Tanzania is stepping up efforts to position itself in global carbon markets, with officials urging stronger media engagement and public awareness to help communities, businesses and investors benefit from emerging climate finance opportunities.
The call was made during a media training session on carbon trading organized by the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), a government institution mandated to coordinate carbon market activities in Tanzania.
Speaking at the event, NCMC Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), Ms. Catherine Kigaraba said Tanzania was continuing to strengthen systems governing carbon trading to ensure the country participates effectively in international carbon markets while safeguarding national interests.
“Our board and the National Carbon Monitoring Centre continue coordinating carbon trade to ensure Tanzania contributes to and benefits from international carbon markets,” Catherine said, while urging journalists to play a greater role in public education on climate-related investment opportunities.
Ms. Kigaraba described carbon trading as both an environmental and economic opportunity, capable of generating income for communities while supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen climate resilience.
Ndeo Shirima, Acting Assistant Director for Measurement, Verification, Registration and Greenhouse Gas Assessment at NCMC, said carbon projects in Tanzania were no longer limited to forestry, but also covered waste management, energy, industrial activities, and other sectors capable of reducing emissions.
“This business creates incentives for activities that reduce, prevent, or remove greenhouse gas emissions,” Shirima said. “Any individual, company, or community can participate provided they follow the required procedures and certification systems established by the government.”
According to Shirima, Tanzania currently has about 99 companies at various stages of carbon project registration through NCMC, while eight projects have already moved into implementation.
He cited the Tanganyika District in Katavi as one example where communities reportedly earned around Tshs. 14 billion in 2024 from forest conservation initiatives linked to carbon trading schemes.
Shirima explained that Tanzania participates in both compliance and voluntary carbon markets, where buyers range from governments seeking to offset emissions to private individuals and companies pursuing climate commitments.
The NCMC, which recently relocated its headquarters from Morogoro to Dodoma after becoming an independent government institution, said continued collaboration with the media would be essential in expanding awareness of carbon finance opportunities nationwide.
Officials added that the government has established regulatory procedures and registration frameworks intended to align Tanzania’s carbon market with international standards while attracting investment into climate mitigation projects.
