UDSM partners with Empower firm to groom leaders for Vision 2050

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Empower Limited have embarked on a partnership to shape the leaders who will drive Tanzania toward Vision 2050.

Dubbed the Visionary Leaders Programme, the initiative aims to equip middle and senior managers, as well as supervisors, with the skills needed to inspire growth, foster innovation, and tackle the country’s unique challenges.

It comes at a crucial time as Tanzania gears up for its next national development strategy set to replace Vision 2025.

The Visionary Leaders Programme is designed to create forward-thinking leaders who will guide Tanzania into a prosperous future.

With the current vision coming to an end in 2025, the government is actively seeking public input to shape the Development Vision 2050—a document that will articulate the nation’s aspirations and actionable strategies.

Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 23, 2024, Empower Limited’s Founder and Managing Partner, Ms Miranda Naiman, highlighted the importance of this collaboration.

“Our partnership with UDSM allows us to blend practical leadership development with academic excellence,” she said.

“The Visionary Leaders Programme is designed to create a generation of forward-thinking leaders who will guide Tanzania toward Vision 2050, fostering sustainable growth and innovation at every level.”

The three-month programme, which kicks off in March 2025, will combine online and in-person training. It includes leadership modules such as strategic planning, people management, and ethical decision-making.

Participants will also attend two five-day boot camps in different regions, offering hands-on training through real-world case studies and interactive activities.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research at UDSM, Prof Nelson Boniface, expressed confidence in the programme’s potential to address Tanzania’s socio-economic challenges.

“This partnership underscores UDSM’s dedication to nurturing leaders who can champion Tanzania’s future,” he said.

“By offering this programme, we are equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the country’s complex challenges, aligning with the university’s mission and the national vision.”

Experts in leadership and economic development have welcomed the initiative, praising its alignment with Tanzania’s long-term goals.

An economist and lecturer at the Institute of Finance Management, Dr Joyce Mshana, said the programme has the potential to fill a critical gap in leadership development.

“Leadership is a key driver of economic growth,” she noted. “By focusing on strategic planning and ethical decision-making, this programme will prepare leaders to navigate the complexities of global markets while addressing local challenges.”

A leadership consultant, Mr Samuel Makoye, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in capacity building.

“This initiative is a game-changer,” he said. “Combining UDSM’s academic expertise with Empower Limited’s practical approach will ensure that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Such partnerships are exactly what Tanzania needs to prepare for the next three decades.”

The programme will require participants to pay a fee of not less than Sh5 million. However, Ms Naiman assured that the investment would yield long-term benefits, including access to an extensive professional network and mentorship opportunities from top industry practitioners and UDSM faculty members.

“Participants will not only gain leadership insights but also establish connections that will foster collaboration and growth across various sectors,” she added.

The collaboration between UDSM and Empower Limited signals a commitment to preparing the country’s workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

As the country’s oldest public university, UDSM has pledged to leverage its resources to advance knowledge and nurture talents that align with Vision 2050.

“Tanzania’s Vision 2050 demands leaders who are innovative, resilient, and capable of mobilising resources toward shared goals,” said Prof Boniface.

“This programme is a significant step toward realizing that vision,” he added.