The Tanzanian government has instructed the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) to become a centre of knowledge, research, and expertise to drive economic growth and support the implementation of Vision 2050. Deputy Minister for Finance, Laurent Luswetula, issued the directive during the official inauguration of the 14th Governing Council of IRDP in Dodoma. The government aims to equip professionals with skills to plan and manage development through IRDP's training programmes, research, and innovation.
Vision 2050 recognises education and skills development as the foundation for building a knowledgeable, competent, and capable workforce that can respond to social, economic, and technological changes. Mr Luswetula urged the Council to ensure the vision is fully reflected in the Institute's plans, training programmes, research activities, and partnerships with stakeholders. This will enable Tanzania to build a workforce that can drive economic growth and development.
The Council has a critical role in providing strategic direction and overseeing management in increasing investment in Research and Development (R&D), strengthening the Institute's research capacity, and ensuring that research findings are translated into technologies, improved products and services, increased productivity, and solutions to socio-economic challenges. The government emphasises the importance of research in driving economic growth and development.
Mr Luswetula also directed the Council to ensure that directives issued by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan are translated into practical actions and incorporated into the Institute's plans, strategies, budgets, and performance measurement systems. The directives focus on implementing Vision 2050, strengthening efficiency and accountability in the use of public resources, investing in young people through skills that meet labour market demands, and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The directives were communicated through the Vice-President during the Chairpersons of Boards and Chief Executives of Public Institutions and Corporations Forum (C-CEOs Forum 2026), held in Arusha from September 28 to 30, 2026. The government aims to ensure that public institutions, including IRDP, are aligned with the country's development goals and priorities.
The IRDP plays a critical role in producing professionals equipped with the skills to plan and manage development. Its training programmes, research, and innovation should respond to the needs of the current and future economy. The government expects the Institute to drive economic growth and development through its programmes and activities.
The implementation of Vision 2050 requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including public institutions, private sector, and civil society. The government expects IRDP to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that its programmes and activities are aligned with the country's development goals and priorities. Key initiatives include increasing investment in R&D, strengthening research capacity, and translating research findings into practical solutions.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has directed IRDP to become a centre of knowledge, research, and expertise to drive economic growth and support the implementation of Vision 2050.
- The Institute's training programmes, research, and innovation should respond to the needs of the current and future economy.
- The government expects IRDP to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that its programmes and activities are aligned with the country's development goals and priorities.
