Tanzania's government has directed the Institute of Rural Development Planning to serve as a centre of knowledge and research capable of driving economic growth and supporting the country's Vision 2050 strategy. Deputy Minister for Finance Laurent Luswetula issued the directive during the inauguration of the institute's 14th Governing Council in Dodoma, speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar.
The institute plays a critical role in producing professionals with skills in planning and managing development, Mr Luswetula said. He stressed that the Council must ensure Vision 2050 is reflected across the institute's training programmes, research activities and stakeholder partnerships. Vision 2050 recognises education and skills development as essential for building a workforce capable of responding to social, economic and technological changes, he added.
The Council has been instructed to increase investment in research and development, strengthen the institute's research capacity, and ensure research findings are translated into technologies, improved products and services, and solutions to socio-economic challenges. Mr Luswetula also directed the Council to ensure that directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan are incorporated into the institute's plans, strategies, budgets and performance measurement systems.
The presidential directives were communicated through the Vice-President at the Chairpersons of Boards and Chief Executives of Public Institutions and Corporations Forum held in Arusha from 28 to 30 September 2026. Those directives focus on implementing Vision 2050, strengthening efficiency and accountability in public resource use, investing in young people through labour market-relevant skills, and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors.
For savers and investors in Tanzania, this commitment to research and skills development through the institute could affect the country's ability to build the knowledge-based economy required for long-term growth under Vision 2050.