Samia recognises SBL for environmental conservation

Unguja, Zanzibar: President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has presented a recognition award to Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) in acknowledgement of the company’s significant contribution, alongside other stakeholders, to environmental conservation efforts and the promotion of sustainable national development.

This historic recognition – the first to be received by SBL from the Presidential level, reflects the company’s strong commitment to implementing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives.

Through its various programmes, SBL has so far planted more than 10,000 trees across the Northern and Central zones, implemented over 28 clean and safe water projects benefiting communities surrounding its production sites and invested in sustainable agriculture by supporting more than 300 young people through the Kilimo Viwanda programme

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In addition, SBL has introduced the Shamba ni Mali programme, which aims to provide farmers with fertilisers, improved seeds, modern technology and agricultural education, with the goal of reaching more than 4,000 farmers by 2030.

This recognition reflects SBL’s role as a responsible stakeholder that cares for the environment and values the communities it serves, while supporting the national sustainable development agenda.

Targeting 61 billion trees
As government keen to ensure the country is fully covered by over 61 billion trees, the next decade, Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) has surpassed its annual plan by producing 167 million tree seedlings.

Briefing reporters in Dodoma yesterday, TFS Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Forest Resources, Dr Zainabu Bungwa revealed in this 2025/26 financial year, the state-owned agency planned to plant 130 million seedlings.

This figure represents an increase of approximately 28.5 percent over the set annual production goal.

“From the beginning of 2025/26 to date, TFS has produced over 115.9 tons of tree seeds. This high volume has enabled the production of over 167 million tree seedlings,” Dr Bungwa said.

She noted that the seedlings include fruit and shade trees, medicinal trees, and species for water conservation.

Dr Bungwa revealed this impressive data yesterday in Dodoma, on the sidelines of a special event to plant over 600 trees at the Mtumba government city garden. The event was held in celebration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s birthday.

The environmentally healthy 50-hectare garden was inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her tenure as Vice-President.

The seedlings planted yesterday at the Dodoma’s vast garden include Tamarind (144), Rauvolfia (100), Acacia nilotica (135), Kaya (70) and Trichilia 234, making a general total of 683.