Tanzania's vision 2050: bold aspirations and the Road ahead as new goals and challenges emerge

UNA Tanzania recently led a youth consultation in Dodoma to gather youth aspirations to inform the formulation of the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV: Photo: Courtesy

By Adonis Byemelwa

 Tanzania stands at the brink of a pivotal moment in its history, as the sun sets on the ambitious National Development Vision 2025. With the clock ticking down, the nation now embarks on a bold new journey to craft the blueprint for its future—a 25-year roadmap that promises to steer the country towards unprecedented growth and prosperity.

 The government’s call for public input in shaping Vision 2050 ignites a wave of excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for a collective vision that will define the country's path for the next quarter-century.

The preceding vision, covering the years 2000 to 2025, laid down ambitious targets centered around high-quality livelihood, good governance, and the rule of law, as well as a strong and competitive economy. These goals were designed to propel Tanzania into the ranks of middle-income countries, aiming to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

With the conclusion of Vision 2025, the new national development vision is expected to act as a guiding compass for policy actions in the coming decades. The focus will likely shift to areas that require urgent attention, such as the rapid urbanization taking place across the country. Urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities, especially in transforming cities into centers of innovation, productivity, and well-being.

A recent study by the Research on Poverty Alleviation (Repoa) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) sheds light on Tanzania's urbanization trajectory. According to the study, Tanzania’s urban population is growing at an annual rate of 5.2%, indicating that the country’s urban centers are poised for exponential expansion.

This rapid growth presents a unique opportunity for economic advancement and job creation. However, realizing this potential requires proactive planning and management, grounded in the principles of a just city—dignity, diversity, equity, and democracy.

On April 25th,2024 FES convened a stakeholders' workshop in Dar es Salaam to put forward proposals for Tanzania’s urban future. The workshop brought together over 15 experts from diverse fields to evaluate the implementation of Tanzania Development Vision 2025, particularly focusing on housing and urban development. The discussion emphasized the importance of creating a future where Tanzania's urban areas are inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.

Prof. Delphin Rwegasira of the University of Dar es Salaam stressed the significance of addressing housing as a fundamental human right. "Improving livelihoods starts with access to decent and climate-resilient shelter for everyone," he said.

The workshop’s analysis highlighted the need to review and implement policies such as the National Housing Policy and the Human Settlements Development Policy to ensure that affordable housing is accessible to all income groups.

Dr. Donald Mmari of Repoa added that economic growth in Tanzania should not only be seen in terms of incremental progress but should also focus on creating synergies and unlocking hidden potential. "While steady progress is essential, Tanzania needs creative ways to accelerate growth by leveraging resources and managing its urban centers efficiently," he noted.

This perspective underlines the importance of transforming cities into clean, safe, and livable areas through effective waste management and sustainable development practices.

The workshop's outcomes represent a collective vision for Tanzania’s urban future. The recommendations submitted to the National Development Vision (NDV) Commission are expected to guide the development of policies that promote social justice, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Prof. Humphrey Moshi of the University of Dar es Salaam emphasized the need for resilient cities that are livable and secure. "Urban planning and development should be environmentally friendly, climate-sensitive, and preventive. Decentralized decision-making is key to efficient disaster response and overall urban resilience," he remarked.

As the country looks ahead to Vision 2050, these insights will be crucial in shaping a roadmap that addresses the rapid global changes in technology, economy, and environment. The new vision aims to ensure that Tanzania not only adapts but thrives in the future.

 The Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, acknowledged the persistent challenges that have hindered the complete realization of Vision 2025, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction and malnutrition.

"Despite progress, 26.4% of the population still lives below the poverty line, and certain regions continue to struggle with higher poverty rates," Dr. Mpango stated recently during the inauguration of the Vision 2050 preparations in Dodoma.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of building on the economic foundation laid by Vision 2025 while capitalizing on strategic growth opportunities. He pointed out Tanzania's potential to become a major food supplier for Africa and the Middle East, focusing on key crops such as maize, wheat, barley, and cashew nuts. This potential, however, can only be realized through careful planning and investment in infrastructure and human capital.

Reflecting on Vision 2025, experts like Prof. Samwel Wangwe have emphasized the need for a broad-based economy capable of withstanding global shocks. "Diversifying the economy and improving infrastructure is critical to ensuring that Tanzania remains competitive on the global stage," Prof. Wangwe noted.

Although some progress has been made in these areas, gaps remain, particularly in aligning the education system with market needs and creating sufficient job opportunities for the youth. 

Dr. Mpango also addressed the ongoing challenges of corruption and the dependence on foreign aid, which continue to impede the country's development. He noted that while economic growth has been achieved, it has not yet translated into robust competitiveness. "The national budget remains dependent on foreign aid by 13%, and our resilience to climate change impacts remains weak," he observed.

The Vision 2050 process will be inclusive, calling for input from all Tanzanians across the country. This inclusivity is crucial for ensuring that the vision reflects the aspirations of the entire population and addresses the diverse challenges faced by different regions. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, echoed this sentiment during the first regional conference on Vision 2050 preparations in Mwanza in July 2024. He urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the country's development agenda.

The Mwanza conference was part of a broader effort to gather opinions from across the nation. Similar consultations will be held in other regions, including Arusha, Mbeya, Kigoma, Dodoma, Morogoro, Mtwara, Unguja, and Pemba. These consultations are expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs and aspirations of Tanzanians, both within the country and abroad.

In his remarks, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, stressed the importance of broad stakeholder engagement. "The Vision 2050 framework must reflect the aspirations of all Tanzanians, ensuring that no one is left behind," he said.

 Meanwhile, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative to hold the conference in Mwanza. He emphasized the importance of gathering diverse perspectives for the Vision 2050 framework.

As Tanzania prepares for the future, the lessons learned from Vision 2025 will be crucial in shaping a more resilient and prosperous nation by 2050. The new vision will build on the successes and shortcomings of the past, aiming to create a Tanzania that is not only economically strong but also socially just and environmentally sustainable. This vision will guide the country's development for the next 25 years, ensuring that Tanzania remains on the path to progress and prosperity.

In essence, the launch of the Vision 2050 process marks a pivotal moment in Tanzania's development journey. The insights and recommendations from experts like Prof. Rwegasira, Dr. Mmari, Prof. Moshi, and Prof. Wangwe will be instrumental in shaping a vision that addresses the challenges of today while preparing the nation for the opportunities of tomorrow. The involvement of all Tanzanians in this process will ensure that the vision reflects the collective aspirations of the nation, paving the way for a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.