By Farida Ramadhani and Joseph Mahumi, Dodoma
The government has intensified efforts to accelerate economic transformation by strengthening the competitiveness of industrial production, holding high-level discussions with GATSBY Africa on aligning development priorities under the Dira 2050.
The talks were held in Dodoma between the Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, and the Executive Director of GATSBY Africa, Mr. Justin Highstead (pictured above), who was accompanied by senior officials from the institution.
Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Omar said the discussions focused on Tanzania’s long-term economic priorities as outlined in Dira 2050 and the Five-Year National Development Plan, with particular emphasis on reforms needed to unlock industrial growth and structural transformation.
“As we continue implementing Dira 2050 and the Five-Year Development Plan, we have jointly reviewed key priorities, starting with economic reforms that include industrialisation, large-scale financial investments and strategic investments in human capital development,” said Ambassador Omar.
Industrialisation at the centre of growth strategy
He noted that Tanzania’s ambition to transition into a middle- to high-income economy depends largely on enhancing the productivity, competitiveness and value addition capacity of its industrial sector.
This includes moving beyond primary production towards manufacturing, agro-processing and technology-driven industries.
The Minister added that discussions also covered science, technology and innovation, research capabilities, and resource mobilisation strategies required to effectively implement the identified priorities.
“We also discussed how science, technology and research can support these reforms, as well as the need to mobilise resources and determine practical areas of collaboration to ensure these priorities translate into tangible outcomes,” he said.
Longstanding partnership
Ambassador Omar commended GATSBY Africa for its long-standing partnership with the government, particularly its technical collaboration with the National Planning Commission, which has supported evidence-based policymaking through studies, analytical work and sectoral reforms.
GATSBY Africa has been active in Tanzania for more than two decades, supporting programmes aimed at strengthening productive sectors, improving skills development and fostering inclusive economic growth.
GATSBY Africa’s perspective
For his part, Mr. Justin Highstead said GATSBY Africa remains committed to supporting Tanzania’s economic transformation agenda through close collaboration with both the public and private sectors.
“We have been working across East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, for over 25 years, supporting economic reforms and structural changes in key sectors with high potential to transform national economies,” said Mr. Highstead.
He explained that the institution’s approach focuses on enabling systemic change by strengthening value chains, improving skills, and supporting policy reforms that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Currently, GATSBY Africa is actively engaged in forestry and agriculture, sectors viewed as critical to industrial development through value addition, job creation and export growth. However, Mr. Highstead said the organisation is open to expanding collaboration into other strategic sectors.
“We are ready to work with the Government to identify additional sectors with strong potential for economic transformation and industrial growth,” he added.
High-level attendance
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance, Engineer Mshamu Ali Munde (Mb), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Elijah Mwandumbya, Acting Commissioner for Policy Analysis, Dr. Remidius Ruhinduka, and Assistant Commissioner, Mr. William Mhoja, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and GATSBY Africa.
Bigger picture
The engagement comes at a time when Tanzania is seeking to reposition its economy through industrial competitiveness, private sector participation and skills development, in line with Dira 2050, which targets sustainable growth, higher productivity and inclusive development. Analysts note that partnerships with institutions such as GATSBY Africa could play a critical role in bridging policy, skills and investment gaps as Tanzania pursues long-term economic transformation.
