The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has recorded remarkable growth in its economic activities, attracting 346,000 tourists during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, a significant rise from previous years, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abasi, has revealed.
Speaking at the closing of the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Seventh Region Commanders of TFS, Dr. Abasi noted that the agency has transformed from having no tourism-related activities to becoming a model of revenue generation within the ministry.
The gathering brought together district chief conservators, forest rangers, natural forest wardens, and officers from heritage sites nationwide.
“You have now demonstrated that tourism is an official revenue-generating activity. In 2025, TFS initially targeted TZS 176 billion in revenue but exceeded expectations, reaching TZS 189 billion by year-end,” Dr. Abasi said.
He added that by February 2026, TFS had already collected TZS 127 billion, achieving 70% of its annual target.
The Permanent Secretary further highlighted TFS’s role in foreign trade, reporting that the agency exported 1,596 tonnes of natural products last year, earning TZS 19.2 billion, with an additional TZS 2.9 billion from related revenue streams.
Overall, foreign sales amounted to TZS 196.98 billion, contributing 3.5% to the national revenue.
Dr. Abasi applauded TFS for its resilience in forest conservation, noting the agency manages 464 forests, 24 plantations, and three apiaries despite operational challenges.
He emphasized that while the ministry safeguards ecosystems and biodiversity, TFS commanders also play a key role in developing forests to support national and global development.
“By fulfilling our responsibilities effectively, we support growth in other sectors. This aligns with the global pursuit of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations,” he said.
TFS Conservation Commissioner, Professor Dos Santos Silayo, said the conference enhanced leadership skills, ethics, and operational efficiency among participants.
He noted that the agency is gaining recognition both nationally and internationally, receiving awards in conservation and tourism.
Professor Silayo highlighted ecotourism as a major opportunity for revenue and employment, expressing confidence that TFS will be instrumental in achieving Tanzania’s goal of attracting eight million tourists by 2030.
The conference, held under the theme “One Team, One Dream,” featured expert lectures on customer service, protocol, ecotourism opportunities and challenges, mental health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, self-awareness, anti-money laundering, and the implementation of TFS’s third strategic plan.
Participants also shared experiences across various centers, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.