EXPERTS working on the 2050 Development Vision need to meet various stakeholders to ensure that the process of gathering public feedback is carried out thoroughly, so that the final draft reflects the main aspirations of the people.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi issued this instruction to the Planning Commission team in Zanzibar yesterday, at the launch of the draft of the National Development Vision 2050.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Zanzibar Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, where the president directed the planning commissions for both sides of the union to coordinate the verification process, ensuring it is efficiently conducted.

The commissions need to distribute copies of the draft Vision to a wide range of media outlets and civic institutions, setting up a transparent procedure for receiving feedback, he said.

Ministerial officials and other executives must fully cooperate with the technical team working on the 2050 Vision as their participation is crucial to the success of the initiative, he said.

The planning team should ensure every citizen—regardless of religion, political affiliation, gender, special groups or region—has an opportunity to provide input, he said, insisting that the Vision belongs to all Tanzanians and must reflect their aspirations for the next 25 years.

Key objectives of the draft Vision include improving people’s lives, education, healthcare and ensuring peace and justice, while focusing on being inclusive and allowing every citizen “to contribute to the nation's development,” he said.

The team needs to align its work with the nation's development plans along with regional and international agreements, citing the East African Community Vision 2050, and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Vision 2050.

Another reference point is the African Union Agenda 2063, observers noted, while the president recommended that the technical team conduct nationwide consultations, organising forums and discussions with the public.

Reflecting on achievements of Vision 2025 being concluded next June, the Isles leader touched on improvements in the quality of life, education, healthcare, a reduction in mortality rates and a significant increase in life expectancy.

He said Tanzania is one among a few countries worldwide with food self-sufficiency, rated at 124percent in the past year, despite that agriculture is not fully modernised.

The premier said that the launch of the draft is a milestone for deciphering the future of Tanzania, affirming that the professional team will carry out its duties with expertise and integrity to ensure that the Vision benefits all Tanzanians.

Prof Kitila Mkumbo, the Planning and Investment state minister in the President’s Office and vice-chairman of the national steering committee for Vision 2050 preparation, explained that the Vision's foundation is built on security, peace, stability and a strong economy.

Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, the Finance and Planning state minister in the Zanzibar President’s Office and co-chairperson of the committee, highlighted Zanzibar's active participation in providing feedback on the draft Vision. This included the mobilisation of public input, with strong involvement from women, she added.