DODOMA: Tanzania has allocated 30.7 billion Tanzanian shillings (about $13 million) to its Building Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, aimed at expanding opportunities for young people and small-scale fishers within the country’s blue economy.
Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ng’wasi Kamani told Parliament that the funding will be channelled primarily into fisheries, which will receive 25.9 billion shillings, while the livestock sector has been allocated 4.75 billion shillings.
The investment forms part of broader government efforts to boost employment, increase incomes and strengthen the contribution of fisheries to the national economy.
Responding to a question from Special Seats MP Maryam Mwinyi, Ms Kamani said the programme is designed to enable youth and small-scale fishers to participate more effectively in the growing blue economy.
She noted that 308 young beneficiaries have already accessed interest-free and concessional loans under the initiative, supporting projects such as cage fish farming, sea cucumber farming, crab fattening and seaweed cultivation.
“These projects are vital for coastal and fishing communities and contribute to expanding opportunities within the blue economy,” she said.
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Authorities, working with the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank, are also facilitating concessional financing to help small-scale fishers acquire modern boats and improved fishing equipment, aimed at increasing productivity and safety.
In a follow-up question, Ms Mwinyi sought clarification on how the ministry is collaborating with the private sector and non-governmental organisations to widen opportunities for women, as well as how the impact of such programmes is being assessed.
Ms Kamani said the government is strengthening partnerships with financial institutions and private sector actors while working to reduce operational barriers, particularly those affecting women’s participation.
She added that the ministry conducts annual data collection and monitoring of beneficiaries, including youth and women, to evaluate outcomes and ensure the programme delivers measurable economic benefits.
The BBT initiative is part of Tanzania’s wider strategy to harness the economic potential of its fisheries and coastal resources, with a focus on inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
