Tanzania Unveils Draft Vision 2050: Agriculture to Drive a New Era of Prosperity

Zanzibar, December 11, 2024

In a historic moment of ambition and foresight, Tanzania has unveiled its Draft National Development Vision 2050, laying the foundation for an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future. His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, presiding over the unveiling ceremony. The event brought together senior government officials, development partners, business leaders, and citizens eager to shape the nation’s destiny.

A Bold Vision Rooted in People’s Aspirations

The Draft Vision 2050 culminates an unprecedented nationwide consultation process, engaging over 1.17 million Tanzanians from December 2023 to October 2024. Citizens, farmers, business owners, and development experts contributed insights through surveys, SMS platforms, online submissions, and dialogues.

President Mwinyi, in his keynote address, declared the Vision as a transformative roadmap:
“This Vision is not just a document—it is a call to action for every Tanzanian. It challenges us to think boldly, act collectively, and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”

Agriculture: The Cornerstone of Tanzania’s Transformation

At the heart of the Vision lies agriculture, recognized as the backbone of the nation. Contributing 26.7% of GDP, employing 65% of the workforce, and generating 30% of export earnings, agriculture holds the key to unlocking Tanzania’s socio-economic potential.

The Vision portrays agriculture as a powerful catalyst:
“Our nation’s path to prosperity is through the farm. Agriculture will drive industrialization, ensure food security, and uplift millions from poverty while positioning Tanzania as a global agricultural powerhouse.”

Strategic Priorities for Agriculture

The Draft Vision identifies key areas for revolutionizing agriculture:

• Crops: Accelerating adoption of climate-resilient farming practices and improving market access to boost productivity.
• Livestock: Advancing animal health services and modern feeding practices to meet local and global market demand.
• Fisheries: Promoting sustainable aquaculture and scientific management to tap into the blue economy.
• Forestry: Leveraging forest resources for environmental protection and economic growth.

Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential

The Vision does not shy away from acknowledging persistent challenges, including limited access to technology, fragmented markets, and climate threats. To overcome these, it lays out bold solutions:

• Technology Adoption: Introducing cutting-edge innovations to enhance productivity.
• Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration among farmers, private investors, and the government.
• Value Addition: Investing in agro-processing to make Tanzania’s agricultural products globally competitive.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is embedded in the Vision’s framework, emphasizing practices that protect natural resources and mitigate climate change:
“Agriculture must be productive, profitable, and planet-friendly. This Vision ensures our farms remain fertile and our water resources abundant for generations to come.”

A Call to Action: From Vision to Reality

Godfrey Kirenga, CEO of SAGCOT Centre Ltd., emphasized the sector’s transformative potential:
“The Draft Vision 2050 reaffirms what we have long championed at SAGCOT—that agriculture is the gateway to Tanzania’s prosperity. By working together, we can turn our farms into engines of wealth creation and resilience.”

The Vision’s pathway to transformation includes:

1. Investing in research and innovation to boost yields.
2. Empowering farmers through training and capacity-building programs.
3. Reforming policies to create a business-friendly environment.
4. Improving access to finance and markets for smallholder farmers.

A Shared Journey to Prosperity

As the Vision enters its validation phase, Hon. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State for Planning and Investment, detailed the next steps:

• Stakeholder engagement: December 2024–January 2025.
• Cabinet review: January–March 2025.
• Parliamentary deliberations: April–May 2025.
• Official launch: June 2025.

A Future Built on Unity and Ambition

The unveiling of the Draft Vision 2050 is more than a policy milestone; it is a rallying cry for unity, innovation, and action. It positions agriculture not just as a sector but as the soul of the nation’s progress—a beacon for a future where no Tanzanian is left behind.

As the Vision gains momentum, Tanzania invites all stakeholders—citizens, farmers, investors, and development partners—to join hands in crafting a legacy of shared prosperity. The message is clear: Tanzania’s transformation starts in the soil, and the future belongs to those who nurture it.