A Call for Equality, Justice, and Self-Determination

[Landson Tz]

A Call for Equality, Justice, and Self-Determination

For too long, Tanzanians have been seen as passive victims of poverty and underdevelopment, frozen like statues in the eyes of the world. We are viewed as objects of pity, part of the global spectacle of underdeveloped nations, existing to be marveled at or pitied by outsiders. But we are not relics of the past, and we refuse to remain passive any longer. We are human, equal in dignity and capability to anyone else in the world. The time has come for us to reclaim our narrative and act to realize our potential.

Tanzania’s current challenges are not the result of a lack of intelligence or ability among our people. Rather, they stem from historical exploitation, poor governance, and an economic system that has prioritized foreign interests over Tanzanian well-being. But this can change, and the future of our country lies in our hands.

The Myth of Superiority

The idea that certain nations or races are inherently superior to others has been used for centuries to justify exploitation and domination. This myth continues to damage Africa today, particularly Tanzania. We are often told that we are incapable of progress or that we need external help to advance. Yet, Tanzanians are not inherently different from the people in the so-called "developed" world.

Before colonialism, Tanzanian societies were advanced in agriculture, trade, and governance. The Swahili coast, including cities like Zanzibar and Bagamoyo, was a hub of international trade long before European colonial powers arrived. Our ancestors were thriving, connected to global trade routes, and lived in harmony with their natural environment. The myth that we are "behind" has been shaped by centuries of colonialism and neocolonial practices that exploited our resources for the benefit of others.

The Division of Labor: Misunderstood and Exploited

Throughout our history, Tanzanians have been steered into specific economic roles—mainly the export of raw materials like agricultural products and minerals—without sufficient investment in the local processing of those materials. This division of labor has kept us dependent on the outside world for manufactured goods and technological advancements, stunting our local industries and economies.

This economic structure continues to marginalize Tanzanians, especially our educated youth, who are left without opportunities to apply their skills in productive sectors. While Tanzania has a 68.4% literacy rate and has made strides in education, the lack of employment opportunities remains a critical issue. Youth unemployment is estimated at 13.7%, with many of our educated graduates struggling to find meaningful work.

Poor Institutions and Leadership

The root of Tanzania’s continued struggles lies in poor institutions. These institutions, a legacy of colonialism, were not built to serve the interests of Tanzanians. Instead, they were designed to extract wealth for the benefit of others. After independence in 1961, Tanzania inherited weak government structures that have often been plagued by inefficiency and corruption.

The Corruption Perception Index ranks Tanzania 94th out of 180 countries, with corruption continuing to be a major obstacle to development. This has been compounded by selfish leadership, where some leaders prioritize personal gain over the national interest. Many of Tanzania’s resources are mismanaged or misallocated, leading to slow economic growth and poor social services. Despite our rich endowment in natural resources, including minerals like gold and natural gas, much of the wealth generated from these resources does not benefit the average Tanzanian.

Tanzania’s Educated Youth: Wasted Potential

Tanzania has invested heavily in education, with significant increases in school enrollment since independence. The government’s commitment to free primary education has led to over 85% of children enrolling in primary school, while secondary education has also expanded. In recent years, Tanzania has produced a large number of educated and talented youth, including professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, and technology.

However, the unemployment rate among young people in Tanzania remains high, standing at 13.7%. This figure does not capture the full extent of underemployment, where many young people are forced into informal or low-paying jobs. Despite this, the government has failed to utilize the potential of this educated workforce. Instead of creating opportunities for local innovation and development, many leaders have neglected to invest in industries that could absorb and make use of these skills.

This is a tragedy. The youth are Tanzania’s greatest asset, yet their talents are being wasted. We have millions of bright, ambitious, and capable young people—but without the right opportunities, their potential will remain untapped. This needs to change, and it needs to change now.

Kneeling for Aid, Grants, and Dangerous Loans

Despite having a large, educated population and vast natural resources, Tanzanian leaders have continued to rely on foreign aid, grants, and loans. This reliance keeps Tanzania trapped in a cycle of dependency. In 2022, Tanzania’s national debt stood at TSh 70.85 trillion (approximately $31.44 billion USD), with much of this debt accruing from loans taken to fund infrastructure and development projects. While some of these loans can be beneficial, they often come with conditions that limit Tanzania’s ability to control its own development path.

Foreign aid constitutes approximately 30% of Tanzania’s national budget, reflecting the country’s continued dependence on external support. This reliance on aid perpetuates the cycle of dependency, as many of these funds are tied to policies and conditions that prioritize the interests of donors over those of Tanzanians.

Why do we keep kneeling for aid and loans when we have all the tools we need to succeed? We have an educated population, fertile land, abundant resources, and a strategic location. The answer lies in weak leadership that has not believed in the power of Tanzanians to solve their own problems.

The Temporary Nature of Our Challenges

The differences between Tanzania and wealthier nations are not permanent. They are the result of historical exploitation, poor leadership, and external interference, but these can be changed. With the right leadership and commitment to reform, Tanzania can close the gap with the developed world.

It’s important to remember that the challenges we face today are temporary. The global perception of Africa, and particularly Tanzania, as a "poor" or "underdeveloped" region is based on a historical moment, not a permanent state. With strategic planning, investment in our own people, and an end to reliance on foreign aid, Tanzania can rise to its full potential.

Tanzanians Must Take the Lead

The future of Tanzania lies in our own hands. The key to progress is for Tanzanians to take full ownership of our development. We cannot continue to rely on foreign donors or external forces to guide our path. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the resources necessary to fuel our own development. The main actors in Tanzania’s resurgence must be Tanzanians themselves.

Our large, educated population, our natural resources, and our fertile land can be harnessed to build industries that serve Tanzanian interests, not those of foreign powers. We need leaders who believe in the potential of Tanzanians, who will prioritize investment in local industries, job creation, and social services that improve the lives of everyday citizens.

We Must Wake Up

It is time for Tanzanians to wake up to the power and potential we have within our borders. We can no longer sit back and rely on foreign aid, grants, and loans to solve our problems. We have millions of educated, skilled people, ready to contribute to national development. We have the resources to support our industries, provide employment, and drive sustainable growth.

What we need now is leadership that trusts in the capabilities of Tanzanians and a commitment from all citizens to work together toward a common goal of national development. The difference between Tanzania and developed nations is temporary, and we have the power to change it.

Conclusion: A Tanzanian Solution to Tanzanian Problems

The future of Tanzania is in our hands, and the time to act is now. We must demand accountability from our leaders and ensure that they invest in our people, our resources, and our future. The challenges we face today—high youth unemployment, poor institutions, and reliance on foreign aid—are not insurmountable. With determination, unity, and effective leadership, Tanzania can rise to its full potential.

We have the people, the resources, and the capability to succeed. Now we need the will to make it happen. It is time for Tanzanians to rise, take control of our destiny, and build a future where we are no longer dependent on others but are the architects of our own prosperity. Tanzania will rise because we demand it of ourselves and believe in our potential to achieve greatness.

References

Here are the sources for the data mentioned in the essay:

1. Literacy Rate:
   • According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the adult literacy rate in Tanzania was around 68.4% in recent years. UNESCO also reports similar literacy levels, reflecting improvements in education since independence.
   • Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Reports.
2. Youth Unemployment Rate:
   • As per the World Bank, Tanzania's youth unemployment rate stands at approximately 13.7%. This statistic is corroborated by other global organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO).
   • Source: World Bank Data on Tanzania, International Labour Organization (ILO) reports.
3. Corruption Perception Index:
   • Transparency International ranks Tanzania 94th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2022. Corruption is a significant challenge for the country, affecting governance and development.
   • Source: Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (2022).
4. National Debt:
   • As of 2022, Tanzania's national debt was estimated to be TSh 70.85 trillion (approximately $31.44 billion USD). This is based on official data from the Bank of Tanzania and reports from the Ministry of Finance.
   • Source: Bank of Tanzania Annual Report (2022), Ministry of Finance and Planning of Tanzania.
5. Foreign Aid Contribution to National Budget:
   • Various reports, including from the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and the Government of Tanzania, show that foreign aid constitutes around 30% of Tanzania's national budget. This reflects the country's dependency on external funds.
   • Source: OECD Aid at a Glance reports, Government of Tanzania Budget Reports.
6. Primary School Enrollment:
   • UNESCO data indicates that over 85% of children in Tanzania are enrolled in primary school, a testament to the country's efforts in expanding access to education since independence.
   • Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics, World Bank Education Statistics.

 

[Landson Tz]

Kwa kiswahili

Kupandisha hadhi ya Utu wa Watanzania: Wito wa Usawa, Haki, na Kujitegemea​

Kwa muda mrefu, Watanzania wameonekana kama waathirika wa umasikini na maendeleo duni, kama sanamu zinazokaa kimya mbele ya macho ya dunia. Tunaonekana kama vitu vya huruma, sehemu ya hadithi ya kimataifa ya nchi maskini, tukiangaliwa kwa masikitiko au maajabu na wageni. Lakini hatuko hapa kama masanamu, na hatuko tayari kuwa wahanga wasiojali tena. Sisi ni binadamu, tukiwa na hadhi na uwezo sawa na mtu yeyote duniani. Wakati umewadia wa sisi kudai hadhi yetu na kuchukua hatua ya kutumia uwezo wetu.
Changamoto za Tanzania hazitokani na ukosefu wa akili au uwezo miongoni mwa watu wetu. Badala yake, zinatokana na unyonyaji wa kihistoria, utawala mbaya, na mfumo wa kiuchumi ambao umeweka maslahi ya wageni mbele ya ustawi wa Watanzania. Lakini hii inaweza kubadilika, na mustakabali wa nchi yetu uko mikononi mwetu.

Hadithi ya Ubora wa Wengine​

Fikra kwamba mataifa au rangi fulani ni bora kiasili kuliko nyingine zimekuwa zikitumika kwa karne nyingi ili kuhalalisha unyonyaji na utawala. Hadithi hii inaendelea kuathiri Afrika hadi leo, hasa Tanzania. Tunaambiwa mara nyingi kwamba hatuwezi kuendelea au kwamba tunahitaji msaada wa nje ili kufanikisha maendeleo. Lakini Watanzania sio tofauti kiasili na watu wa ulimwengu unaoitwa "ulioendelea."
Kabla ya ukoloni, jamii za Tanzania zilikuwa za juu katika kilimo, biashara, na utawala. Pwani ya Kiswahili, ikijumuisha miji kama Zanzibar na Bagamoyo, ilikuwa kituo cha biashara ya kimataifa hata kabla ya kuwasili kwa nguvu za kikoloni za Ulaya. Mababu zetu walikuwa wakifanikiwa, wakiwa wameunganishwa na njia za biashara za kimataifa, wakiishi kwa amani na mazingira yao. Fikra kwamba tuko "nyuma" zimeundwa na karne za ukoloni na vitendo vya ukoloni mamboleo vilivyochota rasilimali zetu kwa manufaa ya wengine.

Mgawanyo wa Kazi: Uliokosewa na Kutumiwa Vibaya​

Katika historia yetu, Watanzania wameelekezwa kwenye majukumu fulani ya kiuchumi—hasa kusafirisha malighafi kama mazao ya kilimo na madini—bila uwekezaji wa kutosha katika usindikaji wa ndani wa malighafi hizo. Mgawanyo huu wa kazi umetufanya kutegemea ulimwengu wa nje kwa bidhaa za viwandani na maendeleo ya kiteknolojia, hali inayozuia ukuaji wa viwanda na uchumi wetu wa ndani.
Muundo huu wa kiuchumi unaendelea kuwaacha Watanzania, hasa vijana wetu walioelimika, bila fursa za kutumia ujuzi wao katika sekta zenye tija. Ingawa Tanzania ina asilimia 68.4 ya watu wanaojua kusoma na kuandika na imepiga hatua kubwa katika elimu, ukosefu wa fursa za ajira ni suala kubwa. Ukosefu wa ajira kwa vijana unakadiriwa kuwa asilimia 13.7, huku wahitimu wengi wakiwa wanahangaika kupata kazi za maana.

Taasisi Duni na Uongozi Mbovu​

Chanzo cha matatizo ya Tanzania ni taasisi duni. Taasisi hizi, urithi wa ukoloni, hazikujengwa kuhudumia maslahi ya Watanzania. Badala yake, zilibuniwa kuchota mali kwa manufaa ya wengine. Baada ya uhuru mwaka 1961, Tanzania ilirithi miundo dhaifu ya serikali ambayo mara nyingi imekuwa ikiendeshwa kwa ufanisi mdogo na ufisadi.
Kiwango cha Ufahamu wa Ufisadi kinaiweka Tanzania katika nafasi ya 94 kati ya nchi 180, huku ufisadi ukiendelea kuwa kikwazo kikubwa cha maendeleo. Hali hii imeongezewa na uongozi wa ubinafsi, ambapo baadhi ya viongozi wanaweka mbele maslahi binafsi badala ya maslahi ya taifa. Licha ya utajiri wa rasilimali za Tanzania, ikiwa ni pamoja na madini kama dhahabu na gesi asilia, sehemu kubwa ya utajiri unaozalishwa hauwanufaishi Watanzania wa kawaida.

Vijana Waliokosa Fursa: Raslimali Iliyopotea​

Tanzania imewekeza sana katika elimu, na kuongezeka kwa idadi ya watoto wanaojiunga na shule tangu uhuru. Dhamira ya nchi ya kutoa elimu ya msingi bila malipo imesababisha zaidi ya asilimia 85 ya watoto kuandikishwa shule za msingi, huku elimu ya sekondari pia ikiongezeka. Katika miaka ya karibuni, Tanzania imetoa idadi kubwa ya vijana walioelimika na wenye vipaji, wakiwemo wataalamu wa fani kama tiba, uhandisi, na teknolojia.
Hata hivyo, kiwango cha ukosefu wa ajira miongoni mwa vijana kinabaki kuwa asilimia 13.7. Hii haionyeshi ukubwa wa tatizo la watu wasio na kazi za kutosha, ambapo vijana wengi wanalazimika kufanya kazi za muda au za malipo duni. Pamoja na hayo, nchi imeshindwa kutumia uwezo wa nguvu kazi hii iliyoelimika. Badala ya kuwekeza katika uvumbuzi wa ndani na kukuza viwanda, viongozi wengi wamelipuuza suala hili, wakiacha vijana wengi Watanzania wakiwa hawana fursa za kutumia ujuzi wao.
Hii ni janga kubwa. Vijana ni rasilimali kuu ya Tanzania, lakini vipaji vyao vinapotezwa. Tunao mamilioni ya vijana wenye akili, malengo, na uwezo, lakini bila fursa sahihi, uwezo wao utaendelea kuwa hauna manufaa. Hili lazima libadilike, na lazima libadilike sasa.

Kuinama kwa Misaada, Ruzuku, na Mikopo Hatarishi​

Licha ya kuwa na idadi kubwa ya watu walioelimika na rasilimali nyingi za asili, viongozi wa Tanzania wameendelea kutegemea misaada ya kigeni, ruzuku, na mikopo. Kutegemea huku kunaendelea kuiweka Tanzania katika mzunguko wa utegemezi. Mwaka 2022, deni la taifa la Tanzania lilifikia TSh trilioni 70.85 (takriban dola bilioni 31.44 za Marekani), ambapo sehemu kubwa ya deni hili ni kutokana na mikopo iliyochukuliwa kwa ajili ya miradi ya miundombinu na maendeleo. Ingawa baadhi ya mikopo hii inaweza kuwa na manufaa, mara nyingi huja na masharti yanayopunguza uwezo wa Tanzania kudhibiti njia yake ya maendeleo.
Misaada ya kigeni inachangia takriban asilimia 30 ya bajeti ya taifa ya Tanzania, ikionyesha utegemezi wa nchi kwa msaada wa nje. Kutegemea msaada huu kunaendeleza mzunguko wa utegemezi, kwani fedha hizi mara nyingi hufungamana na sera na masharti yanayoweka mbele maslahi ya wafadhili kuliko yale ya Watanzania.
Kwa nini tunaendelea kuinama kwa misaada na mikopo wakati tuna kila zana tunazohitaji kufanikiwa? Tunayo idadi kubwa ya watu walioelimika, ardhi yenye rutuba, rasilimali tele, na eneo la kimkakati. Jibu linapatikana katika uongozi dhaifu ambao haujaamini katika uwezo wa Watanzania kutatua matatizo yao wenyewe.

Asili ya Muda Mfupi ya Changamoto Zetu​

Tofauti kati ya Tanzania na mataifa tajiri sio za kudumu. Ni matokeo ya unyonyaji wa kihistoria, uongozi mbovu, na uingiliaji wa nje, lakini haya yanaweza kubadilishwa. Kwa uongozi sahihi na dhamira ya mageuzi, Tanzania inaweza kupunguza pengo na nchi zilizoendelea.
Ni muhimu kukumbuka kwamba changamoto tunazokabiliana nazo leo ni za muda tu. Mtazamo wa dunia kuhusu Afrika, na hasa Tanzania, kama eneo "maskini" au "lisiloendelea" unategemea wakati fulani wa kihistoria, sio hali ya kudumu. Kwa mipango ya kimkakati, uwekezaji katika watu wetu wenyewe, na kumaliza utegemezi wa misaada ya nje, Tanzania inaweza kuamka na kutumia uwezo wake wote.

Watanzania Lazima Waongoze Mabadiliko​

Mustakabali wa Tanzania uko mikononi mwetu. Ufunguo wa maendeleo ni Watanzania kuchukua jukumu kamili la maendeleo yetu. Hatuwezi kuendelea kutegemea wafadhili wa nje au nguvu za nje kuongoza njia yetu. Tunazo zana, maarifa, na rasilimali muhimu za kuendesha maendeleo yetu wenyewe. Wachezaji wakuu katika mchakato wa kuifanya Tanzania iinuke lazima wawe Watanzania wenyewe.
Idadi yetu kubwa ya watu walioelimika, rasilimali zetu za asili, na ardhi yenye rutuba vinaweza kutumiwa kujenga viwanda vinavyohudumia maslahi ya nchi nzima. Kazi ya kujenga Tanzania yenye mafanikio si jukumu la viongozi pekee, bali ni kazi ya wananchi wote. Viongozi, wananchi, vijana na wazee—kila mmoja wetu ana jukumu la kuhakikisha tunainuka na kusonga mbele kwa maslahi ya taifa.
Hakuna haja ya kulaumiana kwa yaliyopita, kwani yote yalikuwa ni fundisho kwetu. Tumeshindwa katika baadhi ya maeneo, tumeanguka chini, lakini sasa ni wakati wa kuamka, kujipanga upya na kusonga mbele. Wakati umefika wa kujitathmini na kuchukua hatua—kwa pamoja kama nchi—ili kuijenga Tanzania mpya, yenye nguvu na mafanikio makubwa kwa wote.

Chanzo cha takwimu zilizotumika kwenye insha hii.​

Kiwango cha Kusoma na Kuandika:​

Kulingana na Shirika la Maendeleo la Umoja wa Mataifa (UNDP), kiwango cha kusoma na kuandika kwa watu wazima nchini Tanzania kilikuwa takriban 68.4% katika miaka ya hivi karibuni. Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Elimu, Sayansi na Utamaduni (UNESCO) pia linaonyesha viwango vya kusoma na kuandika vinavyofanana, ambavyo vinaakisi maboresho katika elimu tangu uhuru.

• Chanzo: Taasisi ya Takwimu ya UNESCO, Ripoti za Maendeleo ya Binadamu za Umoja wa Mataifa (UNDP).

Kiwango cha Ukosefu wa Ajira kwa Vijana:​

Kulingana na Benki ya Dunia, kiwango cha ukosefu wa ajira kwa vijana nchini Tanzania kinasimama takriban 13.7%. Takwimu hii pia inathibitishwa na mashirika mengine ya kimataifa kama Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO).

• Chanzo: Takwimu za Benki ya Dunia kuhusu Tanzania, Ripoti za Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO).

Kielezo cha Mtazamo wa Ufisadi:​

Transparency International inaiweka Tanzania katika nafasi ya 94 kati ya nchi 180 kwenye Kielezo cha Mtazamo wa Ufisadi cha mwaka 2022. Ufisadi ni changamoto kubwa kwa nchi, ukichangia matatizo ya utawala na maendeleo.

• Chanzo: Kielezo cha Mtazamo wa Ufisadi cha Transparency International (2022).

Deni la Taifa:​

Kufikia mwaka wa 2022, deni la taifa la Tanzania lilikuwa linakadiriwa kuwa TSh trilioni 70.85 (takriban dola bilioni 31.44 za Marekani). Hii inatokana na takwimu rasmi kutoka Benki Kuu ya Tanzania na ripoti kutoka Wizara ya Fedha.

• Chanzo: Ripoti ya Mwaka ya Benki Kuu ya Tanzania (2022), Wizara ya Fedha na Mipango ya Tanzania.

Mchango wa Misaada ya Kigeni kwa Bajeti ya Taifa:​

Ripoti mbalimbali, zikiwemo zile kutoka OECD (Shirika la Ushirikiano wa Kiuchumi na Maendeleo) na Serikali ya Tanzania, zinaonyesha kuwa misaada ya kigeni inachangia karibu 30% ya bajeti ya taifa ya Tanzania. Hii inaakisi utegemezi wa nchi kwa fedha za nje.

• Chanzo: Ripoti za OECD za Misaada kwa Muhtasari, Ripoti za Bajeti za Serikali ya Tanzania.

Uandikishaji Shuleni kwa Elimu ya Msingi:​

Takwimu za UNESCO zinaonyesha kuwa zaidi ya 85% ya watoto nchini Tanzania wameandikishwa kwenye shule za msingi, jambo linaloonyesha juhudi za nchi katika kupanua upatikanaji wa elimu tangu uhuru.

• Chanzo: Taasisi ya Takwimu ya UNESCO, Takwimu za Elimu za Benki ya Dunia.

 

[John Wickzer Mulholland]

Kwa kiswahili

Kupandisha hadhi ya Utu wa Watanzania: Wito wa Usawa, Haki, na Kujitegemea​

Kwa muda mrefu, Watanzania wameonekana kama waathirika wa umasikini na maendeleo duni, kama sanamu zinazokaa kimya mbele ya macho ya dunia. Tunaonekana kama vitu vya huruma, sehemu ya hadithi ya kimataifa ya nchi maskini, tukiangaliwa kwa masikitiko au maajabu na wageni. Lakini hatuko hapa kama masanamu, na hatuko tayari kuwa wahanga wasiojali tena. Sisi ni binadamu, tukiwa na hadhi na uwezo sawa na mtu yeyote duniani. Wakati umewadia wa sisi kudai hadhi yetu na kuchukua hatua ya kutumia uwezo wetu.
Changamoto za Tanzania hazitokani na ukosefu wa akili au uwezo miongoni mwa watu wetu. Badala yake, zinatokana na unyonyaji wa kihistoria, utawala mbaya, na mfumo wa kiuchumi ambao umeweka maslahi ya wageni mbele ya ustawi wa Watanzania. Lakini hii inaweza kubadilika, na mustakabali wa nchi yetu uko mikononi mwetu.

Hadithi ya Ubora wa Wengine​

Fikra kwamba mataifa au rangi fulani ni bora kiasili kuliko nyingine zimekuwa zikitumika kwa karne nyingi ili kuhalalisha unyonyaji na utawala. Hadithi hii inaendelea kuathiri Afrika hadi leo, hasa Tanzania. Tunaambiwa mara nyingi kwamba hatuwezi kuendelea au kwamba tunahitaji msaada wa nje ili kufanikisha maendeleo. Lakini Watanzania sio tofauti kiasili na watu wa ulimwengu unaoitwa "ulioendelea."
Kabla ya ukoloni, jamii za Tanzania zilikuwa za juu katika kilimo, biashara, na utawala. Pwani ya Kiswahili, ikijumuisha miji kama Zanzibar na Bagamoyo, ilikuwa kituo cha biashara ya kimataifa hata kabla ya kuwasili kwa nguvu za kikoloni za Ulaya. Mababu zetu walikuwa wakifanikiwa, wakiwa wameunganishwa na njia za biashara za kimataifa, wakiishi kwa amani na mazingira yao. Fikra kwamba tuko "nyuma" zimeundwa na karne za ukoloni na vitendo vya ukoloni mamboleo vilivyochota rasilimali zetu kwa manufaa ya wengine.

Mgawanyo wa Kazi: Uliokosewa na Kutumiwa Vibaya​

Katika historia yetu, Watanzania wameelekezwa kwenye majukumu fulani ya kiuchumi—hasa kusafirisha malighafi kama mazao ya kilimo na madini—bila uwekezaji wa kutosha katika usindikaji wa ndani wa malighafi hizo. Mgawanyo huu wa kazi umetufanya kutegemea ulimwengu wa nje kwa bidhaa za viwandani na maendeleo ya kiteknolojia, hali inayozuia ukuaji wa viwanda na uchumi wetu wa ndani.
Muundo huu wa kiuchumi unaendelea kuwaacha Watanzania, hasa vijana wetu walioelimika, bila fursa za kutumia ujuzi wao katika sekta zenye tija. Ingawa Tanzania ina asilimia 68.4 ya watu wanaojua kusoma na kuandika na imepiga hatua kubwa katika elimu, ukosefu wa fursa za ajira ni suala kubwa. Ukosefu wa ajira kwa vijana unakadiriwa kuwa asilimia 13.7, huku wahitimu wengi wakiwa wanahangaika kupata kazi za maana.

Taasisi Duni na Uongozi Mbovu​

Chanzo cha matatizo ya Tanzania ni taasisi duni. Taasisi hizi, urithi wa ukoloni, hazikujengwa kuhudumia maslahi ya Watanzania. Badala yake, zilibuniwa kuchota mali kwa manufaa ya wengine. Baada ya uhuru mwaka 1961, Tanzania ilirithi miundo dhaifu ya serikali ambayo mara nyingi imekuwa ikiendeshwa kwa ufanisi mdogo na ufisadi.
Kiwango cha Ufahamu wa Ufisadi kinaiweka Tanzania katika nafasi ya 94 kati ya nchi 180, huku ufisadi ukiendelea kuwa kikwazo kikubwa cha maendeleo. Hali hii imeongezewa na uongozi wa ubinafsi, ambapo baadhi ya viongozi wanaweka mbele maslahi binafsi badala ya maslahi ya taifa. Licha ya utajiri wa rasilimali za Tanzania, ikiwa ni pamoja na madini kama dhahabu na gesi asilia, sehemu kubwa ya utajiri unaozalishwa hauwanufaishi Watanzania wa kawaida.

Vijana Waliokosa Fursa: Raslimali Iliyopotea​

Tanzania imewekeza sana katika elimu, na kuongezeka kwa idadi ya watoto wanaojiunga na shule tangu uhuru. Dhamira ya nchi ya kutoa elimu ya msingi bila malipo imesababisha zaidi ya asilimia 85 ya watoto kuandikishwa shule za msingi, huku elimu ya sekondari pia ikiongezeka. Katika miaka ya karibuni, Tanzania imetoa idadi kubwa ya vijana walioelimika na wenye vipaji, wakiwemo wataalamu wa fani kama tiba, uhandisi, na teknolojia.
Hata hivyo, kiwango cha ukosefu wa ajira miongoni mwa vijana kinabaki kuwa asilimia 13.7. Hii haionyeshi ukubwa wa tatizo la watu wasio na kazi za kutosha, ambapo vijana wengi wanalazimika kufanya kazi za muda au za malipo duni. Pamoja na hayo, nchi imeshindwa kutumia uwezo wa nguvu kazi hii iliyoelimika. Badala ya kuwekeza katika uvumbuzi wa ndani na kukuza viwanda, viongozi wengi wamelipuuza suala hili, wakiacha vijana wengi Watanzania wakiwa hawana fursa za kutumia ujuzi wao.
Hii ni janga kubwa. Vijana ni rasilimali kuu ya Tanzania, lakini vipaji vyao vinapotezwa. Tunao mamilioni ya vijana wenye akili, malengo, na uwezo, lakini bila fursa sahihi, uwezo wao utaendelea kuwa hauna manufaa. Hili lazima libadilike, na lazima libadilike sasa.

Kuinama kwa Misaada, Ruzuku, na Mikopo Hatarishi​

Licha ya kuwa na idadi kubwa ya watu walioelimika na rasilimali nyingi za asili, viongozi wa Tanzania wameendelea kutegemea misaada ya kigeni, ruzuku, na mikopo. Kutegemea huku kunaendelea kuiweka Tanzania katika mzunguko wa utegemezi. Mwaka 2022, deni la taifa la Tanzania lilifikia TSh trilioni 70.85 (takriban dola bilioni 31.44 za Marekani), ambapo sehemu kubwa ya deni hili ni kutokana na mikopo iliyochukuliwa kwa ajili ya miradi ya miundombinu na maendeleo. Ingawa baadhi ya mikopo hii inaweza kuwa na manufaa, mara nyingi huja na masharti yanayopunguza uwezo wa Tanzania kudhibiti njia yake ya maendeleo.
Misaada ya kigeni inachangia takriban asilimia 30 ya bajeti ya taifa ya Tanzania, ikionyesha utegemezi wa nchi kwa msaada wa nje. Kutegemea msaada huu kunaendeleza mzunguko wa utegemezi, kwani fedha hizi mara nyingi hufungamana na sera na masharti yanayoweka mbele maslahi ya wafadhili kuliko yale ya Watanzania.
Kwa nini tunaendelea kuinama kwa misaada na mikopo wakati tuna kila zana tunazohitaji kufanikiwa? Tunayo idadi kubwa ya watu walioelimika, ardhi yenye rutuba, rasilimali tele, na eneo la kimkakati. Jibu linapatikana katika uongozi dhaifu ambao haujaamini katika uwezo wa Watanzania kutatua matatizo yao wenyewe.

Asili ya Muda Mfupi ya Changamoto Zetu​

Tofauti kati ya Tanzania na mataifa tajiri sio za kudumu. Ni matokeo ya unyonyaji wa kihistoria, uongozi mbovu, na uingiliaji wa nje, lakini haya yanaweza kubadilishwa. Kwa uongozi sahihi na dhamira ya mageuzi, Tanzania inaweza kupunguza pengo na nchi zilizoendelea.
Ni muhimu kukumbuka kwamba changamoto tunazokabiliana nazo leo ni za muda tu. Mtazamo wa dunia kuhusu Afrika, na hasa Tanzania, kama eneo "maskini" au "lisiloendelea" unategemea wakati fulani wa kihistoria, sio hali ya kudumu. Kwa mipango ya kimkakati, uwekezaji katika watu wetu wenyewe, na kumaliza utegemezi wa misaada ya nje, Tanzania inaweza kuamka na kutumia uwezo wake wote.

Watanzania Lazima Waongoze Mabadiliko​

Mustakabali wa Tanzania uko mikononi mwetu. Ufunguo wa maendeleo ni Watanzania kuchukua jukumu kamili la maendeleo yetu. Hatuwezi kuendelea kutegemea wafadhili wa nje au nguvu za nje kuongoza njia yetu. Tunazo zana, maarifa, na rasilimali muhimu za kuendesha maendeleo yetu wenyewe. Wachezaji wakuu katika mchakato wa kuifanya Tanzania iinuke lazima wawe Watanzania wenyewe.
Idadi yetu kubwa ya watu walioelimika, rasilimali zetu za asili, na ardhi yenye rutuba vinaweza kutumiwa kujenga viwanda vinavyohudumia maslahi ya nchi nzima. Kazi ya kujenga Tanzania yenye mafanikio si jukumu la viongozi pekee, bali ni kazi ya wananchi wote. Viongozi, wananchi, vijana na wazee—kila mmoja wetu ana jukumu la kuhakikisha tunainuka na kusonga mbele kwa maslahi ya taifa.
Hakuna haja ya kulaumiana kwa yaliyopita, kwani yote yalikuwa ni fundisho kwetu. Tumeshindwa katika baadhi ya maeneo, tumeanguka chini, lakini sasa ni wakati wa kuamka, kujipanga upya na kusonga mbele. Wakati umefika wa kujitathmini na kuchukua hatua—kwa pamoja kama nchi—ili kuijenga Tanzania mpya, yenye nguvu na mafanikio makubwa kwa wote.

Chanzo cha takwimu zilizotumika kwenye insha hii.​

Kiwango cha Kusoma na Kuandika:​

Kulingana na Shirika la Maendeleo la Umoja wa Mataifa (UNDP), kiwango cha kusoma na kuandika kwa watu wazima nchini Tanzania kilikuwa takriban 68.4% katika miaka ya hivi karibuni. Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Elimu, Sayansi na Utamaduni (UNESCO) pia linaonyesha viwango vya kusoma na kuandika vinavyofanana, ambavyo vinaakisi maboresho katika elimu tangu uhuru.

• Chanzo: Taasisi ya Takwimu ya UNESCO, Ripoti za Maendeleo ya Binadamu za Umoja wa Mataifa (UNDP).

Kiwango cha Ukosefu wa Ajira kwa Vijana:​

Kulingana na Benki ya Dunia, kiwango cha ukosefu wa ajira kwa vijana nchini Tanzania kinasimama takriban 13.7%. Takwimu hii pia inathibitishwa na mashirika mengine ya kimataifa kama Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO).

• Chanzo: Takwimu za Benki ya Dunia kuhusu Tanzania, Ripoti za Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO).

Kielezo cha Mtazamo wa Ufisadi:​

Transparency International inaiweka Tanzania katika nafasi ya 94 kati ya nchi 180 kwenye Kielezo cha Mtazamo wa Ufisadi cha mwaka 2022. Ufisadi ni changamoto kubwa kwa nchi, ukichangia matatizo ya utawala na maendeleo.

• Chanzo: Kielezo cha Mtazamo wa Ufisadi cha Transparency International (2022).

Deni la Taifa:​

Kufikia mwaka wa 2022, deni la taifa la Tanzania lilikuwa linakadiriwa kuwa TSh trilioni 70.85 (takriban dola bilioni 31.44 za Marekani). Hii inatokana na takwimu rasmi kutoka Benki Kuu ya Tanzania na ripoti kutoka Wizara ya Fedha.

• Chanzo: Ripoti ya Mwaka ya Benki Kuu ya Tanzania (2022), Wizara ya Fedha na Mipango ya Tanzania.

Mchango wa Misaada ya Kigeni kwa Bajeti ya Taifa:​

Ripoti mbalimbali, zikiwemo zile kutoka OECD (Shirika la Ushirikiano wa Kiuchumi na Maendeleo) na Serikali ya Tanzania, zinaonyesha kuwa misaada ya kigeni inachangia karibu 30% ya bajeti ya taifa ya Tanzania. Hii inaakisi utegemezi wa nchi kwa fedha za nje.

• Chanzo: Ripoti za OECD za Misaada kwa Muhtasari, Ripoti za Bajeti za Serikali ya Tanzania.

Uandikishaji Shuleni kwa Elimu ya Msingi:​

Takwimu za UNESCO zinaonyesha kuwa zaidi ya 85% ya watoto nchini Tanzania wameandikishwa kwenye shule za msingi, jambo linaloonyesha juhudi za nchi katika kupanua upatikanaji wa elimu tangu uhuru.

• Chanzo: Taasisi ya Takwimu ya UNESCO, Takwimu za Elimu za Benki ya Dunia.

Watawala wa Tanzania wao wenyewe Wana msemo wao kwamba "Sheria duniani haki mbinguni."

 

[Ame]

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