With the ongoing nationwide tree-planting drive, Tanzania aims to be covered by over 61 billion trees within the next decade.
DODOMA. THE Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) has successfully surpassed its tree seedling production target for the 2025/26 year.
This achievement supports the national goal of planting at least 61 million trees annually.
With the ongoing nationwide tree-planting drive, Tanzania aims to be covered by over 61 billion trees within the next decade.
This year, the state-owned agency, responsible for the development of trees, forests, and bee resources, had planned to produce 130 million seedlings.
Briefing the media on milestones within the country’s environmental sector, TFS Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Forest Resources, Dr. Zainabu Bungwa revealed that the agency has so far produced over 167 million tree seedlings.
This figure represents an increase of approximately 28.5 percent over the set annual production goal.
“From the beginning of 2025/26 to date, TFS has produced over 115.9 tons of tree seeds. This high volume has enabled the production of over 167 million tree seedlings,” Dr. Bungwa detailed.
She noted that the seedlings include fruit and shade trees, medicinal trees, and species for water retention.
Dr. Bungwa revealed this impressive data this afternoon, Tuesday, January 2026, in Dodoma, on the sidelines of a special event to plant over 600 trees at the Mtumba government city garden.
 The event was held in celebration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s birthday.
The environmentally healthy 50-hectare garden was inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her tenure as Vice-President.
The seedlings planted yesterday at the Dodoma’s vast garden include Tamarind (144), Rauvolfia (100), Acacia nilotica (135 ), Kaya (70) and Trichilia 234, making a general total of 683.
“TFS will continue implementing a robust strategy for public awareness, coupled with the free distribution of tree seedlings across the country,” she said.
Dr. Bungwa added that TFS currently manages 465 forests nationwide, of which 25 have been upgraded to natural environment reserve status.
She stated that TFS’s concerted efforts have successfully led to the professional rejuvenation of natural vegetation in 365 forests across the country.
“We also implemented a special reforestation campaign, through which we managed to plant trees and revitalize 26 areas that were previously desert,” she added.
Thanks to these efforts, Tanzania is now listed among 36 countries worldwide with areas containing unique fauna and flora species, according to Dr. Bungwa.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister from the Vice-President’s Office, Dr. Festo Dugange, commended President Samia for championing the tree-planting drive across the nation.
As a key environmental icon for the country, Dr. Dugange said President Samia has revived and spurred positive momentum for tree planting nationwide.
“As we gather here to celebrate President Samia’s birthday by planting trees, it is prudent for all Tanzanians to embrace a tree-planting culture,” he said.
He further directed all leaders at the central and local government levels to mobilize support for the tree-planting campaign.
Dr. Dugange noted that his office will continue to collaborate with TFS and other like-minded institutions from the public and private sectors to improve the country’s environmental status.
“Trees offer invaluable benefits to human life and the environment. They are sources of water, rainfall, a healthy climate, shade, and timber, and they help combat the effects of climate change,” Dr. Dugange emphasized.
Adding his remarks, TFS Deputy Conservation Commissioner, Senior Emmanuel Kiboko, said the agency has an array of plans to improve the scope of tree seed and seedling production.
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