By Business Insider Reporter, Dodoma
As Tanzania charts its ambitious path toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2050, influential business leader, Rostam Aziz, has called for a radical shift in how the private sector is engaged in the country’s development agenda. Speaking at the official launch of Dira 2050, representative from the private sector and a local business mogul, Aziz emphasised that Tanzania’s economic transformation will be won or lost on the frontlines of private sector participation.
“No nation has built a strong, resilient economy solely through foreign investors. It is Tanzanians who must drive this transformation,” said Aziz, addressing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and a host of government and business leaders in Dodoma.
A shared national vision
Vision 2050 sets bold targets for Tanzania’s socioeconomic growth, including lifting the country to a upper middle income economy by 2050.
Dira 20509 also targets at raising the national GDP to over US$1 trillion by 2050, building a knowledge-driven economy, and ensuring equitable development.
Mr. Aziz praised the government for inclusive consultations during the drafting process, noting that many private sector proposals were reflected in the final document.
He cited the example of economic projections in the draft version of the Vision, which initially aimed for a US$500–700 billion economy by 2050.
The private sector, led by stakeholders like Aziz, successfully lobbied for a more ambitious target – reflecting Tanzania’s resource potential, entrepreneurial base, and youth demographics.
“This is not just a government vision – it is our vision and we are co-owners,” Aziz said.
From planning to action: The execution gap
While applauding the creation of the Dira 2050, Mr. Aziz warned that the real test lies in implementation.
He stressed the need for institutional discipline, efficient public-private collaboration and policy alignment to convert plans into measurable impact.
“The real work starts now. Let’s move from strategy to delivery. This is where the private sector must step up as a strategic partner – not just a beneficiary,” he said.
Aziz proposed a $70 million annual Talent Development Fund, aimed at nurturing 1,000 high-potential youth in fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, data science and financial technology.
These graduates, trained at the world’s best institutions, would serve in key national institutions under bonded service agreements.
He also pushed for strengthening local universities to match international standards, and upskilling current leaders in public and private sectors through global leadership programs.
Building domestic champions
Mr. Aziz’s speech also focused on the need to empower Tanzanian businesses to drive industrialisation and value creation.
While applauding President Samia’s success in attracting foreign investors, he emphasised that domestic firms must be protected and prioritised in procurement, supply chains, and financing.
“No country has achieved industrialisation without safeguarding its own industries. We must deliberately support local manufacturers and entrepreneurs – through policy, procurement, and access to finance,” he said.
He criticised Tanzania’s current banking system as unsupportive of local business growth, and called for urgent financial reforms to provide affordable capital to Tanzanian entrepreneurs.
Peace as pillars of progress
Drawing on the legacy of Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping, Mr. Aziz underscored the importance of peace and strong institutions as prerequisites for long-term development.
“Peace is not silence. Peace is strong institutions, clear policies, and visionary leadership. Dira 2050 can only succeed in a stable, well-governed environment,” he said.
He urged embassies to actively identify and attract Tanzanian talent abroad in key sectors, referring to the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in promoting economic diplomacy.
The road ahead: A call to action
Mr. Aziz closed with a resounding endorsement of President Samia’s leadership and a rallying call for a new economic order anchored in local enterprise, talent, and innovation.
“We must intentionally build a Tanzanian economy for Tanzanians. Procurement, laws, and financial systems must work for us – not against us,” he concluded.
With Vision 2050 now officially launched, all eyes turn to Tanzania’s Planning Commission and key institutions to coordinate execution. The private sector, which contributes over 65% of GDP and employs millions, will undeniably be central to this journey.
