Josephine Christopher is a senior business journalist for The Citizen and Mwananchi newspapers
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She unveiled a comprehensive vision aimed at transforming Tanzania’s food systems, boosting rural incomes and accelerating national economic growth
Mbeya. During her campaign in the Mbeya Region, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan placed agriculture at the forefront of her re-election effort.
She unveiled a comprehensive vision aimed at transforming Tanzania’s food systems, boosting rural incomes and accelerating national economic growth.
Addressing large crowds in Mbalizi and Mbeya Urban, President Samia pledged to expand subsidies, upgrade infrastructure, and invest in agro-processing industries. Her goal is to ensure that Tanzanian farmers not only produce more but also earn more from their harvests.
“We aim to raise agriculture’s annual growth rate from 4.6 percent to 10 percent by 2030,” she stated.
She emphasised that with the right subsidies and supportive policies, agriculture could become the true backbone of Tanzania’s economy. President Samia broadened her agenda by linking agriculture to social protection and urban growth.
Additionally, she announced a new health financing system that would allow patients to make payments either before or after treatment, while also prohibiting hospitals from detaining deceased patients’ bodies due to unpaid bills. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, and cancer will receive targeted financial assistance.
The president commended the residents of Mbeya for their contributions to making the region one of Tanzania’s top food producers. “Thank you, Mbeya, for feeding the nation. You are among the largest suppliers of food in Tanzania,” she said.
To support farmers and traders, Samia promised to invest significantly in transport infrastructure, ensuring that agricultural products can be easily transported to markets within Tanzania and neighbouring countries.
She also committed to promoting industrial clusters, particularly agro-processing factories, to add value to crops, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs.
Recognising the potential of young people, she pledged to expand street lighting in urban centres to enable entrepreneurs to operate safely at night.
President Samia’s campaign message was backed by senior figures from CCM. Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, the CCM candidate for the Kilosa constituency, praised the reforms in election management that have occurred under her leadership.
“We have witnessed significant changes in how elections are supervised,” he said. “The roles of Director of Elections, returning officers, and members of the electoral commission are now applied for, go through interviews, and are earned based on merit.”
Dr Tulia Ackson, CCM’s candidate for the Uyole constituency and former Speaker of the National Assembly, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and governance.
She mentioned the construction of 218 kilometres of four-lane roads in Mbeya, along with over Sh20 billion invested in health, major water projects, and education improvements.
She also praised the subsidy program for fertiliser and other inputs, noting that it has reduced costs for farmers and improved crop yields.
Dr Ackson acknowledged President Hassan for implementing electoral law reforms that ensure credible and peaceful elections. “President Hassan has demonstrated courage in governance, guaranteeing that elections are conducted with peace and integrity,” she said.
During President Hassan’s campaign in Mbeya, a cultural ceremony was held in her honour, led by traditional chiefs who presented her with symbolic items, including a staff, a white cloth, and a three-legged stool to signify security, peace, and strength in leadership. She expressed her gratitude for their blessings and pledged to honour their requests.
