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.

Tanzania’s Chande Commission is hearing testimonies from victims of the October 29, 2025, election violence largely in private, limiting journalists’ access. Chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, the commission aims to protect witnesses and address sensitive security matters. Critics, including lawyers and civil society groups, argue that closed sessions reduce transparency and public trust, while families of victims seek accurate records. Observers note that restricted media access challenges independent reporting and accountability.

The United States is reviewing its relations with Tanzania, citing concerns over governance, human rights, and investment practices. Acting US Ambassador Andrew Lentz said Washington aims to establish a relationship based on reciprocity. The review comes amid international scrutiny of Tanzania following violence around the elections and allegations of mismanagement. Officials in Dar es Salaam have engaged with US authorities as part of efforts to address these concerns and maintain diplomatic and economic ties.

The High Court of Zanzibar dismissed 19 election petitions filed by ACT Wazalendo candidates, ruling that it lacks jurisdiction over parliamentary election disputes, which must be filed in the High Court of the United Republic on the mainland. The cases followed the general election in which CCM won 40 of 50 seats. The ruling, delivered by Judge Haji S. Khamis, upheld a government objection and prompted ACT Wazalendo to announce plans to appeal.