Citizens' priorities as Tanzania's Vision 2050 preparations gain momentum

Dar es Salaam. Agriculture, industrial production, infrastructure, quality social services, and the extraction of minerals, oil, and gas are the main areas of priority emphasised by stakeholders as preparations for Tanzania’s National Vision 2050 gain momentum.

Citizens also have expressed an increased desire for a strong, thriving economy that enhances their quality of life, ensures access to quality social services, upholds good governance, and guarantees protection, security, and sustainable use of national resources.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, unveiled the main priority of citizens during his meeting with journalists and editors on Friday, December 6, 2024.

The meeting aimed to discuss the country’s progress in preparation for the National Vision 2025-2050, whose implementation will commence in 2026.

During the meeting, Prof Mkumbo said citizens’ inputs were collected through household visits and mobile phone surveys.

“Citizens shared numerous opinions. However, they emphasised their desire for the reflection of the country’s economic growth in the individual lives of citizens,” he said.

He said after completing the first phase which involved gathering citizens' opinions, and finalising the first draft, the document is set for an official launch slated to take place in Zanzibar on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Prof Mkumbo said over 1.17 million Tanzanians contributed their views and aspirations during the first phase.

“They acknowledged the existence of social services but emphasised the need for improved quality through the Vision 2050,” he said.

Further, the minister said the draft launch would coincide with the commencement of the second document preparation phase which would focus on the validation process.

Outlining the schedule, he said the validation process is expected to be concluded on January 18, 2025.

He said the second draft of the Nation Vision 2050 document, which includes stakeholders’ feedback, would then be handed over to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.

Between January and March 2025, the document will be discussed within government bodies including Permanent Secretaries, the National Planning Commission, and the Cabinet.

Between April and May 2025, the draft will be tabled in Parliament for approval before being submitted to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“Between May and June 2025, President Hassan is expected to officially launch the country’s official document (the National Development Vision 2025-2050),” said Prof Mkumbo.

The document’s preparation is closely tied to the formulation of the Long-Term Perspective Plan (LTPP), which will outline the steps to achieve the aspirations and goals set in Vision 2050.

 “This vision belongs to all Tanzanians. Everyone should actively participate in each phase of preparation,” he added.

The Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF) Chairman, Mr Deodatus Balile, emphasised the need for effective and enhanced collaboration between the government and the media fraternity.

“We must foster a culture where the government provides information to the public, while also receiving feedback from the people,” he said.

Mr Balile also said Tanzania would prioritize the industrial sector and quality education.

“To move our country forward, the national vision must serve as a unifying tool, ensuring that leadership changes do not alter the priorities established in the document,” he insisted.