Government dismisses resource sale allegations

DODOMA: THE government has dismissed claims that Tanzania has sold or transferred its natural resources through carbon trading agreements, insisting that the framework in place is designed to strengthen regulation and maximize national benefits.

Speaking to journalists recently in Dodoma, the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng Hamad Yussuf Masauni, refuted allegations made by some opposition leaders, saying they were false, misleading, and intended to confuse the public.

He emphasized that the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has already established a clear legal and institutional framework to guide carbon trading in the country, ensuring Tanzania benefits from the global carbon market while maintaining full control over its natural resources.

According to Minister Masauni, the current financial year budget has allocated funds to set up systems for registration, auditing, and monitoring of carbon trading activities.

He said the systems will strengthen oversight, prevent malpractice, and ensure the country collects rightful revenues in line with the law.

He further noted that the government has formed a multi-sectoral technical committee comprising experts from various ministries to assess opportunities within the carbon trading sector. The committee, he said, will recommend strategies to maximize national benefits while ensuring environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources is not compromised.

On international cooperation, Masauni clarified that Tanzania’s agreements with countries such as Oman, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are purely focused on expanding economic cooperation and market access.

He stressed that these arrangements do not involve the transfer of ownership or management of Tanzania’s natural resources.

“There is no agreement that allows any foreign country to own or manage Tanzania’s natural resources,” he said, adding that all resources remain fully protected under the Constitution and laws of the United Republic of Tanzania.

He urged the public to disregard what he described as misinformation circulating on carbon trading, calling on citizens to rely on official government sources. He said the Government remains committed to ensuring Tanzania fully benefits from global carbon markets while also strengthening environmental protection and increasing national revenue.