Traditional leaders in Rukwa Region have pledged strong support for investment promotion efforts after agreeing to allocate 7,000 acres of land for future development projects, in a move expected to strengthen economic growth and create opportunities for local communities.
The commitment was made during a seminar organized earlier this week by the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) Southern Highlands Zone, which brought together chiefs and regional leaders to discuss the importance of community participation in attracting investors.
Speaking during the meeting, the chiefs said they are ready to welcome investors into their areas and work closely with the government to ensure investment projects benefit wananchi while protecting local interests.
The leaders explained that previous efforts to secure land for investment often faced difficulties because traditional authorities were not fully involved in the process.
They emphasized that chiefs should be consulted before any investment activities begin because they possess deep knowledge of community land, boundaries and local history.
They noted that involving traditional leaders from the beginning would help reduce land conflicts, improve transparency and build trust between investors and communities.
The seminar was attended by seven of the nine chiefs from Rukwa Region, together with 30 assistants to the chiefs. Among those present were Paramount Chief Mwene Charles Katata of Milanzi Chiefdom in Nkasi District, Chief Kapere who also serves as Secretary of the Regional Chiefs Council, Chief Mtono IV of Kasanga Chiefdom in Kalambo District, Chief Joseph Chisote of Mambwemkenya Chiefdom, Chief Sapwe of Mambonkoswe Chiefdom, Chief Chiwanga of Bondeni Rukwa Chiefdom and Chief Wazina of Laela Chiefdom.
Regional government officials who attended the meeting included Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Investment, Industry and Trade, Selestine, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Economy and Production, Salehe Msanga, Acting Rukwa Regional Lands Commissioner Venance Simon, and Regional Trade Officer Geofrey Nyigu.
The seminar was led by TISEZA Southern Highlands Zone Manager Fidelis Obanga, who said cooperation between government institutions and traditional leaders is essential in unlocking Rukwa’s investment potential and accelerating social and economic development.
The initiative is part of broader government efforts to create a more investor-friendly environment while ensuring local communities are fully involved in decisions concerning land and development projects.
