The CEO Roundtable (CEOrt) has stated that it will continue to collaborate with the government, public sector, and private sector to address various challenges facing society, including combating climate change, in order to create an enabling environment for economic growth in the country.

Speaking during the 2024 CEOrt Dinner Gala, attended by Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan at Hyatt Kilimanjaro, Santina Benson, Executive Director of CEOrt, stated that CEOrt recently launched a report that outlines the role of climate action in ensuring a stable economic future for Tanzania.

She said CEOrt is taking on this responsibility because climate change affects various sectors that contribute to economic growth.

"Your Excellency, the Vice President, we recognize that the Private Sector is crucial in achieving our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent," she said.

"And this is our commitment as the CEO Roundtable to contribute fully to this cause."

"In achieving this, we extend our gratitude to our main funding partner; the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for their support in advancing this effort, as well as other important stakeholders including Axum, led by Devang Vussonji," she added.

She also mentioned several other initiatives they are undertaking to support the community, including helping the Tushikamane Pamoja Foundation, which assists elderly people facing poverty.

Speaking on behalf of President Samia during the gala, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango praised the CEOrt and its partners for their efforts in advancing social and economic development in the country.

"President Samia deeply values your tireless contributions and your dedication to building a sustainable economy by engaging various stakeholders from both the public and private sectors," he said.

He noted that this year’s gala theme, "2050… Let’s Go! Building a Thriving, Inclusive, and Resilient Economy," aligns with the Government's Vision 2050, which aims to transform Tanzania into an industrialized, upper-middle-income nation by 2050.

"We need to continue focusing on critical issues like climate change and assess its impact on the business environment," he added. Reflecting on his recent participation at COP 29, Dr. Mpango reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to international climate goals and emphasized the importance of building a strong economy despite the challenges posed by climate change.

"In my speech at COP 29, I mentioned that climate change costs Tanzania up to 2-3 percent of GDP annually, resulting in billions of shillings in lost potential," said Dr. Mpango.

"It is encouraging to see that CEOrt is also working to engage businesses in the climate agenda."

Dr. Mpango urged CEOrt members to continue their efforts by creating innovative solutions and fostering partnerships that would help businesses align with Tanzania’s climate goals, unlocking new opportunities in the process.

The Vice President also highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in key infrastructure sectors such as roads, railways, water, air transport, and energy, all of which are essential for economic growth and development.

"We are ensuring that we improve the business and investment environment by implementing policies that foster a competitive private sector," he emphasized. "This includes streamlining business registration processes, removing regulatory barriers, and establishing one-stop service centers to reduce bureaucracy and combat corruption."

He made it clear that Tanzania is positioning itself as a key player in regional and global markets, attracting investments, and driving growth.

On the social development front, Dr. Mpango highlighted significant achievements in areas such as food security, education, healthcare, and gender equality.

He noted that student enrollment rates have reached 97% by 2022, healthcare access has improved, leading to a reduction in maternal and infant mortality, and the representation of women in education and leadership positions has increased.

"The private sector has played a crucial role in these successes, and it is important for each of us to continue our efforts, take responsibility, and show patriotism in fulfilling our duties," he said. "Together, we can achieve the goals of the National Development Vision 2050."

Dr. Mpango reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships, which are vital for fostering national and economic development.