Dodoma, Tanzania — The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Paul Makonda (MP), on May 4, 2026, presented the Ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year before Parliament in Dodoma. The budget presentation outlines the government’s strategic priorities in advancing the media, cultural, arts, and sports sectors, positioning them as key drivers of national development, job creation, and international engagement
Renowned African football icon from Côte d’Ivoire, Didier Drogba, arrived at the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, where he was formally introduced. His presence represents a distinctive gesture of honor and patriotism to football stakeholders and the wider sporting community across Africa and globally. Drogba was accompanied by stakeholders from the sports, arts, and cultural sectors. Notably, Ali Kiba was among the prominent artists who joined him, following an official invitation from the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Paul Makonda. The visit coincided with the presentation of the Ministry’s budget, underscoring the strategic linkage between sports, culture, and national development
International golf course under construction near Serengeti National Park featuring wildlife-integrated design and panoramic savannah views in Tanzania.
Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has directed the commencement of Tanzania’s 2050 Vision implementation, emphasizing strategic planning, inclusive economic growth, and active engagement with the private sector and development stakeholders.
The Prime Minister issued the directives today, April 1, 2026, while presenting the Government Work Review and Budget Estimates for the Office of the Prime Minister and Parliament for the 2026/2027 fiscal year at the Parliament in Dodoma.
Dr. Nchemba instructed the Planning Commission to continue public awareness campaigns on the 2050 Vision, enabling stakeholders to fully participate in its implementation. He emphasized that achieving the Vision requires widespread understanding of its key priorities across government, private sector, civil society, and religious institutions.
The 2050 Vision, launched by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan on July 17, 2025, will guide Tanzania’s development over the next 25 years, aiming to build an inclusive, equitable, and self-reliant nation. Dr. Nchemba highlighted that by 2050, the Vision targets a national economy valued at USD 1 trillion and a per capita income of USD 7,000 annually, supported by good governance, peace, and security.
He directed sector leaders to ensure that national resources are efficiently allocated to high-impact priorities to reduce dependency on external support. The Vision is structured around three pillars: a strong, inclusive, and competitive economy; human capital development and social progress; and environmental conservation with climate resilience.
To operationalize the Vision, the government has established strategic measures, including fostering public-private partnerships, optimizing resource use through strategic programs, and cultivating a culture of savings for investment purposes.
Dr. Nchemba noted that the budget presented to Parliament marks the first step in implementing the Fourth Five-Year National Development Plan (2026/2027 – 2030/2031) aligned with the 2050 Vision. The plan emphasizes economic transformation and job creation while ensuring that resources are directed toward strategic high-impact priorities for sustainable growth and citizen welfare.
The Prime Minister requested Parliament’s approval of TZS 12.50 trillion for the Office of the Prime Minister and its institutions for 2026/2027, including TZS 8.73 trillion for recurrent expenditure and TZS 3.76 trillion for development activities. Additionally, he sought approval of TZS 225.02 billion for the Parliamentary Fund, with TZS 207.99 billion allocated for recurrent expenses and TZS 17.03 billion for development projects.
Dr. Nchemba stressed that robust monitoring, evaluation, and accountability mechanisms will be maintained to ensure that the goals of the 2050 Vision are achieved.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr. Gerson Msigwa, has called on culture, arts, and sports officers across Tanzania to work in unity in order to strengthen national identity and promote Tanzanian values.
Speaking on March 30, 2026, in Arusha while closing the 16th working session for Culture Officers and Sports Development Officers, Msigwa emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing the sectors that define and represent the nation.
He highlighted that culture, arts, and sports play a vital role in showcasing Tanzania’s identity both locally and internationally, urging officers to take responsibility in preserving cultural values and promoting discipline within communities.
Msigwa also encouraged the officers to actively engage with the public by nurturing talent, promoting sports activities, and ensuring that cultural ethics are upheld at all levels of society.
In addition, he urged the officers to communicate their ideas and challenges whenever they encounter obstacles, assuring them that the Ministry is ready to provide solutions and support for improved sector performance.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders responsible for culture and sports development, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening these sectors as pillars of national unity and youth empowerment.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, led by its Chairperson Hon. Timotheo Mnzava (MP), on March 13, 2026, was presented with scientific evidence demonstrating that the Ngorongoro area is among the most significant locations in the world for understanding the origins of early humans.
During the committee’s visit to Karatu District in Arusha Region, experts explained that the region holds some of the most comprehensive archaeological records documenting the early stages of human evolution.
This invaluable historical evidence has been preserved and showcased at the Ngorongoro Geopark Museum, located in Karatu, which serves as a major center for the preservation and interpretation of humanity’s ancient past.
Speaking before the parliamentary committee, Chief Conservator of Antiquities Dr. Agness Gidna emphasized that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains an extraordinary continuum of human history, connecting ancient hominin life from hundreds of thousands to millions of years ago to modern human generations.
Members of Parliament expressed satisfaction with the existence of the museum and urged the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) to intensify global promotion of the facility and its historical and scientific significance.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Timotheo Mnzava further advised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to broaden international promotion of Tanzania’s tourism attractions, including the museum.
Meanwhile, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP) informed the committee that the ministry and its institutions are continuing to implement strategic tourism marketing initiatives across key global markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
She noted that the government aims to attract more than 8 million tourists by 2030, adding that the ministry is committed to introducing at least one new tourism product to the international market every year to strengthen Tanzania’s tourism portfolio.
For his part, Ngorongoro Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru stated that plans are underway to enhance infrastructure at the Geopark Museum to improve visitor experiences and align with Ngorongoro’s branding as a “Premium Safari Destination.”
Dar es Salaam — January 2026
The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, has today officially welcomed Braydon Bent, the globally renowned Manchester City supporter and football commentator, marking the fulfillment of his long-held dream to visit Tanzania.
Described as an extraordinary journey from the Etihad Stadium to the Serengeti, Bent’s visit comes after a promise first made to him in 2020. Known worldwide for producing football content in Swahili, Bent has built a strong connection with Tanzanian and African football fans, earning admiration across global sporting communities.
Dr. Kijaji welcomed Bent alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, noting that his visit reflects Tanzania’s growing appeal not only as a premier safari destination, but also as a country that embraces global culture, sports, and people-to-people connections.
Over the years, Bent has interviewed top football personalities including Neymar, Sergio Agüero, and Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola. He currently serves as a Manchester City match commentator and is a presenter on Sky News, further expanding his international influence.
“Visiting this beautiful country has been my greatest dream. With such a warm welcome, I can already tell my journey has begun in the best possible way,” Bent said, accompanied by his father, Mr. Mark Bent.
The visit is expected to further promote Tanzania’s image as a welcoming global destination, renowned for its iconic wildlife, world-class safari experiences, and rich cultural heritage.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism have praised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for its strong performance, particularly in expanding Tanzania’s tourism offering through the development of diverse attractions and innovative tourism products within protected areas.
The commendation was delivered by the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Thimotheo Mnzava (MP), during a briefing session in Dodoma where the committee received an orientation on the mandates and responsibilities of institutions operating under the Ministry.
Hon. Mnzava singled out the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) for their growing engagement in tourism activities, noting that their efforts have broadened tourism options and contributed to increased government revenue.
He urged the Ministry to maintain strong oversight of its institutions to sustain sectoral growth, while accelerating the improvement of critical infrastructure to support the Government’s target of welcoming eight million tourists by 2030.
Committee members who contributed to the discussion emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between conservation institutions and communities living adjacent to protected areas. They noted that deeper community engagement would help address local challenges and encourage residents to take an active role in protecting natural resources, in recognition of the benefits derived from conservation and tourism.
Concluding the fourth day of presentations on the Ministry’s structure and functions, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, thanked the committee for its firm oversight of conservation and the Ministry’s overall operations.
Dr. Kijaji reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the policy direction of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, particularly on scaling up the use of renewable energy. She explained that this transition will reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, ease conflicts arising from encroachment into forest reserves, and help curb environmental degradation.
The Minister assured the committee that all recommendations, guidance, and directives would be fully implemented and responded to in a timely manner.
During the session, the Minister presented reports from the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), Tanzania Forest Fund (TFF), and the Olmotonyi Forestry Training Institute (FTI).
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Hamad Hassan Chande (MP), who commended committee members for their constructive input and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to professionalism, respect, and the sustainable conservation of national resources for present and future generations.
Other officials present included the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nkoba Mabula, senior Ministry officials, and heads of institutions and training colleges under the Ministry.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP), has presented the Ministry’s implementation report during a meeting with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources, and Tourism, held ahead of the Second Session of the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The meeting took place on 19 January 2026 in Dodoma City, where a total of 16 implementation reports covering the Ministry and its affiliated institutions are scheduled to be presented and discussed. The committee is chaired by Hon. Thimotheo Paul Mnzava (MP).
The session was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Hamad Hassan Chande (MP), the Permanent Secretary Dr. Hassan Abbasi, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Nkoba Mabula, members of the Ministry’s management, as well as heads of institutions and training colleges under the Ministry.
The meeting aims to strengthen parliamentary oversight, review performance, and enhance the effective implementation of policies and programs within the natural resources and tourism sector.
Tanzanian parliamentary leaders convened in New Delhi ahead of the opening of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mussa Azzan Zungu, exchanged greetings with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Member of Parliament for Uyole, Hon Dr. Tulia Ackson, prior to the official commencement of the conference.
The high-level meeting took place on 15 January 2026 at Samvidhan Sadan (Parliament House) in New Delhi, Republic of India, bringing together parliamentary leaders from across Commonwealth nations to strengthen cooperation, share legislative best practices, and promote democratic governance.
