UAE’s investment in land in Tanzania for carbon credit projects: Analysis of intelligence and security risks and mitigating strategies

Josiane Sadaka, CEO, Blue Carbon and Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, Conservation Commissioner are signing the agreement. Also present are Mohammed Ibrahim Abdullah Ahmed Al Bahri, Charge Affair of UAE to Tanzania; Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum , Member of the Dubai Royal Family, UAE, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Hazara Chan and Hon. Dr. Selemani Saidi Jafo, Minister of State (Union and Environment)

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shown increasing interest in acquiring land in Tanzania for the purpose of establishing carbon credit projects. These initiatives are part of broader efforts by the UAE to reduce its carbon footprint and meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

In February 2023, Tanzania entered a preliminary agreement for a carbon credit deal, covering 8.1 million hectares, nearly 8% of Tanzania's total land mass.

February's agreement was entered with Blue Carbon, a UAE company that says it provides nature-based solutions and carbon removal projects using modern approaches.

However, these land purchases have sparked a debate over potential intelligence and security risks associated with foreign ownership of large tracts of land in developing countries. This paper examines the implications of these land acquisitions in Tanzania, focusing on the potential risks and the measures that can be taken to mitigate them.