DODOMA: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said national security in the modern era depends increasingly on science, technology and advanced data analysis rather than traditional weaponry alone.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new National Defence Headquarters (MMUT) in Kikombo, Dodoma, the Commander-in-Chief said the nature of global threats has shifted from conventional battlefields to digital systems and information networks.
“Today’s security environment is not safeguarded by weapons alone,” she said. “It requires the acquisition, analysis and strategic use of information, modern technology and advanced communication systems. This demands high-level expertise and scientific coordination.”
President Samia said the new headquarters must serve not only as an administrative complex but as a strategic think tank capable of shaping 21st-century military doctrine. She noted that during her tour of the facility she observed initial integration of digital systems, adding that the remaining construction phases would prioritise technological and analytical capabilities.
She described completion of the first phase as proof of Tanzania’s ability to plan and execute major projects using domestic resources and local expertise.
“This headquarters symbolises our national maturity and our capacity to decide and implement large-scale projects independently,” she said, adding that such autonomy strengthens sovereign decision-making and national dignity.
However, she cautioned that the building’s modern design must be matched by operational excellence, urging military leaders to utilise the facility as a centre for professional reflection and strategic foresight.
Linking defence to economic stability, President Samia said Tanzania’s recent economic progress reflects sustained peace and security. She cited the country’s B1 credit rating from Moody’s as evidence of growing investor confidence.
“No investment flows into an unsafe or unpredictable country,” she said, adding that as the economy expands, increased investment in defence becomes necessary to protect national resources and citizens’ welfare.
Invoking the philosophy of Tanzania’s founding leader, Julius Nyerere, she reminded officers of the principle “Moyo Kabla ya Silaha” — “the heart before the weapon” — stressing that discipline, patriotism and professionalism remain the foundation of military strength.
“The most advanced equipment is meaningless without loyal and disciplined soldiers,” she said, urging members of the armed forces to uphold their constitutional oath and preserve the military’s reputation.
Chief of Defence Forces General Jacob Mkunda said the new headquarters meets the highest safety and security standards and provides modern infrastructure for personnel of the Ministry of Defence and National Service as well as the armed forces.
The project, implemented under the Force Account System by a military taskforce led by Engineer Colonel Zablon Mahenge, will be completed in three phases at an estimated cost of 318.7 billion Tanzanian shillings, according to Permanent Secretary Dr Faraji Mnyepe.
Construction of a permanent defence headquarters dates back to the formation of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces in 1964. The current project gained momentum following the relocation of government operations to Dodoma and officially began in March 2020.
President Samia urged prudent use of resources, noting that Tanzania’s defence forces are internationally respected for professionalism and discipline, and that sound financial management is essential to maintaining that standing.
