DIRA 2050: Agri-value chain stressed
DAR ES SALAAM: EXPERTS have outlined key strategic priorities for achieving Tanzania’s Vision 2050, calling on both the government and private sector to take bold action.
Among the top recommendations are expanding irrigation systems, boosting investment in agro-processing industries, and improving access to capital for farmers through strengthened agricultural banks and cooperatives.
These measures, they say, are essential to unlocking the full potential of the agricultural sector and driving longterm national growth.
Their views were shared at a forum on inclusive economy, held in Mbeya Region, on Thursday organised by the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Professorial Chair in Pan-African Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC).
Professor Humphrey Moshi, chairman of the forum, said industrialisation should be firmly anchored in agriculture. He emphasised the need to improve infrastructure, strengthen economic diplomacy with global partners and maintain peace and stability to create an enabling environment for investment.
“Where there is a will, there is a way,” Professor Moshi said, noting that leaders’ commitment must be matched by active citizen participation in building an inclusive economy.
Executive Director of the Public-Private Partnerships Centre, Mr David Kafulila, said PPPs provide resources and expertise that cannot be generated through taxes and government loans alone, making them indispensable for industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
Mr Kafulila cited some of success under the PPPs including performance improvement at Dar es Salaam port, the Ubungo Business Complex, and the IgawaTunduma and Dar es Salaam–Chalinze highways, all driven by PPP arrangements.
He argued that major infrastructure and industrial projects cannot rely solely on government funding and taxes, but require strategic collaboration with the private sector.
Economist Mr Jordan Matonya from the National Planning Commission said industrial growth must be supported by expanded energy systems, integrated transportation networks, and promotion of research, science, and technology. He added that digital transformation is a critical driver, urging widespread adoption of ICT to modernise industries and public services.
Mr Matonya stressed that achieving a 1 trillion US dollar economy by 2050 will require not only infrastructure and innovation but also the development of skilled human capital.
Commenting, Dr Gladness Salema, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, highlighted that human capital development must accompany industrialisation and digital transformation.
She stressed that skills training and education are crucial for citizens to participate effectively in technology-driven sectors.
Dr Salema also emphasised inclusive growth, urging the creation of decent employment opportunities for all Tanzanians and empowering the private sector to contribute fully to national development.
Mzumbe University lecturer, Dr Jasinta Kahyoza, urged the government to lead infrastructure development while actively engaging the private sector.
She underlined investment in human capital through vocational training and education as key to enabling citizens to seize opportunities in industrial and digital sectors.
She added that PPPs offer a platform to share benefits among government, private investors, and citizens, fostering a collaborative approach to national growth.
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The experts agreed that achieving Vision 2050 will require coordinated efforts across all sectors, explaining that industrialisation, particularly through manufacturing and agro-processing, must be pursued alongside digital transformation.
