The UN to Remove Tanzania from Least Developed Countries List: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Challenges

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a significant development, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango announced at the first National Conference on the preparation of Tanzania's National Vision and Development 2050 that the United Nations plans to remove Tanzania from the list of least developed countries. The announcement, made at the University of Dar es Salaam on June 8, 2024, highlights the nation's progress across various development indicators from 2000 to 2018.

Dr. Mpango emphasized the marked improvements in several key areas. "This year, 2024, the United Nations has begun the process of removing our country from the group of least developed countries. Regarding specific development indicators, the rate of basic needs poverty has decreased from 36% in 2000 to 26.4% in 2018," he stated.

He also noted that food poverty dropped from 19% in 2000 to 8% in 2018, while the under-five mortality rate fell from 147 per 1,000 live births in 1996 to 43 in 2022. Additionally, access to essential medicines in health centers improved from 64% in 2015 to nearly 80% in 2022, and primary school enrollment surged from 69% in 1999 to 97% in 2022.

However, Dr. Mpango acknowledged that despite these strides, poverty reduction in Tanzania remains inadequate. He stressed the need for continued government efforts to ensure equity and create a robust workforce by balancing the distribution of basic needs among citizens.

 "A basic needs poverty of 26.4%, meaning 16.3 million people, is still very high and unacceptable. Similarly, a stunting rate of 30% in a nation with a surplus of food is unsatisfactory if we aim to develop a robust workforce," he asserted.

The conference, organized by the President’s Office of Planning and Investment, brought together various stakeholders, including political parties, academicians, civil society, students, religious leaders, and other groups. Key themes of the discussion included the economy, population, the vision’s drafting process, and the institutions responsible for its implementation.

In his presentation, renowned academician Professor Issa Shivji highlighted the ideological framework of the vision, advising that it should not be time-bound. "A vision is not the same as a development plan; a development plan is for a specific period. In my opinion, a vision has no specific timeframe," Professor Shivji explained. He cited the Arusha Declaration as an example of a national vision without a set timeframe.

Professor Shivji also cautioned against subjecting the nation to experiments in the creation of its vision. "Let’s not allow ourselves to be experimented on; the experiments that took place in the 1960s are enough.

 We should involve the citizens wherever they are to get their opinions about the country they want, the Tanzania they desire, and prioritize their aspirations. This cannot be achieved without having a national dialogue," he emphasized.

The panel discussion included politician Zitto Kabwe, former leader Gertrude Mongella, and academicians Professor Samuel M. Wangwe, Dr. Richard Mbunda, and Neema Mduma.

There was a strong emphasis on local ownership of the vision. Participants highlighted that the first vision was not truly locally owned due to the extensive influence of development support agencies, and the lack of adequate national consultation made the vision appear partisan.

One of the aspirations of the current vision, an inclusive economy, was noted as unachieved, partly due to a lack of discipline in implementing the country’s vision. "The first plan to implement Vision 2025 was enacted in 2010.

This is over ten years since the enactment of the vision; this itself shows a lack of discipline," said Zitto Kabwe. He argued that for Tanzania to attain middle-income status by 2050, it needs at least 8 percent growth in the first 10 years, which requires disciplined leadership.

While Tanzania has made significant progress, the situation reflects a broader paradox seen in many developing countries.

Nations like Ethiopia and Rwanda often show impressive development statistics yet continue to grapple with pervasive poverty. Despite rapid economic growth and infrastructural advancements, the benefits often do not reach the common citizenry.

In Ethiopia, for instance, GDP growth has been among the highest in the world, but a significant portion of the population remains impoverished. According to World Bank data, Ethiopia's poverty rate fell from 44% in 2000 to 24% in 2016, but the absolute number of people living in poverty remains high due to population growth.

Economist Stefan Dercon noted, "Ethiopia's growth has been impressive, but it is still a country where millions struggle daily to meet basic needs." The disparity between urban and rural areas is stark, with rural communities lagging significantly in access to services and economic opportunities.

Rwanda presents a similar scenario. Often lauded for its rapid development and stability since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda's GDP growth rate has consistently been over 7% annually. However, around 38% of its population lives below the poverty line.

The government has implemented ambitious social programs, yet the rural population, which makes up the majority of Rwandans, faces persistent challenges in health, education, and income generation. Economist David Booth emphasizes, "While Rwanda has made notable progress, its development remains uneven, and poverty reduction has not kept pace with economic growth."

These examples underscore the complexities of development. Impressive statistics on paper do not always translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.  In Tanzania, despite the reduction in basic needs poverty from 36% in 2000 to 26.4% in 2018, Vice President Mpango’s acknowledgment of the still-high poverty rates and stunting underscores the challenge of ensuring that economic gains are broadly shared.

To address these issues, it is essential to focus on inclusive growth and equitable distribution of resources. Dr. Mpango's commitment to investing in equitable distribution and creating a strong workforce is a step in the right direction.

However, achieving this requires a multi-faceted approach involving robust policy frameworks, effective implementation, and constant monitoring.

Economist Amartya Sen’s concept of "development as freedom" highlights that true development involves expanding people's freedoms and capabilities rather than merely increasing income.

This approach emphasizes the importance of health, education, and political and civil rights as integral to development. As Tanzania prepares its Vision 2050, incorporating such holistic perspectives will be crucial to ensuring that development benefits all citizens, not just a privileged few.

The National Conference on Vision 2050, with its diverse stakeholder engagement, reflects a positive move towards inclusive planning. By listening to a wide range of voices, including political parties, academicians, civil society, and ordinary citizens, Tanzania can craft a vision that truly reflects the aspirations of its people. As Professor Shivji rightly pointed out, involving citizens fully in the visioning process is essential for genuine national ownership and successful implementation.

The UN's removal of Tanzania from the list of least-developed countries marks a significant milestone, underscoring the nation's progress. However, this achievement comes with a stark reminder of the persistent challenges ahead. Despite impressive development strides, nearly 26 million Tanzanians still live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day, according to a World Bank report. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed an additional 100,000 people into poverty in 2022 alone. As Tanzania charts its course to 2050, the imperative is clear: economic growth must translate into tangible improvements for all citizens, ensuring no one is left behind.