How Tanzania could become Africa’s international trading powerhouse

With more neighbouring countries and a larger population than any other African nation along the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is well-positioned to extend its influence even further, he believes.

“Projections indicate Tanzania’s population will increase by over double to 135-million people by 2050,” Yu states.

“While rapid population growth can pose significant challenges, Tanzania’s impressive GDP per capita growth of over 40 percent in the past decade suggests it is managing to grow overall worker productivity.

“In contrast, countries like Nigeria have experienced high population growth rates but witnessed GDP per capita decline by 30 percent over the same period.”

To be a superstar, bold steps are needed

However, for Tanzania to achieve its Pan-African superstar status, it must take bold steps, Yu emphasises.

For example, recognising the substantial gains Tanzania stands to generate in supplying its eight neighbouring countries, it should lead in advocating for, and implementing, the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Importantly, the country should follow through on implementing the African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, which it signed in 2018.

This grants African citizens visa-free entry to all African countries, equal employment opportunities without discrimination, and the right to long-term residence in any African country.

“While this might sound wildly ambitious and unrealistic, the European Union provides a tangible example,” he says.

“If Tanzania led the implementation of the protocol, it could rapidly attract exceptional talent from across Africa to boost local firms, while generating significantly more jobs for its own citizens.”

He concludes: “With the right strategies in place, Tanzania can pave the way for a prosperous future, positioning itself as a dynamic force driving the economic and social transformation of the entire Global South.”

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