Tanzania to Earn $968,000 Annually from Hunting Concessions

 

The United Republic of Tanzania is set to generate a total of $968,000 (TSh 2.5 billion) annually as hunting concession fees, excluding other tourism-related revenues.

This was announced on February 21, 2025, by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, during a certificate handover ceremony for five new hunting concession investors in Dar es Salaam.

"I am pleased to hand over these certificates to investors, including K&F Wild Expedition Ltd (Kilwa Open Area Nakiu), Michel Mantheakis Safaris Ltd (Muhesi GR), Out of Africa Ltd (Lwafi Nkamba), Royal Conservation Ltd (Pololeti GR), and Neon Investment Ltd (Selous MT2) under the Special Wildlife Investment Concession Areas (SWICA)," said Dr. Chana.

She emphasized that the issuance of these certificates aligns with the ruling party’s policy, recognizing the importance of the hunting industry to the national economy. She also highlighted that tourism hunting directly benefits communities through employment and development.

Dr. Chana invited more investors, particularly from China and other countries, to invest in Tanzania’s tourism sector. She also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts in promoting Tanzania globally through films such as Amazing Tanzania and Tanzania: The Royal Tour.

"I assure all stakeholders in the hunting industry that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains committed to maintaining an enabling business environment while ensuring conservation and community welfare," she added.

Retired Major General Hamis Semfuko, Chairman of the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) Board, stated that TAWA has implemented strategic marketing approaches to attract investors globally. These efforts include the introduction of an electronic auction system for hunting blocks, which has, for the first time, secured investors from China.

"TAWA is strategically positioning itself to tap into both international and domestic tourism markets while exploring new opportunities in China, Russia, India, and Brazil," said Major General Semfuko.

Acting Conservation Commissioner of TAWA, Mlage Kabange, outlined the authority’s ongoing efforts to improve investment and tourism infrastructure.

"We have constructed 453.2 km of gravel roads in strategic areas, achieving 40% of our target of 1,127 km by 2026. Additionally, we have developed 33 tourism facilities, including tourist bandas, campsites, and picnic areas, surpassing our initial target by 117%. TAWA has also completed 23% of the planned 22 revenue collection stations set for completion by 2026. These developments aim to enhance accessibility to our attractions and boost tourism revenue," said Kabange.

The ceremony was attended by the Director of Wildlife at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Alexander Lobora; Chairman of the Hunting Block Allocation Committee and TAWA Board Member, Prof. Japhary Kideghesho; other TAWA Board Members; representatives from the Government Negotiation Team; TAHOA Secretary Suleiman Masato; and other stakeholders in the tourism sector.