Aflatoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi, are threatening agricultural crops in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. These toxins, found in crops like maize and peanuts, can cause severe health issues, including liver cancer, and affect both humans and animals. Experts highlight the impact of climate change on aflatoxin contamination and stress the importance of awareness and preventive measures among farmers. Solutions like the bio-control method Aflasafe show promise in reducing contamination. Efforts by organizations such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the Tanzania government aim to educate farmers and improve food safety practices.

In Tanzania, small-scale tomato farmers like Tabia Omari and Rajab Hassan are facing increased pest problems, particularly from the Tuta absoluta moth, leading to excessive pesticide use. This practice is harming biodiversity and imposing economic burdens due to high costs. The Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority has banned certain pesticides and is monitoring imports, while Sokoine University of Agriculture is promoting alternative pest control methods. The situation highlights the tension between food security and environmental preservation, with the 2022 Living Planet Report showing a 69 percent decline in global biodiversity since 1970.

Aflatoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain fungi, pose a significant threat to staple crops in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. These toxins, found in crops like maize and peanuts, can cause severe health issues, including liver cancer, after prolonged exposure. Experts highlight the exacerbating effects of climate change on aflatoxin contamination and stress the importance of biocontrol measures like Aflasafe. The Tanzanian government and agricultural institutes are working to educate farmers on safe practices to mitigate this invisible threat.

An online platform called PharmLinks, founded in Tanzania, aims to combat the issue of fake drugs by linking pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers with retailers to ensure the purchase of quality products from registered pharmacies. Co-founded by medical student Frank Arabi, the platform simplifies pharmaceutical procurement and monitors the supply chain to prevent counterfeit drugs. The initiative has garnered support from local pharmacists and works closely with the Tanzania Pharmacy Council and the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority. The problem of fake drugs is significant in Tanzania, with the World Health Organization reporting 100,000 deaths in Africa annually due to substandard drugs.

Saul Mwame, a 20-year-old student from Dodoma, Tanzania, is leading efforts to promote inclusive education for visually-impaired learners through the Connections-Based Learning (CBL) club he co-founded. Despite challenges, Mwame's advocacy has gained recognition, including the 2019 Princess Diana Award. Tanzania has made strides in inclusive education policies, but significant gaps remain in teacher training and resources. Mwame's work, supported by organizations like TheirWorld and HakiElimu, aims to address these issues and create a more supportive learning environment for all students.

Tech innovators in Tanzania, led by Adam A. Duma, have launched Smartclass, an online platform connecting 5,000 tutors with students to enhance education quality. The platform, incubated at the University of Dar es Salaam, uses AI to verify tutor qualifications and addresses challenges in tutor-student interactions. With 45% of Tanzanians online, the initiative aligns with the government's ICT policy to transform the nation into a knowledge-based society. Smartclass aims to expand access by developing offline features, contributing to the evolving educational landscape in Tanzania.

Obusitswe Seage, an aspiring artist in the small town of Orange Grove, Johannesburg, dreams of making it big in the arts and culture world. He is well-known locally and is mentored by Dr. Myer Taub, a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand. The town contrasts with nearby Maboneng, which has undergone gentrification and become a hub for the art scene. Despite the challenges of urbanization and competition, artists like Seage and photographer Sandile Mdlalose find ways to express themselves and earn a living. Nondumiso Sithole, a community development manager at the Johannesburg Theatre, supports the growth of the arts scene, though she doesn't consider Johannesburg her home. The creative economy in South Africa is significant, but many artists still struggle financially. Seage finds solace in his art and the ungentrified spaces of Orange Grove.

Faraja Mwikongi, an artist specializing in colour painting, discussed her passion for painting, the challenges she faces, and her aspirations in an interview with Matukiolive media. She prefers colour painting due to its cultural significance and visual appeal. Faraja finds joy in the positive reactions to her work and recalls discovering her talent in secondary school while assisting teachers with drawings. Despite facing market challenges and criticism, she views these as learning opportunities. She fondly remembers painting for her parents, which brought her immense happiness. Faraja admires Masoud Kipanya and aims to become a painting instructor, particularly to help children discover their talents at a young age.