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The construction of a new headquarters for the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) in Arusha is expected to strengthen wildlife research and improve conservation efforts as Tanzania seeks to ensure the sustainable development of its tourism sector.
The three-storey building is part of the Government’s efforts to improve infrastructure supporting wildlife research, conservation and the management of the country’s natural resources.
The Government has so far released TZS 2.5 billion for the project, which is expected to cost TZS 8.9 billion upon completion.
TAWIRI Director General Dr Eblate Mjingo said the new facility would provide a better working environment for researchers and other staff while improving the institution’s capacity to generate scientific information for wildlife management.
He said the building will house offices, wildlife laboratories and conference facilities.
“The infrastructure will provide a better working environment for researchers and staff to continue producing scientific information that supports wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism,” Dr Mjingo said.
Construction started on January 5, 2026, and is scheduled for completion on January 5, 2028.
The project comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to strengthen the contribution of wildlife and tourism to the national economy. The country is home to some of Africa’s most prominent wildlife destinations, making scientific research an important component of conservation and tourism planning.
Dr Mjingo said strengthening TAWIRI’s infrastructure would enable the institution to effectively carry out its mandate of conducting, coordinating and overseeing wildlife research in Tanzania.
Research generated by TAWIRI is important in providing evidence to guide decisions on wildlife populations, habitats, conservation measures and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
The project is also expected to support the implementation of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which places science and technology among the key drivers of economic and social development.
The Government’s investment in TAWIRI infrastructure therefore goes beyond providing office space, as it is aimed at creating an institutional environment capable of supporting research and evidence-based conservation.
For a country whose tourism industry depends heavily on its wildlife and natural attractions, stronger research capacity could help improve conservation outcomes while supporting the sector’s long-term sustainability.
TAWIRI remains a key institution in Tanzania’s wildlife sector, with its research expected to continue informing conservation strategies and efforts to ensure that the country’s wildlife resources benefit both current and future generations.