The World Bank stops financing the $150 million tourism project in Tanzania

The World Bank has halted funding for a tourism project in Tanzania following allegations of serious harm to tens of thousands of villagers, as reported by a US-based rights group calling for action against the project.

The decision to suspend the $150 million project, which aims to improve the management of natural resources and tourism assets in a remote region of southern Tanzania, was described by the Oakland Institute as “long overdue ” Associated Press News first reported.

The suspension took effect on April 18, with at least $100 million having already been paid out since the project started in 2017.

What you should know

The Oakland Institute has been an outspoken critic of the project, known as REGROW, citing documented rights abuses suffered by indigenous communities in the area. The group’s November 2023 report accused the World Bank of failing to address issues such as extrajudicial killings and sexual assaults related to the expansion of Ruaha National Park, a key part of the REGROW project.

According to recent correspondence between the World Bank and the Oakland Institute seen by The Associated Press (AP), the lender confirmed the suspension of further disbursements to REGROW “until we are confident that the project maintains our environmental and social standards.”

Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, hailed the World Bank’s decision as a victory for marginalized communities in Tanzania, stressing that it sends a clear message to the Tanzanian government about the consequences of rights violations.

More insight

The Oakland Institute’s investigation revealed disturbing incidents, including disappearances and extrajudicial killings allegedly committed by park rangers. Sexual attacks on women were also revealed in the report.

In addition, government agencies were accused of confiscating and auctioning large numbers of livestock, putting financial pressure on herders to leave the area.

Tanzania’s heavy reliance on tourism for budget support has led to extensive efforts to develop national parks, but these initiatives have often come at the expense of local communities. Amnesty International and others have exposed cases of violent evictions, such as the eviction of 70,000 Maasai from pastures in the Loliondo area to make way for trophy hunting.

Efforts to promote tourism have thus sparked controversy and raised concerns about citizen abuse, drawing scrutiny to the actions of local authorities. The World Bank’s suspension of funding for the REGROW project demonstrates the need for greater responsibility and respect for human rights in Tanzania’s development initiatives.