The government has urged journalists and media stakeholders to shift their focus from promoting individuals to highlighting Tanzania’s economic opportunities, saying the change is vital for national development.
Speaking on April 30, 2026, during the third day of celebrations marking World Press Freedom Day in Arusha, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, said the media must play a stronger role in unlocking the country’s economic potential.
He said journalists should move away from stories that focus on personalities and instead prioritise reporting on investment opportunities, key productive sectors and areas that can stimulate growth.
Makonda warned against a growing tendency of giving positive coverage to individuals involved in corruption or those with questionable integrity, urging media practitioners to uphold professionalism and serve the public interest.
He noted that coverage of sectors such as tourism and agriculture remains limited compared to political reporting, despite their significant contribution to the economy. Increasing coverage in these areas, he said, would help raise public awareness and attract investment.
The minister also called on journalists to actively support the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 by producing content that aligns with national priorities and long-term economic goals.
He stressed the need for accuracy in reporting, urging journalists to verify information from credible sources before publication to avoid misinformation and unnecessary conflicts.
On reforms, Makonda said the government has received 15 recommendations from media stakeholders aimed at improving the sector and will work on them in collaboration with key partners.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Gerson Msigwa, said the World Press Freedom Day commemorations provide a platform to assess the state of media freedom and strengthen cooperation between the government, development partners and civil society.
He said the discussions also focus on improving how the media operates and supporting the growth of content creators in a rapidly changing digital environment.
Meanwhile, Director of the Tech and Media Convergency (TMC) and chairperson of the 2026 organising committee, Asha Abinallah, said stakeholders have proposed key reforms, including the establishment of a Media Development Fund and the introduction of policies to attract investment in the sector.
She also urged the Journalists Accreditation Board to strengthen its role, particularly in building journalists’ capacity to use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The call reflects growing recognition of the media’s role in shaping Tanzania’s economic narrative and supporting sustainable development.
