Economic and Political Influences in Tanzania

 

Gaining independence

Shortly after the end of WWII, the Tanganyika (now known as Tanzania) region was consigned under the United Nations (UN) Trusteeship, which instructed Britain with the development of the state.  During this time, several liberated movements occurred, one being the Tanganyika Africa National Union (TANU). Support for this particular movement largely grew, and by 1960, the first elections were planned for Tanganyika. On 9 December 1961, Tanganyika became an independent republic and became known as Tanzania from then on. The following year, ‘it became a one party state under Julius Nyerere’ (Skinner, 2005:16) and adhered to a policy of socialism. The effects of this can still be seen in contemporary Tanzania; though, efforts have only just been made to stimulate the economy. (SAHistory, 2009).
 

 

At war with Uganda
Tanzania has found itself to be involved in a sum of wars throughout the years. The most notable achievement in its history was gaining victory when it fought against Uganda in 1978-1979. The year- long battle commenced over the reign of Idi Amin in Uganda and the possession of Tanzanian territory bordering Uganda, which was rightfully declared back to mainland Tanzania. During this period, the ‘Tanzanian army vastly expanded, from 40,000 to over 100,000 including assistance from the police force, prison guards and other sources’. (Landis and Rosita, 2012: 414).
 

Along with this, came a hefty expense for the deprived African state. Though, the U.S provided assistance in the development and progression of the democratic institutions, (U.S. Department of State, 2014), the costs of the feud was immense in regards to labour and materials. Moreover, without support from major aid donors, ‘the war speculated to have increased the spread of AIDS; increasing political, financial and social misfortunes’. (Acheson-Brown, 2001).

 

Economic growth and development
The Tanzanian economy has sustained growth over the years, since gaining its independence. With the ‘current growth rate at 7%, it is widely determined by manufacturing, communications, transport and agriculture’ (AEO, 2014). It is also reinforced by ongoing public investment in infrastructure, power generation and natural gas supplies. Its economic system remains stable; emphasising several years of successful financial sector reforms. Despite high growth over the past decade, poverty still remains more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas.

 

Moreover, even though Tanzania’s participation in global value chains (GVCs) remains low, it is a major Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) focus, with frequent greenfield investments. Also, it continues to enjoy strong export growth and expansion from traditional markets and products; remaining reliant on primary commodity exports. (ADB, 2014). It is becoming an economically developing state with the exploration of natural resources, including minerals and natural gas, ensuring economic progression and employment formation.
 

 

A developing and hopeful state
Tanzania is currently in the progressive stages of formulating a new constitution, which is anticipated to be in place before the next general election in 2015. The leading issues concerning the constitutional reforms have included; the structure of the union between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the presidential powers, natural resources management and political reforms, greater representation for women and a provision for independent candidates to run for election. All in all, the state has come a very long way in terms of developing the society and improving financial status. It looks promising and stays hopeful for the future.
 

 

By Shahima Aktar

 

 

References: 
 
Acheson-Brown, D. (2001). The Tanzanian Invasion of Uganda: A Just war?. International Third World Studies Journal and Review, 12, pp.1--11. Vol 12.
 

African Development Bank. (2014). Tanzania Economic Outlook - African Development Bank. [online] Available at: http://www.afdb.org/en/countries/east-africa/tanzania/tanzania-economic-outlook/ [Accessed 25 Oct. 2014].
 

African Economic Outlook.(2014). African Economic Outlook - Measuring the pulse of Africa. [online] Available at: http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/en/ [Accessed 25 Oct. 2014].
 

Landis, D. and Rosita.D, A. (2012). International and Cultural Psychology: Handbook of Ethnic Conflict. New York: Springer Science+Business Media.   

 

Skinner, A. (2005). Tanzania & Zanzibar. London: Cadogan Guides.

South African History. (2009). Tanzania gains independence | South African History Online. [online] Available at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/tanzania-gains-independence [Accessed 25 Oct. 2014].
 

Tanzania. U.S. Department of State, 'Tanzania gains independence' [online] Available at: state.gov [Accessed 25 October 2014].