The government has stepped up efforts to accelerate Tanzania’s economic transformation after holding high-level talks with Gatsby Africa on national priorities tied to industrial competitiveness and long-term growth under the National Vision 2050.
The discussions were led by the Minister for Finance, Amb. Khamis Mussa Omar, who met with Gatsby Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Justin Highstead, and his delegation in Dodoma.
The engagement focused on strengthening Tanzania’s industrial base, boosting productivity, and aligning development interventions with the country’s Five-Year Development Plan.
Mr Omar said the talks centred on structural economic reforms, industrialisation, large-scale financial investment, and the development of human capital as core drivers of the country’s long-term economic ambitions.
“At this critical stage of implementing Vision 2050 and the national development plan, we jointly assessed priority reforms, including industrial transformation, investment expansion, and strategic efforts to strengthen human resources,” he said.
The meeting also examined opportunities in science and technology, research, and innovative financing mechanisms to support priority sectors. Both sides agreed to explore practical frameworks for collaboration to mobilise resources and enhance implementation capacity.
The minister commended Gatsby Africa for its longstanding partnership with Tanzania, particularly its collaboration with the Planning Commission, where the institution has contributed research and policy analysis to inform national development strategies.
For his part, Mr Highstead noted that Gatsby Africa has operated in East Africa — with a strong focus on Tanzania — for more than 25 years, working to support economic transformation across multiple sectors.
He said the organisation partners closely with government institutions and the private sector to scale high-impact industries and unlock productivity gains.
He added that Gatsby Africa is currently active in forestry and agriculture but remains open to expanding into other high-potential sectors that could accelerate Tanzania’s economic shift.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, including Deputy Minister Mshamu Ali Munde, Permanent Secretary Dr Natu El-maamry Mwamba, and other senior policy and economic planning experts.
Analysts say the engagement reflects a broader push by the government to leverage international partnerships in driving industrial competitiveness, diversifying the economy, and ensuring that Vision 2050 translates into measurable structural change.