By Staff Writer
In a show of deepening bilateral ties, Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports & Chief Government Spokesman has on Saturday officially opened the 13th Annual Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania)'s Tournament at Don Bosco Grounds, Oysterbay, with a call for stronger people-to-people relations between Tanzania and China.
The tournament, organized by the Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), brings together major Chinese-funded companies operating in Tanzania and will run from August 1 to August 8, 2026.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, senior government officials, business leaders, and partners including Stanbic Bank Tanzania.
Speaking at the event, Msigwa said sports remain one of the most powerful tools for building friendship and mutual understanding between our nations.
He further said that China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership. "Our cooperation covers infrastructure, trade, tourism, education, sports, and culture. Events like this today are among the strongest bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Tanzania and our friends from China."
He also said that the tournament is not only an annual sporting event but it is a tradition that strengthens the relationship between Tanzania and Chinese communities. "It proves the commitment of Chinese enterprises not only to business success, but also to building stronger and more cohesive communities. On behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, I express my deep appreciation for the remarkable contribution made by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the development of sports in Tanzania."
The government spokesperson insisted: "Through our cooperation, we have witnessed growth in technology, in the construction and renovation of essential sports infrastructure, and in the creation of countless jobs for our people. As we implement the National Development Vision 2050, I hope to see continued active participation from the Chinese community in sports development."
He concludes by saying, "To all teams: Remember, the true victory lies in friendship, teamwork, and the spirit of the game. With these few words, I now have the great honor to officially declare the 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament open.”
Beyond its role as sponsor, Stanbic Bank Tanzania also fielded its own team in the competition. This year, the Bank handed over a TZS 30 million sponsorship to support the tournament.
Speaking at the event, Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, said the sponsorship reflects the Bank’s commitment to meaningful engagement that extends well beyond banking. “Over the years, this tournament has been one of our most valued platforms for engaging the Chinese community in Tanzania because strong partnerships are built through shared experiences, not transactions alone.
"Our TZS 30 million sponsorship is about more than funding a competition. By taking part as both sponsor and competitor, we are demonstrating that our engagement is genuine and enduring,” she added.
On her part, H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian commended Stanbic Bank’s sustained support and welcomed the role the tournament plays in bringing the two communities closer together. “The relationship between China and Tanzania is deep-rooted, and it grows stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect.
"I commend Stanbic Bank for its consistent support of this tournament over the years. Such partnerships between businesses and communities are exactly what strengthen the bonds between our two peoples and reflect the enduring friendship between our nations,” said Ambassador Chen.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mr. Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tanzania and the Chinese Embassy for their continued support.
“On behalf of the Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania) all participating companies, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and to Her Excellency Ambassador Chen Mingjian and the Chinese Embassy for your strong support to this tournament over the past 13 years,” Mr. Jiang said.
He noted that the tournament has grown beyond just a sporting event. “Over the years, this basketball tournament has become an important platform for unity, cooperation, and team spirit among Chinese enterprises in Tanzania. It is also an opportunity for us to integrate with the local community,” he added.
Mr. Jiang further emphasized the role of Chinese enterprises in Tanzania. “This tournament demonstrates our commitment to not only achieving business success, but also to contributing to social development and to strengthening the traditional friendship and people-to-people exchanges between China and Tanzania,” he said.
However, matches will be played on Saturday August 1, Sunday August 2, Tuesday August 4, Thursday August 6, Friday August 7, and Saturday August 8 at Don Bosco Court. The finals and closing ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 8. Each team register up to 16 players. Games will be played under FIBA rules with 4 quarters of 10 minutes each. Referees are provided by the Tanzania Basketball Association.
