from owners instead of tenants. Social Impact: A Mara medical-camp request has grown into a support centre for 100+ girls escaping abuse and FGM risks. Governance & Rights: Chadema expelled former Zanzibar vice chairman Said Issa Mohamed over a court-related dispute, while the African Court rejected a bid to overturn a 30-year rape conviction.

Tanzania–Russia Business Push: President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced direct Air Tanzania flights linking Dar es Salaam, Moscow and Zanzibar from July 2, aiming to boost trade and tourism as she urged both sides to deliver results beyond talks at SPIEF. Parliament Oversight: Dodoma’s National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu ordered MPs who travelled to Morocco to explain their absence, and warned that at least one minister or deputy must stay in the House to follow proceedings. Trade, Transport and Industry: Tanzania’s port boom is driving a surge in demand for heavy-duty trucks, with Dar es Salaam cargo volumes rising sharply and local assemblers scaling up production to meet inland haulage needs. Finance and Inclusion: Equity Bank launched a Zanzibar Supreme Banking Center in Kijangwani to serve investors and high-net-worth clients, while UNDP says Lake Victoria Basin tourism could be a jobs engine. Agriculture Protection: Tanzania barred debt-default coffee buyers from purchasing next season to curb payment disputes, as coffee remains a major foreign exchange earner. Public Health & Social Issues: Men’s mental health awareness is spotlighted amid stigma, and mobile clinics in Arusha are expanding breast and cervical cancer screening for rural women.

Rights and security: Chadema’s Shinyanga claims of post-election abuses gain weight after UN Human Rights Office alarm over alleged killings where security forces used firearms and tear gas. Public health at borders: Kenya’s interior PS Raymond Omollo says Ebola preparedness is strengthened at entry points, with screening, isolation facilities and response protocols. Coffee payment crackdown: Tanzania orders security committees to bar buyers with unpaid debts to coffee farmers from next season’s crop purchasing, aiming to stop disputes and protect growers. Trade push to Nigeria: Tanzania’s High Commission plans a FAB West Africa 2026 pavilion in Lagos to link local agribusinesses—tea, coffee, cashews, spices and value-added foods—with Nigerian partners. Tourism and investment pitch: President Samia Suluhu uses SPIEF to court investors, stressing Tanzania’s Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone and denying any sanctions. EAC strain: A cash crunch is hitting EAC operations, with retirees missing gratuity and key secretariat posts left vacant. Aviation and links: Air Tanzania is set to launch direct Moscow flights from July 2, boosting tourism and trade ties. Energy and climate: Tanzania marks World Environment Day in Dodoma, tying Vision 2050 to waste management, circular economy and cleaner cooking progress.

Russia-Tanzania Diplomacy: President Samia Suluhu Hassan told the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Tanzania is “not under sanctions,” while also pitching five flagship projects to global investors and urging deeper cooperation with Russia as ties with the West fray. Air Links & Tourism: Air Tanzania will launch direct Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar–Moscow flights from July 2, a boost expected for tourism and cargo. Trade & Investment Push: Tanzania is courting investors for Bagamoyo SEZ, Zanzibar’s Mangapwani transshipment port, fertiliser manufacturing and nuclear energy talks, as it targets Vision 2050 goals. Finance for SMEs: Stanbic Bank Tanzania secured a Sh70bn facility to expand SME lending, especially in sustainable agriculture value chains. Environment & Climate Resilience: Dodoma unveiled a Sh7tn five-year environmental programme (2026–2030) to restore ecosystems, expand clean energy and strengthen waste management. Health Watch: Experts warn poor-quality care is killing more people than diseases, urging stronger standards as Tanzania moves toward UHC. Digital Payments: Bank of Tanzania data shows merchants accepting digital payments rose to 2.79m in 2025, accelerating the cash-lite shift. Regional Roads: Border communities along Katoma–Kanyigo–Bukwali are banking on a road upgrade to cut isolation and improve access to markets and services.

Tanzania-Russia Diplomacy: President Samia Suluhu Hassan is among leaders at Russia’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Vladimir Putin used the platform to push a “multipolar” agenda and defend Russia against Western sanctions. Ukraine Talks Standoff: Putin rejected Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for face-to-face talks, saying there is “no point” without a deal to sign, as Ukrainian drone attacks shadowed the forum. Trade & Ports: Singapore’s president is set for a first-ever state visit to Tanzania, with talks expected to cover trade, ports, the digital economy and tourism. Dar es Salaam Logistics: TEAGTL set a new record in May with 85,243 TEUs, boosting confidence in port throughput growth. Public Service & AI: Tanzania ordered action against supervisors who miss mandatory performance appraisals and warned staff against misusing AI in government systems. Digital Finance: TCRA data shows mobile money is accelerating faster than telecom subscriptions, with transactions rising more quickly—signaling deeper fintech adoption. Mining & Women in Value Chains: TAWOMA secured a new agreement to expand women’s roles in mineral processing and product development. Business Dialogue: TISEZA and Roscongress signed cooperation talks tied to Russia-Tanzania business links.

GEF and climate finance push: Tanzania’s delegates at the GEF Assembly in Samarkand warned that climate money must reach rural communities or environmental damage will keep worsening, deepening hardship for farmers and pastoralists. Weather insurance for farmers: Britam says it paid Sh97.3m in claims last year, supporting 400,000+ farmers and livestock keepers across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania after drought and other climate shocks. Dodoma governance and public service: The government ordered disciplinary action against supervisors who fail to carry out mandatory performance appraisals, and warned of sanctions for misuse of AI and official communication systems. Coffee competitiveness in Dodoma: Tanzania Coffee Board pledged closer work with stakeholders to boost productivity, market access and global competitiveness, with traceability a growing focus. Road safety innovation award: The Automobile Association of Tanzania won an FIA Region I Innovation Challenge 2026 award for Safe School Zone 360, a digital system to monitor hazards around schools. Trade risk insurance boost: AfDB approved a US$125m equity investment in ATIDI, aiming to expand trade, credit and political risk insurance to unlock more intra-African commerce. Tanzania–Russia economic ties: Talks are in the final stage on settling bilateral trade in national currencies, expected before Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit ends. Ebola coordination in the region: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at borders and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate response. Drug recovery skills initiative: DCEA and Veta signed an MoU to help recovering drug addicts gain vocational skills for jobs and business start-ups. Diplomacy spotlight: Samia Suluhu Hassan received an honorary doctorate from Russia’s RUDN University, dedicating it to all Tanzanians and highlighting education links.

Tanzania–Russia Diplomacy: President Samia Suluhu Hassan met Vladimir Putin in Moscow, with both sides stressing expanding trade (up 20–25% in 2025) and new cooperation in energy, minerals, transport, healthcare and education, as Tanzania seeks deals amid frayed Western ties. Ebola Preparedness (EAC): East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response. EAC Trade Tensions: Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 is drawing backlash over a proposed 35% excise duty on glass bottles from EAC partner states, threatening Tanzania’s Kioo exports and reviving an earlier court dispute. Aviation & Tourism: Brussels Airlines launched direct flights to Tanzania, landing 248 tourists at Kilimanjaro International Airport and pointing to more weekly movements to boost arrivals. Climate Finance for Tanzania: The Global Environment Facility approved a $3.9bn replenishment package and new environmental projects, with Tanzania flagged as a key recipient but with ongoing barriers for communities accessing funds. Agriculture Costs: Government is assessing rising fertiliser prices to protect farmers from global input shocks while ensuring supply for the planting season. Business & Transport: Swissport Tanzania reported Sh6.5bn net profit for 2025 and proposed a higher dividend, citing stronger cargo and passenger growth. Regional Security/Travel Advisory: The UK Foreign Office published its “do not travel” list, reminding travellers that insurance and consular support may be affected if they go against official advice.

Tanzania–Russia Pivot: President Samia Suluhu Hassan met Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marking the first Tanzanian state visit in 55 years and pushing a new, technology-led cooperation agenda across trade, investment, AI, energy, mining, agriculture, education and tourism. Dodoma Development Talk: In Dodoma, PPP Centre boss David Kafulila told a University of Dodoma lecture that Tanzania’s US$1 trillion economy goal by 2050 needs a mindset shift and stronger public-private partnerships to cut reliance on taxes and borrowing for long-term projects. Finance for Trade: IFC and Standard Chartered launched a $300m risk-sharing facility to expand supply chain finance in eight African countries, including Tanzania, aiming to support about $1.9bn in transactions and faster supplier payments. Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe district in Zimbabwe activated emergency Ebola readiness after confirmation of a Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC, with border screening and an isolation centre at Chirundu. Regional Aviation Push: The AfDB unveiled a $7bn aviation modernization program to improve fleet and airport upgrades and boost connectivity across Africa, including health and logistics links. Maritime Warning: A shipping executive cautioned that deep seaports alone won’t deliver value unless Africa builds marine fleets and logistics capacity to avoid foreign dominance. Global Shock Overhang: Ukrainian drones struck St Petersburg as “Russian Davos” opened, disrupting flights and adding pressure to Russia’s economic showcase.