Hassan Magulumali
The Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Masauni, has urged member states of the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) to ensure that conservation efforts go hand in hand with promoting environmentally friendly investment opportunities to create jobs and improve community incomes without threatening the lake’s ecosystem.
Masauni made the call on October 30, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Lake Tanganyika Authority, which brought together member states Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Zambia.
He stressed that conservation must be integrated with economic development, particularly through sustainable investment opportunities that generate employment and increase household incomes while safeguarding the lake’s essential ecological functions.
Masauni described Lake Tanganyika as one of Africa’s and the world’s most valuable natural resources, noting that decisions made by one country within the lake basin have direct implications for neighbouring countries.
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He emphasised the need for strong political commitment and shared responsibility among the four countries to ensure sustainable protection and management of the lake’s resources.
The minister also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, describing Lake Tanganyika as an example of how shared natural resources can promote economic partnerships and sustainable development. He said the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika Agreement provides an important framework for strengthening coordination among the four countries.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr. Douty Chibamba, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working closely with Burundi, the DRC and Tanzania in protecting and managing Lake Tanganyika’s resources.
DRC Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Jean-Pierre Tshimanga Buana said participants at the meeting have a key responsibility in ensuring tangible results and the long-term sustainability of the lake. He called on the LTA to bring together major stakeholders from communities surrounding the lake to strengthen collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
During the meeting, Tanzania was elected Chair of the Regional Committee of the Sustainable Management of the Lake Tanganyika Basin Environment Agreement, positioning the country to lead regional efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
Tanzania holds a significant stake in the lake basin, with approximately two-thirds of the basin located within its borders. Key challenges facing the lake include rising water levels, declining fish stocks and the impacts of climate change.
