Tanzania needs greater private-sector participation to achieve the goals of its Development Vision 2050, with public officials urged to create a conducive environment for investors.
The call was made on September 30, 2026 by national Uhuru Torch leader Wazo Mwang’onda during the laying of the foundation stone for Abana Private Hospital in Rujewa, Mbarali District.
Mr Mwang’onda also commended Mbarali District Council for implementing the Government’s 10 per cent lending scheme and creating a favourable environment for investment. He said private-sector investment would play an important role in achieving the objectives of the Development Vision 2050, while the new hospital would bring specialist healthcare closer to residents who currently travel long distances to Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital for treatment.
‘President Samia has created a conducive environment for private investors. I commend Mbarali District Council for effectively implementing this strategy. Residents will now have access to quality and specialist healthcare services closer to home,’ he said.
Mr Mwang’onda said the private sector was expected to make a significant contribution towards achieving the Development Vision 2050, urging both local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in Tanzania.
A view of the Abana Hospital building in Rujewa, Mbarali District, where the foundation stone was laid during the Uhuru Torch Race on September 30, 2026
On the Government’s lending programme, he said 10 per cent of council revenues was allocated to economic empowerment programmes, with four per cent going to women, four per cent to young people, and two per cent to people with disabilities.
He said the Government had also set aside Sh200 billion to support young people economically, urging them to take advantage of available opportunities.
Mr Mwang’onda handed over agricultural equipment, including a tractor and farm inputs, to beneficiaries, commending the council for effectively implementing and supervising the empowerment programme.
Mbarali MP Bahati Ndingo attributed the council’s performance to effective leadership and opportunities provided by the Government to residents.
‘By yesterday, I was informed that we had registered 240 youth groups, exceeding our target. This demonstrates the capacity and effectiveness of our leaders, starting with the council,’ he said.
He added that the council had continued to create a favourable environment for investors, expressing confidence that the hospital project would encourage more local and foreign investors to invest in Mbarali.
George Silla, secretary of the Semkela group, said the project would improve their farming efficiency and help them become economically self-reliant, with a target of producing up to 3.5 tonnes of rice.
‘The project aims to increase productivity and crop production through modern rice farming and sustainable cattle fattening. The project costs Sh139 million and is being financed through the 10 per cent lending programme,’ he said.
Abana Hospital director Dr Chintony Robart said construction of the hospital building would cost Sh2.6 billion upon completion and would bring healthcare services closer to residents, reducing unnecessary costs and preventable deaths.
‘The project started on December 23, 2023, and is expected to be completed on September 25, 2027. We thank the Government for creating opportunities for local investors and expect to provide quality services to the people,’ Dr Robart said.
He said the completed project would create 62 permanent jobs and 21 other employment opportunities, while providing inpatient and specialist services to an estimated 42,013 people from within and outside the area.
Meanwhile, while in Mbarali District, the Uhuru Torch visited seven projects worth more than Sh4.5 billion, where it launched projects, laid foundation stones and inspected ongoing developments.
The Uhuru Torch is scheduled to visit 46 projects worth more than Sh63 billion across Mbeya Region before completing its tour on October 5. It will then be handed over to Songwe Region before concluding its national journey in Rukwa Region, where it will be extinguished.