Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), has signed five investment agreements in the conservation and tourism sector valued at a total of $24 million, with GBP Trading Ltd.
The signing ceremony was held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on January 16, 2026.
The agreements cover tourism service investments in areas managed by TAWA, including the Mpanga–Kipengere Game Reserve (two contracts), the Kijereshi Game Reserve (two contracts), and the Wami–Mbiki Wildlife Management Area (one contract).
The investments are intended to improve tourism infrastructure, increase revenue and strengthen the conservation of natural resources in the respective areas.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Hassan Abbasi, commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to promote Tanzania internationally through the Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania films.
He said the initiatives had significantly increased tourist arrivals and attracted both local and foreign investors.
“Our country has gained great international recognition following the Royal Tour by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which has led to a sharp rise in tourist arrivals, from 1.5 million to 2.2 million international tourists, while domestic tourists have reached 3.2 million. Statistics as of November 2025 show that tourist numbers have increased by nine percent,” said Dr Abbasi.
He stressed that the tourism sector in Tanzania remains stable and attractive, noting that this is the right time for investors to commit their capital.
Dr Abbasi said the government has put in place investor-friendly systems and sound policies that continue to draw investment, while the ministry remains committed to overseeing their effective implementation to ensure tangible national benefits.
For his part, the Chairperson of the TAWA Board of Directors, retired Major General Hamis Rajab Semfuko, said the agreements demonstrate the authority’s commitment to implementing robust strategies aimed at increasing revenue.
He noted that the investments will add 190 tourist accommodation beds and generate an average of Sh9.2 billion annually.
He also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in her capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief, for her sustained efforts to attract investors to the tourism sector, saying these initiatives have continued to deliver significant gains to the national economy.
Mr Semfuko further revealed that TAWA has prepared a five-year Revenue Enhancement Strategy (2025–2030), aimed at enabling the authority to achieve financial self-reliance by the 2027/28 financial year.
Under the strategy, TAWA targets annual revenue of Sh189 billion through improved tourism infrastructure, the introduction of new tourism products and the strengthening of existing revenue sources.
Meanwhile, the Acting TAWA Conservation Commissioner, Mr Mlage Yussuf Kabange, said beyond the revenues accruing to the government, the agreements include provisions that will directly benefit communities surrounding the protected areas.
These include the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities, funds for community development projects and the stimulation of local economic activities.
Mr Kabange pledged that TAWA would continue to provide full cooperation to investors to ensure the success of the projects.
He also called upon the private sector and other stakeholders to seize the wide range of investment opportunities available within areas managed by TAWA, for the benefit of sustainable conservation and national development.
