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What Tanzanians hope their next government will deliver - DW - 10/23/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 10:08 GMT by dw
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Tanzania’s Upcoming Election: What Citizens Expect from a New Government

As Tanzania prepares for its 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections, the country’s citizens are looking for a dramatic shift from the status quo. A recent in‑depth interview with residents across the nation—spanning bustling Dar es Salaam to the dusty villages of the Ruvuma region—highlights a common set of hopes and demands that could shape the political conversation for months to come.

1. Transparent Governance and the Fight Against Corruption

The most pervasive theme among respondents is a yearning for clean governance. “The government should be honest,” says Mr. James Khamis, a shopkeeper in the Kariakoo market. “We have had promises that never materialised, and we need a cabinet that is accountable.” Many citizens point to the persistent misuse of public funds as a major barrier to development. The National Anti‑Corruption Commission, a body that was created in 2016, is viewed with skepticism; respondents say it has not been aggressive enough in prosecuting high‑level officials.

The call for transparency is echoed in discussions about the Electoral Commission of Tanzania (ECT). While the ECT has successfully overseen past elections, many voters insist that future elections need more robust safeguards against manipulation. “We need a commission that can enforce its own rules,” says a 32‑year‑old teacher from Moshi. “Without that, any election is a sham.”

2. Economic Growth and Job Creation

Tanzania’s economy has been growing at an average of 5–6 % per year over the last decade, but job creation has lagged. The unemployment rate for people under 35 remains at 24 %, and many young adults are left idle in the informal sector. The article cites a survey from the International Labour Organization that finds the informal economy accounts for nearly 60 % of total employment.

Citizens demand an industrial strategy that prioritises manufacturing, value addition, and agro‑processing. “We cannot rely only on mining,” says a farmer from the Tabora district who owns a small citrus orchard. “If we want to build a strong economy, we need to process our own produce.” Several residents also highlight the importance of digital infrastructure, citing the need for high‑speed internet to support entrepreneurship.

3. Access to Quality Education and Healthcare

Public education remains uneven, especially between urban and rural areas. A teacher in the Kagera region notes that schools in rural districts suffer from a chronic shortage of qualified teachers, textbooks, and laboratory equipment. “If a new government can provide better schools and more teachers, children will have a fair chance,” she says.

Healthcare, too, has been a sore point. The 2018 national health budget fell short of the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 15 % of GDP. Residents in the south‑west, where malaria and HIV rates remain high, call for better health facilities, drug supplies, and community outreach programmes. The Ministry of Health’s new “Universal Health Coverage” initiative was launched in 2023 but has yet to deliver on its promises, according to local doctors.

4. Infrastructure Development and Climate Resilience

Infrastructure is a critical priority, especially in regions far from the capital. Many voters in the Mbeya region say that roads, bridges, and electricity supply need immediate attention. “We have to be able to transport our products to the market on time,” explains a merchant who runs a spice shop.

Climate change is also a growing concern. Residents in the arid Simiyu region are already feeling the effects of prolonged droughts. A community leader notes that “without better irrigation systems and flood‑control measures, we risk repeating the same cycle of famine and displacement.”

5. Youth Engagement and Democratic Participation

Youth participation in the political process remains low. Despite a demographic dividend that could boost the country’s growth potential, many young people feel alienated from political institutions. A university student in Arusha states that “the government rarely listens to the voices of the youth. We are told to stay in school but not encouraged to think about politics.”

The article also highlights the importance of civic education. Citizens call for stronger civic engagement programmes that teach citizens about their rights and responsibilities, thereby increasing voter turnout and political accountability.

6. Peace, Security, and Regional Stability

Security concerns continue to plague several border regions. The North Kivu region has historically seen sporadic clashes, and some voters in the Lindi region worry about potential spill‑over from neighboring Mozambique. Residents stress that a new government must ensure peace and stability through a well‑trained security sector and proactive diplomatic engagement.

7. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Women’s representation in parliament has been a long‑running issue. The 2020 elections saw women constitute 19 % of the newly elected representatives—a modest improvement. Still, many women in rural districts report that they lack access to finance and markets. “Women should have the same opportunities to start businesses as men,” says a female entrepreneur from Mtwara. The article points to the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, launched in 2021, which has shown early promise but needs wider coverage.

8. Environmental Conservation

The article also references a link to the World Bank’s Tanzanian Environmental Sustainability Initiative, which focuses on protecting wildlife and forest reserves. Many residents in the wildlife corridor region near Serengeti are concerned about encroachment and poaching. “We need to balance development with conservation,” notes a local ranger.

Conclusion

Across Tanzania, citizens are rallying around a set of shared priorities: clean, accountable governance; robust economic policies that create jobs; quality education and healthcare; infrastructure that bridges urban‑rural divides; climate resilience; youth engagement; security; gender equality; and environmental protection. These demands reflect a generation that has witnessed rapid growth and yet feels the pinch of slow reforms and systemic inefficiencies.

As the political calendar inches forward, the next government will face the challenge of translating these aspirations into concrete policy. If it succeeds, Tanzania could finally realise the full potential of its youthful population and strategic position in East Africa. If it falters, the nation risks repeating past frustrations, further eroding public trust and potentially destabilising the fragile democratic gains made over the past two decades.