TANZANIA – Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has reiterated her administration’s dedication to driving an inclusive economy through targeted investments in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
Speaking at the 31st Nane Nane exhibition in Dodoma on August 8th, President Samia emphasized the government’s increased budget allocations for these key sectors as part of a broader plan to boost productivity, ensure sustainability, and enhance Tanzania’s presence on the international stage.
The Nane Nane exhibition, which marks Tanzania’s annual Farmers’ Day, serves as a national platform to display progress and innovations in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
This year’s event drew more than 500 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing the critical role these sectors play in Tanzania’s economic framework.
During the event, President Samia presented a symbolic cheque to beneficiaries of the Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) funding.
The President urged the youth to leverage the available resources to elevate their economic standing, particularly within these sectors.
Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Abdallah Ulega highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting these industries, announcing that TADB funds are being provided as concessional loans, with plans to extend financial support into the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Ulega revealed that the ministry’s budget for the upcoming year has doubled to 465 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately US$171.56 million), aimed at offering better support to livestock keepers and fishermen.
Additionally, the ministry plans to provide concessional loans for 450 fishing boats and 900 fish cages to boost the fisheries sector, contributing to both individual livelihoods and the national economy.
In a related development, Ulega reported a substantial increase in Tanzania’s meat exports, rising from 1,774.3 tonnes in 2022 to 14,701.2 tonnes in 2023.
He attributed this growth to the government’s efforts to revitalize the livestock sector, including a notable increase in the sector’s budget, which has grown from Tsh32.1 billion (US$12.2 million) in the 2021/2022 fiscal year to Tsh112 billion shillings (US$42.6 million) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
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