Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has entered into four strategic Smart Wildlife Investment and Conservation Agreements (SWICA) with the wholly Tanzanian-owned firm, Uhusiano International ICT Ltd.
The agreements, signed on August 12, 2025 at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, are projected to generate approximately $281.5 million (around Sh719 billion) over a 20-year span, averaging close to Sh36 billion annually.
The investment encompasses four key blocks: Burko Open Area in Monduli, Arusha, alongside Selous MHJ1, Selous MHJ2, and Selous ML1 located in Liwale, Lindi. Uhusiano International ICT Ltd will oversee the management of all four sites.
Tourism Growth and Community Benefits
Addressing attendees, the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Hazara Chana, underscored the agreements’ potential to bolster both tourist hunting and photographic tourism sectors.
She further emphasised the anticipated generation of employment opportunities, enhancement of social services, and overall socio-economic advancement of communities adjacent to the investment zones.
In addition, community-driven development initiatives are set to benefit from a dedicated fund of $1.8 million (approximately Sh4.6 billion) distributed over the duration of the contracts.
Dr Chana also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering dedication to promoting Tanzania’s tourism brand internationally through films such as Amazing Tanzania and The Royal Tour, which have significantly contributed to heightened tourist arrivals and investor confidence.
Reiterating the government’s resolve to enhance the investment climate, she stressed adherence to conservation statutes and sustainable utilisation of natural resources, while inviting further investor participation in Tanzania’s distinctive tourism offerings.
Progress and Prospects
Major General (Retired) Hamis R. Semfuko, chairman of the TAWA Board, highlighted that with these four new agreements, the authority has secured 13 out of the 14 planned SWICA contracts, achieving 92.3 per cent of its target.
This milestone has facilitated revenue collection exceeding Sh27.4 billion between January 2024 and August 2025.
Moreover, Major General Semfuko revealed that TAWA is nearing the finalisation of a deal with GBP Trading Ltd (GTL) to establish permanent tourist camps within the Kijereshi, Mpanga-Kipengere, and Wami-Mbiki reserves.
This development will add 240 beds, alleviating the current shortage of tourist accommodation.
Acting TAWA Conservation Commissioner, Mr Mlage Yusuph Kabange, drew attention to the remarkable increase in revenue since the inception of SWICA agreements in 2024, with earnings surging from Sh55 billion to Sh87.12 billion in the 2024/25 financial year—a growth of 158.2 per cent.
He further indicated that TAWA is diligently fostering an investment-friendly environment, which includes the ongoing construction of 453.2 kilometres of gravel roads in strategic locations, representing 40 per cent of the targeted 1,127 kilometres slated for completion by 2026.
Commissioner Kabange reaffirmed TAWA’s commitment to collaborating with investors to ensure the successful realisation of these agreements for the benefit of Tanzania and its citizens.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr Zahir Hassan Mulla, Chairman of Uhusiano International ICT Ltd, thanked President Hassan, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, and the TAWA Board and management for endorsing their investment proposal.
He described the agreements as a promising platform for local investors to showcase their capabilities within the tourism sector.
