By Alfred Zacharia
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has strengthened its push for technology-driven environmental governance after signing a preliminary agreement with United Platform Solution (UPS) to develop a digital system for monitoring pollution across major development projects in the country.
The agreement, signed on December 4, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, is seen as a strategic response to growing pressure for more reliable, real-time environmental data as Tanzania accelerates infrastructure and industrial investments.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on behalf of the Director General, NEMC’s Director of Administration and Finance, Mr. Dickson Mjinja, said the new system marks a shift from traditional manual monitoring to a more efficient digital approach.
“This step is crucial for us. The digital system will not only simplify environmental management, but it will also allow us to detect pollution indicators quickly and access accurate information on time,” he said.
“For years, our monitoring has depended heavily on physical inspections. This system will close existing gaps and improve accountability.”
UPS representative Mr. Mamadou Drame emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s efforts to curb environmental degradation.
“Our ambition has always been to work with institutions like NEMC to ensure pollution is controlled through digital tools,” he said.
“Technology is no longer optional in environmental protection—it's essential for sustainable development.”
Providing technical details on the rollout, NEMC’s Acting Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. Jamal Baruti, said the initiative will start with a pilot phase.
“We will begin by installing specialised monitoring devices in selected projects across NEMC’s 13 zones,” he explained.
He added “This pilot will help us understand real-time pollution trends and strengthen enforcement before the system is scaled nationwide.”
Environmental experts say the success of the digital pilot could reshape Tanzania’s regulatory approach, enabling faster response to pollution threats and enhancing transparency in project monitoring.
