Tanzania Calls for Investment in High-Quality Tree Seeds to Build Resilient Forests

Dar es Salaam – Tanzania has renewed its call for increased investment in high-quality tree seeds, underscoring their importance in building resilient forests and meeting Africa’s rising demand for land restoration and industrial timber.

During the 25th African Forestry and Wildlife Commission meeting on December 3, 2025, in Banjul, Gambia, the Commissioner for Conservation at the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), Prof Dos Santos Silayo, held discussions with leading tree genetics expert and co-founder of a major seed initiative, Dr Anders Pedersen.

Their talks highlighted tree seed science as central to shaping forests capable of withstanding climate change while supporting commercial forestry and industrial growth. Prof Silayo traced the development of Tanzania’s seed sector, noting that the Tanzania Tree Seed Agency, established in the 1990s, has been further strengthened through TFS’s Tree Seed Production Unit.

"High-quality seeds are the foundation of resilient forests," Prof Silayo said, urging investors and restoration partners to prioritize certified seed sources from Tanzania’s accredited facilities.

Experts indicate that Africa has a strong opportunity to lead global forest regeneration if it continues investing in research, innovation and improved seed technologies.

The initiative aims to address the growing continental demand for sustainable forestry solutions while promoting climate resilience and supporting industrial timber production across the region.