Why CCM’s role in development outstanding

AS Tanzania commemorates 61 years of the Union, it is crucial to reflect on the pivotal role that Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has played in shaping the nation’s development trajectory.

Since its inception, CCM has been a cornerstone of stability, progress and unity in Tanzania, working tirelessly to foster economic growth, social cohesion and political stability.

As the dominant ruling party in the country, formed on February 5, 1977, following emergence of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), it has been instrumental in shaping the political landscape and implementing policies that drive national development.

The history behind CCM’s formation under the leadership of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume underscores the party’s commitment to unity and progress.

From the early days of opposing colonial rule to the formation of TANU in 1954 and its subsequent establishment, the party has been instrumental in driving social and economic development in Tanzania.

Through its governance and policy initiatives, CCM has championed sustainable development, social cohesion and inclusive growth.

The party’s commitment to good governance, economic reforms and social welfare programmes has endeared it to Tanzanians across the country, fostering a sense of national identity and pride.

Over the years, CCM has led several development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Tanzanians.

According to CCM’s 2020 – 2025 Election Manifesto issued by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in August 2020, some achievements accrued from its implementation include implementation of various transformative projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant Project (JNHPP) which has been completed and when in full operation, it will add 2115 megawatts to the National Grid strengthening electricity accessibility across the country.

Other strategic projects are the ongoing construction of electrified Standard Gauge Railway, (SGR), revival of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) by purchasing 16 new aircrafts, building of a passenger terminal at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and construction of the new MV Hapa Kazi Tu ship to operate in the Lake Victoria and strengthening the mineral control, management and ownership system, which increased revenue from mining products from 168bn/- in 2015 to 678bn/- in the 2022/2023 Financial Year.

Under CCM, Tanzania has also seen increased government revenue collection from an average of 850bn/- per month in 2015 to 2.319trn/- in the 2023/2024 FY and 2.755trn/- in the ongoing FY (2024/2025). CCM’s vision for national development has been its focus on inclusive governance and people-centered policies.

“Strengthening policy, institutional and legal frameworks, including enacting legislation requiring local governments to allocate 10 per cent of its revenue for the empowerment of women (4 per cent), youth (4 per cent) and people with disabilities (2 per cent),” the manifesto states.

Through its leadership, CCM has championed initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, promoting education, improving healthcare and empowering marginalised communities across Tanzania.

Additionally, in the economic sphere, CCM has spearheaded efforts to promote industrialisation, attract foreign investment and create job opportunities for the youth.

The party’s commitment to sustainable development has seen Tanzania make significant strides in sectors such as agriculture, mining and infrastructure, paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient economy.

ALSO READ: TZ must embrace mathematics to play key role in global development

It is noted in the manifesto that the government has strengthened the industrial economy.

As a result, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the industry sector’s contribution to the country’s Goss Domestic Product reached 7 per cent in 2023.

Indeed, the country has made significant strides in development in various areas such as the construction of modern infrastructure, rapid economic growth and improved social welfare.

Tanzania is one of the ten fastestgrowing economies in Africa, enabling it to achieve a low middle-income country status. Furthermore, CCM has been a driving force behind Tanzania’s diplomatic relations with other countries and international organisations.

Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, the party has sought to position Tanzania as a key player in regional and global affairs.

In line with that, it has been instrumental in fostering partnerships with other international political parties like the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) of Zimbabwe, FRELIMO of Mozambique, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia, the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, the People’s Movement for the Liberation (MPLA) of Angola, as well as the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The 61st anniversary of the Union presents an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey of Tanzania and recognise the invaluable contributions of CCM in driving national development.

The legacy of CCM stands as a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in driving national development.

With a rich history rooted in the struggle for independence and a vision for a prosperous future, CCM continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s trajectory towards a brighter tomorrow.

Addressing members of CCM recently in Dodoma on the development of the energy sector in line with the Election Manifesto 2020-2025 during the party’s Extraordinary General Meeting, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said the sixth phase government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has in four years significantly strengthened electricity generation, transmission and distribution in efforts of ensuring all citizens in the country have access to power.

Electricity connections to institutions providing social services including educational institutions, businesses, water pumps, health centers and places of worship have increased from 23,140 institutions in 2020 to 49,123 in 2024.

He said the government through the Rural Energy Agency (REA) has connected with electricity 12,278 villages out of 12,318 villages, representing 99.67 per cent and 32,827 hamlets out of 64,359 hamlets, equivalent to 51 per cent.

He said among the beneficiaries are villages in Kigoma Region, whereby on October 17, 2024, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan led the transition from diesel-powered generators to electrical grid.

In another development, he hinted that the government in May last year (2024) launched the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy which targets to ensure clean cooking reaches 80 per cent by 2034 from the current 10 per cent.

He said the clean cooking initiative globally has positioned President Samia as a champion of eco-green cooking.

Mr Majaliwa said under the strategy, 1,551 households, 57 industries, 5,000 vehicles and 9 institutions have been connected to the natural gas system.

Also, over 87,100 cooking gas cylinders and 4,200 improved stoves have been distributed while infrastructures for natural gas distribution are being expanded.

Nevertheless, Mr Majaliwa said cooking systems have been installed in institutions serving over 300 people, such as secondary schools, military camps and prisons.

On ensuring the government enhances affordable cooking, he said 452,455 gas cylinders and 200,000 improved stoves with subsidies ranging from 25 per cent to 50 per cent have been distributed to rural households.