The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, on May 6, 2026, held a high-level meeting with the ministry’s management team to review and discuss preparations for the 2026/27 financial year budget, with a strong focus on strengthening Tanzania’s tourism industry and sustainable use of natural resources.
The meeting brought together senior officials, including heads of departments, units, and leaders of institutions under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, where they jointly reviewed strategic priorities aimed at improving performance, efficiency, and service delivery across the sector.
Speaking during the meeting, Dkt. Kijaji emphasized that the upcoming budget must be practical, well-planned, and result-oriented, ensuring it directly contributes to economic growth and national development.
She noted that tourism remains one of Tanzania’s key economic drivers and must be strengthened through proper planning and investment.
She further stressed that conservation of natural resources must go hand in hand with tourism development.
According to her, protecting national parks, forests, and wildlife is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for long-term economic benefits and job creation for Tanzanians.
“The budget we are preparing should reflect real priorities that improve lives, strengthen institutions, and increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy,” she noted during the discussions.
Officials at the meeting also reviewed key strategies to improve coordination among institutions under the ministry, enhance revenue collection from tourism activities, and strengthen conservation programs across protected areas.
They also discussed ways to promote sustainable tourism that benefits local communities while preserving natural heritage.
In addition, the meeting highlighted the need to improve efficiency in service delivery and ensure that all institutions work in harmony to achieve national development goals.
Participants agreed on the importance of innovation and accountability in implementing sector plans.
The discussions form part of ongoing government efforts to ensure that the 2026/27 budget aligns with Tanzania’s broader development agenda, particularly in boosting tourism competitiveness and safeguarding the country’s rich natural resources for current and future generations.
