Tanzania’s economy has maintained a steady growth of six percent over the past four years, with inflation remaining under control, former Controller and Auditor General (CAG) Professor Mussa Juma Assad has said.
Prof. Assad, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Morogoro Muslim University (MUM), made the remarks during an academic conference on “Implementing Economic Reforms Towards Vision 2050,” organized by MUM in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) in Morogoro.
He said Tanzanians’ living standards have improved significantly, and by most economic measures, the country’s performance compares favorably with neighboring Kenya and Rwanda.
“Overall, Tanzania’s GDP has grown steadily at six percent. Our national output has remained stable compared to our neighbors,” Prof. Assad noted.
He emphasized the importance of inclusive economic growth over the next 25 years, stressing that all citizens, especially young graduates, should benefit.
He pointed out that many university graduates lack practical skills and urged the government and private sector to provide short-term training programs to equip them for the job market.
Prof. Assad also highlighted the need to modernize data collection, which still relies heavily on paper, despite revenue systems being digital.
PPPC Director David Kafulila highlighted achievements in key sectors over the past four years. Irrigated land has nearly doubled, from 540,000 hectares to one million hectares.
In mining, reforms shifting licenses from large foreign investors to around 2,600 small-scale miners have boosted their contribution to mineral revenue from 20 percent to 40 percent.
“Inclusive reforms have allowed ordinary citizens to benefit from a sector that was previously dominated by foreigners and wealthy investors,” Kafulila said.
In the energy sector, electricity transmission lines have expanded by 2,000 kilometers in just four years, equivalent to 30 percent of the total built over the previous six decades.
Economist Dr. Bravious Kahyoza said trade as a share of GDP has risen from 27 percent to 43 percent since 2021, creating new business opportunities.
Public sector employment has also grown, with over 400,000 jobs created, surpassing employment growth in neighboring Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Mzumbe University lecturer and PPP expert Moshi Derefa highlighted the benefits of public-private partnerships in project implementation, noting that private investors, often from abroad, bring advanced technology, expertise, and funding that accelerate development.
“Tanzania is successfully leveraging partnerships to deliver sustainable development and ensure citizens are part of the growth story,” Derefa said.