Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has assured the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) that the government will elevate the institution to a fully-fledged authority, a move aimed at strengthening environmental governance as Tanzania pursues its Vision 2050 development agenda.
Speaking during a visit to NEMC headquarters in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Nchimbi said the transition reflects the government's commitment to building stronger institutions capable of safeguarding the environment while supporting economic growth.
"NEMC's transition into an authority is no longer a matter of debate. It is a government commitment aimed at strengthening environmental governance while supporting Tanzania's development agenda," Nchimbi said.
Using the phrase "Imeisha" (It is done), he signalled that the government's decision to grant NEMC authority status was firm.
The Vice President said environmental management should facilitate responsible investment rather than create unnecessary barriers to development.
"We cannot allow environmental assessments to become a tool for corruption. Investors should receive timely, professional and transparent services, while the environment remains fully protected," he said.
Nchimbi, who revealed he worked as a NEMC officer for five years early in his career, said the institution occupies a strategic position as Tanzania accelerates investment in infrastructure, mining, energy and industrialisation.
"As we pursue industrialisation and a trillion-dollar economy, environmental protection must remain at the centre of our development," he said.
He also encouraged the council to support the government's clean energy agenda championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and expand recycling initiatives that transform waste into jobs and economic opportunities.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, Richard Muyungi, said strengthening NEMC would be critical as Tanzania implements Vision 2050, which targets a $1 trillion economy, an annual per capita income of about $7,000, and improved quality of life.
"Vision 2050 sets ambitious economic targets but achieving them requires strong environmental institutions capable of balancing growth with sustainability," Muyungi said.
He urged environmental regulators to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones and digital monitoring systems, to improve environmental compliance and enforcement.
"We must embrace modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and digital monitoring systems to improve environmental compliance and enforcement," he said.
Muyungi added that transforming NEMC into an authority would strengthen environmental audits, regulatory enforcement and public awareness.
"Elevating NEMC into an authority will enhance its capacity to conduct environmental audits, strengthen enforcement and improve public awareness across the country," he said.
Earlier, NEMC Director General Immaculata Semesi unveiled the institution's Strategic Plan for 2026/27–2030/31, which prioritises digital transformation, stronger law enforcement, climate resilience and promotion of the green economy.
"Our new Strategic Plan for 2026/27 to 2030/31 positions NEMC to respond to emerging environmental challenges through digital innovation, stronger law enforcement and climate resilience," Semesi said.
She said the council, established under the Environmental Management Act, remains the government's principal institution for coordinating, supervising and advising on environmental management.
"We are committed to building an institution that delivers efficient environmental services while supporting Tanzania's transition to a green and inclusive economy," she said.
"Our mandate is to ensure that development and environmental protection move forward together through effective regulation, coordination and public engagement."
Chairperson of the NEMC Board of Directors Engineer Mwanasha Tumbo said the board was focused on strengthening governance while positioning the institution for greater financial sustainability.
"The Board is committed to strengthening governance, accountability and professional integrity so that NEMC continues to serve the nation effectively," Tumbo said.
She said the institution aims to reduce dependence on government and donor funding by improving operational efficiency and expanding internally generated revenue.
"Our long-term goal is to build a financially sustainable institution with greater operational independence, reducing reliance on government and development partners," she said.
Tumbo also highlighted NEMC's cooperation with the Zanzibar Environmental Management Authority through a memorandum of understanding covering environmental issues that affect both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, including major infrastructure and energy projects.
"Environmental challenges do not stop at administrative boundaries, which is why our collaboration with Zanzibar is important in addressing shared environmental issues and supporting sustainable national development," she said.
The planned elevation of NEMC into an authority is expected to strengthen Tanzania's environmental regulatory framework at a time when the country is expanding investment in infrastructure, mining, energy and manufacturing while seeking to build climate resilience and advance a green economy under Vision 2050.
