Tanzania Allows Traditional Healers to Own Government Trophies

TAWA implements President Samia's directive, permitting traditional healers to legally possess government trophies.

The Naira Standard Newsroom·Sunday, 30 August 2026 · 09:38 am

Traditional healer holding a government trophy in Mwanza, Tanzania

The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has announced the implementation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's directive allowing traditional healers to legally own government trophies used in their practices, in accordance with the law. The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Mwanza, as reported by the Daily News.

This policy shift marks a significant recognition of traditional medicine within the legal framework, potentially impacting conservation efforts and cultural practices in the region. While the specifics of the implementation remain unclear, the move is expected to formalize a practice that has long existed informally.

For Nigerian readers, this development echoes ongoing conversations about the regulation of traditional medicine and the balance between cultural heritage and wildlife protection. As Tanzania navigates this path, observers will be watching to see how the policy is enforced and whether it influences similar discussions across Africa.

The Standard Verdict

What happened

TAWA announced the implementation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's directive allowing traditional healers to legally own government trophies used in their practices, in accordance with the law.

Why it matters

This policy formalizes a previously informal practice, potentially affecting wildlife conservation and cultural traditions. It may also inspire similar regulatory discussions in other African nations, including Nigeria, where traditional medicine plays a significant role.

What's next

Details on how TAWA will implement and enforce the directive are expected, and its impact on conservation and traditional practices will be monitored.

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