Charting Tanzania’s Future: UDSM and PPPC Host High-Level Symposium on Vision 2050
By Special Correspondent, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (REDET) and the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC), are convening a high-level symposium aimed at exploring the pathways toward achieving Tanzania’s Vision 2050, a strategy that envisions transforming the national economy into a USD 1 trillion powerhouse by mid-century.
The symposium, to be held at the University of Dar es Salaam on 27 May, 2025, will bring together scholars, policymakers, economists, and civil society actors to deliberate on the crucial role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving inclusive and sustainable development.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, PPPC Director Mr. David Kafulila said the symposium is part of broader national efforts to foster informed dialogue as the country prepares to officially launch Vision 2050.
“Vision 2050 sets an ambitious target of building a USD 1 trillion economy. This symposium provides a platform to reflect on the shared responsibilities of both the public and private sectors in realising that goal,” said Mr. Kafulila.
He emphasised that public-private partnerships are not merely financial tools, but mechanisms for ensuring broad-based citizen engagement in policy and legal processes.
“PPPs empower the public by assigning key implementation roles to the private sector while fostering accountability and innovation. Collaborating with institutions like UDSM allows us to integrate academic expertise into national planning”, he said.
Mr. Kafulila further noted that if Tanzania successfully reaches the USD 1 trillion mark, it would join an elite group of fewer than 20 economies globally to achieve such a milestone.
“This is no small ambition, it is a national undertaking that demands strategic thinking, unity, and scholarly reflection on our policy and legal frameworks,” he added.
Academia’s role in shaping inclusive economic growth
Prof. Rwekaza Mukandala, Chairperson of REDET and former UDSM Vice Chancellor, reiterated the importance of engaging the academic community in national development discourse.
“Our theme, ‘Market Economies and Capital Mobility: The Role of PPPs in Achieving the National Development Vision’ underscores the need for thoughtful, inclusive dialogue,” said Prof. Mukandala.
“Progress requires bold engagement between government and the private sector. Officials must collaborate openly with private stakeholders, NGOs, and civil society. Real development is born from cooperation rooted in trust and resilience”, he said.
He noted that the symposium would critically examine both the opportunities and challenges posed by PPP implementation, particularly in light of emerging global economic trends.
The symposium explores three central sub-themes: the Role of PPPs in Achieving Vision 2050; the Contribution of the Private Sector and Foreign Capital to Economic Growth; and Enhancing Investment and Efficiency in Local Government Authorities through PPPs.
The deliberations are expected to inform national strategies, ensure participatory governance, and contribute to building a robust, inclusive economy aligned with Tanzania’s long-term development goals.