The government has called for faster implementation and a broader scope of the Tanzania Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Project (TASFAM), as it seeks to unlock the economic potential of the fisheries sector through deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, research and training.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa said the sector could contribute more to the economy and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities if investment was directed towards these critical areas.
He made the remarks in Dodoma on November 5, 2026, during a meeting with officials implementing TASFAM from departments and institutions under his ministry.
Dr Kakurwa identified deep-sea fishing and aquaculture development as important opportunities for expanding the sector, adding that research and professional training were equally necessary to build the technical capacity required for sustainable growth.
He stressed the need to strengthen laboratory facilities to ensure fisheries products were tested against appropriate quality and safety standards.
The minister also called on implementing institutions to resolve operational challenges promptly, warning that delays could affect the delivery of planned activities and undermine the project's intended outcomes.
The emphasis on research, training and laboratory capacity highlights the importance of building a fisheries industry that can produce quality products, meet market requirements and generate greater economic benefits.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries responsible for Fisheries, Prof Mohammed Sheikh, said he would ensure the project delivered its intended results, particularly in improving the welfare of fishing communities and strengthening the sector.
TASFAM Mainland Tanzania Coordinator Dr Nichrous Mlalila said several implementation measures had been agreed upon following discussions between project officials and World Bank experts who visited the country in October.
He said the discussions had helped identify areas requiring attention and establish measures expected to improve implementation and support the achievement of the project's objectives.
TASFAM is being implemented by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries through its fisheries departments and institutions, including the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA), Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU), Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO) and National Fish Quality Control Laboratory (NFQCLAB).
The five-year project, running from 2025 to 2030, has a total financing package of $117 million from the World Bank. This comprises a $112 million loan from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $5 million grant from the PROBLUE Trust Fund.
Implementation started in the 2025/26 financial year, with $65 million allocated to the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Mainland Tanzania, $41 million to the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries in Zanzibar and $11 million to the Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA).
The scale of the financing reflects the government's ambition to strengthen fisheries management and aquaculture development across the country.
However, the project's broader contribution will depend on how effectively the planned investments translate into improved production, stronger quality-control systems, better skills and tangible economic opportunities for fishing communities.