Tanzania is strengthening its disaster management systems through improved early warning mechanisms, institutional coordination and financing strategies aimed at reducing the impact of disasters and building community resilience.
The measures were outlined by Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Kapsar Mmuya, who represented the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, at an international conference held in Maputo, Mozambique, from October 13 to 15, 2026.
According to a statement issued on October 15, 2026, by the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Tanzania continues to face disaster risks associated with climate change, natural hazards and human activities.
The statement cited floods, droughts, landslides, disease outbreaks, fires, accidents and cyclones among the disasters affecting Tanzania and other member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Mr Mmuya said the disasters pose significant challenges to human life, infrastructure, social services and the national economy, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response mechanisms.
“The Government continues to strengthen the national disaster management system in line with the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063 and other regional and international strategies,” he said.
He added that Tanzania was implementing strategic initiatives to address climate change and its associated risks, including the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034.
The strategy, championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to ensure that 80 per cent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.
On inclusive disaster management, Mr Mmuya said the country had incorporated the needs of women, young people, older persons, displaced populations and persons with disabilities into disaster management policies and legislation.
The approach seeks to ensure that vulnerable groups are considered in land-use planning, infrastructure development and programmes designed to strengthen communities’ capacity to withstand and recover from disasters.
On financing, Mr Mmuya said Tanzania supported a gradual increase in domestic funding for disaster risk reduction and preparedness, alongside measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of resources.
He said the Government was also improving meteorological services and communication systems to ensure communities receive timely information about potential hazards.
“Tanzania continues to strengthen weather services and communication systems from the national level to communities, while shifting from issuing warnings alone to taking early action before disasters cause harm,” he said.
On El Niño preparedness, Mr Mmuya said Tanzania had launched the National El Niño Emergency and Early Action Plan for 2026/2027 as part of efforts to improve preparedness and mitigate potential climate-related impacts.
The plan is intended to strengthen the country’s readiness to respond to possible emergencies associated with changing weather conditions.
The international conference brought together African leaders, policymakers and representatives of regional organisations to discuss strategies for reducing disaster risks and strengthening the continent’s resilience to drought and other hazards.
Participants also discussed strategic interventions to improve disaster preparedness and response, with emphasis on strengthening Africa’s capacity to manage disaster risks and reduce their social and economic consequences.