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More than pensions: CCM's vision for inclusive social safety nets

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What you need to know:

  • The proposed reforms mark a deliberate move away from viewing social protection solely as a pension scheme for retirees, towards a broader framework designed to shield millions of Tanzanians from economic shocks, healthcare expenses, and income instability.

Dar es Salaam. In a shift that could redefine Tanzania’s social welfare system, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand social protection well beyond salaried employees.

The 2025–2030 election manifesto places social security at the centre of the country’s poverty reduction and economic inclusion agenda, promising to reach farmers, fishers, pastoralists, and informal sector workers who have traditionally been excluded from the national safety net.

The proposed reforms mark a deliberate move away from viewing social protection solely as a pension scheme for retirees, towards a broader framework designed to shield millions of Tanzanians from economic shocks, healthcare expenses, and income instability.

“Social protection is not just about old age, it is about ensuring economic and social security for all,” the manifesto states.

“It plays a key role in reducing poverty, promoting stability, and improving community well-being,” adds another part of the document.


Widening the net

A central pledge is to widen participation in social protection systems, with a special focus on those in the informal economy, who account for more than 80 percent of Tanzania’s workforce.

In practice, this would involve creating systems that are accessible and affordable for informal workers, many of whom are not registered with government agencies.

CCM’s plan includes the use of digital identification tools and mobile payment platforms to simplify enrolment and make benefit access more transparent.

“This is long overdue. You can’t talk about economic transformation without securing the livelihoods of millions who sell produce, drive boda bodas, or run small businesses. These people probably need protection even more than those in salaried jobs,” says a policy analyst based in Mbeya, Mr Rajab Athuman.

Sector-specific benefits

For the first time, the manifesto commits to specialised benefit schemes for workers in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, sectors highly vulnerable to price fluctuations, drought, and other climate-related risks.

Under the proposal, members of social protection programmes in these sectors could receive benefits tailored to their needs, such as income replacement during crop failure, or subsidies for veterinary care and fishing equipment.

“Rural producers are often one bad season away from disaster. This shift recognises that social protection can help rural communities not just survive but plan for the future,” notes agricultural economist, Mr George Marando.

Improving pensions and retiree services

For retirees, the manifesto reaffirms a commitment to timely payments and better access to pension information.

It acknowledges persistent delays and verification challenges, and pledges to modernise these systems.

Plans include enhancing electronic verification processes and streamlining pension claims, particularly for retirees in remote areas who often struggle to reach payment centres.

Pensioners’ associations have repeatedly complained about long processing times and a lack of updates on fund status.

The manifesto’s emphasis on service quality appears to respond directly to these grievances.


Strengthening TASAF

A major pillar of CCM’s strategy is to scale up the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf), which provides cash transfers to the country’s most vulnerable households through the Productive Social Safety Net Programme.

The party aims to extend TASAF’s reach, enabling more low-income families to access monthly cash support and participate in income-generating projects linked to community development.

Since its inception, TASAF has assisted more than one million households, as the manifesto envisions expanding its coverage while improving targeting systems to ensure no eligible family is excluded.


Can the system deliver?

While the manifesto presents an ambitious vision, questions remain about the financial sustainability and institutional capacity needed to deliver such an inclusive safety net.

To address long-term viability, CCM promises to strengthen the investment management of social security funds to ensure timely benefit payments.

However, experts caution that expanding coverage will require not only improved fund management but also significant public investment and coordination among ministries.

“There’s no doubt this is the right direction,” says a social policy researcher in Zanzibar, Ms Fatma Saleh.

“But we need a clear financing strategy and robust systems that can manage the complexity of such a diverse beneficiary base,” she adds.


A social contract for all?

As the 2025 election approaches, CCM’s focus on social protection reflects growing recognition of economic security as a human right.

If fully implemented, the plan could mark a historic step towards universal social protection in Tanzania, transforming it from a pension-focused system into a dynamic shield against poverty, exclusion, and economic shocks.

Still, the big question remains: can Tanzania build an inclusive, financially sustainable social protection system that truly leaves no one behind?