By Alfred Zacharia
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, has said the drop in foreign aid and loans should push African countries to build their economies using domestic resources.
He spoke during the Mwananchi Thought Leadership Forum, which focused on how infrastructure development drives inclusive growth. The forum was organised by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) in partnership with the Ministry of Works.
Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania has already taken a strong step by using taxpayers' money to finance large projects. These include the JP Magufuli Bridge (Kigongo–Busisi) and the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).
“These projects prove that we can build major infrastructure without relying on donors. This is what economic independence looks like,” he said.
He said after more than 60 years of political independence, Tanzania is now entering a new phase—economic self-reliance. He noted that the world has changed, and many donor countries are focusing on their internal challenges.
“This is the time for African countries to stand up. We must finance our own growth,” he said.
Prof. Mkumbo explained that building infrastructure is one of the government’s core duties. He said bridges, roads, and energy projects make it easier for people to work, do business, and create wealth.
He highlighted the importance of the Lake Zone in Tanzania’s economy. The zone has about 16 million people, or 26 percent of the country’s population. It contributes Sh49 trillion to the national economy. Mwanza alone contributes Sh13.5 trillion.
“This region is highly productive. But people need better transport to move goods faster and cheaper. That’s why this bridge matters,” he said.
He said the JP Magufuli Bridge will help connect Mwanza and Geita and support trade with neighbouring countries like Uganda and Rwanda.
“You can’t open the country without improving transport. President Samia made that a priority,” Prof. Mkumbo added.
“The Ministry of Works is already implementing Vision 2050 by investing in roads, bridges, and ports,” he said.
He also said modern infrastructure shows that a country is moving forward. “When people visit Mwanza and see this bridge, they see progress. It’s a symbol of development,” he said.
Prof. Mkumbo added that most people in the Lake Zone depend on farming and fishing. The new bridge will help them transport their produce more easily and access markets in Tanzania and beyond.
“This bridge will support the movement of agricultural products, fish, and minerals. It will also grow trade with Uganda and other East African countries,” he said.
He said the government expects the bridge to increase productivity, raise incomes, and grow the economy in the Lake Zone in the coming years.