The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Tanzanians remain the primary beneficiaries of opportunities in the fisheries sector, including fish farming through cage aquaculture, by strengthening the enforcement of laws that protect local participation and investment.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, told Parliament on Wednesday that existing legislation continues to provide safeguards aimed at promoting Tanzanian involvement in fisheries-related projects while limiting certain activities to local citizens.
Responding to a question from Special Seats MP Dr Regina Christopher Malima in Dodoma, Dr Bashiru said the government is implementing provisions contained in the Fisheries Act (Cap. 279) and the Deep Sea Fisheries Management and Development Act (Cap. 388) to ensure that Tanzanians benefit from the country’s fisheries resources.
He said the laws prohibit foreigners from undertaking specific fishing activities in inland waters and from engaging in the trade of selected fisheries products, thereby reserving those opportunities for Tanzanians.
“The objective is to ensure that citizens participate fully in the development of the fisheries industry and derive direct economic benefits from the sector,” he said.
The minister noted that the government has also introduced measures to enhance the competitiveness of local investors by reducing the cost of licences and various regulatory fees associated with fishing and cage fish farming activities.
According to Dr Bashiru, the incentives are intended to lower barriers to entry and encourage greater participation by Tanzanians in commercial fisheries and aquaculture ventures.
He further assured lawmakers that the government will continue reviewing and refining the legal framework governing the sector whenever necessary to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
“The government will continue making improvements to the laws to ensure that Tanzanians’ interests are protected and that more opportunities are created for them to participate in fisheries investments,” he said.
The fisheries sector plays a critical role in Tanzania’s economy, supporting livelihoods, food security and export earnings.
Recent policy interventions are part of broader efforts to increase local ownership and value addition while ensuring that the benefits generated from the country’s aquatic resources are shared more widely among Tanzanians.
