Rwanda’s new terror list naming 25 exiled figures sparks debate over due process, political motives, and Kigali’s regional strategy KIGALI — October 15, 2025. Rwanda’s government has published its most extensive domestic terrorism sanctions list to date, naming 25 individuals accused of financing or coordinating acts of terror. The announcement, made by the National Counter Terrorism Committee (NCTC), is presented as part of a broader effort to disrupt networks behind anti-Rwanda armed groups. Yet observers and analysts are questioning the timing, process, and political undertones of the move. An Expansive List Across Continents The individuals listed are spread across Africa, Europe, and North America. According to the official statement, they face travel bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions under Rwanda’s jurisdiction. However, many of those named are long-time political exiles, opposition figures, or critics of the current government. Critics argue that the designations could blur the line between legitimate political dissent and terrorism. Below is the full list published by the NCTC: Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye (Victor Byiringiro / Rumuri) – President of FDLR, accused of directing operations from eastern DRC. Maj Gen Pacifique Ntawunguka (Omega) – FDLR armed wing commander, alleged to run illicit funding networks. Col Sylvestre Sebahinzi (Zinga Zinga ZZ) – Based in Zambia, accused of coordinating FDLR finances in southern Africa. Maj Alphonse Munyarugendo (Monaco Dollar) – Resident in Mozambique, alleged SADC regional coordinator for FDLR. Faustin Ntirikina (Zigabe Pacifique) – French national, convicted in Rwanda for recruiting youth into FLN and planning the 2019 Kinigi attack. Maj Gen Antoine Hakizimana (Jeva) – Based in Burundi, identified as CNRD–FLN’s military chief. Continue Reading Full Article POLITICS & DIPLOMACY Rwanda’s New Terror List Raises Concerns Over Political Motives By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Oct 15, 2025 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: KIGALI — October 15, 2025. Rwanda’s government has published its most extensive domestic terrorism sanctions list to date, naming 25 individuals accused of financing or coordinating acts of terror. The announcement, made by the National Counter Terrorism Committee (NCTC), is presented as part of a broader effort to disrupt networks behind anti-Rwanda armed groups. Yet observers and analysts are questioning the timing, process, and political undertones of the move. An Expansive List Across Continents The individuals listed are spread across Africa, Europe, and North America. According to the official statement, they face travel bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions under Rwanda’s jurisdiction. However, many of those named are long-time political exiles, opposition figures, or critics of the current government. Critics argue that the designations could blur the line between legitimate political dissent and terrorism. Below is the full list published by the NCTC: ADVERTISEMENT Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye (Victor Byiringiro / Rumuri) – President of FDLR, accused of directing operations from eastern DRC. Maj Gen Pacifique Ntawunguka (Omega) – FDLR armed wing commander, alleged to run illicit funding networks. Col Sylvestre Sebahinzi (Zinga Zinga ZZ) – Based in Zambia, accused of coordinating FDLR finances in southern Africa. Maj Alphonse Munyarugendo (Monaco Dollar) – Resident in Mozambique, alleged SADC regional coordinator for FDLR. Faustin Ntirikina (Zigabe Pacifique) – French national, convicted in Rwanda for recruiting youth into FLN and planning the 2019 Kinigi attack. Maj Gen Antoine Hakizimana (Jeva) – Based in Burundi, identified as CNRD–FLN’s military chief. Eric Munyemana – Belgian citizen, accused of FLN fundraising in Europe. Dr Innocent Biruka (Mitali) – Secretary-General of CNRD–FLN, alleged recruiter and financier. Gen Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa – Ex-Rwandan general living in South Africa, founding member of RNC. Dr Emmanuel Hakizimana – Co-founder of RNC, based in Montreal, accused of online financing and recruitment. Abdulkarim Ali Nyarwaya (Dick Nyarwaya) – British national, alleged financial coordinator for P5 coalition. Maj Robert Higiro (Gasisi) – Based in Kenya, accused of RNC recruitment and training. Frank Ntwali – RNC representative in southern Africa, alleged liaison between RNC and FDLR. Ignace Rusagara – RNC spokesperson, resident in the United States, accused of incitement. Jean Paul Turayishimiye – Based in Washington D.C., alleged founder of RNC and financier of terror activities. Gaspard Musabyimana – Journalist and media operator in Belgium, accused of supporting FDLR and P5 propaganda. Placide Kayumba – Based in Namur, Belgium, alleged to link FDU-Inkingi to FDLR operations. Augustin Munyaneza – Brussels-based taxi driver, accused of fundraising for FDLR and P5. Michel Niyibizi – Belgian teacher, described as a fundraiser for FDLR and P5. Jonathan Musonera – London-based activist, accused of mobilizing funds for NEW-RNC. Dr Theogene Rudasingwa – Former Rwandan ambassador to the U.S., accused of coordinating RNC–FDLR collaboration. Maj Jacques Kanyamibwa – Former military pilot, accused of financing the 2019 Kinigi attack. Thomas Nahimana – Ishema Party president in France, accused of inciting violence through online platforms. Christine Coleman Uwizera – U.S.-based pastor, accused of promoting incitement through social media. Sylvestre Nduwayezu (Jet Lee) – Resident of Uganda, accused of recruiting and financing regional attacks. Critics Say the List Blurs Security and Politics While Kigali describes the list as a “preventive security measure,” regional analysts and human rights advocates view it as part of a long-standing pattern of conflating political opposition with terrorism. Most of the groups cited, including the RNC and the Ishema Party, have political wings operating legally abroad, often calling for democratic reforms and dialogue rather than armed struggle. Several names on the list, such as Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa and Dr Theogene Rudasingwa , are well-known former insiders of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) who became critics after exile. They have previously denied involvement in violent acts and accuse Kigali of orchestrating politically motivated charges to silence dissent. ADVERTISEMENT International Context Rwanda’s announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny of its regional military operations, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where UN reports continue to document the presence of Rwandan troops and their support for armed groups. Observers note that such lists often appear at moments when Kigali faces diplomatic criticism or pressure from international partners. Due Process and Transparency Questions While the NCTC says individuals can appeal their designation through procedures under the Prime Minister’s Order, no details have been made public about independent oversight, evidence review, or legal representation. Rights groups argue that, without transparency, the list risks becoming a political tool rather than a genuine counterterrorism mechanism. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Justice & Crime Trump Moves to Remove Rwanda and South Africa From AGOA . Justice & Crime Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu . War in DR Congo Tshisekedi: Sanctions Forced Kagame to Pull Kabila From His Cave . Biography Claudette Mukashyaka Biography: Rwanda’s New Auditor General . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . Justice & Crime Trump Moves to Remove Rwanda and South Africa From AGOA Trump plans to remove Rwanda and South Africa from AGOA trade benefits starting January 1, 2027 . Justice & Crime Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu South Kivu accuses Rwandan forces and M23 of forcibly displacing civilians in Katogota, . War in DR Congo Tshisekedi: Sanctions Forced Kagame to Pull Kabila From His Cave The DRC president accuses Kagame of using Kabila's new rebel leadership to disguise Rwanda's role in... . Tags Rwanda Rwanda

At least 70 civilians were killed in an ADF rebel attack on Ntoyo, North Kivu. Survivors call for urgent help as FARDC and UPDF launch search ops. At least 70 civilians were killed according to Radio Okapi during a brutal overnight attack attributed to ADF rebels in the town of Ntoyo, 7 kilometers from Mangurejipa in Lubero territory, North Kivu. According to local officials, the assault happened on Monday, September 8, around 10 p.m., as residents gathered for a wake. The attackers used both knives and guns, killing dozens on the spot. Heavy Toll and Destruction Sector chief Macaire Sovikunula reported a provisional toll of 71 dead, 8 injured, and around 20 people missing. At least 14 houses, vehicles, and motorcycles were also destroyed. Civil society leaders fear the number of victims could rise as more families search for loved ones. Security Response The quick intervention of joint FARDC and UPDF forces from Mangurejipa helped limit further killings, though the assailants managed to retreat into the forest west of Ntoyo. Military and administrative authorities confirmed the attack and said search operations are ongoing. Call for Help Local activists criticized security services for ignoring earlier warnings about rebel movements in the area. The governor’s advisor for humanitarian affairs has urged humanitarian organizations to step in and support the survivors. For now, daily life in Ntoyo is at a standstill. Shops remain closed, families are in mourning, and the community continues to search for the missing. This massacre is one of the deadliest ADF attacks in North Kivu this year, once again exposing the urgent need for stronger protection of civilians in eastern Congo. Continue Reading Full Article ADF REBELS North Kivu: At Least 70 Civilians Killed in ADF Attack on Ntoyo By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 10, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: At least 70 civilians were killed according to Radio Okapi during a brutal overnight attack attributed to ADF rebels in the town of Ntoyo, 7 kilometers from Mangurejipa in Lubero territory, North Kivu. According to local officials, the assault happened on Monday, September 8, around 10 p.m., as residents gathered for a wake. The attackers used both knives and guns, killing dozens on the spot. ADVERTISEMENT Heavy Toll and Destruction Sector chief Macaire Sovikunula reported a provisional toll of 71 dead, 8 injured, and around 20 people missing. At least 14 houses, vehicles, and motorcycles were also destroyed. Civil society leaders fear the number of victims could rise as more families search for loved ones. Security Response The quick intervention of joint FARDC and UPDF forces from Mangurejipa helped limit further killings, though the assailants managed to retreat into the forest west of Ntoyo. Military and administrative authorities confirmed the attack and said search operations are ongoing. ADVERTISEMENT Call for Help Local activists criticized security services for ignoring earlier warnings about rebel movements in the area. The governor’s advisor for humanitarian affairs has urged humanitarian organizations to step in and support the survivors. For now, daily life in Ntoyo is at a standstill. Shops remain closed, families are in mourning, and the community continues to search for the missing. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . ADVERTISEMENT This massacre is one of the deadliest ADF attacks in North Kivu this year, once again exposing the urgent need for stronger protection of civilians in eastern Congo. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 Four firms will rebuild runways and terminals from Kalemie to Muanda under a Treasury-funded plan . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo

DR Congo has sent the US a vetted shortlist of state-held mining assets, opening talks on contracts under a minerals partnership. The Democratic Republic of Congo has provided U.S. officials with a shortlist of state-owned mineral assets for potential American investment, a move intended to advance a bilateral minerals partnership and attract funding into projects covering manganese, copper-cobalt, gold and lithium. According to Reuters , two senior Congolese officials said the list was delivered to Washington last week after multiple rounds of internal review. No valuation was disclosed for the assets included, and both the Congolese government and the U.S. State Department had no immediate public comment when contacted. The initiative comes as the United States intensifies efforts to secure supplies of critical minerals and reduce dependence on China across key parts of the global processing and refining chain. Analysts and industry researchers, citing International Energy Agency assessments, have noted China’s dominant role in refining for several strategic minerals. The Congolese officials said Kinshasa intends to present assets held by state companies that are not already tied up in farm-out arrangements or joint ventures. One official said the consolidated shortlist has also been submitted to a Joint Steering Committee made up of representatives from Congo and the United States, established to oversee implementation of the minerals partnership and coordinate next steps. They said the committee is expected to convene an initial meeting to begin implementing the framework and start negotiations on partnership contracts for specific assets. The shortlist cited by the officials includes: Kisenge licences for manganese, gold and cassiterite; Gécamines interests linked to the Mutoshi copper-cobalt project and a germanium-processing venture; Sokimo gold permits; Cominière lithium licences; and Continue Reading Full Article REGIONAL ECONOMY DRC offers state mineral assets to US investors under pact By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jan 21, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo has provided U.S. officials with a shortlist of state-owned mineral assets for potential American investment, a move intended to advance a bilateral minerals partnership and attract funding into projects covering manganese, copper-cobalt, gold and lithium. According to Reuters , two senior Congolese officials said the list was delivered to Washington last week after multiple rounds of internal review. No valuation was disclosed for the assets included, and both the Congolese government and the U.S. State Department had no immediate public comment when contacted. The initiative comes as the United States intensifies efforts to secure supplies of critical minerals and reduce dependence on China across key parts of the global processing and refining chain. Analysts and industry researchers, citing International Energy Agency assessments, have noted China’s dominant role in refining for several strategic minerals. ADVERTISEMENT The Congolese officials said Kinshasa intends to present assets held by state companies that are not already tied up in farm-out arrangements or joint ventures. One official said the consolidated shortlist has also been submitted to a Joint Steering Committee made up of representatives from Congo and the United States, established to oversee implementation of the minerals partnership and coordinate next steps. They said the committee is expected to convene an initial meeting to begin implementing the framework and start negotiations on partnership contracts for specific assets. ADVERTISEMENT The shortlist cited by the officials includes: Kisenge licences for manganese, gold and cassiterite; Gécamines interests linked to the Mutoshi copper-cobalt project and a germanium-processing venture; Sokimo gold permits; Cominière lithium licences; and Sakima assets involving coltan, gold and wolframite. Also read : Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT DRC Sends Strategic Mining Project List to the United States DRC Mines Ministry and AFA Partner to Mobilise Diaspora Investment Tshisekedi’s Reforms: Ending Child Labor, Shaping Congo’s Mining One of the officials said the process is being carried out in line with Congolese law. U.S. engagement with Congo’s minerals sector has also been linked to broader infrastructure and investment initiatives in the region, including support for transport routes designed to move minerals more efficiently to export hubs. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has previously announced a commitment of up to $553 million toward upgrades along the Lobito Corridor rail route. Source: Reuters ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Tags Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo Reuters Reuters DR Congo News DR Congo News DR Congo Investment DR Congo Investment DR Congo Rising DR Congo Rising

South Africans voted on Wednesday in the most competitive election since apartheid ended, with high turnout suggesting the African National Congress (ANC) may lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo noted the turnout "will be well beyond the 66% we had in 2019." Many polling stations remained open past the official closing time due to long lines, with only 55% of stations closed two hours after the deadline. Voters expressed dissatisfaction with high unemployment, frequent power outages, and corruption within the ANC, leading many to support opposition parties. Business owner Skhumbuzo Mnyandu, 48, who had long supported the ANC, voted for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, backed by former president Jacob Zuma. Conversely, pensioner Charles Louw, 62, remained loyal to the ANC, citing distrust in opposition promises. Since 1994, the ANC has won every national election , but its vote share has declined. If the ANC fails to secure 50% of the vote, it will need to form a coalition government. Young voters, disillusioned with economic prospects, showed particular frustration. Nosipho Mkhize, 28, criticized the lack of job opportunities for the youth, despite having degrees. President Cyril Ramaphosa, likely to stay in office, remains hopeful for an ANC majority. Meanwhile, opposition leaders like John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance and Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) emphasized the election's significance. Over 27 million South Africans registered to vote at 23,000 polling stations. Initial results are expected soon, with final results within three to four days. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 30, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Young South Africans lined up for voting in numbers in Midrand South Africans voted on Wednesday in the most competitive election since apartheid ended, with high turnout suggesting the African National Congress (ANC) may lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo noted the turnout "will be well beyond the 66% we had in 2019." Many polling stations remained open past the official closing time due to long lines, with only 55% of stations closed two hours after the deadline. Voters expressed dissatisfaction with high unemployment, frequent power outages, and corruption within the ANC, leading many to support opposition parties. ADVERTISEMENT Business owner Skhumbuzo Mnyandu, 48, who had long supported the ANC, voted for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, backed by former president Jacob Zuma. Conversely, pensioner Charles Louw, 62, remained loyal to the ANC, citing distrust in opposition promises. Since 1994, the ANC has won every national election , but its vote share has declined. If the ANC fails to secure 50% of the vote, it will need to form a coalition government. ADVERTISEMENT Young voters, disillusioned with economic prospects, showed particular frustration. Nosipho Mkhize, 28, criticized the lack of job opportunities for the youth, despite having degrees. President Cyril Ramaphosa, likely to stay in office, remains hopeful for an ANC majority. Meanwhile, opposition leaders like John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance and Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) emphasized the election's significance. Over 27 million South Africans registered to vote at 23,000 polling stations. Initial results are expected soon, with final results within three to four days. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Burundi reportedly moves closer to joining a planned Gaza stabilization force as military officials discuss a possible deployment alongside Uganda. GITEGA, Burundi — August 18, 2026 — Burundi is reportedly moving closer to contributing troops to a planned international stabilization force for Gaza, with senior Burundian military officials said to have joined advanced discussions over the proposed mission. According to reporting citing Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11, military representatives from Burundi and Uganda have been involved in talks at the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, Israel. Both countries reportedly gave preliminary approval to contribute hundreds of soldiers. Uganda has already taken a formal step, with its parliament approving a possible troop deployment earlier this month. Burundi, however, has not publicly confirmed a final deployment, troop numbers or timetable. The development remains ongoing, with an official announcement from Gitega still awaited. MILITARY AND DEFENSE BREAKING: Burundi Reportedly Moves Closer to Sending Troops to Gaza By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 18, 2026 Aug 18, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: GITEGA, Burundi — August 18, 2026 — Burundi is reportedly moving closer to contributing troops to a planned international stabilization force for Gaza, with senior Burundian military officials said to have joined advanced discussions over the proposed mission. According to reporting citing Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11, military representatives from Burundi and Uganda have been involved in talks at the U.S.-led Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, Israel. Both countries reportedly gave preliminary approval to contribute hundreds of soldiers. ADVERTISEMENT Uganda has already taken a formal step, with its parliament approving a possible troop deployment earlier this month. Burundi, however, has not publicly confirmed a final deployment, troop numbers or timetable. The development remains ongoing, with an official announcement from Gitega still awaited. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work . Business Trends Killarney Mall Transfer Completed in R397.5 Million Deal . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained New permits reportedly frozen, European shipments exempt; West African markets face uncertainty. . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . Tags Breaking News Breaking News Burundi Burundi

Compare flights, SGR and TAZARA trains, buses, ferries and local transport for planning safe, realistic journeys around Tanzania. Tanzania is too large for one transport rule. A route that looks short on a map may take most of a day by road, while a domestic flight can turn it into an easy connection. Trains suit particular corridors, buses reach far more towns, and ferries make sense when Zanzibar is part of the trip. The best starting point is to plot every overnight stop, then decide where time matters more than price. XTRAfrica’s overview of Tanzania’s top tourist destinations helps put the main regions on one page before you compare tickets. What is the best way to get around Tanzania? Fly between distant safari regions or when time is tight; use the SGR for Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma; take reputable long-distance buses for budget travel; and choose a licensed ferry or short flight for Zanzibar. Always leave recovery time before international departures. Tanzania Transport Orientation Dar es Salaam is the main coastal gateway. Arusha and Moshi anchor northern safaris and Kilimanjaro trips. Dodoma sits on the central rail-and-road corridor, while Mbeya opens the southern highlands and the route toward Zambia and Malawi. Zanzibar lies offshore, and western parks such as Katavi are far from the usual northern circuit. That geography creates three practical rules. First, avoid treating the northern safari circuit, southern parks and Zanzibar as if they were neighbouring stops. Second, distinguish scheduled public transport from safari transfers: a park journey may require a 4×4, a bush flight or both. Third, check weather and operating notices shortly before departure. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority publishes forecasts and marine information that can affect road, air and sea travel. Domestic Flights: Best for Long Distances Domestic flights are worth considering when the alternative consumes a full travel day. They are especially useful between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mwanza and the southern or western safari regions. The trade-off is cost, stricter baggage limits and the possibility of schedule adjustments. Air Tanzania provides direct access to its current schedule, booking and check-in tools. Private carriers also operate domestic services, while safari airlines use smaller aircraft to connect tourism hubs with park airstrips. For example, Coastal Aviation’s Serengeti information shows how bush-flight networks link several Serengeti airstrips with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and other safari regions. A bush flight is not always a simple nonstop journey. The aircraft may land at other airstrips to collect passengers, and the final airstrip depends on the location of your camp. Ask the lodge or safari operator to confirm the correct airstrip before buying a separate ticket. Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL TIPS Getting Around Tanzania: Flights, Trains, Buses and Ferries By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 17, 2026 Aug 17, 2026 13 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Tanzania is too large for one transport rule. A route that looks short on a map may take most of a day by road, while a domestic flight can turn it into an easy connection. Trains suit particular corridors, buses reach far more towns, and ferries make sense when Zanzibar is part of the trip. The best starting point is to plot every overnight stop, then decide where time matters more than price. XTRAfrica’s overview of Tanzania’s top tourist destinations helps put the main regions on one page before you compare tickets. What is the best way to get around Tanzania? Fly between distant safari regions or when time is tight; use the SGR for Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma; take reputable long-distance buses for budget travel; and choose a licensed ferry or short flight for Zanzibar. Always leave recovery time before international departures. Tanzania Transport Orientation Dar es Salaam is the main coastal gateway. Arusha and Moshi anchor northern safaris and Kilimanjaro trips. Dodoma sits on the central rail-and-road corridor, while Mbeya opens the southern highlands and the route toward Zambia and Malawi. Zanzibar lies offshore, and western parks such as Katavi are far from the usual northern circuit. Tanzania’s road, railway, airport and urban geography explains why many itineraries combine several transport modes. Map: Sémhur; English translation by Jen/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. That geography creates three practical rules. First, avoid treating the northern safari circuit, southern parks and Zanzibar as if they were neighbouring stops. Second, distinguish scheduled public transport from safari transfers: a park journey may require a 4×4, a bush flight or both. Third, check weather and operating notices shortly before departure. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority publishes forecasts and marine information that can affect road, air and sea travel. Domestic Flights: Best for Long Distances Domestic flights are worth considering when the alternative consumes a full travel day. They are especially useful between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mwanza and the southern or western safari regions. The trade-off is cost, stricter baggage limits and the possibility of schedule adjustments. Air Tanzania provides direct access to its current schedule, booking and check-in tools. Private carriers also operate domestic services, while safari airlines use smaller aircraft to connect tourism hubs with park airstrips. For example, Coastal Aviation’s Serengeti information shows how bush-flight networks link several Serengeti airstrips with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and other safari regions. A bush flight is not always a simple nonstop journey. The aircraft may land at other airstrips to collect passengers, and the final airstrip depends on the location of your camp. Ask the lodge or safari operator to confirm the correct airstrip before buying a separate ticket. An Air Tanzania Boeing 787 at Julius Nyerere International Airport Light aircraft and safari vehicles at Seronera Airstrip Kilimanjaro International Airport serves travellers continuing by road Also check the baggage allowance before packing. Small safari aircraft commonly impose lower weight limits and may require soft-sided bags. The exact rule belongs to the operating airline, not the hotel or booking agent. If two airlines are involved, follow the lower allowance unless both confirm otherwise. Flying is most valuable when combining a safari with Zanzibar, linking northern Tanzania to remote parks, or avoiding a full day on rough roads. Keep a generous buffer before an international flight because separate tickets may not protect you after a weather or schedule delay. ADVERTISEMENT Trains: Choose Between SGR and TAZARA Carefully Dar es Salaam’s blue SGR station stands beside the older railway station and new standard-gauge tracks, reflecting the city’s changing railway infrastructure. Photo: Kipala/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Tanzania has more than one passenger rail system, and their routes should not be confused. SGR for Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma The electric Standard Gauge Railway is the most useful train for many visitors travelling along the central corridor. Tanzania Railways Corporation confirms passenger operations between Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma; travellers should use the official TRC website or SGR ticket portal for the current schedule and ticket availability. SGR can be a sensible alternative to flying or spending many hours on the road. Check the station name, arrive early enough for entry procedures, and do not assume a timetable copied by a blog or social-media post is still valid. If your trip continues beyond Dodoma, confirm the onward bus, conventional train or private transfer separately. XTRAfrica’s guide to landmarks in Dodoma is useful if the capital is an actual stop rather than only a connection. TAZARA for the southern corridor and Zambia TAZARA runs from Dar es Salaam through Tanzania’s southern highlands toward New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. It is an experience as well as transport, but it is not a quick substitute for the SGR. Cross-border passenger service resumed in February 2026 after a long suspension. A TAZARA train approaches villages near Iringa on the southern route toward Mbeya, which continues across the border into Zambia. Photo: Erasmus Kamugisha/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. The TAZARA resumption notice set one weekly departure in each direction, and a later maintenance suspension showed why travellers must reconfirm close to departure. TAZARA’s own reservation guidance recommends advance planning because trains can fill and equipment is limited. Use TAZARA only when the schedule fits comfortably. Do not place the journey immediately before an international flight, fixed safari departure or non-refundable hotel booking. Carry food, water, basic hygiene supplies, warm layers and a power bank even when onboard services are expected. Long-Distance Buses: The Widest Network Buses connect more Tanzanian cities and towns than the rail or air networks, and they are often the best budget option. Major corridors include Dar es Salaam to Arusha, Moshi, Dodoma, Iringa, Mbeya, Tanga and Mtwara, as well as regional and cross-border services. Quality varies by operator and vehicle. Choose a licensed company, book a numbered seat through an authorised channel, retain your ticket and label your luggage. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority’s intercity-bus rules cover online ticketing, driver identification, luggage tags and rest stops. LATRA also says its Safari Tiketi system and passenger app provide bus and train information. ADVERTISEMENT Magufuli Bus Terminal in Dar es Salaam is a major departure and arrival point for regional and long-distance coach journeys across Tanzania. Photo: McPerock/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Daytime travel is the safer planning default. The UK government’s Tanzania transport safety advice notes that road accidents are common and advises against driving outside major towns at night. It also warns travellers to protect belongings at crowded bus stations. For Arusha or Moshi, tourist shuttles can be easier than a long-distance coach when you need an airport, hotel or border pickup. Confirm whether the quote is for the entire vehicle or per person, whether there are intermediate stops, and where the driver will display your name. Local minibuses, called dala-dalas , suit confident travellers with light luggage but can be crowded and confusing on a first visit. For fixed airport connections, use a hotel-arranged taxi or reputable ride-hailing service and verify the vehicle before entering. Ferries and Flights to Zanzibar For most visitors, “Zanzibar” means Unguja, the main island containing Stone Town. From central Dar es Salaam, a fast passenger ferry can be convenient because it arrives near Stone Town. A flight may be better when connecting from another airport, continuing directly to a beach area or avoiding a sea crossing. Kilimanjaro V, an Azam Marine fast catamaran operating between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, provides a sea alternative to flying between the mainland and the islands. Photo: David Stanley/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Azam Marine’s official booking and rates page lists current seat classes, booking links and a 25-kilogram luggage allowance. Check the operator’s live departure options rather than relying on an old timetable. Buy from the official office or booking platform, keep your passport accessible and arrive with time for ticket and luggage procedures. Sea conditions matter. The same government safety guidance warns against boarding an overloaded or visibly unseaworthy vessel and recommends locating exits and life jackets. Anyone prone to motion sickness may prefer a flight, particularly when the forecast is unsettled. Check the TMA marine forecast before travel. Pemba and Mafia are separate islands, not quick road extensions from Unguja. Confirm whether your route requires a flight, ferry or overnight connection, and verify the operating day directly. If Zanzibar is part of the trip, use XTRAfrica’s Zanzibar travel guide to choose the right coast before arranging the transfer from the airport or ferry terminal. International visitors should also review the current Zanzibar insurance application guide . Five Routes That Work in Practice A safari vehicle travels through Serengeti National Park, where organised four-wheel-drive transfers connect park gates, camps and wildlife-viewing areas. Photo: Güldem Üstün/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Dar es Salaam–Dodoma: Use the SGR when its timetable suits; book through TRC and verify the station. Kilimanjaro Airport–Arusha or Moshi: Pre-arranged shuttle or transfer is simplest. Climbers can compare Machame, Lemosho, Marangu and Rongai before choosing a base. Arusha–Serengeti: Drive as part of a guided circuit or fly to save time. Compare Serengeti and Ngorongoro before fixing camps and transfers. Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar: Ferry suits a central-Dar to Stone Town trip; flying suits airport connections or distant beach stays. Dar es Salaam–Mbeya or Zambia: Fly for speed, bus for flexibility, or use TAZARA when its infrequent timetable fits comfortably. Booking Checklist Write down every arrival station, terminal, airport or airstrip not only the city name. Confirm the operator, departure and baggage rule on its official site. Ask whether a quoted transfer is private, shared or per person. Keep passport details consistent across flight, rail and ferry bookings. Save tickets offline and carry a charged phone plus power bank. Allow extra time during heavy rain, on park roads and before international flights. Recheck the final 24 to 48 hours for schedule or weather changes. Avoid overnight road travel when a reasonable daytime alternative exists. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Travel and Immigration Barrick Confirms Tanzania’s 15-Year North Mara Mining Licence Renewal . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need . ADVERTISEMENT The Bottom Line The strongest Tanzania itinerary mixes transport modes. Use flights strategically, not automatically; take the SGR where its corridor matches your route; reserve buses for journeys where time is flexible; and choose between ferry and air for Zanzibar according to your connection, luggage and comfort at sea. The mistake is not choosing a slower mode. It is choosing one without enough recovery time. Build buffers around bush flights, TAZARA, ferries and long road transfers, then let each journey serve the trip rather than dominate it. Frequently Asked Questions Is it easy to travel around Tanzania without a car? Yes between major cities, using flights, trains and licensed buses. Reaching national parks, remote lodges and trailheads usually requires a safari vehicle, lodge transfer or bush flight. Plan those final connections before booking the long-distance leg. Is the SGR the same as TAZARA? No. The SGR serves Tanzania’s central corridor, including Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma. TAZARA runs southwest from Dar es Salaam through the southern highlands and onward to Zambia. They have different operators, stations, schedules and booking systems. Should I fly or take the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar? Take the ferry when starting near central Dar and staying in or near Stone Town. Fly when connecting through an airport, travelling onward to a distant beach or preferring to avoid the sea. Compare the whole door-to-door journey, not only time onboard. Are long-distance buses safe in Tanzania? Standards vary. Use a licensed, reputable operator, book through an authorised channel, travel during daylight when possible and keep valuables with you. LATRA is the official regulator for land transport. How much connection time should I allow? There is no universal minimum. For separate tickets or different transport modes, an overnight buffer is the safest choice before an international flight or fixed safari departure. At minimum, account for terminal transfers, baggage collection, traffic, weather and schedule changes. Sources and Further Reading All sources below were accessed and checked on 17 August 2026 . Tanzania Railways Corporation official passenger-rail and SGR information. TRC SGR Ticketing official online ticket portal. TAZARA: Resumption of Cross-Border Services current 2026 service structure. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Travel and Immigration Barrick Confirms Tanzania’s 15-Year North Mara Mining Licence Renewal The renewal supports long-term planning, but no new investment or hiring target has been announced. . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go Plan Mafia Island by coast and season, with diving, whale sharks, transport, fees and places to stay. . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari Compare wildlife, activities, access and costs before choosing Tanzania’s southern safari park. . Tags Visit Tanzania Visit Tanzania Tanzania Tanzania Visiting Tanzania Visiting Tanzania

Apply now for 27 job vacancies at Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture under INReMP. Deadline 14 Oct 2025. Open to qualified professionals across multiple fields. Publication Date: 30th September 2025 Application Deadline: 14th October 2025, 5 PM (EAT) The State Department for Agriculture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, is implementing the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP). The programme is co-financed by the Government of Kenya and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aiming to improve food security, nutrition, and household incomes within a sustainable, climate-resilient ecosystem. The programme will be implemented across 10 counties in Cherangany, Mau West, and the Lake Victoria Basin. The National Programme Coordination and Management Offices will be based in Eldoret City. 📌 Available Positions The Ministry is inviting qualified, experienced, and dynamic individuals to apply for the following roles within the National Programme Coordination and Management Unit (PCMU): Programme Coordinator – 1 Financial Controller – 1 Procurement Specialist – 1 Continue Reading Full Article JOB & OPPORTUNITY Kenya Ministry of Agriculture Jobs 2025 – 27 INReMP Vacancies By Wilson Munezero Government Services & Opportunities Expert Wilson Munezero Home Comment Oct 2, 2025 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Publication Date: 30th September 2025 Application Deadline: 14th October 2025, 5 PM (EAT) The State Department for Agriculture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, is implementing the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP). The programme is co-financed by the Government of Kenya and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aiming to improve food security, nutrition, and household incomes within a sustainable, climate-resilient ecosystem. The programme will be implemented across 10 counties in Cherangany, Mau West, and the Lake Victoria Basin. The National Programme Coordination and Management Offices will be based in Eldoret City. ADVERTISEMENT 📌 Available Positions The Ministry is inviting qualified, experienced, and dynamic individuals to apply for the following roles within the National Programme Coordination and Management Unit (PCMU): Programme Coordinator – 1 Financial Controller – 1 Procurement Specialist – 1 Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Knowledge Management Specialist – 1 Natural Resource Management (NRM) Specialist – 1 Infrastructure Specialist – 1 Agricultural Livelihood Specialist – 1 Agribusiness Development Specialist – 1 Community Development, Gender & Youth Specialist – 1 Agronomy Specialist – 1 Livestock Specialist – 1 Nutrition & Social Inclusion Specialist – 1 Cooperative Development Officer – 1 National Government & INReMP Liaison Officer – 1 Knowledge Management & Communications Officer – 1 Programme Accountant – 1 Programme Accounts Assistant – 1 Programme Procurement Assistant – 1 Programme Assistant – 1 ICT Assistant – 1 Office Assistant – 1 M&E Officer – 1 Drivers – 5 Total Vacancies: 27 ✅ Minimum Requirements Relevant academic qualifications & professional certifications. Proven practical experience (details available on www.kilimo.go.ke 📝 Application Procedure Visit the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS): www.neaims.go.ke ADVERTISEMENT Sign up as a Jobseeker/Intern (if not already registered). Log in and update your CV/Profile. Submit your registration on the portal. Apply for your preferred position(s). Regularly check the portal for application status & shortlisting updates. 📂 Documents Required for Shortlisted Candidates Updated CV Copy of National ID Academic & professional certificates Supporting documents & testimonials Letter of recommendation (optional) Successful candidates must comply with Chapter Six of the Constitution (2010) requirements. ⚠️ Important Notes All appointments are on performance-based contract terms and subject to an IFAD No Objection. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Kenya eCitizen Oversight: Treasury’s Role and Payment Questions . Business Trends How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online . Immigration and Visas How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online . Tax and Revenue How to Check Your KRA Application Status . ADVERTISEMENT Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Manual applications will not be accepted. 👉 This is an excellent opportunity to join a transformative programme that strengthens Kenya’s food security and builds climate resilience. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Kenya eCitizen Oversight: Treasury’s Role and Payment Questions What established responsibilities and draft reforms mean for users seeking services and receipts. . Business Trends How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online in 2027 KRA's April 30 deadline starts in 2027; here is what individual taxpayers should prepare and file. . Tax and Revenue How to Apply for a KRA Tax Refund Online Claim income tax refunds on iTax after filing. Bank details, documents, tracking, and KRA timelines. . Immigration and Visas How to Apply for a Kenyan Passport Online Apply on dis.ecitizen.go.ke, pay the fee, book biometrics, then collect at your centre. . Tags Kenya Gov Services Kenya Gov Services Kenya Kenya Jobs in Kenya Jobs in Kenya

Read Barnaba Classic’s biography: real name, age, Tanzanian roots, THT training, hit songs, awards, Love Sounds Different album and 2026 journey. Barnaba Classic , born Elias Barnabas Inyasi, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist whose patient career has linked several generations of Bongo Flava. He is known for romantic Swahili writing, expressive vocals and collaborations that place established stars beside newer East African voices. Barnaba’s official X profile documents the same long-running creative identity: a performer who has grown from Tanzania House of Talents into the founder of HighTable Sound. In 2026, that story includes fresh music with Savara and D Voice, but also the difficult work of rebuilding after a fire devastated his Dar es Salaam studio complex. Who is Barnaba Classic? Barnaba Classic is Tanzanian singer-songwriter Elias Barnabas Inyasi, a Bongo Flava vocalist shaped by church music and Tanzania House of Talents. His career spans award-winning early songs, the collaborative album Love Sounds Different , HighTable Sound, and enduring partnerships with leading East African artists. Church Choir and THT: Barnaba’s Musical Roots Barnaba’s own official channel identifies him as Elias Barnabas Inyasi and gives his birth date as 8 August 1990. That makes him 35 as of 6 August 2026, two days before his 36th birthday. Public biographies disagree over whether his birthplace was Moshi in Kilimanjaro Region or Dar es Salaam, so the safest verified description is that he is Tanzanian and built his professional career in Dar. Music entered his life before the recording industry did. Accounts of his early development consistently place him in church singing, where melody, harmony and performance discipline became practical skills. The next decisive institution was the Tanzania House of Talents , the youth-development centre founded by the late Ruge Mutahaba. Barnaba later credited THT with helping him reach his professional goals. A Music In Africa profile dates his entry into THT to 2005 and his first release to 2006. That record is more reliable than the many copied biographies that loosely date his career to childhood. THT gave Barnaba a bridge between raw ability and a working musician’s toolkit: vocal preparation, stage experience, songwriting and the confidence to function around other performers. Reliable sources do not establish his formal schooling in enough detail for firm claims. His documented music education, however, is clear. The combination of choir discipline and THT training explains why his career developed around both singing and the less visible craft of creating songs for other performers. “Baby I Love You” and His Breakthrough Barnaba’s early professional years produced “Baby I Love You,” widely identified as the 2007 song that gave him his first major public breakthrough. Its importance lies less in a viral statistic than in what it revealed: a singer who could turn romantic Swahili language into direct, memorable melody. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE Barnaba Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Bongo Flava Career By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Aug 6, 2026 Aug 6, 2026 11 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Barnaba Classic , born Elias Barnabas Inyasi, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist whose patient career has linked several generations of Bongo Flava. He is known for romantic Swahili writing, expressive vocals and collaborations that place established stars beside newer East African voices. Barnaba’s official X profile documents the same long-running creative identity: a performer who has grown from Tanzania House of Talents into the founder of HighTable Sound. In 2026, that story includes fresh music with Savara and D Voice, but also the difficult work of rebuilding after a fire devastated his Dar es Salaam studio complex. Who is Barnaba Classic? Barnaba Classic is Tanzanian singer-songwriter Elias Barnabas Inyasi, a Bongo Flava vocalist shaped by church music and Tanzania House of Talents. His career spans award-winning early songs, the collaborative album Love Sounds Different , HighTable Sound, and enduring partnerships with leading East African artists. Church Choir and THT: Barnaba’s Musical Roots Barnaba’s own official channel identifies him as Elias Barnabas Inyasi and gives his birth date as 8 August 1990. That makes him 35 as of 6 August 2026, two days before his 36th birthday. Public biographies disagree over whether his birthplace was Moshi in Kilimanjaro Region or Dar es Salaam, so the safest verified description is that he is Tanzanian and built his professional career in Dar. Music entered his life before the recording industry did. Accounts of his early development consistently place him in church singing, where melody, harmony and performance discipline became practical skills. The next decisive institution was the Tanzania House of Talents , the youth-development centre founded by the late Ruge Mutahaba. Barnaba later credited THT with helping him reach his professional goals. A Music In Africa profile dates his entry into THT to 2005 and his first release to 2006. That record is more reliable than the many copied biographies that loosely date his career to childhood. THT gave Barnaba a bridge between raw ability and a working musician’s toolkit: vocal preparation, stage experience, songwriting and the confidence to function around other performers. Reliable sources do not establish his formal schooling in enough detail for firm claims. His documented music education, however, is clear. The combination of choir discipline and THT training explains why his career developed around both singing and the less visible craft of creating songs for other performers. “Baby I Love You” and His Breakthrough Barnaba’s early professional years produced “Baby I Love You,” widely identified as the 2007 song that gave him his first major public breakthrough. Its importance lies less in a viral statistic than in what it revealed: a singer who could turn romantic Swahili language into direct, memorable melody. That foundation placed Barnaba within Tanzania’s wider Bongo Flava ecosystem , where local language, R&B phrasing, dance rhythms and regional collaboration continually meet. He did not build his name through one short trend. The next phase was a catalogue that included “Nabembelezwa,” “Wahalade,” “Lover Boy,” “Washa,” “Cheketua,” “Tamu,” “Hadithi,” “Nibusu” and “Salama.” Recognition arrived alongside the songs. Contemporary results record “Nabembelezwa” as the Best Zouk/Rumba Song at the 2011 Tanzania Music Awards. The following year, BongoFive’s 2012 winners list named Barnaba Best Male Singer. Those honours established him not merely as a writer of love songs, but as one of Tanzania’s leading vocal performers of that period. ADVERTISEMENT A Catalogue Built on Songwriting Craft Barnaba’s value to Bongo Flava is clearest when his own recordings and his writing work are viewed together. His songs usually favour emotional clarity over crowded production. He can move between R&B softness, Afro-pop accessibility and the melodic storytelling associated with Bongo Flava, while keeping Swahili expression at the centre. His 2022 album Love Sounds Different expanded that approach into a regional project. Apple Music lists the release as a 19-track Afro-pop album issued on 17 August 2022. Rather than treating guest features as decoration, Barnaba built almost the entire record around dialogue with other artists. The album’s documented credits bring together Diamond Platnumz, Jux, Alikiba, Nandy, Marioo, Rayvanny, Lady Jaydee, Khaligraph Jones, Jay Melody, Khadija Kopa and several emerging acts. It also joined figures often discussed as rivals within one catalogue. XTRAfrica readers can follow the careers of collaborators such as Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux to see how deeply Barnaba’s work sits inside modern Tanzanian pop. His craft also travels beyond his own voice. Reporting around the album credits Barnaba as the writer of Shilole’s “Say My Name.” That behind-the-scenes role helps explain his longevity: he understands how to shape songs for different voices, not only how to perform his own material. Selected verified milestones include: Best Zouk/Rumba Song for “Nabembelezwa” at the 2011 Tanzania Music Awards. Best Male Singer at the 2012 Tanzania Music Awards. A 2022 Wasafi Media honorary plaque recognising his contribution to Bongo Flava. A 19-track regional collaboration album, Love Sounds Different , released in 2022. Continued cross-generational work, including “Kitu” with Abigail Chams and 2026 releases with Savara and D Voice. Career Timeline: From THT to “Mtu Fudenge” Year Event Significance 2005 Joined Tanzania House of Talents Converted early church experience into structured professional training. 2006–2007 Released early music and broke through with “Baby I Love You” Established Barnaba as a recognisable romantic Bongo Flava voice. 2011 “Nabembelezwa” won Best Zouk/Rumba Song Delivered his first clearly documented national award milestone. 2012 Won Best Male Singer Confirmed his standing as a leading Tanzanian vocalist. 2022 Released Love Sounds Different Connected veteran and emerging East African performers across 19 tracks. 2025 Released “Kitu” with Abigail Chams and “Salama” with Diamond Platnumz Renewed his catalogue through major intergenerational collaborations. 2026 Released “Juju” with Savara and “Mtu Fudenge” with D Voice Showed continued regional reach during a difficult rebuilding year. Tanzanian Identity, Swahili Language and Belonging Barnaba’s public identity is firmly Tanzanian. Claims about a specific ethnic background appear in informal biographies, but they are not supported strongly enough to present as self-described fact. His creative belonging is easier to verify through the work: Swahili songwriting, Bongo Flava’s mixture of local and international forms, and repeated collaboration across Tanzania and East Africa. That collaborative instinct is visible on XTRAfrica’s Barnaba songs page , whose catalogue includes “Salama” with Diamond Platnumz. It also appears in “Kitu,” his 2025 duet with Abigail Chams, whose own music catalogue represents the younger Tanzanian generation. Barnaba’s role is therefore not limited to preserving an older sound; he keeps testing how his melodic writing works beside new voices. HighTable Sound, Fire and Personal Resilience Barnaba eventually turned experience into infrastructure through HighTable Sound Entertainment, a recording and film-production company in Dar es Salaam. That move made him more than a recording artist. The studio supported production work and provided employment for younger creatives, giving his influence a practical base. On 31 May 2026, fire devastated the HighTable Sound facilities in Kijichi, shortly after an expensive renovation. The Citizen’s report recorded Barnaba’s immediate reaction: ADVERTISEMENT “My heart is broken. I have cried deeply. I am weak. Our headquarters has been reduced to ashes.” He suspended planned activities, including a press event and the launch of the film Siri Yangu ya Kikulacho . Yet the same report said he intended to confront the setback and rebuild rather than assign blame. That response gives the personal journey real weight: HighTable was not an abstract brand, but a creative home built through years of work. Barnaba’s Influence on Bongo Flava Barnaba’s influence rests on continuity. He emerged from THT, won national recognition, developed a songwriting reputation and later created his own production base. At the 2022 launch of Love Sounds Different , Wasafi Media honoured him with a plaque for his contribution to Bongo Flava. Diamond Platnumz presented it, an important gesture from an artist whose own global rise followed Barnaba’s early national success. The album’s design makes that impact visible. Established names and newer performers occupy the same project, while collaborations such as “Kitu” and “Salama” continue the pattern. His work also belongs naturally within XTRAfrica’s broader Afro-pop catalogue , even as its language and emotional centre remain Tanzanian. What Comes Next After the 2026 Fire Barnaba’s verified future is about continuation rather than a promised album date. His official YouTube channel lists “Juju” with Kenyan artist Savara and “Mtu Fudenge” with Tanzanian singer D Voice among his newest 2026 releases. “Mtu Fudenge” arrived in late July, showing that new music remained active after the studio loss. The film Siri Yangu ya Kikulacho was postponed, not confirmed cancelled, after the fire. Until Barnaba announces a new launch date, any schedule would be speculation. The clearest next chapter is therefore the rebuilding of HighTable Sound alongside a catalogue that is still moving across generations and borders. Barnaba FAQs What is Barnaba Classic’s real name? Barnaba Classic’s verified full name is Elias Barnabas Inyasi. He is also commonly billed simply as Barnaba. How old is Barnaba Classic? Barnaba is 35 years old as of 6 August 2026. He turns 36 on 8 August 2026. When was Barnaba born? His official YouTube biography gives his birth date as 8 August 1990. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election 2026: ANC Leads, MK Wins KZN Councils . Technology and Innovation Tanzania Appliance Standards: Dates, Labels and Buyer Guide . Transport and Logistics Tanzania’s Kaliua–Mpanda Rail Upgrade: Progress and Delivery . Transport and Airlines Tanzania Water Access: Same–Mwanga–Korogwe Explained . ADVERTISEMENT Where was Barnaba born? He was born in Tanzania, but reputable public profiles conflict between Kilimanjaro Region and Dar es Salaam for the exact birthplace. His professional career is closely tied to Dar es Salaam. What nationality is Barnaba Classic? Barnaba is Tanzanian. His catalogue is closely associated with Swahili-language Bongo Flava and East African Afro-pop. What genre of music does Barnaba make? He works mainly in Bongo Flava, Afro-pop and R&B, with romantic Swahili songwriting at the centre of his sound. When did Barnaba start music professionally? Music In Africa dates his entry into Tanzania House of Talents to 2005 and his first professional release to 2006. Which song made Barnaba famous? “Baby I Love You,” released around 2007, is widely identified as his first major breakthrough song. What is Barnaba’s latest album? His latest verified studio album is Love Sounds Different , released on 17 August 2022 with 19 tracks. Which awards has Barnaba won? His verified wins include Best Zouk/Rumba Song for “Nabembelezwa” in 2011 and Best Male Singer at the 2012 Tanzania Music Awards. What are Barnaba’s best-known songs? Notable records include “Baby I Love You,” “Nabembelezwa,” “Wahalade,” “Washa,” “Cheketua,” “Tamu,” “Hadithi,” “Nibusu,” “Kitu” and “Salama.” What is Barnaba’s latest song in 2026? As of 6 August 2026, his newest verified release is “Mtu Fudenge” with D Voice, following “Juju” with Savara. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election 2026: ANC Leads, MK Wins KZN Councils Early results show MK Party victories in KwaZulu-Natal and a Service Delivery Party breakthrough. . Technology and Innovation Tanzania Appliance Standards: Dates, Labels and Buyer Guide Reported November and December enforcement dates put appliance efficiency and compliance in focus. . Transport and Logistics Tanzania’s Kaliua–Mpanda Rail Upgrade: Progress and Delivery Local sleeper production supports the 210km rehabilitation, but service gains still need measuring. . Tags Tanzania Tanzania Barnaba Barnaba

Explore Ciza's biography, real name, age, musical parents, “Isaka (6am)” success, awards, 3-step sound and CIZA's Palace project. Ciza is a South African singer, DJ and producer whose career moved from school rap and Afrobeats into the 3-step breakthrough “Isaka (6am).” Born Nkululeko Nciza in Benoni, Gauteng, he is the son of Mafikizolo vocalist Nhlanhla Mafu and music executive TK Nciza, but his catalogue reflects a deliberate search for his own sound. “Isaka” spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's South Africa Songs chart before a remix joined him with Tems and Omah Lay. His official X profile follows his expanding dance-music career, while XTRAfrica's verified Ciza songs page gathers his music and downloads. Who is Ciza? Ciza is the stage name of Nkululeko Nciza, a South African singer, DJ and producer from Benoni. After beginning with rap and Afrobeats, he found his defining sound in Afrohouse and 3-step, leading to the chart-topping “Isaka (6am)” and major 2026 awards. Benoni beginnings: KIC, “House Party” and a changed college plan Nkululeko Nciza was born in Benoni, Gauteng, on 23 August 2001. He is 24 years old as of 21 August 2026. His first name is Xhosa and means “freedom,” an idea he later connected to the release listeners can feel on a dance floor. His stage name comes from shortening his surname. Music was familiar long before it became a profession. At school, Ciza performed in competitions with the rap group KIC, short for Kids in the City. He went solo at 18 and released “House Party,” a record that gained attention among nearby schools. In 2019, his matric year, he began treating music as a career rather than a hobby. The original plan included formal study. Ciza booked a one-way flight to Atlanta to study business entertainment at Morehouse College, but the pandemic disrupted the move. As he explained in an extensive Billboard interview , that interruption also changed his musical focus. The global growth of Afrobeats persuaded him to leave rap behind and look for a sound that could connect South and West African pop. “Come Alive” and “Adje” followed in 2020. Both introduced an Afro-fusion approach shaped by melody, youthful romance and a continental outlook. A personal journey beyond a famous surname Ciza's parents are central to his story without being the whole story. His mother, Nhlanhla Mafu, is the lead vocalist of Mafikizolo. His father, Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza, co-founded TS Records and later became his manager. Artists passed through the family home, and Ciza watched careers being constructed at close range. His mother also encouraged him to dance at family gatherings and school competitions. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Ciza Biography: Age, Real Name, Parents, Songs & Isaka Rise By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Aug 21, 2026 Aug 21, 2026 10 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ciza is a South African singer, DJ and producer whose career moved from school rap and Afrobeats into the 3-step breakthrough “Isaka (6am).” Born Nkululeko Nciza in Benoni, Gauteng, he is the son of Mafikizolo vocalist Nhlanhla Mafu and music executive TK Nciza, but his catalogue reflects a deliberate search for his own sound. “Isaka” spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's South Africa Songs chart before a remix joined him with Tems and Omah Lay. His official X profile follows his expanding dance-music career, while XTRAfrica's verified Ciza songs page gathers his music and downloads. Who is Ciza? Ciza is the stage name of Nkululeko Nciza, a South African singer, DJ and producer from Benoni. After beginning with rap and Afrobeats, he found his defining sound in Afrohouse and 3-step, leading to the chart-topping “Isaka (6am)” and major 2026 awards. Benoni beginnings: KIC, “House Party” and a changed college plan Nkululeko Nciza was born in Benoni, Gauteng, on 23 August 2001. He is 24 years old as of 21 August 2026. His first name is Xhosa and means “freedom,” an idea he later connected to the release listeners can feel on a dance floor. His stage name comes from shortening his surname. Music was familiar long before it became a profession. At school, Ciza performed in competitions with the rap group KIC, short for Kids in the City. He went solo at 18 and released “House Party,” a record that gained attention among nearby schools. In 2019, his matric year, he began treating music as a career rather than a hobby. The original plan included formal study. Ciza booked a one-way flight to Atlanta to study business entertainment at Morehouse College, but the pandemic disrupted the move. As he explained in an extensive Billboard interview , that interruption also changed his musical focus. The global growth of Afrobeats persuaded him to leave rap behind and look for a sound that could connect South and West African pop. “Come Alive” and “Adje” followed in 2020. Both introduced an Afro-fusion approach shaped by melody, youthful romance and a continental outlook. A personal journey beyond a famous surname Ciza's parents are central to his story without being the whole story. His mother, Nhlanhla Mafu, is the lead vocalist of Mafikizolo. His father, Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza, co-founded TS Records and later became his manager. Artists passed through the family home, and Ciza watched careers being constructed at close range. His mother also encouraged him to dance at family gatherings and school competitions. That access created knowledge and pressure. In a 2021 Sowetan profile , he addressed the expectation placed on a child of prominent music figures: “You need to pave your own way.” His early catalogue was the practical answer. “Bank Notification,” made with DJ Maphorisa's Madumane persona, joined Afrobeats melody to amapiano production and became part of the 2021 Golden Boy Pack EP. XTRAfrica's DJ Maphorisa collection provides wider context for the producer's role in South African popular music. COVID-era limitations and uncertainty about his direction led Ciza to pause releases, learn DJing and study South Africa's changing electronic scene. From Afrobeats to 3-step: sound, craft and DJing Ciza's strongest work emerged when he stopped treating singing and DJing as separate identities. Afrohouse gave him space for spiritual repetition and melodic release; amapiano contributed local rhythmic language; broken beat and Afro-tech helped form the three-kick pattern associated with 3-step. His earlier Afrobeats work remained present in the vocal phrasing. ADVERTISEMENT When he began adding DJ sets to performances, some listeners assumed he had abandoned singing. He corrected that idea in a TimesLIVE interview : “I'm still a singer, I'm a DJ, I'm an entertainer.” As a vocalist, he gives club records emotional direction; as a DJ and producer, he knows when to leave space around a phrase. His current sound belongs beside XTRAfrica's amapiano catalogue , although “Isaka” leans more specifically into 3-step and Afrohouse. The “Isaka (6am)” breakthrough “Isaka (6am)” began in a focused session with producer Jazzworx and singer Thukuthela. Ciza asked for a simpler bass line, wrote around the emerging rhythm and reduced elements when the arrangement became too full. The restraint allowed the hook, percussion and devotional mood to coexist. The song's title carries two ideas. Isaka means “the bag” in isiZulu, linking the track to work and reward. “6am” can describe coming home after a long shift or leaving a club after spending the money earned. For Ciza, the record was also personal. He told Billboard : “‘Isaka (6am)’ is basically a prayer.” That prayer concerned becoming a better father and family man while asking that his work bear fruit. The theme gave the dance record a centre deeper than its challenge. A short video using the unreleased song reached a million views, listeners began tagging him, and the label accelerated the release. Issued in April 2025, “Isaka” became South Africa's most-streamed song on Spotify for the year, with about 39.2 million streams by the annual Wrapped count. Business Report documented its national scale, while Billboard/Luminate measured nine weeks atop South Africa Songs and 81.5 million official global streams by 18 September 2025. XTRAfrica's “Isaka (6am)” page follows the song's meaning and release. Ciza's career timeline “Isaka II” and a pan-African collaboration The original hit travelled through location-specific remixes for Johannesburg, Ghana, Beirut and Miami. The strategy treated it as a flexible club language rather than one fixed recording. “Isaka II (6am)” made the expansion vocal and continental. Released in August 2025, it added Nigerian singers Tems and Omah Lay to Ciza, Thukuthela and JAZZWRLD. Ciza had told Omah Lay years earlier that they would work together; after the original hit grew, a message from Omah Lay turned that ambition into a recording. Tems brought a second Nigerian voice and her first appearance on a 3-step track. In IOL's report on the remix , Ciza described the collaboration as another stage in a song that kept exceeding expectations. XTRAfrica's “Isaka II” page places the remix inside a wider African catalogue. Awards that followed the hit Recognition arrived across media, continental and national institutions. Billboard named Ciza its African Rookie of the Month in September 2025. In December, GQ South Africa selected Nkululeko “Ciza” Nciza as a Breakout Star, noting his combination of Afropop, amapiano and West African influence. ADVERTISEMENT The awards became larger in 2026. The official AFRIMA winners report records Ciza as Breakout Artiste of the Year. At the Metro FM Music Awards in April, he won Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist. The eThekwini winners announcement confirmed both honours. South African identity and a global Afrohouse vision Ciza describes his work as African dance music rooted in South Africa but shaped by a wide listening history. Mafikizolo demonstrated how South African pop could travel; Wizkid showed him the global possibility of West African music; Atlanta rap influenced his teenage years; Black Coffee and Shimza provided models for international DJ careers. His Xhosa first name gives the artistic mission a personal language. Nkululeko means freedom, and he has said that he wants performances to release listeners from pain or heartbreak. The spiritual tone of “Isaka” and the communal design of his DJ sets connect that meaning to practice without turning the music away from pleasure. That dual identity local rhythm and outward ambition places him within XTRAfrica's wider South African music hub . His collaborations invite other African voices into 3-step without erasing its origin. Emerging impact beyond one hit Ciza's emerging impact lies in linking songcraft, production and DJ performance. He entered public life as a singer with industry connections, but his breakthrough came only after he accepted a hybrid role and found collaborators who could help define it. That path offers a useful example for young artists pressured to choose one format too early. His Spotify profile displayed 2,139,971 monthly listeners in August 2026. The count is time-sensitive, but it shows that the audience survived beyond the original viral moment. The deeper evidence is structural: an international management partnership, awards in consecutive seasons, cross-border remixes and bookings in the global dance circuit. What comes next: CIZA's Palace and the Ibiza route In May 2026, Ciza joined Deep Root Records' management roster. The company's Beatportal announcement described CIZA's Palace as a 10-track EP in development, designed to balance club energy with radio-ready hooks. Ciza summarised the ambition clearly: “My ambition is simple: to carry Afro House to every corner of the globe.” The project began taking shape through “Yivule” and “Mngani Wam,” released in April 2026. Apple Music currently presents the CIZA's Palace container as a pre-release, so it should not yet be described as a completed studio album. The live direction has already advanced. On 10 August 2026, Ciza performed back-to-back with Oscar Mbo during Francis Mercier's Solèy residency at Hï Ibiza. Coverage of the Ibiza appearance showed the distance travelled from school competitions and a postponed college move. His next test is whether the “Palace” world can turn that international club access into a body of work as durable as the hit that opened the door. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . Biography Ciza Biography: Age, Real Name, Parents, Songs & Isaka Rise . African Culture Big Zulu Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs, Albums & Awards . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . Entertainment Tyla’s AMA Double Win Signals Africa’s Global Music Power . ADVERTISEMENT Frequently asked questions about Ciza What is Ciza's real name? Ciza's real name is Nkululeko Nciza. His stage name is shortened from his surname. How old is Ciza? Ciza is 24 years old as of 21 August 2026. He was born on 23 August 2001. Where was Ciza born? He was born in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa. Who are Ciza's parents? His mother is Nhlanhla Mafu, the lead vocalist of Mafikizolo. His father is music executive and manager Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza. Is Ciza related to Mafikizolo? Yes. His mother, Nhlanhla Mafu, is a member of the South African Afropop group Mafikizolo. What song made Ciza famous? “Isaka (6am)” produced his defining breakthrough in 2025. It spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's South Africa Songs chart. What genre does Ciza make? His current music blends Afrohouse, 3-step, amapiano, Afropop and Afrobeats. He performs as both a vocalist and DJ. Has Ciza won awards? Yes. His major wins include GQ South Africa's Breakout Star Award in 2025, AFRIMA Breakout Artiste of the Year in 2026, and two Metro FM awards in 2026. Does Ciza have an album? Ciza has not released a verified full-length studio album. His releases include the Golden Boy Pack EP, while the 10-track CIZA's Palace EP is in development. What is Ciza's latest music? His latest 2026 releases include “Yivule” and “Mngani Wam,” which introduce the developing CIZA's Palace project. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise Meet the South African producer behind Scorpion Kings, “Khona,” “One Dance” and amapiano hits. . Biography Ciza Biography: Age, Real Name, Parents, Songs & Isaka Rise Discover Ciza's age, parents, early career, “Isaka (6am)” breakthrough, awards and 3-step sound. . 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Hamamat Montia says IShowSpeed’s visit to Ghana’s Shea Butter Museum boosted global visibility and demand for local skincare products. The Founder of the Shea Butter Museum, Hamamat Montia , has described American streamer IShowSpeed ’s recent visit as a symbolic moment that highlighted the global appeal of Ghana’s cultural heritage. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Speaking during a meeting with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, where she was honoured as Ghana’s Cultural Ambassador for Shea Butter, Montia said the widely shared visit represented more than a viral social media event. According to her, it served as a celebration of African tradition, identity and enterprise on the global stage . IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… “The day our young brother IShowSpeed visited the shea butter museum, that moment was not just viral, it was symbolic. It showed the world the power, beauty and dignity of African tradition,” she said. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… IShowSpeed’s tour of the museum generated significant online engagement and introduced millions of viewers to Ghana’s shea butter production process and its cultural significance. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Montia noted that the exposure has led to renewed international interest in Ghana’s natural skincare products, particularly shea butter and black soap. She stated that Ghana has the potential to position itself as a global hub for skincare manufacturing and exports. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… “If we truly choose Ghana, Ghana can become a global hub for skin care. Shea butter and black soap alone can bring us a lot of jobs,” she said. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… She revealed that both the museum and its affiliated spa have experienced increased demand from local and international clients since the visit. According to Montia, the facility is currently overwhelmed and seeking partnerships and investment support to expand operations. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… She called on the Ghana Tourism Authority to help facilitate strategic partnerships to enable the museum to meet growing global demand and capitalise on the current international attention. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… At the recognition ceremony, Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie described shea butter as a symbol of indigenous knowledge, women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods, and called for greater investment in culture-driven industries. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Source: 3news.com Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT IShowSpeed Visit Spotlights Ghana’s Shea Butter Heritage By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 14, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Founder of the Shea Butter Museum, Hamamat Montia , has described American streamer IShowSpeed ’s recent visit as a symbolic moment that highlighted the global appeal of Ghana’s cultural heritage. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Speaking during a meeting with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, where she was honoured as Ghana’s Cultural Ambassador for Shea Butter, Montia said the widely shared visit represented more than a viral social media event. According to her, it served as a celebration of African tradition, identity and enterprise on the global stage . IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… “The day our young brother IShowSpeed visited the shea butter museum, that moment was not just viral, it was symbolic. It showed the world the power, beauty and dignity of African tradition,” she said. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… ADVERTISEMENT IShowSpeed’s tour of the museum generated significant online engagement and introduced millions of viewers to Ghana’s shea butter production process and its cultural significance. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Montia noted that the exposure has led to renewed international interest in Ghana’s natural skincare products, particularly shea butter and black soap. She stated that Ghana has the potential to position itself as a global hub for skincare manufacturing and exports. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… “If we truly choose Ghana, Ghana can become a global hub for skin care. Shea butter and black soap alone can bring us a lot of jobs,” she said. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… ADVERTISEMENT She revealed that both the museum and its affiliated spa have experienced increased demand from local and international clients since the visit. According to Montia, the facility is currently overwhelmed and seeking partnerships and investment support to expand operations. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… She called on the Ghana Tourism Authority to help facilitate strategic partnerships to enable the museum to meet growing global demand and capitalise on the current international attention. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT At the recognition ceremony, Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie described shea butter as a symbol of indigenous knowledge, women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods, and called for greater investment in culture-driven industries. IShowSpeed’s visit to shea butt… Source: 3news.com ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Martina Biene will leave Volkswagen Group Africa to lead Sales and Marketing on Škoda Auto’s board from October 1, 2026. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Martina Biene has been appointed to Škoda Auto’s Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Marketing, ending her four-year tenure as chair and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa. The leadership change will take effect on October 1, 2026. Škoda Auto confirmed the appointment as part of a wider Volkswagen Group reshuffle. Biene will succeed Martin Jahn, while Porsche executive Christiane Zorn will replace her at Volkswagen Group Africa. What is Martina Biene’s new role? Martina Biene will become Škoda Auto’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing on October 1, 2026. She is leaving Volkswagen Group Africa, which she has led since 2022. Christiane Zorn will take control of the African business on the same date. Biene will lead Škoda’s global sales and marketing portfolio from the company’s base in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. Jahn, who has held the Škoda position since March 2021, will move to the Volkswagen brand as Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales. Škoda chief executive Klaus Zellmer said Biene’s international experience and customer-focused approach would support the manufacturer’s expansion in global markets. The company said the appointment forms part of a coordinated handover across several Volkswagen Group brands rather than a standalone departure from the African operation. The Volkswagen Group leadership announcement places Biene’s move alongside other changes involving Volkswagen, Audi and the group’s North American business. Volkswagen said the reshuffle is intended to put experienced executives into market and sales roles as customer demand changes across regions. Christiane Zorn will lead Volkswagen Group Africa Zorn will become chair and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa on October 1 and will report directly to Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer. She is currently Porsche’s vice-president for the overseas region. Volkswagen says Zorn has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years. Her earlier career included consulting at Boston Consulting Group, positions at BMW in Munich and Beijing, and senior roles at Audi covering China sales, product marketing and product strategy. She joined Porsche in May 2025. The simultaneous appointments create a direct leadership transition: Biene moves to Škoda as Zorn assumes responsibility for Volkswagen’s operations and growth plans in Africa. Neither company announced additional changes to the Volkswagen Group Africa management team. Continue Reading Full Article TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS Martina Biene Appointed to Škoda Sales and Marketing Board By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 4, 2026 Sep 4, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Martina Biene has been appointed to Škoda Auto’s Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Marketing, ending her four-year tenure as chair and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa. The leadership change will take effect on October 1, 2026. Škoda Auto confirmed the appointment as part of a wider Volkswagen Group reshuffle. Biene will succeed Martin Jahn, while Porsche executive Christiane Zorn will replace her at Volkswagen Group Africa. What is Martina Biene’s new role? Martina Biene will become Škoda Auto’s Board Member for Sales and Marketing on October 1, 2026. She is leaving Volkswagen Group Africa, which she has led since 2022. Christiane Zorn will take control of the African business on the same date. Biene will lead Škoda’s global sales and marketing portfolio from the company’s base in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. Jahn, who has held the Škoda position since March 2021, will move to the Volkswagen brand as Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales. Škoda chief executive Klaus Zellmer said Biene’s international experience and customer-focused approach would support the manufacturer’s expansion in global markets. The company said the appointment forms part of a coordinated handover across several Volkswagen Group brands rather than a standalone departure from the African operation. ADVERTISEMENT The Volkswagen Group leadership announcement places Biene’s move alongside other changes involving Volkswagen, Audi and the group’s North American business. Volkswagen said the reshuffle is intended to put experienced executives into market and sales roles as customer demand changes across regions. Christiane Zorn will lead Volkswagen Group Africa Zorn will become chair and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa on October 1 and will report directly to Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer. She is currently Porsche’s vice-president for the overseas region. Volkswagen says Zorn has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years. Her earlier career included consulting at Boston Consulting Group, positions at BMW in Munich and Beijing, and senior roles at Audi covering China sales, product marketing and product strategy. She joined Porsche in May 2025. The simultaneous appointments create a direct leadership transition: Biene moves to Škoda as Zorn assumes responsibility for Volkswagen’s operations and growth plans in Africa. Neither company announced additional changes to the Volkswagen Group Africa management team. ADVERTISEMENT A four-year African leadership chapter Biene has led Volkswagen Group Africa since September 2022. Volkswagen described her appointment at the time as a first for the company, making her its first female chair and managing director in South Africa . Her tenure included a major production milestone at the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape. Volkswagen reported a record 167,084 vehicles built at the facility in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 161,954 set in 2019. The plant also became the sole supplier of the Polo for European and Asia-Pacific markets in July 2024. Volkswagen also announced a R4 billion investment in the Kariega operation during Biene’s tenure. The programme is preparing the plant to add a third model from 2027, alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo. XTRAfrica previously reported on Volkswagen’s investment in the South African plant . More than two decades inside Volkswagen Biene joined Volkswagen in 2001 and has worked across strategy, premium-vehicle sales, regional sales management, product planning and global product marketing. Her assignments included responsibility for Belgium and Luxembourg, product planning in Germany and leadership of the Volkswagen passenger-car brand in South Africa. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained . Sports Trends Khanyisa Mayo Return Update: What Da Cruz Has Said . Elections Monitoring South Africa Special Voting: Hours, IDs and Home Visits . ADVERTISEMENT She returned to Germany in August 2020 to head Volkswagen’s Small and Compact Product Line before coming back to South Africa in 2022. Her move to Škoda now places her in charge of a global commercial portfolio after senior assignments in both European and African markets. A Reuters report on the transition connected the appointment with the production growth and investment recorded at Kariega during her leadership. Volkswagen and Škoda did not disclose changes to Biene’s employment terms. The next confirmed milestone is October 1, when Biene, Jahn and Zorn are expected to begin their new responsibilities. Until then, Biene remains chair and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count A practical guide to partial tallies, projections, ward winners and municipal council seats. . 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Lawyers say Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu face treason charges in Zambia. Both remain in custody and are presumed innocent. LUSAKA, Zambia — 30 August 2026: Zambia’s opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were formally charged with treason on Saturday and remained at Lusaka Central Police Station overnight, their lawyers said. The confirmation moves the case beyond the questioning and warn-and-caution stage reported on Thursday, but it does not establish guilt. Reuters reported the fresh development on Sunday, quoting lawyer Kambwa Aongola. Zambia Police had not published the detailed factual basis of the charges by the 12:03 PM EAT verification cutoff. Has Brian Mundubile been convicted of treason in Zambia? No. Lawyers for Mundubile and Makebi Zulu say both men were formally charged on Saturday and remained in police custody overnight. A criminal charge begins a court process; it is not a conviction, and the allegations must still be tested before an independent court. The legal position changed after Thursday’s questioning The existing XTRAfrica report correctly described the earlier stage: police had recorded warn-and-caution statements from Mundubile and Zulu in connection with an alleged treason offence. At that point, the public police statement did not confirm that a formal charge had been laid. Sunday’s confirmation changes that position. Aongola told Reuters that both men “were charged with treason” and remained detained as of Saturday night. A separate Lusaka Times report quoted lawyer Milner Katolo as also confirming one count of treason against his clients, including Mundubile and Zulu. The precise charge sheet, the alleged acts supporting it and the first court date were not publicly available at the cutoff. Those missing records matter because they will define the prosecution’s case. Until then, headlines should not describe the alleged plot as proved or call either politician guilty. What police confirmed before the formal charge Zambia Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said on Thursday that investigators had questioned Mundubile and Zulu and recorded warn-and-caution statements. The Associated Press reported that both men surrendered for questioning after spending days at a United Nations facility and were then kept in custody. Mundubile was the main challenger to President Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia’s 13 August election. He rejected the declared result and alleged irregularities; Hichilema and the government dispute that account. XTRAfrica has separately reported the court-access dispute around the election-petition deadline and the declared presidential election result . Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu Charged With Treason By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 30, 2026 Aug 30, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: LUSAKA, Zambia — 30 August 2026: Zambia’s opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were formally charged with treason on Saturday and remained at Lusaka Central Police Station overnight, their lawyers said. The confirmation moves the case beyond the questioning and warn-and-caution stage reported on Thursday, but it does not establish guilt. Reuters reported the fresh development on Sunday, quoting lawyer Kambwa Aongola. Zambia Police had not published the detailed factual basis of the charges by the 12:03 PM EAT verification cutoff. Has Brian Mundubile been convicted of treason in Zambia? No. Lawyers for Mundubile and Makebi Zulu say both men were formally charged on Saturday and remained in police custody overnight. A criminal charge begins a court process; it is not a conviction, and the allegations must still be tested before an independent court. The legal position changed after Thursday’s questioning The existing XTRAfrica report correctly described the earlier stage: police had recorded warn-and-caution statements from Mundubile and Zulu in connection with an alleged treason offence. At that point, the public police statement did not confirm that a formal charge had been laid. ADVERTISEMENT Sunday’s confirmation changes that position. Aongola told Reuters that both men “were charged with treason” and remained detained as of Saturday night. A separate Lusaka Times report quoted lawyer Milner Katolo as also confirming one count of treason against his clients, including Mundubile and Zulu. The precise charge sheet, the alleged acts supporting it and the first court date were not publicly available at the cutoff. Those missing records matter because they will define the prosecution’s case. Until then, headlines should not describe the alleged plot as proved or call either politician guilty. What police confirmed before the formal charge Zambia Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said on Thursday that investigators had questioned Mundubile and Zulu and recorded warn-and-caution statements. The Associated Press reported that both men surrendered for questioning after spending days at a United Nations facility and were then kept in custody. Mundubile was the main challenger to President Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia’s 13 August election. He rejected the declared result and alleged irregularities; Hichilema and the government dispute that account. XTRAfrica has separately reported the court-access dispute around the election-petition deadline and the declared presidential election result . ADVERTISEMENT The treason investigation follows a 14 August security operation at a property linked to Mundubile. Authorities said weapons and military equipment were recovered and several people were detained. Mundubile denied planning an insurgency and disputed the authorities’ account. Former cabinet minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was killed during the operation; the circumstances remain contested. Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into Kafwaya’s death and said detainees must have access to lawyers, relatives and medical care. It also stressed that allegations concerning weapons or an insurrection must be investigated transparently and tested through fair proceedings. Those concerns do not decide the criminal case, just as the laying of a charge does not prove the allegations. The next reliable milestones are production of the charge sheet, a court appearance, a prosecution summary and a response entered by each accused person. The government’s position on the detailed allegations was not located in a fresh statement after the lawyers’ confirmation. Police had previously said more information would be released as investigations progressed. Any later police statement or court record should take priority over political commentary and anonymous social-media claims. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained . Sports Trends Khanyisa Mayo Return Update: What Da Cruz Has Said . Elections Monitoring South Africa Special Voting: Hours, IDs and Home Visits . ADVERTISEMENT What happens next The immediate question is when Mundubile and Zulu will appear before a court and whether prosecutors will publicly identify the conduct said to constitute treason. Their lawyers have argued that the case must move promptly into open judicial process. XTRAfrica will treat the formal charge as the verified update while maintaining the legal distinction between accusation and conviction. Claims that the election challenge itself proves treason, that a court has already found the men guilty, or that an armed plot has been judicially established are unsupported by the public record available at 12:03 PM EAT. 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