Govt lauds CEOs’ role in advancing Vision 2050 plan

Dar es Salaam. The government has commended the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania (CEOrt) for its critical role in shaping the country’s future, particularly through initiatives addressing the business environment, human capital development and sustainability.
Speaking at the 2024 CEOrt Dinner Gala held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Vice President Dr Philip Mpango lauded the group’s alignment with Tanzania’s Vision 2050, which aspires to transform the nation into an industrialised, upper-middle-income economy.
Dr Mpango noted that the theme of the gala, “2050… Let’s Go! Gearing Up for a Prosperous, Inclusive, and Resilient Economy,” reflects a shared commitment to achieving a prosperous and sustainable future.
“The challenges we face in the business environment, human capital development, and sustainability require collective action,” he said. “The efforts by CEOrt demonstrate an understanding of the priorities needed to achieve our national ambitions.”
The Vice President also emphasised the importance of addressing climate change, which he described as a significant threat to Tanzania’s economic progress. Citing his recent participation at the COP29 climate summit, Dr. Mpango revealed that climate change costs Tanzania up to 2-3 percent of its GDP annually.
“It is encouraging that the CEO Roundtable is aligning businesses with the climate agenda,” he said. 
“By focusing on innovation and partnerships, we can build a resilient economy capable of withstanding these challenges.” Dr Mpango reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, such as roads, railways, air transport, and energy, which are pivotal for economic growth. He also outlined ongoing measures to enhance the business climate, including simplifying business registration processes, removing regulatory barriers, and combating corruption through one-stop service centres.
On social progress, the Vice President highlighted achievements in education and healthcare, including a 97 percent school enrolment rate by 2022, reduced maternal and infant mortality, and increased representation of women in leadership.
“The private sector has been instrumental in these advancements,” he said. “We must embrace accountability and patriotism to fulfil our shared responsibilities.”
Dr Mpango called for stronger public-private partnerships to drive Tanzania’s development, expressing optimism that collaboration between the government and the private sector would unlock new growth opportunities.
CEOrt Executive Director Santina Benson reflected on the organisation’s achievements, including facilitating discussions with diplomats and development partners to shift focus from aid to trade and industry.
“This year has been transformative for CEOrt,” she said. “We’ve explored critical themes like energy efficiency, human capital development, and succession planning, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth.”
The gala also honoured individuals for contributing to Tanzania’s socio-economic development, including a posthumous tribute to the late Lawrence Mafuru, former executive secretary of the Planning Commission.
As Tanzania gears up for Vision 2050, the collaboration between the government and the private sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s transformative journey.