PM calls on public authorities to respect investors’ rights when in handling the country’s projects

MIKUMI: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has called on government institutions and authorities to shift their approach from controlling investors to facilitating and enabling them in order to attract more investment into the country.

The Prime Minister made the call during the launch of the Mikumi Wildlife Lodge at Mikumi National Park in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, today, May 8, 2026,  while citing the need for public institutions to support investors rather than restricting them.

“Encourage them to invest more and more. Use incentives to attract greater investment instead of making them feel like they are begging,” the Prime Minister said.

Commenting on the newly launched hotel, which was previously owned by the government before being destroyed by fire, he stated that it carries a long history and expressed confidence that the new investment will create jobs and boost incomes for surrounding communities.

According to the Premier, the high-standard facility would increase the attractiveness of Mikumi National Park, extend tourists’ stay, and ultimately raise the number of visitors to the area.

Additionally, Dr Nchemba said that the government has allocated a total of 35bn/- for the upgrade of Kikoboga airstrip, which is expected to be completed by October this year, further improving access to the park.

He further directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, TANAPA and other government institutions to fully utilise the Kilosa railway station under the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project to improve access routes and infrastructure, making it easier for tourists to enter Mikumi National Park.

The Prime Minister also called for stronger private sector participation in tourism development, urging stakeholders to create new tourism products and diversify attractions in the southern tourism circuit.

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He also instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to expand tourism-related programmes in vocational training institutions such as VETA in Mikumi, saying this would help local youth benefit directly from tourism opportunities.

Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji said Mikumi National Park has recorded significant growth, with tourist numbers rising from 60,000 annually in previous years to 174,808 last year, while revenues increased from 2.5bn/- to 9.81bn/-.

She added that by March 31, 2026, the park had already received 151,275 tourists and generated 10.12bn/- in revenue.

She also noted that 4bn/- has already been allocated for the construction of the Kilosa gate, which will allow visitors arriving via SGR to reach the park in just 20 minutes.

Wellworth Group representative Simon Nguka said the Mikumi Wildlife Lodge project, which cost 26.8bn/-, includes 48 rooms and is fully owned by Tanzanians.

He added that the investment is part of the company’s wider portfolio of 24 tourism projects valued at 640bn/-.