Tanzania allocates TSh 476.7B to transform livestock, fisheries sector

TANZANIA – The Tanzanian government has unveiled a budget of TSh 476.7 billion (approximately US$181 million) for the livestock and fisheries sector in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, targeting increased production, value addition, and employment across the entire value chain.

Presenting the budget to the National Assembly on Wednesday, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, outlined a comprehensive plan that prioritises productivity, marketing, investment, and infrastructure development in the sector, while boosting export revenues and strengthening protection of national livestock and fisheries resources.

“This budget is a commitment to unlocking the sector’s potential and ensuring that livestock keepers and fishers benefit from improved services, access to markets, and better livelihoods,” said Dr Kijaji.

The proposed expenditure represents a rise of TSh 16.32 billion from the TSh 460.33 billion allocated in the current fiscal year ending June. 

Of the total, TSh 101.5 billion (approx. US$38.5 million) is earmarked for recurrent costs, while TSh 375.14 billion (approx. US$142 million) will support development projects.

Primary goals include the completion of the Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port, conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Bagamoyo Fishing Port, and facilitating loans worth TSh 680 billion (approximately US$258 million) for sector players. 

The Ministry will also expand training, research, and extension services, and continue engaging with credit institutions such as PASS to address operational challenges.

Significant growth in livestock products 

The announcement follows notable growth in the sector. Meat production rose by 9.4 % from 963,856.55 tonnes in 2023/2024 to 1,054,114.03 tonnes this year, with the value of meat reaching TSh 10.38 trillion (approx. US$3.95 billion), up from TSh 9.48 trillion (approx. US$3.6 billion) the previous year.

Livestock value across all categories also climbed from TSh 30.49 trillion to TSh 33.22 trillion (approx. US$12.65 billion). The population of cows grew by 3.4% to 39.3 million, goats by 3.6 % to 28.59 million, and sheep by 3.2 % to 9.66 million.

Poultry numbers saw a 5% rise, from 103.08 million to 108.22 million birds. Indigenous chickens increased from 47.4 million to 49.8 million, while improved breeds grew from 55.7 million to 58.5 million.

Pig numbers also went up by 5.1%, from 3.9 million to 4.13 million.

Milk production edged up from 3.97 billion litres valued at TSh 3.18 trillion (approx. US$1.21 billion) to 4 billion litres worth 3.21 trillion shillings (approx. US$1.22 billion).

The increase is attributed to training efforts, with 1,109 farmers trained in 2024/2025 and the national dairy herd growing from 1.32 million to 1.41 million cattle.

Dr Kijaji emphasised the need to promote investments to ensure long-term sectoral sustainability. “The ministry will continue to strengthen the investment environment through better infrastructure, access to finance, and technical support,” she told lawmakers.

Meanwhile, presenting the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock, committee chairman Dr Merdard Kalemani urged the ministry to intensify efforts to curb livestock smuggling, which robs the nation of revenue and deprives domestic processors of raw materials and job opportunities.

He warned that smuggling undermines local industries and hinders employment growth across the livestock value chain, recommending that stricter controls and traceability measures be implemented.

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