BUILDING THE TANZANIA WE WANT: Vision is splendid as national call for action

DODOMA: On Thursday in Dodoma, the political heart of our nation Tanzania took a bold step into the future with the official launch of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

This is not just a ceremonial occasion; it is a moment that demands national reflection, renewed commitment and collective ambition. It is an opportunity for every Tanzanian to ask: Where do we want to be by 2050? And what are we doing today to get there?

Personally, I am filled with great pride and humility to have been part of this historic process. Through my organisation, Twaweza East Africa, we were actively engaged in the research that informed the design of this Vision. Beyond that, I together with a fellow colleague had the honour of directly contribute to the writing of both the English and Kiswahili versions of the Vision 2050 document.

We also participated in drafting the Long-term Perspective Plan that outlines how the Vision will be translated into actionable programmes over the coming years. But beyond personal contribution, what excites me most is what this Vision represents. It is not just a document of government intentions. It is a national covenant.

A pact between this generation and the generations to come. A roadmap, yes but also a call to bold action, unity, creativity and shared responsibility.

What is Vision 2050?

Vision 2050 envisions Tanzania as a high-income, knowledge-driven economy, powered by innovation, inclusion and sustainability. By 2050, the country aspires to achieve a GDP of 1 trillion US dollar and an annual per capita income of 7,000 US dollar (18.2m/-).

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These are ambitious goals, but they are grounded in possibility. The Vision is anchored on three transformative pillars: Inclusive and competitive economic growth, with strong investment in innovation, entrepreneurship and private sector dynamism, people-centered human development, focusing on education, health, equity, social well-being and digital literacy and environmental sustainability and climate resilience, to ensure longterm national prosperity and the protection of future generations.

What makes this Vision unique is its comprehensive scope: It does not only care about numbers or growth rates, but also the quality of life, human dignity, justice, cultural heritage and our collective identity as Tanzanians.

A long road already travelled Tanzania has already walked a long path of development. Since independence in 1961 and the formation of the Union in 1964, we have battled poverty, ignorance and disease. We have preserved peace and stability. We have built a cohesive nation through difficult times.

The Vision 2025, launched in the year 2000, was a major milestone. It aimed to transform our economy from low-productivity agriculture to a semi-industrial economy. Today, we can look back with pride: per capita income has more than tripled, life expectancy has increased from 55 to 65 years and access to education and health services has greatly expanded.

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Yet, new global challenges including climate change, digital disruption, geopolitical shifts and rising aspirations among our youths are emerging. That’s why Vision 2050 was designed not from routine thinking, but from wide consultation, thoughtful research and deep national introspection.

Why we must take Vision 2050 seriously

This Vision is more than words on paper. It is a sacred responsibility. If left untouched and unimplemented, it will remain just another beautiful promise. But if we internalise it, own it, and act upon it; it can transform every sector, every region, every household.

We must ask ourselves: Do our national and local development plans align with Vision 2050? Are we investing in the right areas to prepare our young people for the future? Are our governance systems responsive and accountable to the people? These are not rhetorical questions; they are calls to action.

Importantly, Vision 2050 is not just for the government.

It belongs to all of us, farmers, teachers, journalists, youths, business leaders, civil society, artists, religious leaders and the diaspora. We are all shareholders in this great national project.

The role of Civil Society As civil society organisations, including Twaweza, we have a critical role to play, not just as observers, but as active facilitators of national progress. We must push for implementation, convene citizen voices, monitor delivery and promote public dialogue and accountability.

Our contribution in the development of Vision 2050 is evidence that civil society is not on the sidelines. We are at the table. We bring value. We offer insight. And we are committed to walking this journey with the government, private sector and communities.

What will I tell my grandchildren in 2050?

When I imagine Tanzania in 2050, I picture myself as a grandparent, sitting with my grandchildren, telling them the story of how we built the country they now live in. I want those stories to be full of hope, pride and progress not regrets or missed opportunities.

I will tell them how we invested in education so every child could dream big. I will tell them how we protected our environment and cultural heritage. I will tell them how technology became a tool for equity, not exclusion.

I will tell them how women, youths and people with disabilities found their voice and place in society. But most importantly, I will tell them that the Tanzania they see in 2050 is a result of choices we made; together; as a nation, back in 2025.

A call to every Tanzanian Let me end with a heartfelt appeal:

Let us not be bystanders. Vision 2050 is ours to implement. Let us align our policies, programmes, conversations and even our prayers with the future we want. Let us remain bold, hopeful and united. Let us ask hard questions, demand accountability, support innovation and nurture inclusion.

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Let us teach our children not just what the Vision says, but what it means and how they, too, are part of the journey.

Tanzania of 2050 is not a fantasy. It is possible, if we choose to act boldly, dream collectively and remain focused. The future belongs to those who prepare for it. May God bless Tanzania. May He bless Vision 2050. Let the journey begin.

● The writer is a development enthsusiast and one of the contributors to the development and writing of Tanzania’s Vision 2050 through Twaweza East Africa. She believes that when citizens are engaged and informed, change becomes inevitable.