The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, has praised the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for being a driving force behind the remarkable growth in the natural resources and tourism sector a transformation that has energized the Ministry's workforce across the country.
Speaking in Dodoma on April 17, 2025, during the official opening of the 33rd Workers’ Council Meeting of the Ministry,Chana highlighted the sector's unprecedented achievements under President Samia’s leadership.
“Under her visionary leadership, our Ministry has significantly increased revenue, reaching USD 3.9 billion, while tourist arrivals have soared to 5.3 million surpassing the national target of 5 million tourists by 2025,” she said.
She further noted that the sector now contributes 21 percent to the national GDP and 30.9 percent of the country's foreign exchange earnings 25 percent from tourism and 5.9 percent from forestry and beekeeping making it the leading foreign exchange earner in Tanzania.
“Tanzania has proudly won seven international tourism awards, including World’s Leading Safari Destination, Africa’s Leading Destination 2024, and Africa’s Leading Tourism Attraction 2024,” Chana added.
Despite these milestones, she urged Ministry staff to continue expanding and diversifying tourism offerings to further boost revenue from USD 2.6 billion in 2020 to the projected USD 6 billion by 2025.
“To meet this goal, we must strengthen game hunting tourism, develop beach and conference tourism, and enhance revenue collection systems,” she emphasized.
Chana also called on staff and stakeholders to continue reinforcing the protection, management, and conservation of Tanzania’s natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
“We must keep building capacity in wildlife, forest, and beekeeping management; fight poaching and illegal harvesting; encourage the establishment of ranches and game reserves; and create a conducive environment to attract both local and foreign investment,” she urged.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Natural Resources), CP Benedict Wakulyamba, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to staff welfare, professional development, and active participation in national initiatives.
“We will continue prioritizing human resource development through training and improved staff involvement in national programs,” said CP Wakulyamba.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism), Mr. Nkoba Mabula; Workers’ Council Chairperson and Secretary; leaders from TUGHE (national and regional levels); the TUGHE branch chairperson for the Ministry; heads of departments and units; and representatives from institutions under the Ministry.