By The Respondent Reporter
Over the past four years, Tanzania’s Ministry of Defense and National Service has undergone a strategic transformation marked by a strengthened national security apparatus, revitalized military industries, innovative research initiatives, and an expanded regional and global defense presence.
Under the stewardship of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the ministry has entrenched itself not just as a guardian of peace, but as a builder of resilience and diplomacy.
At the heart of these developments lies a dual strategy: enhancing defense capabilities at home while building robust partnerships abroad.
Defense Minister Dr Stergomena Tax, speaking to journalists in Dodoma, attributed this progress to President Samia’s unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and security.
“We all witness the prevailing peace and stability in the country. These do not come by accident,” she said, underscoring the coordinated efforts that underpin national cohesion.
Strategic Diplomacy and Regional Influence
The transformation is most visible in Tanzania’s expanding defense diplomacy.
Over the past four years, the ministry has deepened engagements with regional blocs and global organisations such as the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The alliances have enabled extensive joint training exercises, capacity-building missions, and technical support.
Tanzania’s active involvement in SADC peacekeeping missions such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and Mozambique under the SAMIM initiative reflects a proactive posture in maintaining regional stability.
Notably, these missions have concluded successfully, with SAMIDRC wrapping up in March 2025 and SAMIM in July 2024.
Through this engagement, Tanzania has not only enhanced its defense credibility but has also reaffirmed its diplomatic strength. Dr Tax remarked,
“Thanks to solid diplomatic ties, even external actors who tried to interfere with our peace were disowned by their own governments.”
This signals the power of soft diplomacy in reinforcing hard security.
Innovation and Industrial Self-Reliance
Beyond diplomacy and combat readiness, innovation has emerged as a key pillar of the defense sector.
In collaboration with institutions such as the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), and Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO), the ministry has developed technological solutions with both military and civilian applications.
Chief among these innovations is the elephant-repellent bomb, designed to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, a persistent issue in rural Tanzania.
Additionally, the development of light armoured vehicle prototypes marks a step toward industrial self-reliance, reducing the state’s dependence on foreign imports and opening new possibilities for domestic manufacturing.
The revitalisation of military-owned public institutions like the Tanzania Automotive Technology Centre (TATC – Nyumbu) and MZINGA Corporation has also been crucial.
These entities have received new infrastructure and workshop expansions, allowing them to produce essential military and agricultural tools more efficiently.
Capacity Building and Human Development
National defense is also about people and the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) has prioritized capacity building through training and recruitment.
Between 2021 and 2025, 143,863 young Tanzanians underwent mandatory National Service training (JKT), comprising 100,625 males and 43,238 females.
Additionally, 46,196 voluntary trainees, including 14,354 women, were trained and integrated into the Reserve Force.
In an inclusive effort to bolster security across all regions, 55,790 auxiliary personnel were trained in local security matters, an approach that has reinforced the community-level readiness and promoted national unity.
Furthermore, the military’s involvement in agriculture through the JKT’s Agricultural Strategy (2019/2020–2024/2025) has yielded economic benefits, reducing food costs for trainees while contributing to national food security.
This effort reflects an integrated development philosophy where defense forces play a vital role in supporting the nation beyond the battlefield.
Conflict Resolution and Land Security
One of the less visible but highly impactful accomplishments of the ministry under President Samia has been the resolution of land conflicts.
Through its Land Conflict Resolution Plan (2020/21–2024/25), the Ministry of Defense resolved 80 disputes by demarcating 263 areas and issuing 143 land titles.
Compensation worth over TZS 54 billion was paid for 61 areas, ensuring orderly land administration and reducing the risk of tensions arising from unclear land ownership.
This move aligns national defense with social justice and conflict prevention, cementing the idea that peace begins with fairness and administrative clarity.
Training, Exercises and Readiness
Operational readiness remains the backbone of any strong defense force, and Tanzania has spared no effort in this area.
The country has hosted and participated in numerous local and international training missions and military exercises.
These include Shared ACCORD 2020 in Rwanda, Beach Landing Operation in Bagamoyo, JCET in Kunduchi, and readiness exercises across Zanzibar, Lindi, Ruvuma and Tabora.
Tanzania’s involvement in multilateral drills such as Amani Umoja 2024, Africa India Key Maritime Engagement 2025 (AIKEYME 2025), and CUTLASS EXPRESS involving 14 countries signals a growing international confidence in the TPDF’s ability to operate in joint environments.
These exercises not only sharpen skills but also strengthen strategic alliances that could prove critical during regional or global crises.
A Secure Path Forward
The cumulative impact of these efforts paints a picture of a modern, responsive and multi-dimensional defence sector. While challenges remain, particularly in border security and transnational threats Tanzania's defense posture under President Samia’s leadership demonstrates a well-rounded strategy.
As Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security, President Samia’s role has been instrumental in steering both domestic and regional priorities.
According to Dr Tax, the peaceful environment Tanzanians now enjoy has enabled citizens to pursue development without fear, an indirect but powerful dividend of a strong defense policy.
In sum, the Ministry of Defense and National Service has not merely reacted to threats but has anticipated them through forward-looking strategies.
With President Samia at the helm, the sector has evolved from a traditional military institution into a dynamic force for peace, diplomacy, development and innovation.
As Tanzania looks toward the future, the solid foundations laid in the past four years offer a blueprint for continued resilience and national pride.