The National Environment Management Council (NEMC), in partnership with the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), has rolled out specialized training for customs officers and other government agencies stationed at Tanzania’s border posts to strengthen environmental protection and control the movement of hazardous goods.
The capacity-building programme, launched on October 15, 2025, at the Mtukula Customs Office, is being implemented under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) Capacity Building Project.
Similar training sessions will be conducted at the Rusumo, Kigoma, and Tunduma border points, all major entry and exit routes for goods traded across Tanzania’s borders.
According to NEMC’s Senior Environmental Officer and Project Coordinator, Mr. Paul Kalokola, the training is meant to ensure that officers responsible for border management have the necessary knowledge to enforce environmental laws effectively.
“It is the duty of every customs and border official to ensure that all goods entering or leaving the country meet the environmental standards set by law,” he said.
“Proper enforcement of environmental regulations will protect public health and prevent hazardous waste from harming our ecosystems.”he added
He said the training reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity in environmental governance and ensuring Tanzania’s borders remain safe from products that could pose health or ecological threats.
On his part, the Acting Customs Officer in Charge at the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) – Mtukula, Mr. Elpidius Bigilwamungu, welcomed the initiative, noting that it comes at a time when global trade and movement of goods have increased significantly.
“This programme is a great step forward. It will improve our ability to identify, manage, and prevent the entry of environmentally harmful materials, while also ensuring compliance with both national and international standards,” he said.
Experts from NEMC are facilitating the sessions, focusing on key topics such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), procedures for issuing permits for hazardous waste management, international environmental conventions and guidelines, national environmental policy frameworks, and the safe use of mercury.
The training forms part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that environmental management in Tanzania is guided by professionalism, cooperation, and accountability.
NEMC believes that empowering officers stationed at key border posts will help prevent environmental risks before they enter the country a critical step toward achieving sustainable development and a cleaner, safer Tanzania.