Tanzania is preparing for the implementation of its long-term development blueprint, the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050, with a strong focus on public awareness and citizen engagement.
The government and development partners are calling on the media to play a central role in educating citizens and mobilizing support for the ambitious plan.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially launched TDV 2050 on July 17, 2025.
The vision aims to guide the country over the next 25 years toward inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth.
It builds on the achievements of Vision 2025 and emphasizes human capital development, economic transformation, and environmental sustainability. Implementation is scheduled to begin in the 2026/27 financial year.
Speaking today at a media workshop facilitated by UNFPA Tanzania through IrishAid in Dar es Salaam, Mursali Milanzi, Deputy Executive Secretary for National Planning at the National Planning Commission, said that preparing the vision is only the first step.
“Implementation is another. It is important to prepare citizens and stakeholders so they understand the goals and the steps needed to achieve them,” he said.
Milanzi explained that journalists have been trained on the content of Vision 2050, including its foundations, goals, and targets.
“The vision has three pillars: economy, human development, and environmental issues including climate change. We have also discussed how the government has established systems for implementation, monitoring, management, and accountability,” he said.
He emphasized that collaboration with journalists will continue to ensure citizens can contribute meaningfully.
UNFPA Deputy Representative and Officer-in-Charge, Melissa McNeil-Barrett, highlighted the role of the media in translating policy into action.
“The media is more than a messenger. It is a partner, a bridge between institutions and citizens. Your work will help make TDV 2050 a shared national movement,” she said.
According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Tanzania’s population stands at 61.7 million and is growing at a rate of 3.2 percent per year.
If this trend continues, the population could double to 123.4 million by 2044. More than 60 percent of the population is under 24 years old, making youth development a critical factor for the country’s economic future.
Dialogue participants say that to harness this “demographic dividend,” the government must invest in education, health, and employment opportunities for young people. This will create a productive workforce that drives innovation, growth, and sustainable development.
McNeil-Barrett noted that UNFPA has supported the development of Vision 2050 by strengthening national population data systems.
“Accurate population and demographic data are key to designing effective policies and programs. TDV 2050 is people-centered and leaves no one behind,” she said.
The success of Vision 2050 depends on public understanding and engagement.
By keeping citizens informed and accountable, the media can help turn the vision from a document into tangible improvements in the lives of Tanzanians.
