“We want both the herder and the cattle to grow fat.” This statement by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan reflects her clear determination to transform Tanzania’s livestock sector into a pillar of economic growth.
During her four years in office, President Samia has prioritized livestock as one of the country’s key economic drivers, given its role in employing millions of Tanzanians.
For decades, the sector has struggled with low productivity, preventing farmers from fully benefiting from their herds. But her administration has introduced bold reforms that are now paying off.
One of the landmark measures was the introduction of a National Livestock Vaccination Program worth Sh216 billion, aimed at reducing animal deaths.
The program has already shown results, cutting livestock mortality from 27 per 100 live animals in 2020 to 12 per 100 in 2024.
Production has also seen a major boost. Beef output grew from 702,000 tonnes in 2020 to 803,264 tonnes in 2024, while milk production rose from 3.01 billion liters to 3.97 billion liters during the same period.
By 2025, beef output is projected to reach over 1.05 million tonnes, valued at Sh10.38 trillion, with meat exports soaring to $61.4 million—a 780 percent increase.
This surge has been driven by the expansion of meat processing industries, which rose from three in 2021 to seven by 2025.
In addition, pasture land has been increased from 700,799 hectares to an unprecedented 3.49 million hectares.
Looking ahead, the government plans to further expand designated grazing land from 3.46 million hectares to six million hectares between 2025 and 2030, ensuring access to vital services such as water, dips, feed, and extension services.
Alongside livestock, the fisheries sector has also flourished under President Samia’s leadership.
Over the past four years, the government has purchased 539 modern fishing boats and distributed 1,636 cages for fish farming, creating more than 250,000 jobs.
Exports of fish and fish products grew from 42,302 tonnes worth Sh412 billion in 2021 to 59,749 tonnes valued at Sh675 billion in 2024.
Overall, total fish production reached 599,200 tonnes, valued at Sh3.44 trillion.
A milestone achievement in the sector is the construction of the state-of-the-art Kilwa Fishing Port at a cost of Sh279.5 billion, which is expected to further boost Tanzania’s fisheries industry.
Both livestock and fisheries stand out as key pillars of President Samia’s economic vision—sectors that are no longer seen as subsistence activities but as engines of growth, job creation, and prosperity for Tanzanians.
