Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism has directed the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to upgrade roads and bridges in protected areas to ensure year-round visitor access ahead of major international events like the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The directive was announced during the swearing-in of new Commissioner Massana Mwishawa, who will focus on combating wildlife crimes using modern surveillance tech.

Tanzania’s tourism sector, vital to its economy with nearly 70% of international visitors linked to wildlife tourism, faces challenges maintaining road networks during rainy seasons.The upgrades aim to enhance visitor experiences and support conservation efforts across iconic parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

This move aligns Tanzania with regional competitors Kenya and Rwanda in improving tourism infrastructure while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.