Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on February 26, 2025
Is Tanzania’s Media Sector Ready to Adopt AI? New Study Finds About Half of Newsrooms Are Prepared
As generative AI tools continue to transform journalism globally, a new study on AI adoption in Tanzania’s media sector has found that approximately 53% of newsroom leadership is prepared to adopt AI. However, only 22% have discussed AI policies.
Titled “The State of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Media Development (AI4MD) in the Tanzanian Context,” the study was conducted by Tech & Media Convergence (TMC) in collaboration with UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). The research aimed to assess AI adoption, challenges, and opportunities in Tanzania’s media sector.
Out of 350 journalists, editors, and media practitioners surveyed, 73% acknowledged AI’s role in journalism, particularly in content production, fact-checking, and audience engagement. However, around 40% expressed concerns about AI’s potential role in spreading misinformation and disinformation.
While AI presents opportunities for the media, the study found that its adoption in Tanzania remains limited due to low awareness, inadequate skills, ethical concerns, and accessibility challenges. Many journalists lack formal AI training, with about 95% of those surveyed expressing a strong willingness to acquire AI skills highlighting the need for structured learning programs.
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President Samia Hands Over 35 Fishing Boats and 60 Auxiliary Boats to Fishermen in Pangani, Tanga
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is on an official tour of the northeastern region of Tanga, has handed over 35 fishing boats and 60 auxiliary boats worth Tsh. 4.477 billion to fishermen in Pangani District.
This initiative is part of the government’s program to loan fishermen a total of 120 modern fishing boats and 118 auxiliary boats across the country in the current financial year.
This program, overseen by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, aims to support fishermen along the Indian Ocean coastline and in the Great Lakes region by improving efficiency in their fishing activities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, President Samia urged the beneficiaries to use the boats properly and to repay the loans provided by the government so that the funds can be used to benefit fishermen in other areas as well.
In addition to this, President Samia also laid the foundation stone yesterday for the construction of the 525-meter-long Pangani River Bridge and a 256-kilometer tarmac road connecting Bagamoyo, Pangani, and Tanga, as well as a 170-kilometer road from Mkange to Pangani in Tanga.
President Samia’s tour continues today in Tanga, where she is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Tanga-Morohoro water project, inaugurate a cement factory project, hand over LPG gas cylinders, and hold rallies.
Geological Survey of Tanzania Strengthens Efforts to Expand Areas with Detailed Geophysical Data to Unlock Mining Potential
The Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) has announced plans to enhance its deep geophysical research capabilities using airborne surveys, aiming to expand the area covered with detailed geophysical data from 16 percent to 34 percent by 2026.
This development follows the approval of GST’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year by its Board, enabling the implementation of various initiatives crucial for the advancement of Tanzania’s extractive sector.
Speaking at a special Board meeting held on February 26, 2025, at the Abdulkarim Mruma Conference Hall, Acting Chairperson of the GST Board, CPA Constantine Mashoko, stated that the Board has approved the budget to facilitate the execution of GST’s activities.
In addition, GST plans to improve its services by acquiring advanced research equipment, including a helicopter, and constructing a modern laboratory in Dodoma, along with regional laboratories in Mbeya and Geita.
Furthermore, CPA Mashoko urged GST to find effective ways to accelerate the implementation of development projects to achieve the intended goals.
Tanzania has set an ambitious target to have 50 percent of the country’s total land area surveyed by 2030. This effort will help identify mineral-rich regions and their specific mineral compositions.
Meanwhile, GST’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mussa Budeba, affirmed that the GST management will implement the Board’s directives and recommendations to foster the institution’s growth and contribute to the overall development of the mining sector.
