A journey of massive social, economic progress

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania commemorate the 64th anniversary of our independence, this nation has a unique opportunity to reflect on the significant progress achieved over the past six years under the leadership of various presidents elected in accordance with our constitution.

It is a moment for collective recognition and appreciation of our nation’s journey.

This year, as we celebrate this anniversary, we take great pride in the significant milestone of having a woman as our nation’s leader, marking a notable departure from the past five decades of male presidents.

As Tanzania celebrates the significant milestone of 64 years of independence on 9th December 2025, it is an opportune moment for the nation to reflect on its journey from its beginnings as a newly independent state in 1961 to its current status as a stable, aspiring middle-income country with growing economic ambitions.

While it may prompt discussion, apart from a few unlawful incidents observed this year following the election date that drew international attention to our country, only a small number of African nations have been able to sustain national unity, political stability and social progress with level of effectiveness and consistency comparable to Tanzania.

The nation’s achievements across various fields, including nation-building, education, health, governance, international relations and economic development, have created a legacy that has significantly shaped Tanzania’s identity and laid a solid foundation for future generations.

This 64-year reflection, which I believe began in the sixties, provides a comprehensive analysis of the key social, political and economic milestones that define Tanzania’s journey since achieving independence.

Examining Tanzania’s social achievements, especially in the areas of human capital development and national unity, it has many reasons to celebrate its anniversary, particularly regarding progress in universal education and literacy.

A notable achievement in Tanzania’s post-independence period is the progress in education.

Initially shaped by the Arusha Declaration and later supported by lasting policies, the government emphasised universal literacy and mass education as key to national development.

The increase in literacy was considerable, rising from below 20 per cent in the early 1960s to over 80 per cent by the 1980s and it continues to improve with the expansion of primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Notable reforms, including free basic education, investments through SEDP and PEDP and the expansion of both public and private universities, have significantly improved enrolment and retention rates.

Tanzania currently has over 40 universities and university colleges, fostering expertise in engineering, medicine, ICT, agriculture and social sciences.

The focus on improving human capital is crucial for driving innovation, maintaining competitiveness and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Similarly, in the field of health advancements and lifespan extension, Tanzania has made significant progress in disease management, maternal health, vaccination campaigns and overall life expectancy.

After gaining independence, the availability of hospitals and medical professionals was severely limited; today, the landscape includes numerous health facilities spread across the country, supported by comprehensive national initiatives targeting malaria prevention, HIV/AIDS management, child immunisation and reproductive health services.

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The rise in life expectancy from under 40 years in 1961 to over 65 years today highlights the major progress made through continuous investment in public health infrastructure over the years.

National efforts, including the deployment of community health workers, expansion of insurance schemes and improvements to specialised hospitals such as upgrades at Muhimbili National Hospital and the creation of new zonal referral hospitals help to strengthen access to quality healthcare.

Importantly, the preservation of culture and the sense of national identity have positioned Tanzania, unlike other parts within SADC and EAC, as one of the most cohesive nations in Africa, rooted in shared values and the adoption of Kiswahili as the national language.

The deliberate promotion of Kiswahili by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere greatly helped reduce ethnic divisions and foster a unified national identity.

Today, Tanzania continues to champion the global prominence of Kiswahili, a language that has gained international recognition, is celebrated through World Kiswahili Day and is taught across various continents.

As previously stated regarding the unlawful incidents during this year’s general election, I believe that political achievements have created an environment of stability, governance and a unique diplomatic profile.

Tanzania’s political stability, characterised by sustained peace and democratic development, stands as one of its most admirable achievements.

For over sixty years, the country has successfully avoided the civil unrest and internal conflicts that have affected many other African nations since independence.

The union formed between Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964 remains one of the most enduring and stable political partnerships on the continent.

Tanzania, once governed under a single-party political system, gradually shifted towards a multiparty democratic framework during the 1990s.

Since then, there has been ongoing development of democratic institutions, electoral processes and political pluralism.

The leadership changes have occurred smoothly, demonstrating a commendable level of institutional maturity.

Therefore, upon reflection, the past 64 years have also been marked by deliberate efforts to improve governance and public institutions.

The development of public service management, the implementation of decentralisation strategies and the pursuit of anti-corruption initiatives have helped create a state that is both more accountable and efficient.

The creation and strengthening of oversight bodies such as the PCCB, the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), presidential-specific commissions and various sector regulators have greatly enhanced transparency.

Recent administrations, particularly under Dr Samia as the 6th phase, second period president, have placed significant emphasis on advancing digital transformation and e-governance, aiming to streamline processes such as business registration, tax administration and service delivery.

The proposed reforms, in my view, are in harmony with Tanzania’s aspiration to evolve into a contemporary, technology-oriented nation, as outlined in long-term frameworks like FYDP IV and the forthcoming DIRA 2050.

Reflecting on the past 64 years, it is clear that Tanzania has maintained a significant diplomatic stature characterised by principles of peace, cooperation and solidarity.

As a founding member of the African Union (formerly OAU), SADC and the EAC, the nation has made notable contributions to regional mediation, peacekeeping efforts and liberation movements.

During the era of liberation, Tanzania served as a refuge for freedom fighters from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

In recent decades, the country has consistently worked to promote regional stability by mediating in Burundi, the DRC and other neighbouring nations.

Currently, Tanzania is recognised internationally for its skilled soft diplomacy, strategic neutrality and significant contributions to Pan-Africanism and the promotion of Kiswahili.

Moreover, analysing economic achievements, particularly in terms of growth, industrial ambitions and transformation, Tanzania has developed from a low-income, agrarian economy into a diverse and steadily expanding nation.

After gaining independence, the government emphasised principles of cooperative farming, promoting local production and pursuing self-reliance.

Over the years, reforms in market liberalisation, investment policies and macroeconomic management have encouraged growth across various sectors.

Agriculture continues to be the fundamental pillar of the economy, supporting many households and making significant contributions to export activities.

Meanwhile, industries such as mining, manufacturing, construction, tourism, logistics and financial services have experienced notable expansion, thereby strengthening Tanzania’s robust GDP growth compared to its regional counterparts.

Achieving lower-middle income status in 2020 marked a significant milestone, setting the country on a path towards further industrial and technological development.

Over sixty-four years, there has been a remarkable transformation in infrastructure, especially in energy, transport and urban modernisation.

Tanzania’s infrastructure landscape has significantly changed during this period. The development of national roads, bridges, ports, airports and energy systems serves as a fundamental pillar of economic progress.

Significant achievements by the nation include the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting the interior to the coast, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which is set to contribute over 2,115 MW to the national grid, the modernisation of the ports in Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara to enhance regional trade competitiveness and the expansion of airports such as JNIA and KIA.

Additionally, there has been rapid development of urban landscapes in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza and Zanzibar.

In my view, this infrastructure expansion strengthens Tanzania’s aim to establish itself as a key hub for trade, logistics and industry within the region.

The mining and natural resources sectors have undeniably acted as key drivers of growth over the past 64 years, maintaining their importance within the broader economy.

Significant mineral discoveries such as gold, natural gas, coal, nickel and rare earths have reshaped Tanzania’s economic structure.

The development of large-scale mining operations in Geita, Buzwagi and North Mara, along with the emerging sectors of graphite, helium and lithium, provides a strong foundation for potential economic diversification.

Changes in government regulations on mining laws and local content initiatives have enhanced benefits for regional stakeholders, promoted community investment, and increased government engagement in key mineral resources.

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Projects like Liganga–Mchuchuma are expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a major producer of steel and industrial minerals such as titanium and vanadium concentrates once they are completed.

The status of tourism as a globally competitive sector has established Tanzania as a leading destination in recent years, marking a significant economic achievement.

The region features renowned landmarks such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar, which consistently contribute to foreign exchange earnings.

The tourism sector has developed into a notably resilient industry, with its recovery following global disruptions highlighting Tanzania’s attractive offerings and expertise in destination management.

Over a span of 64 years, the interaction of socio-economic connections and progress in human development has created a virtuous cycle that improves outcomes in human development.

Improvements in road infrastructure have greatly enhanced access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities and markets, while the supply of electricity in rural areas has significantly raised living standards and entrepreneurial opportunities within communities.

The growth of financial inclusion can be linked to advances in mobile money technologies and reforms in the banking sector, enabling more individuals to participate more fully in economic activities.

Programmes like TASAF, youth empowerment initiatives and notably the establishment of a dedicated youth Ministry under the president’s office in this year’s new cabinet, along with agricultural financing and small-business development programmes, illustrate the country’s resolute progress in reducing poverty and broadening opportunities for vulnerable groups.

The demographic dividend, rooted in a youthful and dynamic populace, sets the stage for Tanzania’s future, characterised by innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancements.

Sixty-four years have clearly shown that Tanzania has made significant progress; however, it is crucial that we remain alert in tackling upcoming challenges and considering Tanzania’s future in 2050.

Although the country has achieved important milestones, many issues still remain.

The issues include youth unemployment, climate change vulnerabilities, the dominance of the informal sector, regional development disparities and the need for deeper industrialisation.

However, the government’s policy direction, as shown by DIRA 2050 and FYDPIV, reflects a strong commitment to addressing these problems.

Scanning at DIRA 2050 highlights strong and practical initiatives focused on reaching industrialisation and manufacturing-led growth goals, a plan for developing human capital, strategies for innovation and digital transformation, discussions on environmental sustainability and importantly, mechanisms designed to improve governance and economic competitiveness.

Tanzania, through its ongoing reforms and strategic investments, is set to harness its rich natural resources, human capital and regional integration to become a significant middle-income industrial hub.

While various regional and international observers may hold differing views on Tanzania’s achievements over the years, I argue that, as an economist, the story surrounding Tanzania’s 64 years of independence is fundamentally one of resilience, stability and steady progress.

The nation has developed a unified identity, strengthened its democratic and governance structures, advanced human development and laid strong foundations for economic transformation.

Only a few nations demonstrate such a harmonious combination of political unity, cultural respect and foresight.

The way forward leading towards 2050 and beyond will depend on the continuation of reforms, the utilisation of youthful potential, the adoption of innovative practices and the enhancement of industrial capabilities.

Nonetheless, the outlook remains quite promising.

Tanzania, at 64, stands as a nation confident in its historical achievements and motivated by the limitless potential that lies ahead.