We were intrigued by the high-pitched call of a bird emanating from dense grass, betraying its presence. We carefully made our way towards the sound and were astonished to find a Coqui Francolin (Francolinus coqui), small, shy and elusive ground-nesting bird that is typically silent and more often heard than seen. To our delight, it…
Qualifications – the stamp of recognition relevant to most professions – are defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a pass of an examination or the official completion of a course, especially one conferring status as a recognised practitioner of a profession or activity.” While specific qualifications can unlock particular opportunities, without adequate preparation they can…
My late father, Akber Hameer, had co-founded a Computer and IT company in Dar es Salaam, back in the 80s. As a result, I had the privilege of growing up around computers. One of the things I really enjoyed as a young teenager was learning how to program codes using programming languages. The first language…
The launch of Abyssinia Luxury Coach’s direct bus service between Nairobi and Addis Ababa is more than just another new travel option. It’s a real-life example of how East Africa can move from talking about integration to making it happen. For decades, travel between Kenya and Ethiopia meant either paying a lot for flights or…
Welcoming our lovely readers to our weekly health diaries column where we delve into various disease-related topics simplifying complex concepts for our readers. Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating—but it’s also a time to pay closer attention to your heart. As we age, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attack…
When President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the pilot uranium processing plant at the Mkuju River Project in Namtumbo District on July 30, 2025, Tanzania effectively joined the league of major uranium producers in Africa and beyond. The country boasts substantial uranium reserves, with approximately 182 million tonnes confirmed in the Mkuju River area, of which…
In recent weeks, we have been exploring African foods, particularly fermented varieties. Fermentation, an ancient preservation method not only extends shelf life but also boosts nutritional value and supports gut health. Broadly, fermented foods fall into two categories: uncooked and cooked. Uncooked popular fermented foodsWorldwide examples include sauerkraut (Germany), kimchi (Korea) and pickled vegetables. In…
Cassava is both a blessing and a burden. It feeds millions across Africa but hides a toxic side: cyanide compounds that can harm the body if poorly prepared. Fortunately, West African cultures – especially in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana and Benin – have developed ingenious ways to tame cassava. One of the best examples…
On 28 July 2025, the government, through Government Notice No. 487A, banned non-citizens from operating in 15 business sectors deemed entry-level. This decision follows amendments to the Finance Act 2025, which granted the authority for such restrictions. While the move has been applauded domestically, it has faced criticism abroad, particularly from a neighbouring country. In…
Welcome, dear readers, to our weekly Health Diaries column, where we explore various disease-related topics and simplify complex medical concepts for your understanding. When people think of a heart attack, they often picture someone clutching their chest in severe pain and collapsing. While this dramatic image is accurate for some, not all heart attacks announce…
