Bunge receives National Blueprint for 2025–2050 Development

DODOMA: THE government yesterday tabled the National Development Vision 2025–2050 for its first reading in the National Assembly, marking a significant step in outlining the country’s longterm development roadmap.

Speaking during the closing of the 19th Meeting of the 12th Parliament, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the Vision will serve as a strategic tool to guide the nation’s development over the next 25 years.

“I take this opportunity to kindly urge my fellow Members of Parliament that, as we return to our constituencies, we act as good ambassadors by clearly and simply communicating to our citizens the key highlights and benefits contained in this new national development vision,” the Prime Minister said.

Following its tabling, experts have expressed optimism that Vision 2050 will prioritise value addition, foster local innovation and strengthen entrepreneurship in order to build an inclusive, competitive economy.

They expect the blueprint to integrate research and development (R&D) with industrial growth, enhance value chains and empower small businesses for the broader benefit of Tanzanians.

Despite consistent economic growth, experts noted that Tanzania’s economy has averaged below 6 per cent over the past two decades, largely due to the continued export of raw materials and the limited contribution of agriculture to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Academics have also called for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), arguing that empowering informal businesses could help create more local millionaires, expand the tax base and reduce unemployment.

Speaking during Public Service Week exhibitions held at Chinangali Grounds in Dodoma, Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Dr Tausi Kida confirmed that the draft Vision is ready for parliamentary scrutiny.

“If approved, it will be officially launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” she said.

Dr Kida explained that the new Vision aims to position Tanzania as a competitive, inclusive and economically resilient nation, guided by a clear roadmap for achieving national aspirations.

“We’re finalising the Vision 2050 document and, once passed, it will serve as a national development guide for decades to come,” she added, noting that the Vision will be backed by a long-term implementation plan to turn its goals into measurable outcomes, including the ambition to transform Tanzania into a trilliondollar economy.

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“A robust implementation framework is crucial to ensure we deliver the desired outcomes,” she stressed.

Commenting on the Vision, Mr Octavian Ruta, an economist from the Ministry, highlighted the critical role of the private sector, especially local investors, in driving the Vision 2050 agenda.

“Investment policies have been revised to prioritise productivity and job creation, regardless of the investor’s origin,” he said.

On his part, Dr Hildebrand Shayo, an economist and investment banker, pointed out that the agro-value addition sector remains disconnected from research institutions.

“Challenges include a shortage of post-harvest specialists and weak knowledge transfer between research stations and agricultural extension agencies,” he said.

He emphasised the need for strong extension and training systems to enhance capacity and responsiveness to market needs.

Dr Shayo added that sectors like mining and agriculture, if paired with sound macroeconomic policies, could increase per capita income growth by 2 per cent, especially if fiscal deficits are contained as planned.

“To realise Vision 2050, we must strike a balance between economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability,” he noted.

Also weighing in, Dr Sylvester Jotta, a business and entrepreneurship expert, called for the creation of robust and well-coordinated institutions to support SME development.

He also recommended a comprehensive review of existing parastatal organisations to assess their continued relevance and effectiveness.