In this powerful talk, Taqiyyah explores what it truly means to belong in postcolonial Tanzania. Through her personal journey across cultures, she unpacks how colonial mentality still shapes identity, beauty, and unity today; and why “recentering” our own stories, languages, and values is the key to healing, pride, and collective strength. Taqiyyah is a Tanzanian debater, storyteller, and change-maker. With seven years of experience in debating, including representing Zanzibar nationally, winning international social justice debates and training debate students. She now uses her voice to inspire the youth. Currently a marketing manager and student of business administration, she believes her greatest asset is the power of her mind and her communication skills. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Our emotions play a vital role in how we perceive and react. This is because they are feelings of expressions with oneself. But at times these expressions hinder our thoughts and decisions causing us to lose control over our lives. But what if we could tone down those feeling? Hide them in the background so that we see the truth for what it truly is. With engaged detachment you can be devoted to what you pursue without being overwhelmed by your own self Haziem Shabani began as a debater and grew into a public speaker, representing his country at an international competition in the United states. Haziem discovered that communication isn’t just about speaking, it’s about uncovering the layers of thought that connect us. With a deep commitment to reconstructive thinking, independence, and genuine dialogue, Haziem brings a chill but thought-provoking energy to the stage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In his inspiring talk “The Community Is the Curriculum,” Oscar Malogo explores how the most transformative lessons are not taught in classrooms but lived through community, service, and human connection. Drawing from his own journey of growth and leadership, he reveals that confidence is nurtured in safe spaces, leadership shines in humility, and compassion remains the highest form of wisdom. Oscar’s message is a heartfelt reminder that education extends beyond textbooks , it lives in the everyday acts that shape who we become and how we uplift others. Oscar Malogo is the President of the Actuarial Students’ Society at the University of Dar es Salaam where he is pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Actuarial Sciences and a Mo Dewji Foundation Scholar, is an aspiring global consultant recognized for his dynamic leadership and vision. A lifelong learner and passionate speaker, he inspires others to think boldly, act decisively, and embrace change. Beyond his titles, Oscar is also a devoted son and brother, rooting his leadership in vision, service and a relentless belief that the best future is the one we build together. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We reward strength and composure, but at what cost? "The Hidden Cost of Being the Strong One" uncovers how the need to appear composed keeps high achievers trapped in cycles of control and exhaustion, why true power comes from aligning the conscious and subconscious mind, and how strength comes from breaking down, not from holding it all together. Rebecca Hansen is an international Transformational Leadership Coach based in Rwanda. She works with executives and leadership teams to strengthen emotional capacity, navigate complexity, and lead with clarity under pressure. Drawing on experience across Europe, East Africa, and Asia, Rebecca helps organizations build leaders who are not only effective decision-makers, but also trusted, human-centered forces of impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this talk, Saqlain Rattansi challenges the illusion that wealth is defined by cars, cash, or status.True wealth, he explains, is freedom, the power to live life on your own terms. He shows how discipline, purpose, and time can transform ordinary lives into stories of independence. He reveals how anyone can build their own “House of Freedom,” a life where choices are guided not by pay checks or circumstance, but by vision, consistency, and courage.Saqlain challenges us to rethink success, embrace consistency, and take back control of our future, one brick at a time. Saqlain Rattansi is a distinguished finance expert with over 8 years of experience, holding FCCA and CPA (T) designations, an MSc from the University of London, and a BSc from Oxford Brookes University.As CFO of Cats Tanzania and Cats-Net, a premier ICT solutions provider and ISP, he steers group financial strategy with a focus on sustainable shareholder growth. His career spans impactful roles at Crowe Tanzania, a renown audit firm, and Red Dot Distribution, a multinational ICT distribution company, honing his expertise in complex financial environments. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

ChatGPT spread faster than any other technology before yet little is known about how it affects our brains. An MIT study shows how AI usage may lead to cognitive debt: trading short-term productivity for long-term memory. This is not "yet another AI is bad talk" but a humorous collection of encounters with AI in daily lives and sparking a conversation about why the timing of introducing AI into workflows or education might be important. Since the former Mathlete moved to Zanzibar in 2020, he volunteered for three educational organizations and organized a dozen camps on the island. He is passionate about boardgames, open data, Swahili grammar, and nonviolent communication (NVC). To share his vision of a world where children are free to design, study and assess their own educational curriculum, he founded growingpurpose.com. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx