Tourism sector set for Sh719 billion boost from Swica concessions

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania expects to generate $281.5 million (Sh719 billion) over the next 20 years through four new strategic investment agreements signed under the Special Wildlife Investment Concession Areas (SWICA) framework.

The agreements, signed by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (Tawa), cover Burko Open Area in Monduli, Arusha Region, and three blocks within the Selous Game Reserve—MHJ1, MHJ2, and ML1 in Liwale, Lindi Region. They aim to boost conservation efforts while unlocking the economic potential of the country’s protected areas.

The Selous ecosystem is one of seven in the country, hosting a wide variety of game species suitable for trophy hunting. Local company Uhusiano International ICT Limited has stepped forward to invest in both hunting and photographic tourism under Tawa’s management.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ms Pindi Chana, said yesterday at the signing ceremony that residents of villages surrounding the Selous Game Reserve will gain jobs and benefit from community-designed development projects.

“This investment is a practical translation of the National Development Vision 2025–2050, which seeks to make Tanzania a leading tourist destination in Africa and one of the top three African countries with a conducive investment and business environment,” she said.

She recalled that in January 2025, the ministry announced achievements under the 2020–2025 tourism strategy, with the slogan T $506, representing a target of five million tourists and $6 billion in revenue by December 2025.

“We have already surpassed the tourist target, reaching 5.3 million visitors, and have so far collected $4 billion,” she noted, commending Tawa for attracting new investors and creating additional revenue streams.

She urged all investors to operate in line with the law and their contractual obligations, including timely payment of fees.

Tawa board chairman, Mr Rajab Semfuko, said the signing reflects the authority’s transformation towards professionalism and innovation in developing sustainable revenue sources.

He explained that in 2021, the Ministry prepared SWICA implementation regulations, after which Tawa designated 14 concession areas for investment. By July 2025, nine had secured investors, generating Sh27.4 billion between January 2024 and August 2025.

“Today we are signing four more SWICA agreements with Uhusiano International ICT Limited, leaving only one concession without an investor. Negotiations for that final area are expected to conclude by the end of August 2025,” he said.

To ensure financial sustainability, Tawa has developed a five-year revenue strategy (2025–2030) targeting self-reliance from the 2027/28 fiscal year, with annual revenue of Sh189 billion. Plans include improving tourism infrastructure, introducing new products, and expanding existing sources.

Tawa is also finalising plans to establish the Zanzibar Wildlife Park in Jambiani Muyuni Forest, South Unguja District, to serve both domestic and international tourists in Unguja and Pemba, with expected annual revenue of Sh5 billion.

However, Mr Semfuko cited delays in receiving development funds as a key challenge, with Tawa currently relying entirely on government allocations. He urged the government to allow the authority to collect and use its own revenues from December 2025 to accelerate self-reliance goals.

Tawa’s Acting Commissioner for Conservation, Mr Mlage Kabange, said the SWICA model has significantly boosted revenue.

“In the 2024/25 financial year, our income grew from Sh55 billion to Sh87.12 billion, an increase of 158.2 percent,” he said.

Uhusiano International ICT Limited chairman, Mr Zahir Hassan Mulla, thanked the government and Tawa for the opportunity to lead a major national project.

“We are committed to upholding the highest standards and ensuring this investment delivers value to the nation and the communities living near these protected areas,” he said.