The government has underscored the need for Tanzania's growing carbon trading sector to align with the country's Vision 2050, describing it as a strategic tool for driving economic transformation, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods.
Speaking during a meeting with carbon trading stakeholders in Kagera Region, Permanent Secretary in the Vice President's Office, Richard Muyungi, said the sector has the potential to become a significant contributor to the nation's long-term development agenda.
The meeting, held at the Regional Administrative Secretary's conference hall, brought together government officials, environmental experts, private sector players and representatives of institutions involved in carbon trading initiatives.
Dr. Muyungi said the government is committed to ensuring that carbon trading is effectively regulated and managed to generate meaningful economic benefits for communities while supporting national and global efforts to combat climate change.
He noted that the implementation of Vision 2050, which is expected to commence on July 1, 2026, creates an opportunity for emerging sectors such as carbon trading to play a greater role in achieving Tanzania's development aspirations.
"Tanzania is endowed with vast natural resources, particularly forests, which provide immense potential for generating carbon credits and increasing income for both citizens and the nation," he said.
According to Dr. Muyungi, the global carbon market continues to gain momentum as countries and businesses seek solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, creating new opportunities for resource-rich nations such as Tanzania.
He said the government is working to establish an enabling environment that will allow citizens to participate fully in carbon trading projects and benefit from the growing market.
"The expansion of carbon trading must go hand in hand with the objectives of Vision 2050. We want to ensure that communities benefit directly while the country advances its environmental and economic goals," he said.
Dr. Muyungi also emphasized the importance of partnerships among government institutions, the private sector and local communities in ensuring that carbon projects deliver sustainable and equitable benefits.
He further called for increased public awareness to help communities understand the value of environmental conservation and the economic opportunities available through carbon markets.
At the same time, he urged stakeholders to adhere to the laws, regulations and guidelines governing carbon trading to promote transparency, accountability and fairness across the sector.
Meanwhile, KADERES Director, Leonard Kachebonao, said the institution has intensified efforts to expand community participation in carbon trading through farmer registration programmes and environmental education campaigns.
He said KADERES has already registered approximately 180,000 smallholder farmers across Kagera Region despite being a relatively new player in the sector.
"The response from communities has been very encouraging as awareness of carbon trading opportunities continues to increase. We remain committed to ensuring that citizens actively participate in and benefit from carbon projects," Kachebonao said.
He added that the organisation is currently operating in almost all districts of Kagera Region, with preparations underway to extend activities to Bukoba Municipality.
Beyond Kagera, KADERES plans to expand its operations to other parts of the country, including Morogoro Region and Pwani Region, to increase public participation in carbon credit-generating conservation projects.
Kachebonao said the expansion would not only boost household incomes but also strengthen national efforts to protect natural resources and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Kagera meeting forms part of broader efforts by the government and stakeholders to promote carbon trading as an emerging economic opportunity capable of supporting sustainable development while contributing to global climate action.
