The Government has said it is strengthening efforts to position Tanzania as a regional hub for disaster research and early warning systems across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East Africa, in a move aimed at improving preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters.
The statement was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dr. Jim Yonazi, during a five-day exchange visit between Tanzania and Mozambique in Maputo, which runs from May 25 to 29, 2026.
The visit brings together officials from both countries to share experiences on disaster risk reduction, with a focus on early warning systems, modern technology, research, and timely information sharing to reduce the impact of disasters.
Dr. Yonazi said Tanzania has made significant progress in strengthening its disaster management systems through investment in research, digital technologies, and innovation, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern tools to improve early warning capabilities.
He said these developments are part of a wider government strategy to ensure that disaster-related information is generated and shared in real time to support timely decision-making and response before disasters occur.
“We have discussed ways to deepen cooperation between Tanzania and Mozambique. Our vision is to make Tanzania a centre of excellence for disaster research and management in the SADC and East African region,” Dr. Yonazi said.
He noted that the government has continued to strengthen national systems for disaster preparedness, including improving data collection, analysis, and coordination mechanisms to support faster response during emergencies.
Dr. Yonazi also said Tanzania is working closely with universities and research institutions to enhance scientific studies and develop innovative solutions that strengthen national and regional capacity in disaster risk management.
He said collaboration with academic and research institutions remains a key pillar in building sustainable systems that are based on science, technology, and innovation rather than reactive responses after disasters have already occurred.
According to him, Tanzania is also keen to attract other countries in East Africa and the SADC region to learn from its growing experience and to cooperate in research, technology development, and disaster preparedness strategies.
“This initiative is part of our broader commitment to protect lives and property, while also sharing knowledge and strengthening cooperation with other countries in the region,” he said.
Dr. Yonazi emphasized that the main focus of the discussions in Mozambique is to strengthen early warning systems and promote a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness and prevention.
He said early warning systems are critical in reducing the impact of disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones, which continue to affect communities across the region.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in data sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building to improve resilience against climate-related disasters.
Officials from both Tanzania and Mozambique expressed optimism that continued collaboration will help strengthen regional systems, improve emergency response, and reduce losses caused by disasters.
The visit is expected to further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries while contributing to broader regional efforts to build stronger, technology-driven disaster risk management systems across Africa.
