Tanzania is accelerating efforts to position carbon trading as a major future source of national income, with the government allocating Tshs 5 billion to strengthen the country’s carbon management centre as part of wider environmental and climate reforms linked to the 2050 National Development Vision.
Speaking during preparations for World Environment Day 2026, Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Dr. Richard Muyungi, said Tanzania has significantly expanded the institutional capacity of its carbon centre, which has now been granted permanent offices in Mtumba and will operate as an independent entity.
The centre, which was previously managed under Sokoine University of Agriculture, now has its own board of directors, expanded staffing, and new operational systems aimed at supporting the country’s growing carbon market ambitions.
“We have committed ourselves to the 2050 Vision that carbon trading will become one of the major sources of revenue for the country,” Muyungi said, adding that the government plans additional short, medium, and long-term investments to transform the centre into a major regional institution for Africa.
Muyungi also announced that Tanzania had secured two major continental and international climate-related institutions following competitive bids against Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Dakar.
He said Tanzania will officially launch a new United Nations regional office focused on disaster response and climate change-related loss and damage support, marking the first such UN office to be established in the country.
In addition, the African Union has selected Tanzania to host the Africa Youth Climate Change Training Center, which will focus on building the capacity of young Africans in climate governance and environmental management.
“This is the first time Tanzania will host such an African Union centre, and it reflects growing international confidence in the country’s environmental leadership,” Muyungi said.
On environmental conservation, the Permanent Secretary said authorities in Dodoma had agreed to prohibit mining activities in all mountainous areas around the capital, turning them into protected conservation zones as part of efforts to transform the city into a national model for urban greening.
He also praised the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), which is marking its 40th anniversary this year, for its contribution to environmental education, project management, enforcement and helping Tanzania secure international environmental financing and partnerships.
Muyungi emphasized the importance of collaboration with the media in raising public awareness on climate change, environmental conservation and ongoing reforms, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations against banned plastic materials and strengthening environmental governance nationwide.
