In a significant move to bolster regional resilience, Tanzania has announced its ambition to establish itself as a leading center for disaster response research and technology within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East Africa.
The Tanzanian government has said that it’s actively working to position the country as a research hub for disaster response within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East Africa. This move is expected to strengthen early warning and rescue systems.The announcement was made by Dr. Jim Yonazi, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination, and the Disabled, during an experience-sharing visit between Tanzania and Mozambique on pre-disaster measures.
The five-day visit, taking place in Maputo, Mozambique from May 25 to 29, 2026, aims to learn and exchange experiences on the use of modern technology, research, and early warning information systems to reduce the impact of disasters.
He emphasized that the government is focusing on strengthening scientific and technological systems to ensure timely early warnings and support appropriate pre-disaster actions.
“We have sat down and discussed how to enhance cooperation between our country and Mozambique. Our goal is to make Tanzania a center for research and disaster response in the SADC and East Africa region,” he said
He added that various steps have already been taken, including strengthening national disaster response systems through modern technology.
Furthermore, he explained that there is a special cooperation plan with Higher Education Institutions and Research Institutions within the country to conduct research and develop systems that will build 'Tanzania’s capacity ' to deal with disasters.
Dr. Yonazi stressed that Tanzania intends to attract other East African and SADC countries to come and learn, as well as collaborate on research, technology, and modern disaster response methods.
He noted that this strategy is part of the government’s efforts to ensure the protection of citizens' lives and property, while also preserving and sharing knowledge in collaboration with various stakeholders.
During the meeting, the main agenda was to develop strategies for taking early precautions against disasters rather than waiting for them to occur—an approach described as a "fundamental principle" of the government’s disaster management policy.