The Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP), today, January 29, 2026, in Arusha, officially inaugurated the new Board of Directors of the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority (NCAA).
She tasked the board with strengthening conservation efforts, creating and promoting innovative tourism products, and improving development services for communities in the Ngorongoro Division.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Kijaji described the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as a globally important site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
She said the new board was carefully constituted to align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of integrating conservation, tourism, and community development without compromising the integrity of the reserve.
“I have appointed experts from government and private sectors to help manage this unique area. Ngorongoro attracts global attention, and it is your responsibility to apply your knowledge and professionalism to ensure it continues to benefit the nation,” Dr. Kijaji said.
Highlighting the expertise of the new directors, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said selecting the board was a rigorous process.
He added that the appointees were chosen for their ability to contribute meaningfully to both the authority and national development.
Retired Chief of Defence Forces, General Venance Mabeyo, Chairperson of the Board, expressed gratitude to President Samia for reappointing him for another three-year term.
He also praised Minister Kijaji for selecting professionals with diverse skills and urged the new board to leave a lasting mark, building on the achievements of previous directors.
The new board members bring wide-ranging experience in conservation, tourism, finance and economics, governance, law, diplomacy, public administration, community development, auditing, and systems technology.
Their backgrounds in government and private sectors are expected to provide strong leadership and strategic direction for the authority.
Earlier, Abdul-Razaq Badru was formally sworn in as Commissioner of the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority.
He pledged to execute his duties with integrity and professionalism, focusing on enhancing conservation, tourism, and community development within the area.