Tanzania Roundup: Energy summit, boxer dies days after knockout, mental health risks

Tanzania to host the African Energy Summit

Tanzania is set to host the African Energy Summit on January 27–28, bringing together government leaders and over 1,500 executives to discuss energy access for 300 million people in Africa by 2030. According to The Guardian, key outcomes will include the adoption of the Africa Energy Compact and the Dar es Salaam Declaration, which aim to promote sustainable energy access and boost renewable energy adoption. Fourteen countries will unveil plans to enhance energy access and reliability, including Tanzania, which has significantly improved its electrification rates. The summit will emphasize clean cooking energy, infrastructure development, and leadership in energy dialogue, positioning Tanzania as a regional champion in these areas.

Lack of school counselling exposes Tanzanian students to mental health risks

The lack of effective school counselling in Tanzania is exposing students to significant mental health risks, including depression and anxiety, exacerbated by academic stress and family issues. Government directives on counselling services are hindered by insufficient funding, untrained personnel, and limited awareness of their importance. As reported by The Citizen, currently, teachers often take on counselling roles without proper training, impacting their ability to support students effectively. Moreover, many schools lack private spaces for confidential discussions, deterring students from seeking help. The absence of career guidance further complicates students' futures, leading to uninformed decisions that can limit opportunities. Experts emphasise the urgent need for professional counsellors trained in mental health and behaviour management, along with proper infrastructure for confidential counselling.

How Tanzanian farmers reaped billions in 2024

In 2024, Tanzanian farmers experienced significant income growth due to increased production of food and commercial crops, bolstered by favourable prices and ongoing agricultural reforms, such as subsidised fertilizers and the launch of the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX). Key crops like sesame, Arabica coffee, and cashew nuts saw substantial price increases compared to 2023. Farmers earned approximately Sh1.783 trillion from cashew sales alone, up from Sh680.62 billion the previous year. The Citizen reports that the TMX facilitated efficient trading, with sesame volumes traded skyrocketing to 145,886.61 tonnes in 2024 from just 1,134.90 tonnes in 2023, yielding Sh535.68 billion. Regional investments in agricultural support and research have also contributed to higher production. While analysts anticipate continued growth, they caution that underdeveloped irrigation systems pose risks to future yields. Despite these challenges, the agricultural sector is expected to maintain its positive trajectory through enhanced market access and quality improvements.

Tanzania's ACT-Wazalendo files 51 lawsuits over local election results

Tanzania's opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has filed 51 lawsuits contesting the results of the November 27, 2024, local government elections. The lawsuits were lodged in various district courts across mainland Tanzania and are currently in the preliminary stages, with summonses being issued to respondents. ACT-Wazalendo's chief attorney, Omar Said Shaaban, stated that the lawsuits aim to uphold democracy and citizens' rights, which were allegedly compromised during the elections, The Citizen reports.

Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mgaya dies days after being knocked out

Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mgaya died on December 30, 2024, from injuries sustained after being knocked out by Paul Elias on December 27. The fight, held in Dar-Es-Salaam, ended with Mgaya collapsing from a series of head blows, leading to airway obstruction. Despite efforts to save him at multiple hospitals, he succumbed to his injuries. According to Marca, Mgaya had a professional record of 3-4-2 and was the second Tanzanian boxer to die from a knockout in recent months, following Abbasi Mselem's death in November. The Tanzania Boxing Commission expressed condolences to Mgaya's family and the boxing community.