Tanzania’s path to 4Rs: The President Samia’s era

By Joseph Ludovick

In the wake of a tumultuous period marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, natural hazards, and political upheaval, Tanzania has embarked on a journey of resilience, rebuilding, reconciliation, and reform under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Her presidency marks a significant shift in the nation's political landscape, offering hope and a renewed sense of purpose for Tanzania's future.

Covid-19 Pandemic: Challenges and responses.

The Covid-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to Tanzania, as it did to many countries worldwide. Under the previous administration of President John Magufuli, the government's response to the pandemic was characterised by scepticism towards conventional scientific approaches. Magufuli downplayed the severity of the virus, refrained from imposing lockdowns, and promoted optistic remedies, some of which have not been tried in scientific circles. This approach resulted in limited transparency regarding infection rates and fatalities, contributing to widespread uncertainty and fear among the world elite but quite trusted by the majority of the populace. It was providence at work, and the president almost became the nation’s bishop, demonstrating faith, which lacked even to the religious themselves. Upon assuming office in March 2021, following the sudden death of President Magufuli, President Samia Suluhu Hassan adopted a markedly different stance. Recognising the gravity of the pandemic, she prioritised public health measures, including ramping up testing, advocating for vaccination, and collaborating with international health organizations. Her administration launched comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of vaccination and preventive measures. This shift in policy marked the beginning of a more transparent and science-based approach to managing the pandemic in a Tanzanian way.

Read: President Samia receives Covid-19 jab, quiets fears

Natural Hazards: Navigating environmental challenges.

Tanzania is no stranger to natural hazards, including floods, droughts, and earthquakes, which have historically disrupted livelihoods and infrastructure. The frequency and intensity of these events have increased due to climate change, exacerbating the vulnerability of communities across the country. The Manyara landslide and the Rufiji flood incidents serve as immediate examples.

Read: How Samia has spearheaded climate change response

President Hassan's administration has recognised the critical need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. In response to these environmental challenges, the government has prioritised investments in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems. Its no coincidence that these years El Nino rains and even a hurricane were precisely forecast by the competent authorities. Efforts to enhance climate resilience include the development of sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation programmes, and the construction of flood-resistant infrastructure. The administration has also sought international partnerships and funding to support these initiatives, acknowledging that addressing climate change requires a collective global effort.

Read: Samia to visit disaster zone as experts debate causes

Political fallout: Fostering reconciliation.

The transition from President Magufuli to President Hassan was not without political tension. Magufuli's tenure was marked by a centralised, often fist-on style of governance that stifled dissent and limited political freedoms. This created a polarised political environment, with opposition parties and civil society organisations facing significant challenges. The leading opposition leader was charged with terrorism, and a dozen self-exiled. President Hassan, the first female president of Tanzania, has made reconciliation a cornerstone of her administration.

Read: Spearheading reforms: Samia's three-year makeover of CCM

The lone opposition leader was set free and welcomed at the state house for an unprecedented audience with the president, an act not so welcome by the president's own Chama Cha Mapinduzi. She has further taken steps to engage with all opposition leaders, and the fugitives returned home after witnessing the reconciliatory move. Even a notorious politician like Tundu Lissu became optimistic of the president's philosophy of leadership.

The later relation to the president has been that of changing nature. He became an “amigo” when Samia went to visit him at his bed in the aftermath of his failed assassination by some unknown persons to date, to an inimical relationship reaching a point of Lissu accusing the president's son to be a player in colluding with Chadema pundits to kill his party, something that has left a lot to be desired after the abrupt defection of Peter Msigwa to CCM. It goes without saying that civil societies and the media are on board with the presidents signalling a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and democratic political environment. In her inaugural address, she emphasised the importance of national unity and called for dialogue and cooperation among all political actors. To put it another way, the efforts towards political reconciliation have included the release of political prisoners, the lifting of bans on opposition rallies, and the restoration of press freedoms. By creating space for diverse voices and opinions, President Hassan aims to rebuild trust in the political system and promote a culture of tolerance and respect for human rights, which is already evident.

Economic Reforms: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

Economic recovery and reform are central to President Hassan's vision for Tanzania.

The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted the economy, leading to disruptions in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. She personally took part in making the now famous Royal Tour, which really turned the dark page to a bright beginning, and as we speak, tourists have returned to normalcy. To further address these challenges, the government has unveiled a comprehensive economic recovery plan focused on diversification, investment, and job creation. One of the key pillars of this plan is the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI). President Hassan has embarked on diplomatic missions to strengthen ties with international partners and attract investment. Her administration has streamlined regulatory processes, reduced bureaucratic red tape, and introduced incentives to create a more business-friendly environment.

Read: Three years on, how Samia’s economic diplomacy agenda is paying off

In addition to attracting foreign investment, the government is committed to supporting local industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Initiatives such as providing access to credit, enhancing vocational training programs,(all districts have a VETA facility or one is under completion), and improving infrastructure are aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth from within. Without forgetting, the Mega projects are being completed, namely the SGR, the Nyerere Hydroelectric, and the Magufuli Bridge in Lake Victoria.

Read: How Samia has opened up Tanzania through economic diplomacy

Social reforms: Advancing education and healthcare

Education and healthcare are critical components of Tanzania's social development agenda. President Hassan's administration has prioritised reforms in these sectors to ensure that all citizens have access to quality services. In education, efforts are underway to expand access to primary and secondary education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Education is free from elementary to high secondary school, having reformed the education policy and changed the curriculum, an action hailed by many in the education sector.

Primary school now ends in class six, and primary education extends to form four. The state university is stretching to have campuses all over the country, and the student loans have tripled. The government is investing in teacher training, school infrastructure, and digital learning resources to improve the quality of education. Additionally, there is a renewed focus on vocational training and higher education to equip young Tanzanians with the skills needed for the evolving job market.

Read: Samia's three years of positive, impactful education reforms

Healthcare reforms are aimed at strengthening the country's healthcare system, which was strained during the Covid-19 pandemic. The government is investing in healthcare infrastructure, erecting hotel-like hospitals, both referral and regional (the latest being inaugurated in Katavi and Rukwa, respectively), increasing the availability of essential medicines, and enhancing healthcare worker training. Initiatives to improve maternal and child health, combat infectious diseases, and address non-communicable diseases are also high on the agenda. It is not being overly ambitious or exaggerating to say that I am optimistic that universal health insurance will be tenable just a year or two from today.

Women’s empowerment: Breaking barriers.

President Hassan's historic rise to the presidency has had a profound impact on women's empowerment in Tanzania. Her leadership serves as an inspiration for women and girls across the nation, challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for gender equality.

It was this background that made her say a word to the musculine power mongers. Her administration has launched programmes to promote women's participation in politics, business, and education, giving a second chance to girls who are brutally crushed by the masculine system. Efforts to address gender-based violence, improve maternal health, and support women entrepreneurs are integral to her vision for an inclusive society. Her government and even party appointments have demonstrated a sense of awareness of enabling women. Thank God all women that are given portfolios have overperformed, and the nation is now comfortable with female leaders anywhere. By prioritising women's empowerment, President Hassan is fostering a more equitable and just Tanzania.

Conclusion.

Tanzania's journey towards resilience, rebuilding, reconciliation, and reforms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan is marked by significant challenges and transformative opportunities. While faced by conservative bureaucrats within her party, of course even in government, her administration's commitment to a science-based response to the Covid-19 pandemic, robust disaster preparedness, political reconciliation, economic diversification, social reforms, and women's empowerment lays the foundation for a brighter future.

She has been able to accommodate both factions, marking a discontinuity in continuity. He recently teased of younger ministers whom she can flog if they misbehave.

We also know of very senior and perennial ministers bringing up the nexus of all walks of life. President Hassan's leadership embodies a vision of unity, transparency, and inclusive growth. As Tanzania navigates the complexities of the post-pandemic world, the nation's ability to adapt, innovate, and build a more resilient society will be key to its success. The road ahead may be challenging, given the fact that elections are nearing, but with steadfast determination and collective effort, Tanzania is poised to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

A personal political opinion won't pollute this article because it’s a matter of inference to all this predicate. Samia has in three years become quite a popular and loved leader. Come election, she will win by a landslide.

Joseph Ludovick is the Bahi District secretary, Wazazi-CCM