By Adonis Byemelwa
Yesterday December 31, 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed the nation, marking the end of a year filled with significant achievements and charting the course for 2025.
The President emphasized the importance of the "4R" philosophy—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuilding—as the cornerstone of Tanzania's continued socio-economic and political evolution.
“We have upheld the philosophy of R4, which focuses on fostering unity, tolerance, transformative reforms, and rebuilding our nation,” she said.
She also praised Tanzania’s progress in media freedom, public expression, and assembly rights, calling them markers of the nation's democratic growth.
Nevertheless, this progress has not come without criticism, as University of Dar es Salaam senior lecturer Dr. Faraja Kristomus highlighted during an interview with UTV.
He criticized the government for stifling dissent and opposition during civic elections tainted by violence, arguing that such actions undermine the principles of reconciliation and democracy.
Dr. Kristomus urged the nation to reflect deeply on its democratic journey, emphasizing, “It’s time we address the mistakes of the past 60 years to lay a strong foundation for a just and equitable society—a vision that the next generation can inherit with pride.”
President Samia acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about the future, emphasizing ongoing efforts to complete the National Development Vision 2025 with inputs from citizens.
"I congratulate all those who have contributed to this process and urge everyone to continue participating until its conclusion," she said.
The finalized vision, expected early in 2025, will serve as a roadmap for the nation's development.
One of the key initiatives set for 2025 is the implementation of recommendations from the Presidential Commission on Tax Reforms. The President assured citizens that these reforms aim to enhance the tax system’s efficiency and create a more favorable business environment.
Additionally, reforms in criminal justice, including updates to policies and laws, are underway. She noted that nearly half a million citizens have already benefited from the "Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign," which offers free legal services to those in need.
The upcoming year holds special significance for Tanzania’s democracy as it prepares for a general election to select leaders at all levels, from the presidency to local councils.
President Samia emphasized the importance of maintaining the country’s democratic integrity, highlighting new electoral laws designed to ensure fair and transparent elections. “I call on citizens and all stakeholders to uphold Tanzania's reputation as a democracy built on freedom and justice,” she said.
While the President’s message struck a hopeful tone, critics like Dr. Kristomus pointed out discrepancies in the government’s approach. He expressed concern over what he described as a “flawed” civic election process, marked by incidents of violence and suppression of opposition voices.
“These actions tarnish the principles of reconciliation and resilience that the President has championed,” he said, urging for greater accountability.
One of the more thought-provoking aspects of the President’s address was her call for economic resilience in the face of various challenges.
She stressed the need for robust strategies to counter potential disruptions, be they economic, environmental, or social. This raises questions about the economic models underpinning her vision.
Critics, including economists like Mr. Khalfan Abdallah, a political analyst based in Dar es Salaam noted that the government to explore innovative financial systems, particularly those rooted in Islamic finance principles, which have demonstrated resilience during global financial crises.
“The 2008 financial crisis should have prompted a shift in economic priorities. Islamic finance offers a stable alternative, yet it remains largely unexplored in Tanzania,” Abdallah noted.
Islamic finance, which prohibits interest-based transactions, aligns with the values of many Tanzanians, particularly the Muslim majority in Zanzibar and parts of the mainland.
However, access to such financial products remains limited, with public financial institutions like the Presidential Trust Fund and Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank offering only interest-based loans. This exclusion forces many Muslims to choose between their faith and economic opportunities.
President Samia has emphasized equal economic opportunities for all citizens. “Reconciliation cannot be achieved in a society where discrimination persists, or where some are deprived of their economic and civil rights,” she said.
Advocates hope her administration will address these disparities by implementing long-delayed reforms, such as those outlined in the IMF’s report on Islamic finance, which has been with the Bank of Tanzania for nearly a decade without action.
The President’s pledge to reform political, economic, and electoral systems was another highlight of her speech. “The goal is for Tanzania to move with the times and know when it’s time to act, even if such actions are initially unpopular,” she said. This sentiment resonates with calls for systemic changes to foster inclusivity and shared prosperity.
Among the government’s ongoing initiatives are transformative projects in infrastructure, mining, energy, and agriculture. The President pointed to the Royal Tour campaign’s success in revitalizing the tourism sector and promised “big changes” in agriculture to boost its contribution to the economy.
Yet, these sectors require inclusive and affordable capital access for all social groups, including those guided by faith-based financial principles.
As Tanzania embarks on the rebuilding phase of the 4R philosophy, there is a growing demand for financial sector reforms that accommodate diverse needs. Advocates argue that introducing Islamic financial products could create a more inclusive and equitable system, fostering economic resilience and shared prosperity.
Despite the challenges, President Samia concluded her address on a hopeful note. She expressed gratitude to Tanzanians for their support and collaboration, which she said has enabled the government to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. “Let us build courage and integrity, working with diligence and expertise to contribute to our nation’s development,” she urged.
As the nation enters 2025, the President prayed for continued peace, health, and happiness for all Tanzanians. Her vision for the future—anchored on reconciliation, resilience, reform, and rebuilding—sets an ambitious agenda.
However, as critics like Dr. Kristomus and Khalfan Abdallah have pointed out, achieving this vision will require addressing fundamental gaps in governance and ensuring that no Tanzanian is left behind in the journey toward progress.
The coming year promises to be pivotal, not just for Tanzania’s democracy but for its socio-economic transformation. Whether the 4R philosophy will succeed in fostering unity and prosperity depends on the government’s ability to translate words into action and navigate the complex realities of a diverse and dynamic nation.