Water scarcity is a significant challenge in semi-arid regions, where groundwater is the primary source of water. The Makutupora Basin in Tanzania faces increasing groundwater stress due to erratic rainfall, high evaporation, and prolonged dry periods. This study employs a geospatial multi-criteria framework that integrates a Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess artificial recharge suitability based on twelve geoenvironmental parameters. AHP-derived weights were obtained through pairwise comparisons, with acceptable consistency ratios (CR < 0.10), ensuring methodological reliability. The recharge suitability map classifies the basin into four zones: unsuitable (14%), less suitable (21%), moderately suitable (37%), and most suitable (28%). Suitability classes were directly linked to implementation decisions, with moderately and most suitable zones prioritised for artificial recharge structures, while unsuitable areas were excluded. High recharge potential zones are associated with favourable lithology, permeable soil texture, and low surface runoff. Pearson correlation analysis reveals that soil texture (r = 0.53), land use (r = 0.52), and lithology (r = 0.49) are the dominant controlling factors. Accordingly, farm ponds and gully plugs are recommended in moderately suitable zones, whereas percolation tanks and check dams are prioritised in most suitable areas. The approach offers a transferable, decision-oriented framework for artificial recharge planning in data-scarce semi-arid basins, supporting sustainable groundwater management under increasing climatic stress.