The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has urged wildlife investors to position themselves for business opportunities expected to emerge from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including by expanding accommodation and tourism services in strategic areas.
The call was made in Dodoma on August 12, 2026, when TAWA held talks with members of the SWICA Operators Association of Tanzania (SOAT) to assess progress in implementing investment agreements and discuss ways of improving returns for the Government, investors and communities.
The meeting was chaired by TAWA Acting Conservation Commissioner Mlage Yussuf Kabange, who said stronger collaboration between the authority and investors was essential to creating a more predictable investment environment while safeguarding wildlife and community interests.
Mr Kabange identified Makuyuni Wildlife Park in Arusha, Pande in Dar es Salaam and Wami-Mbiki, which straddles Pwani and Morogoro regions, as areas with potential for new tourism investments.
He said investors could explore opportunities in tented lodges, tourist camps and other accommodation facilities to help meet expected demand from visitors during AFCON 2027.
The tournament, which will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, is expected to bring increased international visitors, presenting an opportunity for Tanzania to expand tourism-related businesses beyond traditional destinations.
“The opportunities are there, and investors need to position themselves early to benefit from the increased flow of visitors,” Mr Kabange said.
He also highlighted the contribution made by investors to communities surrounding their areas of operation, including support for classrooms, dispensaries, desks, youth sports and other social projects.
However, he said investment in wildlife areas should continue to support both conservation and the welfare of communities living around protected areas.
The engagement also focused on challenges facing investors in implementing SWICA agreements, with TAWA pledging to strengthen communication channels with individual companies to ensure emerging issues are addressed promptly.
Mr Kabange said better communication between TAWA and investors would help reduce delays, improve coordination and create a more conducive environment for sustainable investment.
The meeting was the first formal engagement between TAWA and SOAT since the association was established on March 28, 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of Mwiba Holdings Ltd, Jean-Claude McMenamin, which has invested in the SWICA area within the Maswa Game Reserve, called for improvements in the system used to calculate and pay royalties and related charges.
Contributing to discussions during the meeting, Mr McMenamin said royalties and other related fees were currently calculated based on estimated revenues rather than the actual income generated.
“Royalty payments and other related charges are calculated based on estimated revenues instead of the actual revenues generated.”
He urged the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to consider calculating royalties and related charges based on actual revenues realised, rather than projected earnings.
Mr McMenamin, however, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation extended by TAWA and the Government generally to investors operating in SWICA areas.
He said the tourism sector had the potential to continue generating significant economic benefits while contributing to the provision of social services and improving livelihoods in communities surrounding investment areas.
His comments added to calls from stakeholders for continued dialogue between the Government, investors and other players in the tourism and wildlife sectors to address regulatory and operational challenges while ensuring that the country derives maximum benefits from its natural resources.
