Tanzania Roundup: Air France returns after 28 years, cassava seeds transform lives, tackling gender-based violence

Tanzania’s ruling party expels cadre for opposing recent endorsement of Samia

Tanzania's political landscape has experienced significant developments recently. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party expelled Reverend Godfrey Malisa for opposing the endorsement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi. According to The Citizen, this decision, announced by Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary Merce Mollel, was attributed to Malisa's statements considered to breach the party's ethical standards and constitution, ultimately undermining party unity. His criticism during the National Congress held on January 19, 2025, contributed to his dismissal, highlighting the party's stringent adherence to its internal regulations in the lead-up to the general elections.

Air France resumes flights to Tanzania after 28 years

Air France has reinstated its flights to Tanzania after a 28-year hiatus, with three weekly services connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Zanzibar. The airline employs an Airbus A350-900 for this route, aiming to accommodate the rising number of French tourists and business travellers keen on exploring Tanzania's renowned attractions. KATA reports that this return to the Tanzanian market not only strengthens the tourism sector but also fosters local development, as evidenced by a recent $4,000 donation to a local primary school from a French organisation.

Crypto scammers target Tanzanian billionaire's followers, net $1.48M

Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji's social media platform was compromised by crypto scammers, who exploited his account to promote a fake digital asset known as the “Tanzania token.” Utilising advanced deepfake technology, the fraudsters deceived Dewji's 2.2 million followers into investing in the scheme, resulting in an estimated loss of $1.48 million. As reported by News Bitcoin, Dewji managed to regain control of his account within 24 hours and cautioned his followers against similar scams, although the damage had already been inflicted. This incident underscores the vulnerability of high-profile individuals to cyber threats.

Cassava seed business changes women farmers’ lives in Tanzania

Tanzania is making strides in promoting sustainable cassava seed systems with a focus on empowering women farmers. The initiative aims to dismantle traditional barriers such as limited access to land, capital constraints, and societal norms that hamper women's participation in seed entrepreneurship. CGIAR reports that The Muhogo Bora project, a collaborative effort involving the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, and Cornell University, has adapted selection criteria to facilitate more inclusive engagement. Testimonies from beneficiaries like Saada Mkuyu, a 47-year-old farmer, illustrate the project's transformative impact on women's livelihoods.

UNESCO strengthens efforts to tackle gender-based violence in media and technology

UNESCO has forged a partnership with Tanzanian ministries to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in digital and media settings, aiming to weave this critical concern into the National Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (2025-2029). According to UNESCO, this strategic approach seeks to shield women and children from various forms of violence, both online and offline, as technological advancements shape public discourse. The initiative prioritises the enhancement of policies, stakeholder capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and the cultivation of safer online environments. Given the rising concerns surrounding AI influence on GBV—particularly about deepfakes and cyber harassment—UNESCO is committed to promoting ethical technology use and advancing gender equality through collaborative efforts with government bodies, media, tech firms, and civil society in Tanzania.