Tanzania has called for stronger international cooperation and greater investment in productive capacity as developing countries seek to overcome structural barriers to economic transformation.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Dr Ngwaru Jumanne Maghembe made the remarks during the African Regional Midterm Review Meeting of the Doha Programme of Action held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on September 8 and 9, 2026.
The meeting brought together African ministers and senior government officials, representatives of the United Nations and African Union, and private sector players to assess progress in implementing the Doha Programme of Action halfway through its implementation period.
Dr Maghembe represented Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo at the meeting.
The review focused largely on the challenges confronting Least Developed Countries (LDCs), including limited productive capacity, vulnerability to economic shocks, inadequate investment and difficulties in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
In his address, Dr Maghembe outlined Tanzania's development achievements and the measures being implemented by the Government to strengthen the economy, expand productive capacity and improve the welfare of citizens.
He said the Government was pursuing policies and investments aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening access to essential services, promoting investment and creating conditions for greater private sector participation in economic activities.
The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of international partnerships in helping developing countries mobilise resources, access technology and build the capacity required to accelerate economic transformation.
He said stronger cooperation was particularly important in enabling countries facing structural development challenges to build resilient economies capable of generating jobs, expanding trade and improving living standards.
The Addis Ababa meeting provided a platform for African countries to assess progress under the Doha Programme of Action, share experiences and identify areas requiring increased support from development partners and the private sector.
The programme seeks to address the specific challenges facing the world's Least Developed Countries, with a focus on strengthening productive capacity, promoting trade and investment, improving access to technology and building resilience.
For Tanzania, the meeting also offered an opportunity to showcase its development experience and contribute to continental discussions on how African countries can accelerate the transition towards stronger, more diversified and sustainable economies.
The discussions come as African countries seek to reduce dependence on external support by strengthening domestic productive capacity, expanding investment and creating economies better equipped to withstand global economic shocks.