Tanzania Introduces Policy to Strengthen Blue Economy Sector

Tanzania Unveils New Blue Economy Policy to Boost Productivity

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Dar es Salaam – The Tanzanian government has introduced a groundbreaking policy aimed at enhancing the blue economy, focusing on ensuring it directly impacts the lives of citizens. This new policy, launched under the Vice President's Office, aims to regulate the rapidly expanding sector with a structured legal and policy framework.

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, February 27, 2025, follows a four-day conference attended by stakeholders from 20 countries to discuss "The BAHARI Accelerator," a program designed to promote businesses emerging from scientific research in the blue economy. The goal is to create tangible outcomes that directly benefit people’s lives.

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During the conference's closing session, Dr. Edwin Mhede, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, explained that the blue economy sector had previously struggled with inadequate coordination, prompting the government to develop this new policy. He emphasized that the policy would act as a guide for developing laws and regulations aligned with national strategic goals.

“This policy is aimed at ensuring that the blue economy serves as a transformative force in people's lives,” Dr. Mhede stated.

The policy arrives as Tanzania’s blue economy sector impacts approximately six million people, with women making up 60% of the workforce in the value chain.

Dr. Mhede also highlighted a key resolution from the conference, urging African nations to collaborate in ensuring that scientific results lead to solutions for those involved in the blue economy. This would require expanding technical skills to better interpret these outcomes, all while fostering strong governance.

“Marine resources, like all others, must be managed based on principles of good governance to ensure sustainability. We need institutions that demonstrate effective governance, facilitating communication, and ensuring easy access for people and businesses,” he said.

Another significant topic discussed was creating more opportunities for women across various countries. Women, who are the primary managers of households and food resources, stand to benefit from this shift, further boosting the economy.

Additionally, the conference called for the application of scientific methods to address overfishing concerns, with participants urging the enhancement of aquatic species genetics.

Dr. Mhede also touched upon Tanzania's efforts to improve the livelihoods of fishermen. Last year, the government distributed 160 boats across various lakes, and following an assessment, a greater need was identified. This led to the decision to roll out a second phase, which includes the provision of 120 modern boats. Seventy of these will be allocated to the coastal regions, with 29 going to Lake Victoria, 21 to Lake Nyasa, and 21 to Lake Tanganyika.

He pointed out that this initiative had already yielded positive results, with fish production rising from 422,000 tons in 2022 to 522,000 tons by December last year.

In line with this, Dr. Isamel Kimirei, Director General of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), assured that they would take immediate action to ensure that scientific findings lead to solutions that enhance productivity within the sector. “We are committed to ensuring that research findings bring real solutions and significantly boost productivity,” he affirmed.