Friday, August 7, 2026

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

Headlines

VICE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE, FAO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AGENDA

Wambura Mwikabwe1 mins

The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Richard Muyungi, on January 23, 2026, met and held talks with the Resident Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr. Tipo Nyabenyi, in Dar es Salaam.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Government of Tanzania and FAO in advancing national priorities related to food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and climate resilience. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in supporting policies and programmes that contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Dr. Muyungi underscored the Government’s appreciation for FAO’s ongoing technical and development support, noting its role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods, and safeguarding natural resources. Dr. Nyabenyi, in turn, reiterated FAO’s readiness to deepen partnerships with Tanzania in line with national development strategies and global commitments.

The engagement reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between Tanzania and FAO in addressing food systems challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural transformation.

X.com LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

President Samia Suluhu Hassan speaking during the presentation of Tanzania’s 2024–2025 National Wildlife Census Report by Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji at the State House in Dar es Salaam on May 29, 2026. President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, delivering remarks during a high-level session to receive the National Wildlife Census Report for 2024–2025, which was presented by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, at the State House in Dar es Salaam on May 29, 2026.** The nationwide census provides a comprehensive assessment of Tanzania’s wildlife resources and serves as a critical tool for strengthening conservation planning, sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection, and evidence-based policy formulation.

President Samia Receives Report on Tanzania’s Wildlife Population and Biodiversity Trends

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe meeting representatives of the World Monuments Fund in Zanzibar to discuss coastal heritage conservation and climate resilience initiatives. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, has held high-level discussions with representatives of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) Coastal Connections Programme, an initiative dedicated to strengthening community participation in the conservation, protection, and sustainable development of historic buildings and heritage sites along coastal regions. The meeting brought together Dr. Alex Kent, Director of the Coastal Connections Programme, and Dr. Stephen Battle, Senior Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at WMF and lead on East African Coastal Heritage initiatives, accompanied by the programme’s Regional Coordinator in Zanzibar, Eng. Hoshil Dhanji. During the discussions, the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage and WMF agreed to enhance joint coordination in implementing the programme in Zanzibar, in collaboration with the Department of Museums and Antiquities, the Zanzibar Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority, civil society organizations, and other community stakeholders across the islands. The programme focuses on strengthening resilience and disaster preparedness systems to safeguard Zanzibar’s rich coastal heritage from the growing impacts of climate change and environmental risks. This initiative forms part of the WMF Climate Heritage Initiative and is funded by WMF UK, underscoring the global commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and community engagement in Zanzibar.

World Monuments Fund Supports Community-Led Heritage Conservation in Zanzibar

Wambura Mwikabwe0
President Samia Suluhu Hassan poses with presidential candidates from 16 political parties at State House in Dar es Salaam following a consultative meeting The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, held a consultative meeting with presidential candidates from 16 political parties that participated in the October 2025 General Election. The meeting took place at the State House in Dar es Salaam on March 31, 2026, and formed part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and national cohesion following the electoral process. The engagement brought together representatives from across the political spectrum, providing an opportunity to exchange views on issues of national importance and the continued strengthening of democratic practices in Tanzania. The meeting reflects a commitment to inclusive governance and constructive engagement among political stakeholders, in line with the country’s multiparty framework. Such consultations are considered an important component in fostering stability, enhancing trust among political actors, and supporting the country’s broader development agenda.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan Meets 2025 Presidential Candidates to Promote Dialogue and National Cohesion

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Austria Deputy Foreign Minister Hannah Liko arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam for official visit Dar es Salaam, March 22, 2026 — Austria’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Hannah Liko, has arrived in Tanzania for a three-day official visit focused on enhancing diplomatic relations, trade partnerships, and sectoral cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Liko was received at Julius Nyerere International Airport by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Naimi S. Aziz, alongside Austria’s Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Christian Fellner. During her visit, she is expected to hold high-level discussions with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Dr. Ngwaru Maghembe, and engage with officials from key government institutions including the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Industry and Trade. The visit will also include a stop at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) to strengthen collaboration in higher education and academic exchange. Officials say the visit reflects growing momentum in Tanzania–Austria relations, with a focus on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Austria Deputy Foreign Minister Visits Tanzania to Strengthen Diplomatic and Trade Relations

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Deputy Minister Festo Dugange and parliamentary committee inspecting Vice President’s Office building construction in Dodoma DODOMA, Tanzania, March 18 — The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the construction of the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) building on schedule, with a strict deadline set for the end of March. Deputy Minister Dr. Festo Dugange gave the assurance during an inspection visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Governance, Constitution and Legal Affairs at the Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma. He said the government has reached an agreement with contractor SUMA JKT to ensure the project is completed by March 31, 2026, enabling the building to be occupied by leaders, officials and staff without delay. To meet the deadline, the contractor has been instructed to work day and night, with the government making it clear that no extension of the contract will be granted. “We need the building urgently to continue our planned activities, as the current premises will be handed over to the National Carbon Monitoring Centre,” Dr. Dugange said. The project also incorporates modern sustainability features, including the use of solar energy systems to support environmentally friendly operations. Dr. Dugange noted that the ministry has taken into account recommendations from the parliamentary committee and is committed to ensuring the project is completed efficiently and becomes operational as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Committee Vice Chairperson Hon. Edwin Swale commended the Vice President’s Office for its effective supervision of the project and urged the contractor to implement all recommendations provided.

Tanzania Fast-Tracks Vice President’s Office Project with No Deadline Extension

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Ministry of Finance officials and sector experts meeting at Kambarage Hall in Dodoma to review Tanzania’s 2026/27 budget DODOMA, Tanzania — The Ministry of Finance has intensified its review of the 2026/2027 national budget for key productive sectors as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic growth and align fiscal planning with long-term national priorities. Through its Government Budget Management Department, the ministry is conducting a comprehensive analysis covering critical sectors, including Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, and Minerals. The review process is aimed at evaluating budget proposals and ensuring they are aligned with national priorities, development policies, strategic frameworks, and established budget preparation guidelines. The session, chaired by Assistant Commissioner Mr. Fundi Makama, brought together Directors of Policy and Planning alongside technical experts from the respective ministries and sectors. Held at the Kambarage Hall, Treasury Square in Dodoma, the meeting provided a platform for in-depth discussions on how sectoral budget allocations can effectively contribute to achieving the ambitions of the National Development Vision 2050. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening productive sectors as a key driver for economic transformation, improved productivity, and sustainable development across Tanzania.

Tanzania Prioritises Productive Sectors in Budget Strategy to Drive Sustainable Growth

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba speaking to students in Rukwa about the Samia Scholarship program that funds top Tanzanian students to study abroad. Rukwa, Tanzania Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has announced that students who achieve top academic performance will benefit from the Samia Scholarship Program, a government initiative that fully sponsors outstanding Tanzanian students to pursue studies abroad. Speaking to students during his official visit to Rukwa Region, the Prime Minister delivered a special message from the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to supporting academic excellence. “President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed that students who perform exceptionally well will receive 100 percent scholarship funding. This includes full sponsorship to study in any country around the world through the Samia Scholarship,” Dr. Nchemba said. He noted that the Sixth Phase Government has significantly increased investment in the education sector, including the construction of over 1,300 secondary schools, more than 2,700 primary schools, and thousands of classrooms across the country. The Prime Minister added that the Government continues to improve education infrastructure and learning environments to ensure students have better opportunities to succeed and achieve their academic ambitions. Inspection of Milundikwa School Project During the visit, Dr. Nchemba also inspected the construction of a new Early Childhood and Primary School at Milundikwa Secondary School grounds in Nkasi District, Rukwa Region. The project, valued at TZS 329.5 million, is being funded through the BOOST Program (Improving Quality of Early Learning and Basic Education). Construction of the school began on October 5, 2025, and is expected to be completed by March 20, 2026. So far, more than TZS 255 million has been utilized in implementing the project. The development includes the construction of an administration block, early childhood classrooms, six primary school classrooms, and sanitation facilities for both students and teachers. Once completed, the school is expected to improve teaching and learning environments while strengthening the quality of education for students in Nkasi District and the wider Rukwa Region.

Samia Scholarship to Support Outstanding Tanzanian Students for International Education

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi inspecting the Songea–Mahumbika 220kV power transmission project in Tunduru and issuing a directive to the contractor to resume work. Tunduru, Ruvuma – March 7, 2026 The Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has given a 14-day ultimatum to the contractor responsible for the 220kV Songea–Mahumbika power transmission project to return to the construction site and resume work immediately. The directive follows the Minister’s dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the project being implemented by Kalpataru Projects International Limited, which is tasked with constructing power substations in Tunduru, Masasi, and Mahumbika districts. Speaking during an inspection visit in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region, on March 7, 2026, Minister Ndejembi warned that the contractor should not be awarded any other government projects until the current project is completed as agreed in the contract. He also instructed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy to issue a formal warning letter to the contractor. According to the Minister, the government previously held discussions with the company’s leadership in Dodoma, where it was agreed that construction would resume within 25 days after the contractor received payments for outstanding claims made since December 2025. However, Ndejembi said the contractor has yet to return to the project site or resume construction activities. “This contractor is progressing at an extremely slow pace. They were paid in December and we agreed that within 25 days they would return to the site and resume work. The entire period has passed and nothing is happening,” said Ndejembi. The Minister explained that the project was scheduled to be completed within two years, with commissioning expected by the end of this year, but progress has so far reached only about 50 percent completion. The Songea–Mahumbika power transmission project forms part of the government’s broader plan to connect the southern regions of Ruvuma, Lindi, and Mtwara to the national electricity grid, improving reliable electricity supply in the region. “People in the southern regions need reliable electricity, and the government has prioritized resolving this challenge by allocating funds for this project. It is unacceptable for the contractor to delay such an important project,” the Minister emphasized. He added that further action would be taken if the contractor fails to comply with the directive after receiving the warning.

Tanzania’s energy minister issues a 14-day ultimatum to a contractor to resume work on the delayed Songea–Mahumbika power transmission project.

Wambura Mwikabwe0
President Samia Suluhu Hassan chairing a Cabinet meeting with government ministers at the State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on March 5, 2026. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, chaired a Cabinet meeting held at the State House in Dar es Salaam on March 5, 2026. The meeting brought together members of the Cabinet to discuss and review key government policies, national development priorities, and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s economic growth, governance, and public service delivery. The Cabinet meeting forms part of the Government’s continued efforts to ensure coordinated implementation of national programmes and policies that support sustainable development and the welfare of Tanzanian citizens.

President Samia Chairs Ministers Cabinet Meeting at State House in Dar es Salaam

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr. Ashatu Kijaji addressing Longido residents about protecting Enduimet Wildlife Management Area ecosystem in Arusha Region. Longido, Arusha – Residents of Longido District have been called upon to protect the ecosystem of the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to ensure continued economic and environmental benefits from conservation. The call was made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP), during the Prime Minister’s public meeting with residents of Longido District in Arusha Region. Dr. Kijaji noted that communities surrounding legally protected areas, including Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), continue to benefit significantly from conservation initiatives. She revealed that during the 2024/2025 financial year, Enduimet WMA generated TSh 1.3 billion, while Longido District Council received more than TSh 700 million from photographic and hunting tourism activities. The Minister emphasized that these revenues demonstrate the direct economic value of conservation to local communities. She therefore urged residents to continue cooperating with the Ministry in protecting the ecosystem from destructive activities such as livestock encroachment, bush fires, and poaching. “Conservation is not only about protecting wildlife; it is about improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations,” she stressed. The Government continues to strengthen community-based conservation models to ensure that citizens living near protected areas directly benefit from tourism and wildlife resources.

Longido Residents Urged to Protect Enduimet WMA Ecosystem as Conservation Revenues Reach Billions

Wambura Mwikabwe0
×
X.com LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest