Tanzania bets on blue economy to unlock billions in water-based opportunities

The implementation of Tanzania’s Blue Economy Policy has been identified as a key driver of economic growth, with government officials highlighting the vast opportunities available across multiple sectors including fishing, transport, tourism, energy, and irrigation.

This was stated yesterday by the Acting Director for Blue Economy Development and Coordination in the Vice President’s Office, Magdalena Ngotolainyo, while speaking on the progress of blue economy implementation in the country.

Ngotolainyo said Tanzania is richly endowed not only with fertile land, minerals, wildlife, and tourist attractions, but also with significant water resources that remain a major yet underutilized source of wealth.

She noted that oceans, lakes, rivers, dams, wetlands, groundwater, and the country’s extensive coastline represent unique national assets that, if sustainably managed and effectively utilized, can drive economic transformation and improve livelihoods.

“The blue economy involves the sustainable use of resources found in oceans, lakes, rivers, watersheds, wetlands and groundwater for economic growth, improving community life and protecting the environment. For Tanzania, this concept is not a distant theory,” she said.

She added that the concept is already reflected in the country’s geography, from the Indian Ocean to major lakes such as Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa, as well as numerous rivers and coastal areas that present wide-ranging opportunities.

According to the National Blue Economy Policy of 2024, Tanzania has substantial water resources forming a strong foundation for economic, social, and environmental development.

Ngotolainyo said the country has about 61,500 square kilometres of freshwater resources, capable of yielding an estimated 126 billion cubic metres annually. In addition, Tanzania has 64,000 square kilometres of marine waters and a 223,000 square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone.

“These are not just geographical locations; they are areas of opportunity, employment, investment and development,” she emphasized.

She further highlighted that Tanzania’s 1,424-kilometre coastline plays a vital role in the national economy by supporting fishing, maritime transport, tourism, biodiversity conservation, and international trade.

The country’s 86 official and 885 unofficial ports, she added, present a major opportunity for Tanzania to position itself as a regional hub for transport and trade in East and Central Africa, including neighbouring landlocked countries.

In the fisheries sector, Ngotolainyo said Tanzania has abundant marine and freshwater fish resources, with approximately 33 species of marine fish and 17 freshwater species available for commercial use.

She noted that the sector has strong potential to create employment for youth, increase fishermen’s incomes, improve nutrition, support fish processing industries, and boost exports. However, she stressed that achieving this depends on sustainable fishing practices, adoption of modern technology, strict control of illegal fishing, and investment across the entire value chain.

ALSO READ: Canada-backed scheme boosts Pemba blue economy

Ngotolainyo also pointed to irrigated agriculture as another major opportunity, revealing that Tanzania has about 29.4 million hectares suitable for irrigation.

“This is a great opportunity to enhance food security, increase crop production, reduce dependence on rainfall and raise farmers’ incomes. If water is well managed, Tanzania can become a regional and international food basket,” she said.