The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has officially launched the “NEMC Usafi Campaign 2025”, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and sustainable management of natural resources across Tanzania.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jamal Baruti, Acting Director of Compliance and Enforcement at NEMC, emphasized that the campaign seeks to inspire citizens to adopt responsible waste management practices while fostering social, economic, and health benefits.
He highlighted that the program is a collaborative effort involving the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), regional secretariats, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and local communities.
“Tanzania faces mounting environmental challenges, especially in urban areas,” Mr. Baruti said.
“Rapid population growth and development activities have led to increased generation of solid, plastic, and hazardous waste. On average, each person produces between 241 and 347 kilograms of solid waste annually, contributing to infrastructure damage, disease outbreaks, and a decline in the quality of life.”
The campaign aims to instill a culture of shared responsibility for environmental cleanliness. “Keeping our environment clean is not just a government obligation; it is a duty for every Tanzanian,” he added, referencing Section 6 of the Environmental Management Act of 2004, which calls on citizens to protect, manage, and report any environmental threats.
Environmental conservation is also a key pillar of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which promotes a green economy through initiatives such as recycling, tree planting, and the creation of green jobs.
The campaign aligns with this vision by seeking to transform waste into employment opportunities and to strengthen the country’s commitment to a healthy and sustainable environment.
Mr. Baruti further noted that the initiative enjoys strong support from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has championed environmental stewardship in all major development projects.
Key national projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, Msalato International Airport, the Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT), the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and oil and gas exploration projects such as EACOP, have been guided by environmental impact assessments to ensure sustainability.
Throughout September, the NEMC Usafi Campaign 2025 will implement a series of nationwide activities, including community clean-ups, school and ward cleanliness competitions, tree planting, establishment of green parks, media awareness campaigns, social media engagement, and exhibitions of eco-friendly products.
The campaign also aims to reach 80 percent of households to participate in environmental activities by December 2025 and ensure that every primary and secondary school establishes an environmental club by June 2026.
Mr. Baruti appealed to development partners, private institutions, and environmental stakeholders to join hands with NEMC through sponsorships, provision of tree seedlings, awards for competition winners, and training in green entrepreneurship for youth and women.
“This is the moment for visible action,” he said. “Together, we can build a cleaner, safer, and healthier Tanzania, safeguarding the environment for current and future generations.”
With the launch of this campaign, NEMC aims to strengthen the culture of environmental responsibility across the country, turning cleanliness and conservation into a shared national value.