The Tanzanian government has pledged to improve swimming infrastructure, including the construction of a modern 50-meter pool that will meet international Olympic standards.
The announcement was made today, November 22, by Boniface Tamba, Acting Director of Sports Development at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, during the Tanzania Swimming Development Conference held in Dar es Salaam.
The conference brought together participants from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to discuss strategies for advancing swimming in the region.
Tamba said the event provided a platform to set clear strategies for the growth of the sport.
Lameck Borega, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prime Sports Agency, emphasized that swimming offers Tanzania a unique opportunity to win international medals compared to other highly competitive sports.
“We appreciate the participation of East African stakeholders. During the conference, we discussed concrete plans to develop the sport, and government officials have expressed readiness to support the construction of a 50-meter pool suitable for both national and international competitions,” Borega said.
He noted that Tanzania currently lacks a government-owned pool that meets international standards, as most existing facilities are private and often only 25 meters long.
Borega added that the agency will submit proposals to ensure the government keeps this important promise.
David Mwasyoge, Chairman of the Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA), said the association aims to expand participation in swimming to attract more competitive athletes.
“Currently, we have around 250 competitive swimmers—a number too small to attract sponsors. By increasing participation, we can create greater appeal for funding and development,” Mwasyoge said.
He added that TSA will continue collaborating with the government, private sector, and other stakeholders to promote swimming both nationally and internationally.
Jeremiah Keema, Chief Executive Officer of Prime Sports Agency, said the agency plans to increase the number of swimmers participating in national and international competitions. Conference participants are also expected to serve as ambassadors for swimming in their countries through educational committees.