By Alfred Zacharia
A national policy dialogue aimed at examining the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating Tanzania’s Vision 2050 will be held in Mwanza on July 26, 2025, bringing together stakeholders from government, business, academia, civil society and development partners.
The event, jointly organised by the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) through its Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (REDET) programme and the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPP Centre), reflects growing momentum to unlock the transformative potential of PPPs in line with the country’s long-term development strategy.
Mr. David Kafulila, Executive Director of the PPP Centre, is spearheading the initiative, describing such forums as critical platforms to shape inclusive policy thinking.
His call for more structured national discussions follows a similar appeal made earlier this year by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the official launch of Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
"The success of Vision 2050 will depend heavily on smart partnerships between the public and private sectors, particularly in attracting investments and driving efficiency in public service delivery," Mr Kafulila said in the lead-up to the forum.
The one-day conference will be held at Main Library in St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), discussing how Tanzania can harness PPPs to expand infrastructure, improve local government performance, and attract domestic and international capital to support inclusive and sustainable growth.
Notable speakers include former UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof. Rwekaza Mukandala, former UN-HABITAT Executive Director Prof. Anna Tibaijuka, Dr. Jasinta Msamula of the Mzumbe University Planning, governance expert Dr. Delphine Kessy, Dr. Ponsian Ntui, and youth leader Ms. Phina Jerome.
The keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Kafulila, who will outline the strategic value of PPPs within Tanzania’s development landscape.
He is expected to link policy theory to practical reform pathways that promote long-term investment in social and economic sectors.
The forum will take place at Main Library at SAUT, starting at 8:30am.
It is part of a wider effort by the PPP Centre to stimulate informed policy conversations across different regions and sectors.