The construction and buildings sector has been identified as a strategic sector in driving the implementation of Tanzania's Development Vision 2050. The vision aims to build a national economy worth USD 1 trillion by 2050. Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr. Leonard Akwilapo, emphasized the sector's importance while opening the 27th BuildExpo Tanzania International Trade Exhibition on Building and Construction in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania has formally begun implementing Vision 2050, which aims to build a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant nation. The vision focuses on citizens' welfare, productive and inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, modern infrastructure, and improved living conditions. Achieving these goals requires the construction sector to play a broader role beyond building houses and structures, according to Dr. Akwilapo.
The construction sector has a strategic role in creating conditions that enable economic growth, access to quality housing, infrastructure development, and improved essential services for citizens. Dr. Akwilapo noted that various reforms are being undertaken to improve the business environment, with cooperation between the Government and the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) given an important role.
PPPs are among the strategies that can help address the growing demand for construction and infrastructure in Tanzania. The Government continues to promote such cooperation through the legal frameworks established under the Public-Private Partnership Act No. 19 of 2010. This Act established a Co-ordination Unit within the national investment agency to promote and coordinate PPP projects across sectors.
Dr. Akwilapo emphasized that Tanzania needs well-planned, inclusive, affordable, and economically productive housing that is environmentally conscious and resilient to the effects of climate change. He noted that the debate on the sector's development should focus on the type of technologies used to create environments that meet the needs of future generations.
The BuildExpo offers stakeholders a platform to showcase new technologies, materials, and methods that can be applied in developing the sector. Dr. Akwilapo urged construction-related groups and institutions to use the exhibition to find suppliers, partners, materials, and technologies suited to their needs. The participation of professionals, investors, manufacturers, contractors, and various institutions is important in building a shared understanding of the sector's direction and Tanzania's needs in implementing Vision 2050.
Tanzania Development Vision 2050 is the country's long-term national development blueprint intended to guide Tanzania toward upper-middle-income status. Under the vision, Tanzania aims to reach a gross domestic product of USD 1 trillion, per capita income exceeding USD 7,000, and the eradication of poverty by 2050. The country has begun implementing the Fourth Five-Year National Development Plan (FYDP IV) for 2026/27 to 2030/31, the first medium-term plan under Vision 2050.
Key points
- The construction sector is crucial to achieving Tanzania's Vision 2050 goals.
- Public-Private Partnerships are being promoted to address growing housing demand.
- Tanzania aims to reach a gross domestic product of USD 1 trillion by 2050.
