How Samia Suluhu Hassan has transformed Tanzania’s economy

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has transformed the country’s economy with the GDP growing from USD $69.7 billion in 2021 to USD $85.42 billion in 2023. The country’s economic growth has been impressive, and it is expected to continue as a reckoning force in the East African region. President Hassan has been credited with implementing policies that have helped to improve the country’s economy since coming to power following the passing of John Magufuli.

President Samia has implemented a number of reforms to grow Tanzania’s economy. She set out to modernise the agricultural sector to increase production and efficiency, much of which has been achieved by introducing a range of government subsidies and credits. Additionally, trade liberalisation policies in the form of import tariffs and tariffs on remittance services facilitated greater trade and investment opportunities. Additionally, the President introduced reforms to increase access to finance for small businesses, including easing restrictions for banks granting loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Above all, however, President Samia has pushed educational reforms as a cornerstone of her vision for Tanzania’s economy. The government’s commitment to education increased spending on infrastructure and overall quality. This has resulted in greater access to school through increased enrolment rate and reduced drop-out rates. These reforms were particularly aimed at addressing gender disparities when it comes to access to education and the labour force, with initiatives such as the “National Girls Education Initiative” pushing to end the gender gap. 

The focus on education has even extended to the higher sector, with plans to construct 11 Universities of Science and Technology (UST). This bold initiative was envisioned to boost Tanzania’s ability to build a knowledge economy, as well as its potential to attract foreign investment in research and development.

In terms of massive-scale investment, President Samia secured funding from the African Development Bank for a $2.7 billion for new railway project between Dar es Salaam and Isaka. The construction of the railway is expected to update the country’s transportation infrastructure, provide millions of jobs, and stimulate economic growth. It was also the first investment from the African Development Bank in Tanzania.

Since President Samia’s inauguration following the death of President John Magufuli, Tanzania’s economy has seen exponential growth. Her commitment to reforming agriculture and education, as well as facilitating trade and investment, has been instrumental in driving this growth. Perhaps most importantly, President Hassan has been able to maintain the support of the people, which is essential for sustaining any economic growth.

During her tenure, President Samia has made great strides in improving the lives of Tanzania’s citizens. She has worked to increase access to education and healthcare, as well as to reduce poverty and improve the country’s infrastructure. These efforts have helped to make Tanzania one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa.

In March 2023, Tanzania marked two years since they lost President John Pombe Magufuli, who passed away after a short illness in March 2021. The passing of Magufuli was followed by the elevation of Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan to the presidency. In the two years following her assumption of the presidency, Suluhu Hassan has proven herself to be a force of radical change, shattering the very foundations of her late predecessor’s rule.

Since taking office, Samia has reversed many of the policies of her predecessor, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive Tanzania. For example, Magufuli enacted a ban on political rallies, with the intention of fast-tracking the country’s development. On the other hand, Samia has allowed opposition groups to hold political rallies, allowing for increased collaboration and dialogue between the different political factions of the country. In addition, she has also laid the groundwork to allow exiles to return to the country and contribute to a more positive Tanzania. 

In her inaugural speech as the sixth president of Tanzania, Samia laid out her vision for a better future. She implored politicians to focus on policies that would benefit all citizens, and reject negative campaigns such as lying, mockery, and slandering. While her vision and policies are ambitious, her emphasis on encouraging a strong sense of national unity have resonated among the people of Tanzania.

Since taking office, Samia has worked to reform education, healthcare, and economic policy through direct investment in neglected sectors and communities. These policies emphasise economic justice, to help start conversation of more equitable economic and social policies throughout the nation. Surprisingly, Samia has also been able to maintain Magufuli’s legacy in terms of Tanzania’s foreign policy, with countries like China, the United States, and China all continuing to recognize her leadership.

Ultimately, Samia has achieved much in her two years as president, proving herself to be a leader who is willing and able to confront the large economic and social problems that her country faces. Through her reforms and progressive policies, she has set the stage for a better future for the people of Tanzania.

The Political Manoeuvres

Ever since she was sworn in as president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken a number of political manoeuvres to rehabilitate the country from the legacy of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli’s rule.

An essential part of the moves was the freeing of Freeman Mbowe, the leader of the main opposition party Chadema, who had been held in prison for 18 months on terror charges. The movie showed Suluhu’s willingness to overcome past grievances and make amends.

Moreover, Suluhu has worked to reopen civic and political space, allowing the media outlets that had been prohibited under Magufuli to once again operate. While the laws Magufuli introduced to suppress freedom remain in place, Suluhu’s efforts are still seen as a step in the right direction. It is further emphasised by the president being the guest of honour at the opposition Chadema party’s International Women’s Day event in Kilimanjaro as a gesture of reconciliation.

Additionally, the return of two opposition politicians–Godbless Lema and Tundu Lissu–from exile has been greeted with joy by the people of Tanzania.

The second major policy change Suluhu has enacted is addressing the Covid-19 pandemic with a more diligent approach. Contrary to Magufuli’s pseudoscience view of the virus and his barring of vaccinations, Suluhu has taken a more proactive stance. She has appointed a committee of professionals to advise her and her government on further steps to keep Tanzanians safe. The president has also taken to speaking out on timely updates on the virus, as well as instituted campaigns to encourage the public to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Overall, President Samia has done her best to make her tenure a departure from the last administration as much as politically possible. By taking steps towards easily opening civic and political space, freeing political prisoners, and attending to the Covid-19 pandemic more responsibly, Suluhu is striving to put the country back on track.

The COVID-19 Jabs

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration in the United Republic of Tanzania has been credited with providing access to the Covid-19 jabs in the country despite the current global pandemic situation. The latest data shows that close to 30 million people have received the jabs and Tanzania has achieved a 50 percent inoculation target.

Her administration has gone to unheard lengths to ensure that citizens have access to free vaccines and preventive measures against the virus. In addition to the free availability of vaccines, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has also waived fees in government schools, allowing Tanzanian children greater access to education. Magufuli-era policies that had previously barred pregnant girls and teenage mothers from attending schools have been reversed, finally offering those affected an opportunity to return to formal education.

The Tanzanian government has dedicated its resources to promote and provide vital vaccinations essential to curb the pandemic in the country. They have ensured that citizens remain conscious of the virus and take precautionary steps to prevent the spread and outbreak of Covid-19.

The availability of the Covid-19 jabs and the prevention measures that have been put in place with the help of President Samia and the Tanzanian government have significantly improved the quality of life in the country. Not only have their actions helped reduce the spread of the virus, but they have also enabled children to access free education, meaning more Tanzanian children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

President Samia’s sound leadership and the active pursuits of her administration to ensure Tanzanian citizens are safe from the virus have been noticed and praised within Tanzania and the international community. The Tanzanian government and people of Tanzania remain ever grateful to President Samia and her administration for their efforts to safeguard the health of citizens across the nation.

The Reopened Diplomatic Relations

When President Samia Suluhu Hassan came to power in March 2021, one of the first steps she took was to rebuild Tanzania’s diplomatic relations with other countries. Before President Samia, Tanzania was facing severed ties due to the former president John Magufuli’s inclination for a closed-door policy with the world. This unilateral decision was particularly politically damaging for Tanzania’s role in both regional and international politics.

However, President Samia saw the importance of having good diplomatic relations with other countries and acted quickly to return it to the global arena. She recognized the potential of having a successful and engaging foreign policy. She immediately began to resume international travels and restored contact with foreign governments. She was well-received in the international stage and was a significant factor in her travels’ successes.

President Samia’s diplomatic trips have allowed Tanzania to boost its economy through Foreign Direct Investment. She strived to create and strengthen economic relations with countries such as China, Brussels, Dakar, Dubai, Doha, London, New York, Nairobi, Los Angeles and Kinshasa. The investments made have funded many of Tanzania’s ambitious development initiatives such as the standard gauge railway, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower project, roads, and other projects.

President Samia’s visits to different countries have also helped resolve petty trade disputes between Tanzania and its East African neighbours, especially Kenya. As the EAC’s new leader, she helped to strengthen its trade relations and boost its membership.

President Samia’s dedication to restoring Tanzania’s diplomatic ties was a pioneering effort. It has allowed Tanzania to reenter the international stage. Her foreign visits have helped create economic and political stability in the region, as well as improved its diplomatic reputation. This has made Tanzania an increasingly attractive place for investment opportunities, which in turn will fuel its growth for years to come. The success of her foreign visits is evidence of her commitment to securing Tanzania’s future in the global political setting.

In conclusion, Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has transformed the country’s economy with the GDP growing from USD $69.7 billion in 2021 to USD $85.42 billion in 2023. The country’s economic growth has been impressive, and it is expected to continue. President Hassan has been credited with implementing policies that have helped to improve the country’s economy since coming to power following the passing of John Magufuli.

Source: Who Owns Africa