Dodoma – The government has proposed an increase of its defence budget to 4.2 Trillion for the 2026/2027 financial year to address ongoing border security challenges and modernise its military forces.
Minister for Defence and National Service Rhimo Nyansaho presented the budget estimates to parliament in Dodoma on May 19, 2026.
The proposed budget aims to strengthen the operational capacity of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) through improved equipment and logistics. Nyansaho highlighted that the country’s borders, which stretch approximately 5,923 kilometres across land, airspace, and territorial waters, have remained stable.
“There were no incidents indicating a breach of peace between Tanzania and its neighbouring countries during the period under review,” Nyansaho said. However, the minister acknowledged several security challenges, including the destruction of border markers, damaged patrol roads, and livestock smuggling.
He also pointed to insecurity linked to internal conflicts in neighbouring countries, which continues to pose a threat to regional stability. The East African nation shares borders with several countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Mozambique, where armed groups and insurgencies remain active.
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To counter these threats, the military has strengthened border patrols and enhanced troop readiness. The defence ministry’s budget is divided into three main areas: the ministry itself, the Ngome (military headquarters), and the National Service (JKT).
In the budget statement, one of the areas where the Ministry highlighted emerging challenges was airspace protection, noting that technological developments have introduced new threats.
“The security situation in the airspace is stable, although it has become less predictable because of the growing use of modern technology,” the Ministry noted.
The new technological challenges are mainly driven by the use of drones. Experiences from the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as the recent U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, show that this is an area transforming countries’ defense posture.
The funds will be used for the acquisition of modern equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and the provision of medical services for military personnel and their families. The budget also supports research and development initiatives, including the modernisation of weapons and communication systems.
International cooperation
Tanzania has increasingly focused on international cooperation to bolster its security capabilities. The country recently participated in joint military training exercises with the United States, including the Justified Accord 2025 peacekeeping exercise and the Cutlass Express maritime operation.
These exercises aim to enhance regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean. The TPDF continues to contribute forces to United Nations peacekeeping missions in the DRC and the Central African Republic.
Nyansaho emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving border disputes through diplomatic channels. He cited ongoing talks with Malawi over Lake Nyasa and consultations with Uganda regarding border demarcation issues.
The minister also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership and support of the armed forces.
“I promise to carry out my duties with professionalism and integrity in collaboration with this parliament to ensure that the vision of the president and our commander-in-chief is implemented,” Nyansaho stated.
Modernisation efforts
The defence sector’s modernisation efforts are seen as a crucial component of the country’s broader development goals. The government views a secure and stable environment as essential for economic growth and social progress.
The budget allocation for the previous financial year, 2025/2026, stood at Sh3.645 trillion, with the majority dedicated to ordinary expenditure. Of that amount, Sh3.327 trillion was allocated for recurrent costs, whilst Sh318.79 billion was set aside for development projects.
The ministry reported collecting Sh1.805 billion in revenue between July 2025 and April 2026, representing 6.05 per cent of its target. The funds received during this period were utilised for various activities, including coordinating military training courses locally and abroad.
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The military also focused on providing initial training to Tanzanian youth to instill patriotism, national unity, and self-reliance skills. Furthermore, the armed forces have been actively involved in resolving land disputes and collaborating with civilian authorities during rescue operations in various disasters.
The development funds were directed towards financing contracts for the procurement of military equipment and upgrading air defence systems. The military also invested in technology transfer and research at the Nyumbu corporation, a state-owned automotive and engineering company.
Additionally, funds were allocated to cover electricity costs for secure military communication towers and to improve defence infrastructure.
