WE, along with our friends around the globe commemorate our 62 years of Independence from Great Britain today. It is highly likely that Tanzania’s 61 million citizens will disagree on the extent of their country’s progress in the 62 years since colonial rule was lifted.
Though everyone is free to hold their own opinions, few will contest that the biggest and wealthiest nation in the East African Community (EAC), possessing vast resources like a long coastline, minerals, national parks, the highest mountain in Africa, rich cultural heritage, and most importantly, strength and peace, is still far from reaching its full potential.
Admitting that a variety of opinions may exist amongst Tanzanians, I am thrilled about how, as a nation, we are moving forward under Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Presidency, despite ongoing internal and external challenges. Dr Samia is dedicated to keeping Tanzania, not just on the map of the region, but of the world. There is no denying, I support Dr Samia’s approach, creativity, and resourcefulness in this regard.
Although we’re not there yet as many might think or wish, given the potentials Tanzania has, I believe, that to realise our aspirations as a country, we must utilise all the good stewards who have been bestowed upon us. Those old enough who have seen where we started and where we are today, have a lot of good stories to tell and here, I can’t afford to miss the names of people, like the former Speaker of the National Assembly, Pius Msekwa, whose recollection and writings are rich with insights, a good resource for historians.
Let me not be mistaken, Tanzania has many of the Msekwa’s caliber, including people like Gertrude Mongella, to mention one. As we forge ahead, I hope that a different 20-something Tanzanian will look back and be amazed at how much has been accomplished in just one generation, but I fear that this will require an urgent national dialogue about our desired role in the region and the world, one that is based on the values established by our founding fathers and specifically the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and the late Mzee Abeid Amani Karume who shepherd the nation into right direction, Tanzanians are proud of today.
Beyond our aspirations for economic growth and political stability, Tanzanians presently enjoy, and have enjoyed since gaining independence, what is the larger national project agenda on the table that will keep the candle burning? Much as there could be many areas that appear critical, one important area is how we need to prepare an enabling environment that will house the brightest young Tanzanians’ minds and business-minded people, not to depart for other countries in search of more fulfilling, meaningful, engaging business, and work settings.
We must foster a land that speaks to the desire of businesspeople and industrialists to be part of something greater than themselves, if we hope to keep them around to build this nation. If there is a sincere desire, Tanzanians can work together to make the country a prosperous and conducive environment to attract direct foreign investment, hence growth. Considering our 62nd anniversary, what is the central concept Tanzanian youth ought to strive for? What exactly constitutes Tanzanian excellence, and who are the people who exemplify it?
I stand to be corrected, but I am of the view that underestimating the degree to which the prospect of an inspiring national project motivates young Tanzanians, is an area as a nation that needs close attention. One reason some Tanzanians, individuals and businesspeople feel longing for other nations such as Rwanda is the narrative’s allure; some even openly question the advantages of going the Rwandan route, given the country’s propensity for attracting direct foreign investment and its dealing of investors. Tanzania’s past, fortunately, offers a wealth of material for mythology.
For his pioneering role in the emancipation struggles throughout the continent, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere is still warmly remembered, and Tanzanians continue to hold all presidents who took office after him in the highest regard for their audacity in upholding the existing National Constitution and the rule of law. Under the direction of Dr Samia, Tanzania’s first female president, the Sixth Phase Government is spearheading the nation’s 62nd Independence Day celebrations.
Acknowledging her to-do list is very long; here is a list of the things that if considered strategically could yield good returns and contribute immensely to building our economy. By supporting aspiring industrialists, Tanzania can attract homegrown investment in line with current competitiveness in the region and worldwide, as well as in evolving technological capabilities brought by expanding digital technology innovation.
Address the energy hitches, ideally with renewable energy Unlike other periods, in 2023, Tanzania experienced some blackouts that left parts of the country without power and whose costs to industries were immense. Businesses; both in urban and rural areas found it challenging to keep up with the ever-increasing costs of fuel for generators, not to mention the exorbitant upkeep of those machines.
Going forward, providers need to have a strong, long-lasting maintenance plan in place to steer clear of problems that could have a big impact on human economic endeavour. Tanzania’s rapidly growing energy needs necessitate a long-term solution. Preferably, a large portion of that solution should come from renewable energy sources to add to existing hydropower that may fall victim to unpredictable global weather patterns.
There is a need to keep on engaging the local tech start-up unrestricted. Tanzania is host to a flourishing tech start-up scene, that uses communities of practice and learning to produce applications and services for customers beyond our borders.
Undesirably, we don’t make the most of the highly skilled young technologists because they are right in our backyard. It might be controversial but there is a need to reduce the cost of internet access. Any wealth generating agenda must embrace a plan to greatly increase the average Tanzanian’s access to the Internet, which is an unmatched resource for education and wealth creation.
For example, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram have developed into powerful tools for connecting enterprises with their customers. A good example in Tanzania is that one airline operator even connects with travellers via a simple messaging app to facilitate travel ticket purchases.
To enhance working on digital services for the Tanzanian government agencies through hiring the best Tanzanian tech talent. It is good to learn from others. The provision of government services in the UK has been greatly enriched by the Government Digital Service, an internal team involving the best designers, developers, and product managers in the UK.
Building programmes, standards, and digital services Apps is what it claims to be doing for different government sections. The American equivalent is the United States Digital Service, a White House start-up that uses technology and design to deliver better services to American businesses and citizens. Remarkably, a large portion of the workforce at those companies is youthful.
I believe that an empowered Tanzanian government digital service would have a revolutionary impact on the Tanzanian economy over time. It would increase government’s efficiency and technological know-how, while also enhancing the provision of essential services to Tanzanians.
For government agencies to excel will need to hire and reward an internal team of IT experts to help them design, set up, and maintain basic websites, advise on the installation and selection of tools that increase productivity, and routinely, although might be costly, train civil servants, particularly those in local government, on how to make the most of these tools, rather than having to secure for themselves when looking for technological solutions from third part providers.
There are a lot of issues I could write about, as we commemorate this significant anniversary of gaining our freedom, but since I’m running out of space, I’ll just say that I think we should be proud of the progress we’ve made as a nation in this journey.
There will inevitably be issues as a country, but the most important thing is to uphold our unity and peace, two things of which we should all be extremely proud. The aforementioned areas are just a handful of the ones where Tanzanians stand to gain a great deal if they prioritise development that will enable us to realise the benefits of our independence.
Considering this, let’s continue to support President Samia, the president who, except for a small minority, is seen by the majority as having good intentions to carry on her predecessors’ legacy and lead this country towards the promised land.
