By The Respondent Reporter, Mto wa Mbu
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has outlined its main priorities for the 2025/2026 budget, focusing on improving park security, upgrading infrastructure, embracing technology, and introducing new tourism products.
These plans were discussed during a management meeting held on April 4, 2025, at the Manyara National Park Conference Hall. The meeting aimed to finalize preparations for the new budget, which will guide TANAPA’s activities in the coming financial year.
Commissioner of Conservation, Juma Nassoro Kuji, said the proposed budget is designed to address current challenges while boosting performance and helping the agency meet both organizational and national goals.
“In the 2025/2026 financial year, we will strengthen park security operations, continue improving tourism infrastructure, and ensure the availability of essential tools like patrol vehicles—both new and refurbished,” said Commissioner Kuji.
He added that the budget will also support the development of new tourism products to increase revenue, involve communities in conservation efforts, solve human-wildlife conflicts, expand the use of technology, and improve staff welfare.
Committee members presented a report on the ongoing implementation of the 2024/2025 budget, noting success in encouraging domestic tourism and attracting more Tanzanians to visit national parks and cultural heritage sites under TANAPA's care.
Looking ahead, the committee also highlighted the need to continue improving park infrastructure such as road repairs, construction of entry gates, and building hostels for student visitors.
Other focus areas include controlling invasive plant species, managing dangerous and destructive wildlife, educating communities on conservation, and carrying out various development projects.
Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner Sekela Mwangota, who serves as Secretary of the Budget Committee, explained how the budget was developed.
“The proposed 2025/2026 budget takes into account the 2020 CCM Election Manifesto, the Government’s Planning and Budget Guidelines, TANAPA’s Strategic Plan, national laws and regulations, and government directives aimed at improving the wellbeing of Tanzanians,” she said.
The final budget proposal will be submitted to different decision-making levels for review and approval before it officially begins on July 1, 2025.
TANAPA continues to focus on its core mission of protecting and managing national parks to ensure long-term benefits for both current and future generations.