Tanzania commissioned MV New Mwanza, a domestically built ro-pax ferry for Lake Victoria, to expand regional trade and passenger transport. Valued at $51.8 million, the 92.6-meter vessel carries 1,200 passengers and 400 tonnes of cargo, including vehicles. The ship will operate approved routes linking Tanzania with Kenya and Uganda, cut travel times, improve safety, and showcase local shipbuilding capacity after years of delays.

Air Tanzania launched direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Accra to strengthen air connectivity between East and West Africa. The route operates three times a week and supports tourism, trade, and business travel. Officials said the service reduces travel time, expands the national carrier’s network, and supports preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The launch increases Air Tanzania’s destinations to 32.

Tanzania and Kenya agreed to expand trade in staple grains to support regional food security. Agricultural officials said Tanzania can supply Kenya with white maize and rice from reserves exceeding 500,000 tonnes held by the National Food Reserve Agency. Talks in Nairobi focused on formalizing trade based on market demand, strengthening strategic reserves, and improving coordination. The partnership aims to stabilize supplies, ease shortages, and streamline cross-border grain trade.

Tanzania’s Cooperative Development Commission has directed the newly formed Ushirika Joint Enterprise (UJE) to safeguard cooperative unions’ 51% majority stake in COOP Bank Tanzania. UJE, led by General Manager Daria Ulotu and Board Chair Prof. Gervas Machimu, will expand cooperative membership, ensure the bank’s services meet members’ needs, and fill key executive positions to strengthen operations. The move aims to protect cooperative ownership and support the growth of Tanzania’s cooperative banking sector.

Tanzania plans to sell part of its gold reserves to finance infrastructure projects as foreign aid and concessional funding decline. President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the Bank of Tanzania to carry out a partial sale of bullion valued at about $1.3 billion. Officials have not disclosed the sale size or timing. The move aims to fund roads, ports, power, and water projects while borrowing costs rise.

Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda met customs officers nationwide to strengthen trade facilitation while reinforcing border security. He emphasized curbing smuggling, improving operational efficiency, and expanding public awareness. Mwenda credited officers with raising customs revenue from Sh800 billion to Sh1.2 trillion and reaffirmed government plans to improve working conditions. Officers shared regional updates and challenges as TRA advances customs modernization and border protection efforts.