CSOs give input for Vision 2050

Dar es Salaam. Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Tanzania have outlined nine expectations in the implementation of the country’s National Development Vision 2050.

Presenting the proposals compiled from more than 260 CSOs for incorporation in the initial draft of National Development Vision 2050 in Dar es Salaam, the chairperson of the CSOs task force that was under the coordination of the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS), Ms Lulu Urio, said the team collected information, processed it and compiled the suggestions.

CSOs’ first expectation is decent living and prosperity for Tanzanians on the basis of assured food security; quality and affordable healthcare; affordable and environmentally friendly energy; reliable supply of clean and safe water; decent housing and sustainable villages and towns.

The second expectation is justice for all, peace, security and national unity, while the third is good governance and accountability rooted in the people’s involvement in leadership and development activities; the rule of law; strengthening of democracy and transparency.

Civil society’s fourth expectation is an educated society that will be highly competitive both regionally and internationally, while the fifth is inclusive economic growth, social equity, gender equality, a level political playing field and job creation in key sectors.

CSOs listed their sixth expectation as having a nation that prides itself in integrity and positive culture and the seventh as the safeguarding, proper management and prudent and sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

The eighth and ninth expectations are mitigation of the effects of climate change for sustainable development and having a society that is capable of benefiting from technological advancement through investment in key economic areas.

Outgoing FCS executive director Francis Kiwanga said the views were given by members of civil society from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar with a view to having a truly representative voice.

“This was a good opportunity to learn from the National Development Vision 2025 and see what the future holds as far as the National Vision 2050 is concerned. It is important that we prepare for the future and lay the ground for the next 25 years. We should strive to sustain our successes and learn from where we didn’t do very well. If we put in place sound strategies, our people will be able to pull themselves out of poverty,” he said.

Mr Kiwanga said civil society was grateful for the presence of the Vision 2050 Drafting Committee led to its vice chairperson, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro.

Dr Migiro thanked members of civil society for presenting their views and said the committee will take them into account.

“This process has been initiated by the government of Her Excellency the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. We expect the National Development Vision 2025 to be ready by 2025,” she said.

“We are here to listen to you because you are key stakeholders in our country’s development. We extend our heartfelt thanks, but does not means that the doors are now closed. You can continue to air your views both as an institution and individually. This is an inclusive exercise.”

Some 120 CSOs presented their views though a digital survey tool; 40 organisations compiled their proposals through focus group discussions and 100 participated in symposiums that endorsed the suggestions.

The proposals have their basis in CSOs’ understanding and experience in working with society from the grassroots to national levels in various areas.

Other references are speeches delivered by government officials; government reports; National Development Vision 2025; various study reports; regional and international plans and agreements such as Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, East African Community: Vision 2050 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Goals).

“Our views as members of civil society dwell on our expectations in the next 25 years, especially in the form of priorities and strategies,” she said when presenting the proposals.