As the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week wrapped up in Arusha, the message from the event was clear: Tanzania’s future lies in a collective commitment to economic empowerment, good governance, environmental sustainability, and the inclusion of youth and women.
Justice Imani Aboud, President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, captured the essence of the discussions with her powerful speech, highlighting the interconnected issues that will shape Tanzania’s journey towards 2050.
The energy at the event was palpable, as nearly 900 participants, including leaders, activists, and development partners, gathered to exchange ideas on how to build a better Tanzania.
The enthusiasm was not just about policy discussions; it was about imagining a Tanzania where every citizen has a fair chance at success, where governance is transparent, and where the youth are not just heard but empowered to lead.
Economic Empowerment for All
Justice Aboud opened her remarks by acknowledging the economic challenges facing Tanzanians. From the farmer in rural Iringa to the entrepreneur in bustling Dar es Salaam, the need for improved access to financial resources and opportunities was a common thread in the week’s discussions. "We must create an environment where entrepreneurship thrives," she said.
Empowering citizens, especially through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will not only reduce poverty but also drive sustainable economic growth.
Her words underscored the pressing need for financial inclusion. If the future of Tanzania is to be economically secure, the government must support SMEs and ensure that every citizen, regardless of background, has access to resources that enable them to create wealth.
This, she noted, is essential for achieving the Vision 2050 goal of a thriving middle-income economy.
Good Governance: A Pillar of Progress
But economic empowerment is only one side of the coin. Justice Aboud emphasized that without good governance and accountability, even the best economic plans will falter. "We need transparency at every level," she stated.
Strong institutions and civic engagement are vital to ensure that leaders serve in the interest of the people, not just the privileged few.
She urged participants to remain vigilant, advocating for reforms that will strengthen public institutions. Accountability, she reminded, is a two-way street – while the government must be transparent, citizens must also be engaged and ready to hold leaders accountable.
The road to 2050 must be paved with trust between the government and its people.
Youth and Women at the Forefront
Perhaps one of the most critical issues raised during CSOs Week was the inclusion of youth and women in Tanzania’s development agenda.
As Justice Aboud noted, the empowerment of these groups is not just a moral obligation but an economic necessity.
"Investing in education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities for young people and women is essential for our nation’s progress," she asserted. This means not only creating opportunities for them but also addressing the specific challenges they face—whether it's access to education, healthcare, or leadership roles.
The week’s discussions emphasized that the youth of Tanzania must be seen as leaders of today, not just the future.
Their voices need to be heard in decision-making processes now. The same applies to women, who are often the backbone of their communities but face structural barriers that limit their potential.
Creating a Conducive Environment for Civil Society and Businesses
The role of civil society in shaping Tanzania’s future was also a major theme. Justice Aboud called for legal and regulatory frameworks that make it easier for civil society organizations (CSOs) and businesses to operate.
Simplifying processes such as registration and tax exemptions would allow CSOs to focus on their work, rather than being bogged down by bureaucracy.
She also stressed the need for businesses to thrive alongside civil society, stating that the private sector has a crucial role in driving Tanzania's development.
Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society will be key to building a prosperous and inclusive nation.
Digital Literacy and Access to Information
In today’s fast-paced world, access to accurate information is a right, not a privilege.
Justice Aboud’s speech highlighted the importance of digital literacy and access to reliable information.
As Tanzania moves towards 2050, empowering citizens with digital tools and ensuring they can make informed decisions will be crucial for effective advocacy and civic participation.
Investing in platforms that provide fact-checking services, digital security training, and access to vital information is not just a technological need; it's a democratic necessity.
Without these, citizens will be left behind in a world where information is power.
Sustainability at the Core
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, Tanzania must not lag in its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Justice Aboud stressed that the future of Tanzania must be built on sustainable practices that protect the environment for future generations.
Initiatives like community-led recycling programs were lauded as examples of how local solutions can have a global impact.
Climate action strategies will need to be at the heart of Tanzania's development agenda to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
Consumer Protection and Trade Inclusivity
As Tanzania's economy continues to expand, the need for consumer protection becomes ever more critical.
Justice Aboud called for robust measures to ensure that consumers are informed and their rights protected.
Transparent trade practices and cross-border commerce regulations will help create an economy where every Tanzanian benefits, not just the wealthy.
The Road Ahead: Inclusive Policy Implementation
Finally, Justice Aboud emphasized that none of the progress discussed during CSOs Week will be possible without effective and inclusive policy implementation.
Policies must be designed to address the diverse needs of Tanzanians and must be executed in a way that ensures no one is left behind.
She called on stakeholders to ensure that policies are not just well-intentioned but also practical and far-reaching, benefiting all sectors of society, particularly the most vulnerable.
A Call to Action
As the CSOs Week drew to a close, the call to action was clear: Tanzania’s future lies in the hands of its people. Justice Aboud’s closing remarks urged everyone to continue the work that has begun. "Let us strengthen our civil society organizations to be effective advocates for change and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard," she said.
In her closing speech, CPA Mercy Silla, Chairperson of the CSOs Board, reiterated the significance of the week’s discussions and how the work ahead is crucial for the nation’s development.
“This gathering has brought together participants from all over the country,” she said, highlighting the fact that nearly 900 representatives took part, with numerous organizations presenting papers that inspired change and progress within the community.
Key topics discussed included the National Development Vision 2050, Child Protection, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Climate Change Mitigation Strategies, Leadership, and Governance.
Silla emphasized how the CSOs Week serves as a vital annual meeting point to review the implementation of previous strategies and to develop new ways to work together towards the common good.
"We, as CSOs, meet every year to assess past progress and chart a new course on how we can continue working together to achieve our objectives," said Silla.
The vision for 2050 is not just a government mandate; it’s a collective goal. From economic empowerment to environmental sustainability, from digital literacy to governance, every Tanzanian has a role to play. It is only by working together—civil society, government, private sector, and communities—that the Tanzania we envision will become a reality.
The road to 2050 is long, but with the passion, commitment, and vision displayed during CSOs Week, the future of Tanzania looks brighter than ever.
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