Africa-Press – Tanzania. Tanzania marked its 64th Independence Anniversary yesterday, with notable socio-economic, political and technological reforms underscoring the country’s steady progress throughout the post-independence era.
Peace and tranquillity remain the bedrock of Tanzania’s development agenda, shaping the nation’s aspirations across all sectors and underpinning its social cohesion, economic progress and political stability.
In a departure from tradition, President Samia Suluhu Hassan this year reallocated funds initially set aside for anniversary celebrations, including mass gatherings in stadiums, to the renovation of public infrastructure such as roads and police stations damaged during the 29 October civil unrest.
The unrest broke out on Election Day and continued in the days that followed. Speaking ahead of the 64th Independence Anniversary, political analysts and academicians stated that peace remains the cornerstone of Tanzania’s present and future prosperity, describing it as a priceless national asset that must be protected.
They stressed the responsibility of every citizen to uphold peace, while urging the government to continue deploying the country’s abundant resources to raise living standards and accelerate economic growth.
They further observed that Tanzania’s long-term success hinges on peace, national unity, human capital development, hard work, patriotism, clean politics, good leadership and the effective utilisation of the nation’s natural endowments.
Renowned academician Professor Ambassador Costa Mahalu told the ‘Daily News’ that peace has prevailed since independence, reflecting the iconic legacy of the founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who led the nation to freedom through peaceful means.
“Our country regained its independence in 1961 peacefully from British rule, and after independence, Mwalimu Nyerere did everything possible, including ending tribalism, to unite all Tanzanians and preserve peace,” Prof Mahalu said.
Describing independence as synonymous with peace, Prof Mahalu noted that unlike in some African countries where violent liberation struggles left deep divisions, Nyerere succeeded in dismantling tribal politics, an achievement that continues to shield Tanzania from political unrest.
He urged Tanzanians to cherish peace as the country celebrates 64 years of independence, warning against selfish interests, including the lust for power, which may fuel division and conflict.
Prof Mahalu said all political parties must prioritise peace by promoting policies that unite the nation and advance collective development, rather than indulging in hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric.
“All parties should have clear socio-economic and political policies that show how they intend to protect our historical peace,” he insisted.
Now Vice-Chancellor of Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Prof Mahalu, who was 13 when the nation gained independence, said Tanzania’s development today relies on the hard work of all citizens in an environment of sustained peace.
Professor of Economics and Founding Director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Humphrey Moshi, noted that Tanzania has made significant economic progress, transitioning from a low-income to a lower-middle-income country.
He attributed this progress to various national initiatives, including the outgoing National Development Vision 2025. However, he said more effort is required for the country to attain upper-middle-income and eventually high-income status.
Prof Moshi cited agricultural modernisation, industrialisation and human capital development, particularly job creation and improved living standards, as the main drivers of future growth.
He said shifting agriculture from rain-fed systems to irrigation would ensure food security and reduce poverty, while industrialisation would cut dependence on imported essentials such as fertilisers and medicines.
He argued that for Tanzania to reach uppermiddle-income status, the economy must grow by at least 10 per cent annually, compared with the singledigit growth recorded for most of the past six decades. On energy, he urged the government to increase investment in abundant renewable resources such as solar and wind power.
Regarding technology, he advised Tanzania to continue learning from countries such as China, which shares similar colonial history and has become the world’s secondlargest economy through technological advancement.
Prof Moshi also underscored the need to align the education system with global market demands by prioritising Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). He emphasised that peace is indispensable, adding: “Without peace, there is no development in any country.”
Economic diplomacy expert Professor Kitojo Wetengere of the University of Arusha said Tanzania’s economy has evolved through the visionary efforts of its leaders, from Mwalimu Nyerere to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He traced the country’s economic transformation from a colonial system controlled by foreigners to one oriented towards self-reliance, beginning with the Arusha Declaration of 1967.
Prof Wetengere highlighted the reforms of President Mwinyi, the industrial and investment drive under President Mkapa, the growth agenda pursued by President Kikwete and the industrialisation and infrastructural push under President Magufuli.
He noted that President Samia has further strengthened these foundations, especially by boosting tourism, one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners.
At independence, nearly half of the population lived in poverty; today the figure has dropped to about 20 per cent. Prof Wetengere called for greater technological adoption, especially in agriculture to accelerate further growth.
He also reflected on major progress in education: “During my time, there was only one university, UDSM. Today the number has grown tremendously. This shows how far we have come.”
Political analyst Mr Hamiduni Maliseli traced Tanzania’s political evolution from limited electoral options at independence to a competitive multiparty system today.
“We have come a long way politically. From symbolic elections to multiparty democracy, the progress reflects deliberate efforts to strengthen democratic governance,” he said.
He lauded Tanzania’s consistent history of peaceful leadership transitions, without coups or prolonged instability, as a rare achievement. “Tanzania remains a beacon of peace in Africa and globally because our leaders promote dialogue, tolerance and constructive criticism,” he added.
Another political analyst, Mr Yonah Mapury, praised Tanzania’s political progress, highlighting the empowerment of women in leadership and the deepening of multiparty democracy. He said the country’s diplomatic success is rooted in Nyerere’s legacy of liberation and peace building.
Mwanza-based economist Dr Isaac Safari said that in an era of globalisation and neo-colonial pressures, Tanzania must safeguard economic independence over its resources, as envisioned by Mwalimu Nyerere.
He added that true independence in the digital age requires domestic ownership of technology rather than mere consumption. Tanganyika, now Tanzania Mainland, regained independence on 9 December 1961 from British colonial rule after the freedom struggle led by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere under TANU. Nyerere became Prime Minister in 1961 and President in 1962, before uniting with Zanzibar on 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
Source: Daily News – Tanzania Standard Newspapers
