Tanzania calls for innovation to turn climate change challenges into investment, job creation opportunities
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has called for greater efforts to turn climate change challenges into opportunities for investment, job creation, innovation and growth of the green economy in Tanzania.
Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng Hamad Yussuf Masauni made the statement when opening the Tanzania Green Summit 2026 at the Mlimani City Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam saying that climate change should not be viewed only as an environmental challenge but also as an area offering significant opportunities for economic development.
According to the minister, the theme of the summit, “Turning Climate Action into Opportunity,” was in line with the National Development Vision 2050 and various government plans aimed at addressing climate change.
“Tanzania has significant opportunities in renewable energy, clean cooking energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, the circular economy, sustainable tourism, the blue economy and nature-based solutions,” he said.
The minister also stressed the need to empower young people to participate fully in the green economy by providing them with skills, technology, capital and access to markets.
He said young people should be recognised not only as beneficiaries of climate programmes but also as innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and leaders in the green economy.
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Eng Masauni said Tanzania has taken various steps to strengthen its environmental and climate agenda, including being selected to host the Africa Youth Climate Training Centre and the regional office of the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage.
Elaborating, he said the initiatives are aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing countries to respond to the impacts of climate change.
Earlier, the Vice-President’s Office Permanent Secretary, Dr Richard Muyungi, said Tanzania is continuing to tap opportunities provided through international environmental and climate funds.
He also pointed to the development of carbon trading projects coordinated through the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC).
Dr Muyungi said such opportunities should be developed while ensuring environmental protection, increasing value addition within the country, facilitating technology transfer and creating employment opportunities for Tanzanians.
He said strengthening these areas would help ensure that climate action contributes not only to environmental protection but also to broader economic and social development.
