DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA celebrates its 63rd year of independence with an overwhelming sense of joy, pride, and optimism filling the air across the country.
The year 2024 has proven to be a milestone of great significance, as Tanzanians come together to reflect on achievements of the past, present and the opportunities that lie ahead.
This year’s celebrations are particularly special symbolised by the act of sharing a cake a universal metaphor of unity, prosperity and mutual respect.
The 63rd birthday of Tanzania is not just a numerical number or milestone, but a symbolic occasion to reflect on the progress the nation has made in various sectors, including sports, culture, arts and entertainment.
The cake, which is equally shared, represents how these sectors have contributed to the nation’s growth and how each individual, from the athlete to the artist, plays a crucial role in the country’s progress.
When Tanzanians cut the cake on their 63rd birthday, the sweetness is more than just a literal taste. It represents a shared prosperity a symbol of how every Tanzanian, from every walk of life, contributes to the country’s development.
Whether it’s sportspersons who bring home international titles, the artists who craft beautiful performances, or the government leaders working tirelessly to foster economic growth, each person enjoys their slice of the national success.
The cake, as it’s shared, is a reminder of the communal spirit that underpins Tanzania’s national identity. There is a sense of joy in knowing that despite challenges, the country has grown together, hand in hand, with each person contributing to the success of the nation in their own unique way.
This celebration is not just of independence, but of the progress made in making Tanzania a beacon of hope and opportunity on the African continent.
Tanzania’s film and arts industry One of the most notable recent developments in Tanzania’s arts and entertainment industry is the continued efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to elevate the country’s profile internationally.
During her recent visit to Seoul, Republic of Korea, the President took a step toward fostering stronger relationships in the film industry, meeting with the Korean Film Producers Association (KFPA).
This was more than a diplomatic visit it was an opportunity to open doors for Tanzanian filmmakers to collaborate with the Korean film industry. As Tanzania enters its 63rd year, the film and entertainment industries are at the forefront of this celebration.
With a growing number of Tanzanian artists gaining international recognition, the government’s support and President Samia’s active involvement have brought new hope to the sector.
The collaboration between Tanzania and Korea is a vital moment in the country’s film history, setting the stage for the creation of high-quality films that will resonate with global audiences.
President Samia’s vision is clear: Tanzania is home to a wealth of untapped talent, but the country faces challenges in terms of infrastructure, expertise and equipment to produce films that meet international standards.
Her meeting with the Korean film industry was an important step toward changing this reality. The Korean government has pledged to collaborate with Tanzania’s filmmakers, providing not only technical expertise but also helping to raise the profile of Tanzanian film productions on the global stage.
Tanzania’s cinematic potential is vast, with its diverse landscapes— from the Serengeti’s sweeping savannas to the shores of Zanzibar— offering the perfect backdrop for captivating films. This partnership between Tanzania and Korea could pave the way for films that will showcase the country’s rich culture, its people and its natural beauty to the world.
The opportunity is enormous and the future of Tanzanian cinema has never looked brighter. The Tanzanian government’s dedication to investing in arts, culture and sports is another key factor in the country’s development.
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In the 2024/25 fiscal year, a significant budget of 3 bn/- has been allocated to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to these sectors.
The fund will support a range of initiatives, including loans to arts and cultural stakeholders, capacity building for artists and efforts to formalise the creative industries.
This budget also reflects the broader vision for Tanzania’s arts and culture to be globally recognised, with a focus on preserving and promoting African heritage.
Notably, the Ministry of Culture has allocated 2bn/- for the African Liberation Heritage Centre, aiming to uncover relics and document the history of African liberation.
Additionally, 1.5 bn/-shillings has been earmarked for Bagamoyo College of Arts and Culture (TaSUBa), which will see infrastructure improvements, the establishment of a perimeter fence and the development of more educational materials.
For Tanzania’s cultural and artistic growth to continue, these investments are essential. The arts are not only a means of cultural expression but also a source of revenue and a means of creating employment opportunities, especially for young people.
The growth of Tanzania’s arts sector is evident, with a remarkable 17.7 per cent increase in 2023. This is a testament to the government’s investments, as well as the increasing global recognition of Tanzanian artists in music, film and visual arts.
These sectors have flourished due to both government support and the efforts of the private sector to nurture and promote local talent.
The increase in revenue from the arts sector is particularly encouraging, as it demonstrates the value of investing in creativity.
In 2024, the government has allocated a record-breaking 285.3 billion Tanzanian shillings to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports—up from 35.4 billion shillings in the previous fiscal year.
This boost in funding will go a long way toward ensuring that Tanzanian artists, filmmakers and musicians have the tools they need to succeed on the world stage.
