Joseph Isangura
The Ministry of Defence and National Service says it has made significant strides in recent years, playing a broader role in national development while ensuring the security of key projects across the country.
The achievements come amid growing investment in the defense sector under Tanzania’s Sixth Phase Government.
In its latest budget report, the Ministry announced that its allocation has grown from TSh 2 trillion in the 2021/2022 fiscal year to TSh 3.6 trillion in 2025/2026, signaling a strong governmental commitment to defense and public service integration.
Officials say that more than ever, the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) is not only securing borders but also contributing directly to the national economy, safeguarding infrastructure, and delivering essential social services.
Notably, healthcare delivery through military hospitals and clinics has seen remarkable expansion. According to Ministry figures, 80 percent of beneficiaries from these health services are civilians, reflecting a deliberate effort to bridge healthcare gaps across underserved areas. This public-military synergy echoes global trends in civil-military cooperation seen in countries responding to humanitarian and public health crises.
“In the spirit of national unity, we are not just defending territory—we are investing in the people,” said a senior Ministry official during a press briefing. “From infrastructure security to healthcare provision, the defense sector is aligned with our national development priorities.”
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The Ministry has also played a key role in protecting strategic infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), energy pipelines, and large-scale agricultural zones tied to Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025. This vision aims to transform Tanzania into a middle-income economy driven by industrialization, technology, and inclusive growth.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021, has positioned the military as a key pillar in her government’s broader governance agenda—one that emphasizes security, service delivery, and economic stability. Her administration has worked to modernize and expand military capabilities while fostering transparency and civic trust in the institution.
The Ministry’s four-year review highlights its contributions not just to national defense but to tangible socioeconomic outcomes. It now acts as a key partner in the country’s growth narrative—supporting civil infrastructure, managing emergency response efforts, and offering critical public services to the wider population.
This evolution reflects a growing global understanding of human security, which emphasizes that national safety is deeply connected to citizens’ access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity.
