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Tanzania taps Korean model to drive Vision 2050 agenda

The Republic of Korea’s ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Eunju Ahn, emphasised that Korea sees Tanzania as a long-term partner and is committed to supporting its Vision 2050. PHOTO | COURTESY 

What you need to know:

  • Since 1991, KOICA has injected over $200 million in grant aid into sectors such as health, education and energy, while KOFIH has improved primary and maternal healthcare systems in Dodoma and the Coast Region.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is looking to strengthen its path toward realising its ambitious Vision 2050 by drawing inspiration and strategic support from the Republic of Korea.

At a high-level seminar held on June 29, 2025, development experts, academics, and government officials from both countries explored how Korea’s experience can guide Tanzania in fostering inclusive growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development.

The event, held at the University of Dar es Salaam, was organised to align Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) vision with Tanzania’s new development trajectory.

Discussions centred on practical cooperation models, skills transfer, innovation, and the urgent need to ensure the sustainability of donor-supported projects. A senior economist from the ministry of Finance (speaking on behalf of the minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba), Mr Norbert Mwitta, said the government of Korea remains one of Tanzania’s most reliable development partners.

Support from Korea comes through institutions such as KOICA, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH), and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

“Tanzania currently holds 24 active development projects financed under Korea, including landmark infrastructure like the Tanzanite Bridge and Mloganzila Hospital,” said Mr Mwitta.

He noted that since 1991, KOICA has injected over $200 million in grant aid into sectors such as health, education, and energy, while KOFIH has improved primary and maternal healthcare systems in Dodoma and the Coast Region.

“This seminar comes at a pivotal time as Tanzania intensifies its journey toward sustainable development, industrialisation, and inclusive innovation,” he said.

“Korea’s support is especially critical in strategic sectors such as digital transformation, infrastructure, and human capital development.”

Tanzania’s Vision 2050 is a long-term roadmap aiming to transform the nation into an upper-middle-income economy by mid-century, driven by science, technology, and innovation.

However, the success of this vision hinges on whether the country can sustain development projects, build institutional capacity, and transform its education systems to meet future demands.

A lecturer and development expert at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Ntimi Mtawa, highlighted Korea’s leap from poverty in the 1960s to one of the world’s most advanced economies.

“Korea may provide the enablers, but Tanzania must develop the initiative to transform those inputs into results,” he said.

He stressed the need to overhaul the education sector, particularly vocational and technical training, to produce competent and globally competitive youth.

“We must invest in modern training centres that prioritise hands-on skills over theory,” said Dr Mtawa. “This is the model Korea used to build its manufacturing and tech capacity.”

The Republic of Korea’s ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Eunju Ahn, emphasised that Korea sees Tanzania as a long-term partner and is committed to supporting its Vision 2050.

“Our two countries share a special bond, and we are proud to support Tanzania with a concessional loan facility of $2.5 billion to be disbursed by 2028,” she announced. “We will continue strengthening this partnership through KOICA, KOFIH, and the Export-Import Bank.”

Ambassador Ahn said Korea’s development philosophy centres on inclusiveness, innovation, and capacity building.

“We understand the importance of building structures that can withstand digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and climate uncertainty. These areas demand rapid, collaborative action.” She noted that Korea’s development history—built on education, discipline, and long-term planning—is highly relevant for Tanzania as it faces similar global and regional challenges.

Despite the optimism, local experts repeatedly raised concerns about sustainability. Dr Ronald Ndesanjo from UDSM cautioned against focusing only on donor funding.

“We’ve seen many projects stall once partners pull out. The focus should be on building internal wealth and systems that make these investments self-reliant in the long run,” he said.

An expert from the UDSM Business School, Dr Robert Suphian, added that sustainability is not optional but a necessity. “If we are to reach upper-middle-income status by 2050, our projects must be forward-looking. Planning for future generations must begin now.”

All participants agreed that education must be at the heart of Tanzania’s development strategy. According to Dr Fredrick Manang of the University of Dodoma, science and technology will play a key role in achieving Vision 2050.

“Tanzanians already consume Korean products. The next step is to produce and innovate with them. We need a knowledge-based economy,” he said.