Tanzania Wildlife Authority Eyes Sh9.2 Billion Annual Revenue from Major Tourism Investment
Dar es Salaam – The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (Tawa) is projected to earn an average of Sh9.2 billion annually following a significant private sector investment in the country’s conservation and tourism sector.
The anticipated revenue surge comes after Tawa signed five investment agreements with GBP Trading Limited, valued at over $24 million (approximately Sh63 billion). These projects are designed to enhance tourism infrastructure, boost government revenue, and strengthen wildlife conservation across several game reserves.
During the signing ceremony, Tawa Board chairman Rajabu Semfuko emphasized that the agreements aim to improve tourism services in areas managed by the authority while supporting the overall growth of Tanzania’s tourism industry. "These investments will not only improve the quality of tourism services, but will also make a significant contribution to government revenue," he stated.
The investment package includes the addition of 190 new tourist beds to address accommodation shortages in key conservation areas.
Semfuko disclosed that the agreements encompass tourism infrastructure development in Kijereshi, Mpanga–Kipengere, and Wami–Mbiki game reserves—areas identified as having high potential for eco-tourism and wildlife-based tourism.
He further revealed that the Tawa Board has instructed management to prepare a five-year Sustainable Revenue Enhancement Strategy, known as the Tawa Revenue Strategy, covering the period from 2025 to 2030.
The strategy aims to enable the authority to achieve financial self-sustainability by the 2027/28 financial year, with an ambitious annual revenue target of Sh189 billion.
The chairman explained that the strategy focuses on upgrading tourism infrastructure, developing new tourism products, and strengthening existing revenue streams to ensure institutional sustainability and effective wildlife conservation.
The five agreements represent part of Tawa’s broader revenue enhancement agenda and demonstrate the authority’s commitment to attracting private investment while maximizing tourism’s contribution to national development.
Implementation will take place in areas under Tawa’s jurisdiction, including Mpanga–Kipengere Game Reserve, Kijereshi Game Reserve, and the Wami–Mbiki Wildlife Management Area.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hassan Abbas, emphasized that conservation remains the foundation of tourism, noting that without effective conservation, the sector cannot flourish.
He urged conservation authorities to continue protecting wildlife resources and called on the private sector to increase investment in tourism-related services, highlighting vast untapped opportunities across the sector.
Abbas also encouraged stakeholders to promote Tanzania’s tourism products internationally to attract more visitors, adding that the country remains an attractive investment destination.
"If there is a right time to invest in tourism, it is now," he stated, noting that the government has continuously improved systems and investment frameworks to support investors.
He pointed to long-term arrangements, including insurance and investment contracts extending up to 20 years, as proof of the government’s commitment to creating a stable and investor-friendly environment.
