In a significant move that could redefine the future of environmental governance in Tanzania, the government has confirmed that the process to transform the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) into a fully empowered authority is actively underway.
This transformation, once finalized, is expected to grant NEMC broader legal powers and greater financial independence—an institutional shift that environmental experts say is long overdue.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, May 12, 2025, Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr. Khamis Hamza Khamis, said the conversion of NEMC into the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) is progressing through various implementation stages.
The final proposal, he said, will be submitted to Parliament for debate and approval.
His remarks were in response to a follow-up question from Special Seats MP Amina Ali Mzee, who was representing Mpendae MP Toufiq Salim Turky. The question sought clarity on when NEMC would officially attain full authority status.
Mr. Khamis explained that the transformation will strengthen NEMC’s legal framework, enhancing its ability to enforce environmental regulations while generating its own revenue.
He acknowledged that current challenges, particularly delays in issuing environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificates, are largely due to outdated systems and insufficient data provided by consultants.
Despite these constraints, he praised NEMC’s regional managers for working diligently to improve service delivery under pressure. He added that some project delays stem from their failure to meet critical environmental and public health standards, especially in sensitive ecological zones.
In response to a broader question about how the government is addressing NEMC’s long-standing operational challenges—particularly financial limitations, Mr. Khamis outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening the institution.
These include the revision of the 2021 Fees and Charges Regulations, the introduction of new revenue streams for large-scale, high-impact projects, and the enforcement of a new 2024 fee structure designed to streamline and boost income for the council.
He also noted the government’s push to improve digital systems for revenue collection and establish a centralized database of projects required to pay environmental fees and charges.
Efforts are also being made to expand NEMC’s presence across the country. These include increasing the number of staff, opening additional zonal offices, and intensifying environmental inspections in development areas.
These inspections serve both enforcement and educational purposes, ensuring that project developers understand their obligations under Tanzania’s environmental laws.
The push to upgrade NEMC into a full authority comes at a critical time for Tanzania, as the country grapples with rapid industrial growth, climate-related challenges, and increasing demand for infrastructure development.
By strengthening NEMC’s capacity, the government aims to strike a balance between economic progress and environmental sustainability. If Parliament approves the transformation, the new authority would not only act as a more powerful environmental regulator but also become a strategic institution in shaping a greener, more resilient Tanzania.