By Adonis Byemelwa
Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo (pictured), has unveiled the Vision 2050 Development Plan, which aims to transform Tanzania into an inclusive, prosperous, equitable, and self-reliant nation.
Speaking at an event graced by Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, in Zanzibar on December 11, 2024, Prof. Kitila outlined an ambitious roadmap designed to achieve sustainable development.
Prof. Kitila emphasized that by 2050, Tanzania aspires to become an upper-middle-income country driven by an industrialized economy. He projected that per capita income should reach at least USD 4,700, with the national GDP surpassing USD 700 billion.
He further stated that the plan aims to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce basic needs poverty to below five percent, down from the current 26 percent.
He underscored Tanzania's commitment to becoming Africa’s leader in food production and ranking among the top ten global food producers.
The Vision 2050 blueprint also aspires to provide all Tanzanians with access to quality healthcare, education, and decent housing. With the population expected to rise to 140 million by 2050, the vision outlines 20 key goals, including raising average electricity consumption to 600 kWh per person, promoting Swahili as an official United Nations language, and building a digitally literate society.
However, some critics question the feasibility of this vision. Former Sokoine University of Agriculture professor Damian Gabagambi argues that the success of such a grand plan hinges on political will and strategic investments.
Prof. Gabagambi emphasized the urgent need for a transformative approach to agriculture, which remains dependent on outdated tools and unreliable rainfall. “We cannot aspire to lead Africa in food production without revolutionizing our agricultural practices and adopting advanced technologies,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Charles Makakala, a technology management expert and economic analyst based in Dar es Salaam, highlighted the critical role of a strong private sector. “Tanzania cannot achieve upper-middle-income status without creating an enabling environment for investment and developing a globally competitive private sector. This must be an immediate priority,” Makakala stressed.
Despite the challenges, the experiences of other nations illustrate that such goals are achievable. Botswana, for instance, maintained an annual average growth rate of 11 percent between 1965 and 1995, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Much of this growth was underpinned by diamond mining. Critics, however, contend that Botswana's success story is not entirely applicable to Tanzania due to historical and economic differences.
Prof. Kitila responded to these concerns, stating that Vision 2050 is tailored to Tanzania’s unique circumstances and abundant resources.
He emphasized that the plan is not only about economic growth but also about fostering a cohesive society that values environmental conservation and is prepared to address climate change.
“We must become a knowledge-driven society capable of leveraging technology for development,” he remarked.
Yet, the lingering question is whether political leaders and government officials can translate this vision into tangible outcomes. Tanzania has maintained an average GDP growth rate of six percent annually, but this growth has not significantly reduced poverty levels.
Critics also question why Tanzanian leaders appear content with this modest growth rate, especially when Ethiopia has sustained a nine percent average since 2002 despite political and security challenges.
Makakala argued, “It is unacceptable to celebrate six percent growth for a country as resource-rich as Tanzania. We should aim for at least 10 percent annual growth to achieve meaningful transformation.”
He added that rapid economic expansion of this magnitude could quadruple Tanzania’s economy within a decade, significantly reducing poverty and creating jobs.
China’s economic history provides valuable lessons. From 1978 to 2008, China maintained an average growth rate of 10 percent annually, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty and transforming itself into an economic superpower. In earlier articles, Makakala has explored how the Chinese government invested heavily in infrastructure, education, and scientific research as part of its development strategy.
“We should learn from China and other successful nations. While we cannot copy everything, we can adapt their strategies to fit our context,” he said.
Vision 2050 also sets a target to increase life expectancy to 75 years, which will require significant investments in healthcare and nutrition. Prof. Gabagambi highlighted the need for modernized healthcare systems that are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic status.
On education, the vision aims to ensure that every Tanzanian attains at least secondary-level education, with 15 percent of the population acquiring higher education. Prof. Kitila noted that this goal would require substantial investment in educational infrastructure and vocational training. “Education is the cornerstone of development. A well-educated nation has a greater chance of success,” he emphasized.
Achieving Vision 2050 will demand visionary leadership, political discipline, and accountability. The nation must also invest more in research and development, ensuring that emerging technologies are harnessed to bolster key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Ultimately, Vision 2050 is a clarion call for transformative change. The “Tanzania We Want” by 2050 is a nation marked by unity, an educated populace, and global competitiveness. The road ahead is challenging, but as the histories of other nations demonstrate, success is attainable—provided the right efforts are made.