The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, has directed the newly inaugurated fourth Board of Directors of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to decisively address the long-standing challenge of dangerous and destructive wildlife affecting communities living near conservation areas, while putting in place strong strategies to improve infrastructure and attract more tourists.
Speaking in Arusha on January 9, 2026, during the inauguration of the new board, Dr Kijaji said TAWA must step up the use of modern technology, strengthen ranger posts, improve working tools and enhance security in protected areas to effectively manage human–wildlife conflicts.
She said these measures are vital for safeguarding citizens’ lives and property, while also strengthening conservation and increasing tourism revenues.
The minister instructed the board to fully and efficiently implement directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the launch of the 13th Parliament, stressing that the impact of those directives should be visible without prompting and reflected both in the lives of Tanzanians and in the contribution of tourism to the national economy.
Dr Kijaji further urged the board to take concrete steps to eliminate or significantly reduce recurring challenges, including conflicts between communities and wildlife, boundary disputes, illegal livestock grazing in protected areas, and to intensify campaigns against illegal hunting and poaching.
She noted that inadequate tourism-supporting infrastructure remains one of the key challenges facing TAWA, particularly in protected areas.
These include poor road and bridge networks, limited accommodation facilities and insufficient airstrips, factors she said continue to undermine conservation efforts and tourism growth. She directed the board to develop clear and practical strategies to address these gaps in order to unlock the full tourism potential of conservation areas.
The minister emphasised that the board must carry out its duties with respect for the dignity of Tanzanians living around protected areas, in line with President Samia’s vision of ensuring that, by the end of her second term in 2030, she leaves office having made a positive and lasting impact on citizens’ lives.
Earlier, while welcoming the minister, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mabula Nkoba, said President Samia Suluhu Hassan had approved the reappointment of retired Major General Hamis Semfuko as chairperson of the TAWA board for a second term.
He said the board brings together experienced professionals and academics from conservation, ecology, defence and security, whose combined expertise will strengthen wildlife conservation for the benefit of present and future generations.
In his remarks on behalf of the board, retired Major General Semfuko pledged that members would execute their responsibilities with patriotism, professionalism, discipline and innovation, while upholding respect for citizens.
He said the board would honour the trust placed in them by President Samia Suluhu Hassan by ensuring that TAWA becomes a leading institution in conservation, service delivery and the fulfilment of its mandate.
