By Prosper Makene
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Saturday, August 1, 2026: The 13th Annual China Enterprises Basketball Tournament officially tipped off on Saturday at Don Bosco Grounds, Oysterbay, with Tanzanian government officials, the Chinese Embassy, and business leaders celebrating the role of sport in strengthening China-Tanzania friendship.
Gerson Msigwa, Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports who is also Government Spokesperson , officially declared the tournament open. He was joined by Her Excellency Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, Mr. Jiang Yuntao, Chairman of Chinese Enterprise Association (Tanzania), and Ester Manase, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Msigwa said sports remain one of the most powerful tools for building friendship and mutual understanding between nations. "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 said.
Hon. Msigwa also commended the contribution of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to sports development in Tanzania. "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 said.
H.E. Ambassador Chen Mingjian said the tournament reflects the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries. "The relationship between China and Tanzania 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," she said.
Mr. Jiang Yuntao thanked the Government and the Embassy for their support over the past 13 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," Mr. Jiang said.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania, a TZS 30 million sponsor of the tournament, also fielded its own team. Ester Manase said the Bank’s participation shows commitment beyond business. "Over the years, this tournament has been one of our most valued platforms for engaging the Chinese community in Tanzania. By taking part as both sponsor and competitor, we are demonstrating that our engagement is genuine and enduring," she said.
The 8-day tournament will run from August 1 to August 8, 2026. Matches are scheduled for 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 may register up to 16 players and games will be played under FIBA rules.
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