By The Respondents Reporter
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reappointed Yahya Ibrahim Mgawe as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (Tafiri), giving him a second three-year term.
Mr Mgawe’s new term began on July 29, 2026, according to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries yesterday.
The move also brings continuity to Tafiri’s board, with Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa reappointing seven members for another three-year term effective August 28.
The appointments were made under Section 8(3) of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute Act, Chapter 280.
The seven reappointed members are Winfried Venant Haule, Secretary-General of the Tanzania Tuna Fisheries National Alliance (TTFNA); Dr Margareth Serapio Kiyawalyanga, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM); Prof Ezekiel Edward Mwakalukwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA); and Dr Julius Francis Woiso, Deputy Vice Chancellor at UDSM.
Others are Dr Nazael Amos Madalla, Director of Fisheries Development in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries; Prof Marcelina Mvula Chijoriga, Dean of the College of Business Education at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School (MJNLS); and Dr Judika Loti King’ori, a lecturer in the Department of Planning and Finance at UDSM.
The renewal comes as Tanzania continues to place greater emphasis on research and scientific data in managing its fisheries resources, supporting sustainable fishing and strengthening the contribution of the sector to the economy.
Tafiri is responsible for conducting and coordinating fisheries research, providing scientific information for fisheries management and supporting efforts to ensure the country’s aquatic resources are used sustainably.
The reconstituted board will therefore be expected to provide strategic oversight as the institute advances its research and supports evidence-based decisions in the fisheries sector.