Tanzania has been recognised as one of the leading countries in Southern Africa in disaster risk management, with fellow member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) looking to draw lessons from its experience in strengthening preparedness and response systems.
The recognition was highlighted during the Sixth Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management currently taking place in Masvingo.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Kaspar Mmuya, who represented the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Balamagamba Kabudi, said Tanzania has made significant progress in building resilient disaster management systems through sustained investment and institutional reforms.
He said the country has strengthened mechanisms for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and post-disaster recovery, positioning Tanzania among the region’s best-performing nations in disaster coordination and response.
Among the key achievements, Mmuya cited the establishment of the National Emergency Operation and Communication Center Situation Room, a modern facility operating around the clock to monitor, analyse and coordinate information related to disasters and emergencies.
“Through this centre, the Government has enhanced its ability to receive early warning information, assess risks promptly and implement timely response strategies to minimise the impact of disasters,” he said.
He noted that the integration of modern technologies in real-time data collection and analysis has improved decision-making and enabled authorities to communicate official alerts and preparedness information to citizens more efficiently.
According to Mmuya, the use of both current and historical data has also strengthened the country’s capacity to forecast risks and plan effective recovery interventions aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
He further invited delegates from SADC member states to visit Tanzania and witness firsthand the innovations and systems being applied in the country’s disaster management framework.
The four-day meeting has brought together representatives from 16 SADC member states, technical experts and international organisations to deliberate on regional disaster management programmes and strategies for enhancing cooperation in addressing emerging risks.
The forum is also expected to provide a platform for ministers and development partners to discuss investment opportunities in disaster management systems as the region seeks to build resilience against the growing threat of natural and human-induced disasters.
