The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) is recording significant progress in wildlife conservation and revenue growth after attracting more investors, a development that has been credited with strengthening the authority’s financial capacity and expanding conservation activities.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, praised TAWA’s achievements during a visit to the authority’s headquarters in Morogoro, saying increased investment in wildlife areas was creating new opportunities while supporting the government’s conservation agenda.
However, she challenged the authority to intensify efforts to address human-wildlife conflicts, saying the growing interaction between communities and wildlife requires practical solutions to protect both people and natural resources.
Dr Kijaji directed TAWA management to develop short, medium and long-term strategies aimed at reducing conflicts between communities and wildlife, particularly in areas surrounding protected areas.
“We need clear strategies that will help reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife. Our priority is to ensure citizens are safe while wildlife continues to be protected,” she said.
The minister said communities living around wildlife areas must be involved in conservation efforts, describing them as important partners in protecting Tanzania’s natural heritage.
She also called for stronger measures to prevent illegal activities inside protected areas, including encroachment for farming and other activities that threaten conservation efforts.
Dr Kijaji commended TAWA for prudent management of government resources, implementation of development projects and the adoption of technology to improve wildlife protection and management.
TAWA Board Chairman, retired Major General Hamis R. Semfuko, said improved conservation measures had contributed to an increase in wildlife populations in areas managed by the authority.
He said the 2025 wildlife census showed that the number of Puku antelopes had increased from 1,950 in 2021 to 3,185 in 2025, equivalent to a 63 percent rise.
He added that the authority had successfully resolved land-use challenges in Kilombero Game Reserve, allowing 1,107 households from Ngombo Village in Malinyi District to move from the reserve area.
TAWA has also strengthened its investment programme after signing three major investment agreements, bringing the total number of investment sites to 16. According to the board, these investments now contribute 46 percent of the authority’s revenue.
The growth of tourism activities has also continued, with photographic tourism visitors increasing to 267,575 during the period under review, compared with 240,967 visitors recorded in the 2024/25 financial year.
Beyond conservation and tourism, TAWA has expanded measures to protect communities from dangerous wildlife incidents.
The authority has completed the construction of 14 water reservoirs, 31 protective cages and 14 ranger stations to improve response capacity.
The authority has also shared the benefits of conservation with local communities through the distribution of Sh9.7 billion in dividends to 16 Wildlife Management Areas, 161 villages and 41 district councils.
Thousands of citizens continue to benefit from economic activities such as fishing and beekeeping within areas managed under conservation programmes.
TAWA’s workforce has also expanded after recruiting 661 employees, while revenue collection reached Sh92.28 billion by June 2026, up from Sh87.32 billion collected in the previous year.
The latest developments underline the government’s focus on ensuring wildlife conservation delivers direct benefits to citizens while maintaining Tanzania’s position as a leading destination for wildlife tourism and investment.
