The Sixth Phase Government has strengthened Tanzania’s international cooperation and expanded the country’s contribution to regional and global efforts aimed at protecting the environment and addressing climate change challenges.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Yussuf Masauni, while speaking to journalists in Unguja, Zanzibar, on March 3, 2026, when issuing the government’s statement to mark African Environment Day, which is commemorated annually on March 3 across the continent.
Masauni said Tanzania has continued to secure strategic leadership opportunities in regional and global environmental platforms through the international influence of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Among the achievements, Tanzania hosted the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit – Mission 300 held in Dar es Salaam from January 27 to 28, 2025.
The summit brought together African leaders and development partners to discuss strategies for expanding energy access and accelerating sustainable energy development across the continent.
He added that Tanzania has also become a permanent member of the committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change under the African Union.
In addition, Masauni was elected Vice Chair of the eighth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-8), a position he will hold from December 2025 to December 2027.
According to the minister, environmental protection remains a key pillar for national development, as the quality of the environment directly affects economic growth and people’s wellbeing.
“The development and prosperity of any nation are closely linked to the condition of its environment. When the environment is stable and well protected, economic growth and people’s livelihoods also become more secure,” he said.
He noted that African Environment Day was established in 2002 by the Council of Ministers of the African Union to encourage member states across the continent to strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
This year’s theme for African Environment Day is “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Masauni said the theme emphasises the need to ensure sustainable access to clean water and safe sanitation systems as key drivers for achieving the continent’s long-term development blueprint under Agenda 2063.
He added that the theme also reminds governments, institutions and citizens of the importance of collective participation in environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives.
The minister said the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia has committed to integrating environmental protection, climate change mitigation and sustainable development into national planning and policy implementation.
He noted that Tanzania Development Vision 2050 places strong emphasis on environmental conservation and resilience to climate change.
Similarly, the CCM Manifesto 2025–2030 identifies environmental protection and climate action as key priorities for the country’s development agenda.
Masauni further said the world is currently facing three major environmental crises: biodiversity loss, pollution caused by various human activities, and climate change.
“These challenges remind us of the importance of strengthening international cooperation in environmental conservation and finding collective solutions to global environmental problems,” he said.
He added that Tanzania continues to participate in several international conventions and agreements related to environmental conservation and natural resource management, demonstrating the country’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges at both regional and global levels.