DAR ES SALAAM: TODAY marks four years since President Samia Suluhu Hassan took the oath of office on March 19, 2021, following the passing on of former President, the late Dr John Magufuli.
Dr Magufuli passed away on March 17, 2021, at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
In accordance with Article 37(5) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, the then Vice- President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as President to complete the unexpired term.
Shortly after taking office, as the nation mourned the loss of Dr Magufuli, President Samia delivered a message of unity and resilience, urging Tanzanians to remain strong and work together.
“This is a time for consolation, showing love to one another, strengthening peace, unity and brotherhood, honouring our dignity and patriotism,” she said, assuring the nation that Tanzania was in safe hands.
She pledged to continue her predecessor’s legacy, especially in completing strategic development projects.
Indeed, she has been walking her talk, as the country has seen a huge transformation in her four years in office.
As the nation marks four years of great success under President Samia’s leadership, all key sectors are flourishing. From manufacturing and agriculture to tourism, construction and transport, the country has witnessed significant growth.
Since assuming office, President Samia has prioritised investment by creating a conducive environment for the sector to grow.
According to Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) Executive Director, Gilead Teri, between 2021 and 2025, the government registered 2,020 projects worth 24 billion US dollars (approximately 64tri/).
This marks a 177 per cent increase from the 728 projects worth 8 billion US dollars (over 21tri/-) registered between 2018 and 2021.
The New Investment Act of 2022 has played a key role in attracting investors by improving the investment climate.
The law reduced the minimum capital requirement for local investors from 100,000 US dollars (about 264 million/-) to 50,000 US dollars (about 132m/-).
The projects registered in the four years under President Samia created a total of 523,891 jobs compared to 104,172 between 2018 and 2021.
In terms of ownership, domestic investors accounted for 34 per cent, foreign investors 43 per cent, and joint ventures 23 per cent.
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Numerous diplomatic visits by President Samia have positioned Tanzania as a safe investment destination, attracting investors from across the globe.
The manufacturing sector topped other sectors in attracting investors, registering 917 projects, followed by transport with 348 projects, real estate with 304 projects, tourism with 191 and agriculture with 180 projects.
The agriculture sector’s budget has increased nearly fivefold from 294bn/- in 2021/2022 to 1.379tri/- for 2024/2025, with significant investment in irrigation projects.
The national food reserve has grown from 250,000 tonnes to over 776,000 tonnes, while food sufficiency reached 120 per cent in 2023/24 and is projected to hit 130 per cent by 2024/25.
The ‘Build a Better Tomorrow’ (BBT) programme, launched under President Samia’s leadership, aims to engage youth and women in agribusiness. So far, over 1,250 youths have been enrolled, with a target of three million direct and indirect jobs by 2030.
The mining sector has also recorded notable achievements, with its contribution to GDP rising from 7.3 per cent in 2021 to 9 per cent in 2023, with a projection of 10 per cent by 2025.
Reports indicate that mining is one of Tanzania’s leading economic sectors, accounting for about 50 per cent of total exports.
Access to clean water in rural areas has improved from 64.8 per cent in December 2019 to 83 per cent in December 2024, with a target of 85 per cent by 2025. On electrification, the Rural Energy Agency (REA) reports that nearly all villages in the country will have electricity by March 2025, compared to 66 per cent in 2020.
The government has implemented various measures to improve the health sector, leading to a decline in maternal and under-five mortality rates. President Samia’s efforts were recognized globally when she became the first African leader to receive the prestigious Global Goalkeeper Award from the Gates Foundation.
Since 2021, improvements in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health have significantly reduced maternal mortality, while underfive mortality has dropped from 63 to 43 per 1,000 live births. President Samia’s diplomatic engagements have strengthened economic ties and enhanced Tanzania’s global reputation.
As Tanzania marks four years under her leadership, the country continues to experience remarkable economic growth, infrastructural development and social transformation, setting the stage for a prosperous future.
