AGP Executive Report

World Cup Travel Rules: Tanzania-linked spotlight as a Somali referee Omar Artan was blocked from the 2026 World Cup after tightened U.S. entry vetting, underscoring how visa denials and ESTA issues are disrupting teams and staff. Transport & Safety: Tanzania’s Drug Control and Enforcement Authority warns passengers and transport workers are being pulled into drug trafficking by carrying unknown parcels, launching a nationwide “Safe Transport Without Drugs” film campaign. Agriculture Trade: Tanzania has secured access to the South African fresh banana market after plant health talks, expected to boost exports and farmers’ incomes. Finance & Jobs: President Samia urges banks to make credit affordable and useful for small businesses, while Tanzania’s 2026/27 plan targets 6.3% growth, more jobs, and higher domestic revenue. Health & Medicines: Pharmacists in Dar es Salaam push residents to stop self-medicating and to complete prescribed doses to curb drug resistance. Electric Mobility: Tanzania exempts electric mobility products from taxes to cut EV prices and accelerate adoption. Air Transport Upgrades: Musoma and Shinyanga airports are nearing readiness, with Musoma flights expected to resume in July 2026.

Tanzania Budget & Vision 2050: Tanzania plans to spend Sh86.3 trillion in 2026/27, targeting 6.3% growth, higher domestic revenue, job creation and the start of Vision 2050 through the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan. Electric Mobility Push: The government exempts electric mobility products from taxes and urges public institutions to buy EVs, while Autel Energy, UNDP and TANESCO launch new public charging stations starting in Dodoma. Air Transport Upgrades: Musoma and Shinyanga airports are nearing readiness, with Musoma flights expected to resume in July 2026 after an eight-year pause. Lake Tanganyika Trade Boost: The MV Liemba restoration is 75% complete, with trial operations in July and a return to service targeted for August. Education & Health Wins: Mwananchi journalist Herieth Makwetta wins a Menstrual Health Award, and HESLB reports record loan recoveries while recognising compliant employers. Youth & Agriculture Support: BoT and WFP train 150+ young farmers in financial literacy, and Tanzania National Service extends the Form Six reporting deadline to June 15.

Budget Push: Tanzania presented a $24bn budget for 2026/27, anchored on Vision 2050 and a 62.33tri/- spending plan aimed at lifting growth to 6.3% and boosting domestic revenue. Health Funding: New tobacco and sugar levies are set to feed Universal Health Insurance, alongside other measures to strengthen water and local industry support. EV and Clean Transport: The budget proposes VAT exemptions for EV charging equipment and cuts import duty on EVs, while directing public institutions to prioritise electric and gas-powered vehicles. Investment Surge: Tanzania registered a record 915 investment projects worth $10.95bn in 2025, expected to create over 162,000 jobs. Rail Upgrade: TRC added an extra SGR/EMU service on the Dodoma–Dar route to meet rising passenger demand. Zanzibar Outlook: Zanzibar targets 7.5% growth in 2026, with tourism arrivals up and domestic revenue rising, while also proposing higher taxes on items like alcohol and entertainment tickets. Regional Finance: SADC central bank chiefs met in Dar es Salaam to discuss resilience against global shocks and strengthen regional payment systems.

Budget Push & Digital Shift: Tanzania tabled a Sh62.3trn 2026/27 budget despite risks, with tax breaks for new businesses, VAT and fuel support, and a plan to make digital payments mandatory in key sectors from July 2026. Health Funding: Parliament also heard proposals for higher levies on sugar and cigarettes to raise about Sh7.5bn for Universal Health Coverage, alongside a one-year income tax exemption to spur formalisation. Transport & Clean Energy: Government directed public institutions to prioritise electric and gas vehicles, while expanding incentives for CNG and electric vehicles. Development Plan & Growth: Officials unveiled the Vision 2050-linked National Development Plan 2026/27, saying 2025 growth hit 5.9% and investment reached a decades-high level. Trade & Rail: The EABC launched a digital tracker for non-tariff barriers, and TAZARA marked its 50th anniversary with a month-long programme. Cost Shock Warning: Authorities warned Middle East conflict could lift fuel and fertiliser costs, feeding into food price pressure.

Budget Watch: Tanzania’s Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar is set to table a Sh62.3 trillion Budget for 2026/27, with tax relief and reforms aimed at easing cost pressures as fuel prices keep biting households. Economy Update: Tanzania’s GDP grew 5.9% in 2025, with agriculture still the biggest contributor, as the country shifts from Vision 2025 into Vision 2050. Public Finance: Public debt climbed to Sh114.34 trillion by March 2026, as borrowing continues for development projects, though officials say debt remains sustainable. Tax Policy: KPMG Tanzania says the key challenge is raising more revenue without squeezing existing taxpayers, warning that higher VAT or excise duties could hit purchasing power. Regional Trade: The East African Business Council urges Tanzania and Burundi to publish a clear list of goods under the EAC Simplified Trade Regime to cut delays and help women and youth traders. Diplomacy & Investment: Zanzibar President Mwinyi invited Singapore investors to back blue economy, energy, tourism and technology, while Singapore’s Tharman said the region is a key frontier.

Budget 2026/27: Tanzania unveiled a 62.3tn/- shilling budget framework (about $24bn) as it begins implementing Vision 2050 and a new five-year plan, with priorities including the standard gauge railway, roads, water, energy and human capital, alongside a target of 46.8tn/- in domestic revenue. Health & Borders: The government issued Ebola travel warnings, urging nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ebola-affected countries and warning of heightened screening for returning travellers. Patient-Centred Care: Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa ordered hospital leaders to focus on dignity, compassion and respect, saying investments won’t matter if patients still face long waits and poor treatment. Governance & Rights: Ado Shaibu urged Dodoma to fund the new Constitution writing process in the 2026/27 budget and tighten accountability for substandard contractors. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Tanzania launched scheduled flights to Sumbawanga linking it with Tabora and Dar es Salaam, improving access for residents and businesses. Child Labour: Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating child labour at a UN Geneva meeting, citing reforms and stronger enforcement. Regional Trade: The East African Business Council and Kenya’s consulate in Arusha pledged closer cooperation to cut barriers to intra-EAC trade, including at Namanga. Sports: Tanzania’s swimmers impressed at the Africa Aquatics Championships in Algeria, signaling a stronger future for the sport.

AFCON 2027 Build-Up: Tanzania is stepping up preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, with permanent secretaries reviewing infrastructure, logistics and coordination, including stadium rehabilitation and training facilities, and Arusha Stadium now put at about Sh338.5bn to meet CAF hosting standards. Port & Trade Momentum: Dar es Salaam’s port system posted strong cargo growth, led by RoRo traffic and DP World container volumes, signalling faster movement of vehicles and goods as Tanzania pushes to strengthen its role as a regional trade gateway. Digital Connectivity Boost: Singapore and Tanzania signed an MoU to cooperate on carbon credits under Article 6, while the EU also backed the Blue-Raman cable extension into East Africa, linking Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Djibouti to improve internet access and resilience. Public Health Watch: While Nigeria moved to set up an Ebola task force and release N10bn, Tanzania’s wider region is also focused on preparedness, including stronger disaster and emergency response systems supported by partners like WFP. Business & Industry: Nuberg EPC won a contract for a 45 TPD chlor-alkali plant in Tanzania’s Coast Region, with commissioning targeted for January 2027.

Tanzania–Singapore Diplomacy: President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in a historic state visit, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation on trade, investment, logistics, tourism, digital transformation and healthcare. Malaria Research Push: Tanzania’s health authorities urged researchers at the NIMR Arusha conference to intensify work toward lasting solutions to eliminate malaria, warning funding gaps are slowing progress. Malaria & Health Security: Tanzania also called for intensified research efforts to eliminate malaria, as the country aligns science and innovation with Development Vision 2050. Clean Energy Impact: The EnDev programme marked 13 years of clean energy gains, reaching nearly two million Tanzanians with cleaner cooking and improved lighting. Critical Minerals Focus: Scholars at UDSM’s Research and Innovation Week will tackle how to turn Tanzania’s mineral wealth into long-term prosperity, linking minerals to renewable energy, digital transformation and security. Zanzibar Finance Plan: Zanzibar unveiled plans to create a stock exchange and an investment bank to unlock capital for development. Sports (Local League): Yanga, Simba and Azam received a boost as key Taifa Stars players returned, with the Mainland League resuming after international duty disruptions.

Tanzania–Singapore Ties: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has begun a three-day state visit to Dar es Salaam to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, the digital economy, ports, infrastructure and skills—marking a fresh chapter in relations since 1980. Seed Sector Push: Tanzania has launched a Tanzania Seed Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan in Dodoma, setting a roadmap to strengthen seed availability, quality assurance and private investment through 2030. Clean Energy Jobs: d.light says it has helped power clean energy progress in Tanzania since 2019, reaching 1.5 million people and expanding from solar lanterns to Solar Home Systems. Cross-Border Payments Surge: Bank of Tanzania reports cross-border mobile money inflows rose 33.45% in 2025 to Sh698bn, driven by a growing digital payments ecosystem. Sports & Youth: Tanzania’s Young Taifa Stars earned four CAF U-17 AFCON Best XI spots after reaching the final, while the national golf team finished joint third at an Africa Region IV event in Mauritius. Governance & Courts: Tanzania Teachers’ Union president Suleiman Ikomba was arraigned in Dodoma on corruption, conspiracy and economic sabotage charges.

Opposition Politics: Chadema’s expulsion row deepened as former Zanzibar vice chairman Said Issa Mohammed dismissed his removal as unconstitutional, saying he was not properly notified or heard. Anti-Corruption & Labour: In Dodoma, Tanzania Teachers’ Union boss Suleiman Ikomba was arraigned on 14 charges including corruption, forming a criminal gang and economic sabotage, alongside other union leaders. Youth Football: Tanzania’s historic run to the CAF U-17 AFCON final earned four players spots in the tournament’s Best XI, including Issa Chole, Dismas Athanasi and Razaki Mbegelendi. Finance & Inclusion: Mkombozi Bank opened a new branch in Bagamoyo after a bishop urged transparency and wider access to banking and financial literacy. Agriculture: Improved sesame seeds are reviving farmers’ incomes in southern Tanzania, with one beneficiary hopeful of funding his daughter’s college education. Digital Payments: Bank of Tanzania data shows cross-border mobile money inflows jumped 33% to Sh698bn in 2025. Wildlife & Justice: A North Korean man arrested with 500 elephant tusks in Dar es Salaam is set to stand trial this week, raising questions about follow-up investigations. Environment & Climate: Experts urged farmers and livestock keepers to prepare for El Niño-linked rainfall risks, including floods and disease outbreaks. Human Rights: The African Court ordered Tanzania to end mandatory death sentences and abolish hanging as the sole execution method. EU Relations: The European Parliament voted to block €150m in aid to Tanzania over unresolved election and rights concerns.

Zanzibar Travel Insurance: Zanzibar says its mandatory travel insurance covered the repatriation of US influencer Ashley Robinson’s remains, rejecting claims that her family had to fund the process themselves. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to tighten Ebola screening, screening tools, and standard operating procedures. Tanzania-Russia Ties: Tanzania’s president wrapped up a Russia state visit, pitching deeper cooperation and investment links as the country seeks new partners beyond traditional blocs. Trade & Logistics: Maersk raised peak season surcharges on China–East Africa routes, with costs hitting Tanzania and Kenya ports and warning of knock-on price pressure for importers. Health Milestone: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment for newborns and infants, with Tanzania among the trial countries preparing for rollout. Maritime Safety: A Tanzanian-flagged container vessel sank in the Singapore Strait near Batam, with all crew rescued and floating containers monitored.

Malaria Care Breakthrough: Africa CDC says the first-ever newborn and infant malaria treatment, Coartem Baby, is approved and will roll out in weeks across countries including Tanzania, after trials showed safer dosing for babies under 5kg. Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Kenya and Uganda, with ECSA-HC, launched a joint assessment at Busia One Stop Border Post to tighten screening and Ebola SOPs as cross-border risk remains high. Tanzania-Russia Diplomacy: Tanzania’s government insists ties with Russia won’t harm relations with other partners, while officials project over $2bn in Russian investment in 3–5 years, including interest in local vaccine production. Zanzibar Travel Insurance: Zanzibar says mandatory travel insurance covered repatriation costs after an American influencer’s death, rejecting claims of fundraising by relatives. Education Spotlight: Tanzania’s National Teaching Skills Competition awards 35 teachers, with winners set to receive land near their schools to boost innovation and learning outcomes. Governance & Rights: Chadema expels a former Zanzibar vice chairman over a court case, while the African Court rejects a bid to overturn a 30-year rape conviction. Tourism Push: Tanzania plans major upgrades to the southern safari circuit, investing 146.6bn/- shillings to draw more visitors and private investment.

Ebola Watch: WHO says the Central Africa outbreak is spreading faster than expected in eastern DR Congo, with spillovers into Uganda and mounting concern across neighbours as war and weak health systems complicate tracking. Tanzania-Russia Links: President Samia announced direct Air Tanzania flights from July 2 connecting Dar es Salaam, Moscow and Zanzibar, aiming to boost trade and tourism; Tanzania also urged stronger climate adaptation funding as the GEF assembly ended. Justice Update: The African Court ordered Tanzania to amend its Penal Code and abolish the mandatory death penalty for murder convictions. Parliament Oversight: Tanzania’s National Assembly Speaker Zungu cracked down on absentee lawmakers after MPs were seen travelling to Morocco. Trade & Diplomacy: Tanzania’s High Commission in Abuja pushed stronger Tanzania–Nigeria business ties, including at FAB West Africa 2026. Football & Sports: FIFA’s expanded Club Benefits Programme could bring fresh cash to Yanga, Simba and Azam for World Cup 2026 player releases; meanwhile, Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys and other regional football stories continue amid health and tournament preparations.

East Africa Trade & Investment: President Samia Suluhu Hassan used SPIEF to court investors, pitching the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone as Tanzania’s top manufacturing and logistics gateway. Aviation & Tourism: She also announced Air Tanzania will launch direct Dar es Salaam–Moscow–Zanzibar flights from July 2, boosting travel and business links. Human Rights Ruling: Tanzania was ordered by the African Court to amend its Penal Code and abolish the mandatory death penalty for murder convictions. Parliament Accountability: Dodoma’s National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu cracked down on absentee MPs, directing explanations for lawmakers seen in Morocco during the Serengeti Boys’ U-17 final. Climate Finance Push: Tanzania called for stronger climate adaptation funding as the GEF assembly ended in Uzbekistan. Finance & Zanzibar Growth: Equity Bank opened the Zanzibar Supreme Banking Center in Kijangwani to expand services for investors and businesses. Agriculture Protection: Tanzania barred buyers with unpaid debts to coffee farmers from crop purchasing next season, aiming to stop disputes and protect growers. Tourism Boost: Belgium Airlines’ maiden flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport drew major attention, signaling stronger European tourism links. Rights Claims: Chadema’s Shinyanga allegations of post-election security abuses drew renewed attention after UN statements flagged deaths in the region.

Tanzania-Russia Diplomacy: President Samia Suluhu Hassan told investors at SPIEF that Tanzania is “not under sanctions at all,” while also pitching five flagship projects—from the Bagamoyo SEZ to Zanzibar’s Mangapwani port and nuclear energy—to deepen partnerships. Tourism & Connectivity: Brussels Airlines launched direct flights to Kilimanjaro, bringing 248 passengers on the first service and boosting weekly movements as Tanzania pushes to modernise the airport. Trade & Investment: Stanbic Bank Tanzania secured a Sh70bn facility to expand SME lending, targeting sustainable agriculture and value chains. Environment & Vision 2050: Tanzania marked World Environment Day in Dodoma with renewed focus on climate resilience, waste management and clean cooking progress. Ebola Watch: Tanzania’s Premier League board moved to calm fears after Taifa Stars’ friendlies were cancelled over Ebola-related restrictions. Sports Prep: Harambee Starlets face Zambia in Ndola as Wafcon preparations continue. Regional Business: Tanzania’s High Commission in Abuja will take part in Lagos’ Food & Beverage West Africa exhibition to promote tea, coffee, cashews, spices and other value-added products.

Russia-Ukraine Talks Stalled: Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s call for face-to-face talks, saying he sees “no point” in a meeting as the war continues. Ebola Disruptions: Tanzania’s Premier League board moved to calm fears after Taifa Stars’ friendlies were cancelled over Ebola-related restrictions, saying the league schedule will be assessed before any changes. Russia-Tanzania Trade & Investment: At SPIEF, Putin called Tanzania an East Africa trade gateway, while President Samia Suluhu Hassan pitched five flagship projects to investors, including Bagamoyo SEZ, Zanzibar’s Mangapwani port, fertilizer production, and nuclear energy talks with Rosatom. Air Connectivity: Air Tanzania is set to launch direct Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar–Moscow flights from July 2. Digital Payments Boom: Bank of Tanzania data shows merchants accepting digital payments more than doubled to 2.79 million in 2025. Environment Push: Tanzania unveiled a Sh7 trillion, 2026–2030 environmental programme tied to Vision 2050 goals.