Tanzania's business leaders have called for improved coordination between government and the private sector to reduce the economic impact of recurring climate events and protect critical infrastructure.
The CEO Roundtable of Tanzania raised the issue at its October Members' Engagement, which focused on how climate information, access to finance and public-private collaboration could help the country reduce losses and maintain economic activity. Business leaders and climate experts said repeated damage to roads, electricity networks and drainage systems exposed vulnerabilities that individual companies could not adequately address alone.
They urged early preparedness, better infrastructure planning and greater use of business experiences to guide public interventions. Serengeti Breweries Limited Managing Director Dr Obinna Anyalebechi stressed that climate information had little value unless it led to practical action. Tanzania Meteorological Authority Director General Dr Ladislaus Chang'a, who presented the 2026/27 climate outlook, urged stakeholders to integrate weather and climate information into socio-economic planning, saying monitoring seasonal forecasts could help agriculture, transport, tourism and manufacturing anticipate disruptions.
Business representatives highlighted sector-specific vulnerabilities. Shambani Milk Chief Executive Officer Victor Mfinanga said the company had approximately 72 hours before its milk spoiled if road closures prevented deliveries. Asilia Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeroen Harderwijk highlighted the tourism sector's exposure to disruptions affecting natural attractions and access to destinations.
Advent Construction Limited Managing Director Dhruv Jog argued that reducing infrastructure vulnerability required integrated urban planning, not engineering solutions alone. Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer Manzi Rwegasira highlighted scenario planning as a tool for assessing climate risks and identifying investments that strengthen business resilience.
CEOrt Chief Executive Officer Santina Benson said the organisation would continue bringing government and businesses together to identify interventions and ensure private-sector concerns informed planning and decision-making.