National Uhuru Torch leader Wazo Mwang’onda has emphasized the importance of private sector investment in achieving Tanzania's Development Vision 2050 goals. On September 30, 2026, during the laying of the foundation stone for Abana Private Hospital in Rujewa, Mbarali District, Mr Mwang’onda called on public officials to create a favorable environment for investors. He commended Mbarali District Council for implementing the Government's 10 per cent lending scheme and creating a conducive environment for investment.
The Abana Private Hospital project is expected to bring specialist healthcare services closer to residents who currently travel long distances to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital for treatment. Mr Mwang’onda said President Samia has created a conducive environment for private investors, and he commended Mbarali District Council for effectively implementing this strategy. The hospital project will provide quality and specialist healthcare services to residents closer to home.
The private sector is expected to make a significant contribution towards achieving the Development Vision 2050, with Mr Mwang’onda urging both local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in Tanzania. He said the Government had set aside Sh200 billion to support young people economically, urging them to take advantage of available opportunities. The 10 per cent lending programme has allocated four per cent of council revenues to women, four per cent to young people, and two per cent to people with disabilities.
During the Uhuru Torch visit to Mbarali District, Mr Mwang’onda handed over agricultural equipment, including a tractor and farm inputs, to beneficiaries. He commended the council for effectively implementing and supervising the empowerment programme. Mbarali MP Bahati Ndingo attributed the council's performance to effective leadership and opportunities provided by the Government to residents.
The Uhuru Torch visited seven projects worth more than Sh4.5 billion in Mbarali District, where it launched projects, laid foundation stones, and inspected ongoing developments. The projects aim to improve the livelihoods of residents, with one project, the Semkela group, targeting to produce up to 3.5 tonnes of rice through modern rice farming and sustainable cattle fattening.
Abana Hospital director Dr Chintony Robart said the construction of the hospital building would cost Sh2.6 billion upon completion and would bring healthcare services closer to residents, reducing unnecessary costs and preventable deaths. The project started on December 23, 2023, and is expected to be completed on September 25, 2027. The completed project will create 62 permanent jobs and 21 other employment opportunities.
The Uhuru Torch is scheduled to visit 46 projects worth more than Sh63 billion across Mbeya Region before completing its tour on October 5. It will then be handed over to Songwe Region before concluding its national journey in Rukwa Region, where it will be extinguished. Key projects visited by the Uhuru Torch team have demonstrated the Government's commitment to creating opportunities for local investors and promoting economic growth.
Key points
- Private sector investment is crucial for achieving Tanzania's Development Vision 2050 goals.
- The Government has created a conducive environment for private investors, with public officials urged to sustain this effort.
- The Abana Private Hospital project will bring specialist healthcare services closer to residents, reducing unnecessary costs and preventable deaths.
