Tanzania’s startup ecosystem is growing, but many firms still struggle to move from ideas to scalable businesses because of limited market access, weak investor networks, regulatory barriers, and poor business development support. At the Tanzania Impact Investment Forum, Vodacom Tanzania’s External Affairs and Vodacom Foundation Director Zuweina Farah said large companies can help startups by giving them market access, mentorship, networks, and integration into value chains. Through the Vodacom Digital Accelerator, launched in 2019, about 120 startups have participated and created more than 5,000 jobs. Farah said two entrepreneurs this year received $300,000 each, while another secured about $150,000 through links made by the programme.
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Children remain trapped in hazardous work around gold mines
In Lwamgasa, Geita Region, children are still working in the gold-mining value chain despite enforcement efforts. The Citizen reported that children aged 13 to 17 were seen carrying sacks of ore, breaking stones, washing gold-bearing material, and working around informal processing sites. One 14-year-old said he and his brother crush stones to survive after their mother left and their father broke his leg: “We work so that we can find food and clothes.” Another child said hunger forced him out of school: “I would go to school hungry… When the hunger became unbearable, I had no choice but to quit.” Commissioner for Minerals Dr AbdulRahman Mwanga said children are not allowed in mining and warned: “If we catch anyone breaching these rules, we revoke their licence for life.”
Government creates mining research fund to reduce uncertainty
Tanzania plans to retain 10 percent of gross mineral revenue collections for research and investment under the 2026/27 budget, creating a Mineral Research Fund to support geological surveys and improve small-scale mining. Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde said the move responds to long-standing problems facing miners, including poor geological data, limited capital, outdated technology, and difficulty accessing affordable finance. He said: “Geological research is the foundation of productive mining.” Planning and Investment Minister Prof Kitila Mkumbo said small-scale miners contribute about 40 percent of mining revenue and support thousands of Tanzanians, especially youth and women.
Businesses warned that sales growth is not enough
Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Ester Lobore, warned that Tanzanian businesses risk weakening their growth if they focus only on sales while neglecting payments, collections, cash flow, supplier obligations, working capital, and foreign exchange exposure. She said: “Growth must be supported by strong financial systems.” Lobore added that firms importing in US dollars but selling in Tanzanian shillings can see margins damaged when exchange rates move. Economist Dr Hildebrand Shayo of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School echoed the warning, saying: “A company can be growing rapidly while facing serious cash flow challenges.”
Nurses’ association condemns alleged assault at Bariadi Town Hospital
The Tanzania Nurses Association (TANA) condemned an alleged assault on a nurse at Bariadi Town Hospital in Simiyu Region. TANA President Dr Ezekiel Mbao said the nurse was allegedly assaulted by a doctor while on duty on May 26, 2026, and that the association began following up through its Simiyu branch and relevant authorities the next day. He said: “We strongly condemn and denounce all acts of harassment, violence and humiliation against health workers in their workplaces.” TANA warned that such incidents threaten worker safety, undermine teamwork, damage the reputation of nursing, and could affect patient care.
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