Research to shape Vision 2050 debate

DODOMA: RESEARCH on informal businesses, public spending, tourism and green procurement will take centre stage in Dodoma this November as experts from about 10 countries gather to discuss how evidence-based solutions can strengthen the country’s competitiveness and support the implementation of Development Vision 2050.

The Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) will host the Fifth International Conference on Business and Economic Development from November 10 to 12, bringing together researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders from Africa, Europe and Asia.

TIA Executive Director, Professor William Pallangyo announced the conference on Monday while briefing journalists in Dodoma, saying the event comes at a time when the country is looking to translate research into practical policies that support longterm economic growth.

“Its main objective is to disseminate research findings from studies we have already conducted. The major theme will be academic transformation, competitiveness and development towards the 2050 Vision,” Prof Pallangyo said.

He said participants would exchange ideas and present findings on issues affecting economic and social development, creating a platform for researchers and decision-makers to engage on solutions that can be applied beyond academic institutions.

According to Prof Pallangyo, TIA has organised the conference annually, with previous editions held in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha and Mwanza, while this year’s event places Dodoma at the centre of discussions on policy, business and academic transformation.

“This year’s conference will provide an important opportunity for TIA and its partners to turn research findings into knowledge that can inform policy, improve business practices and support the country’s long-term development agenda,” he said.

The conference will showcase research that the institute has conducted on several issues of national importance, including the formalisation of informal businesses, public procurement, tourism and environmentally responsible procurement.

Prof Pallangyo said some of the studies have already been published in internationally recognised journals, reflecting the institute’s growing contribution to global academic discourse.

Research on the formalisation of informal businesses was published through Elsevier, while a Value for Money study examining how accountability can improve the use of public funds appeared in Emerald’s Business Analyst Journal.

The institute has also published research on green procurement in the Journal of Management and Research, exploring how environmentally responsible procurement can improve business performance.

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Another study examined the impact of the Royal Tour documentary and how transport and tourism organisations utilised opportunities created by the film.

The findings were published in the Journal of Ecotourism. “These studies demonstrate that research can provide practical solutions to national development challenges while giving our work international visibility,” Prof Pallangyo said.

Beyond research, TIA has strengthened partnerships with 31 institutions in Tanzania and abroad to expand research, training, student exchanges and staff development.

Its local partners include the Kurasini Police College, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), the Tanzania Public Health Association (TPHA), the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in Zanzibar and the Zanzibar Institute for Tourism Administration (ZIAT).

Internationally, the institute has established academic links with institutions in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, China, India, Lithuania, Eswatini, Mozambique, Burundi, Ukraine and Russia.

Prof Pallangyo said the partnerships were helping connect classroom learning and research with the practical needs of industries, institutions and communities, strengthening TIA’s contribution to the country’s longterm development agenda.

“The Sixth-Phase Government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has continued to emphasise cooperation with institutions within and outside the country,” he said.