President Samia unveils 35 modern fishing boats in Pangani

Pangani. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, officially launched 35 modern fishing boats in Pangani District, Tanga Region, as part of her government’s broader initiative to strengthen the blue economy.

The launch event, held at Pangani Port, was part of President Hassan’s ongoing tour to assess the implementation of development projects and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) election manifesto.

Under the initiative, a total of 120 fishing boats worth Sh11.5 billion will be distributed nationwide, with 70 allocated to coastal regions, including Tanga, Coast, Dar es Salaam, Lindi and Mtwara. 

The remaining 50 boats will be assigned to inland waters, with 29 directed to Lake Victoria and the remaining 21 shared between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa.

This marks the second phase of the government’s programme to empower fishermen. The first phase, implemented in the 2022/23 financial year, saw 160 modern boats worth Sh11.5 billion distributed across various regions. 

During that phase, coastal regions received 88 boats, with Tanga allocated 14, Dar es Salaam 5, Lindi 32, Mtwara 18, and Coast 19.

Speaking at the event, President Hassan reiterated her government’s commitment to advancing the fisheries sector through modern equipment and financial support.

“I am informed that these boats have the capacity to carry between 3.5 and five tonnes of fish products and can travel closer to the deep sea, thereby enhancing productivity for our fishermen,” she said.

She urged recipients to ensure proper maintenance of the vessels and to repay their loans as agreed to enable others to benefit from similar government initiatives.

The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, noted that the second phase will benefit 1,872 fishermen, with 35 boats worth Sh4.48 billion designated for Tanga alone. Pangani District is set to receive 10 of these boats.

Dr Kijaji further assured that the remaining boats under the second phase would be distributed before the end of the 2024/25 financial year. She explained that the cost of each 12-metre boat is Sh128.5 million, while the 14-metre vessels are valued at Sh159.5 million. 

Beneficiaries will have a one-year grace period before beginning loan repayments, which will be spread over seven to ten years.

Highlighting the impact of the first phase, she stated that 3,163 fishermen—comprising 2,155 men and 1,008 women—benefited from the programme and have begun repaying their loans.

The Director of Fisheries in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof Mohamed Sheikh, emphasised that each boat is accompanied by two auxiliary vessels equipped with anchoring ropes and additional gear for securing fishing nets.

“These modern boats are fitted with Global Positioning Systems (GPS), allowing fishermen to identify fish-rich areas in both oceanic and inland waters,” Prof Sheikh said.

He added that the vessels are fully licensed and insured, ensuring the safety of fishermen and improving working conditions in the industry.

The government’s continued investment in the blue economy is expected to significantly boost fish production, create employment, and improve livelihoods for thousands of Tanzanian fishermen.