The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Tourism has commended the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) for innovation in conservation and tourism management that has significantly increased tourist arrivals and government revenue.
The praise was delivered on January 21, 2026, in Dodoma after the committee, chaired by Timotheo Mzanva (MP), received a performance briefing from TAWA as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s ongoing presentation of its agencies’ implementation reports to Parliament.
Presenting the report on behalf of the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji (MP), Acting TAWA Conservation Commissioner Mlage Yussuf Kabange said the authority manages 133,286.36 square kilometres, comprising 28 game reserves, 23 game controlled areas, two antiquities sites, five government wildlife ranches, Makuyuni Wildlife Park and Lundo Island.
He told lawmakers that intensified protection and anti-poaching operations have contributed to a steady recovery of wildlife populations across these areas, strengthening Tanzania’s conservation credentials and tourism appeal.
Addressing human–wildlife and boundary challenges, Mr Kabange said TAWA, working with the Ministry of Lands, the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), and regional and district authorities, has installed 3,192 boundary beacons.
Compensation has also been paid to residents who relinquished land for conservation, notably in the Kilombero Game Reserve.
On revenue growth, the committee was briefed on the establishment of Makuyuni Wildlife Park, which has improved security, upgraded infrastructure and attracted private tourism investors. The park generated more than TZS315 million in the 2024/25 financial year.
Mr Kabange further reported that TAWA has signed 13 strategic investment agreements and three accommodation service contracts.
These investments are projected to generate an average of $27.1 million annually, with Sh12.2 billion already collected in the 2024/25 financial year.
Community involvement in conservation has also expanded, with residents around protected areas participating in activities such as beekeeping and fishing.
Benefits and dividends worth over TZS22.63 billion have been distributed to communities involved in tourism-related initiatives.
The committee was also told that reforms in hunting tourism allowing year-round operations and longer tenure for hunting blocks have strengthened the subsector, while photographic tourism has recorded sharp growth. Tourist numbers rose from 37,684 in 2020/21 to 240,967 in 2024/25.
Concluding the session, Mr Mzanva praised the ministry and its agencies, saying TAWA’s performance underscores the role of strategic investment and innovation in conserving national resources while expanding tourism revenues.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande (MP), Permanent Secretary Dr Hassan Abbasi, Deputy Permanent Secretary Nkoba Mabula, senior ministry officials and heads of institutions under the ministry.