During talks with World Bank leaders in Bangkok, Thailand, Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar said development efforts should focus on outcomes that directly improve people's lives, including expanding employment opportunities, boosting productivity and raising incomes, rather than simply measuring success through economic growth indicators alone.
The minister identified tourism as a key sector with significant potential to generate jobs quickly and stimulate economic activity. He noted that Tanzania has yet to fully exploit its tourism potential, particularly in areas surrounding the Great Lakes and along the coastline. Developing these destinations could attract more visitors, diversify economic activities and create additional employment opportunities for Tanzanians.
The World Bank's Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde said job creation was the institution's top priority in supporting economic development. The bank is pursuing a strategy focused on strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for a substantial share of business activity and employment.