VP stresses research for development

DAR ES SALAAM: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing economic research and policy analysis to address the country’s pressing development challenges.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), where he represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Dr Mpango hyped the importance of local think tanks in translating research findings into practical solutions that benefit all sectors of society.

“Our goal is to scale up research funding and invest in supportive infrastructure,” Dr Mpango stated, noting the government’s plans to increase financial support for research initiatives.

He underlined the crucial role of research-driven solutions in tackling critical issues such as youth unemployment, land use conflicts and climate change.

Praising ESRF’s contributions to national development over the past three decades, Dr Mpango encouraged the institution to continue providing evidence-based policy advice.

He also urged various ministries, departments and agencies to make greater use of ESRF’s services when developing sector-specific policies and strategies.

The Vice-President called for collaboration between ESRF and key stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society organisations and both local and international development partners.

Addressing competition from consulting firms, he noted that ESRF’s strength lies in its ability to produce high-quality research. “To ensure quality output and maintain excellence, ESRF must attract and retain top research talent,” he added.

Dr Mpango stressed the need for a meritocratic recruitment process to help ESRF secure a larger share of the research and policy analysis market, pointing out that healthy competition drives superior products and services.

Looking ahead to ESRF’s next 30 years, Dr Mpango outlined a comprehensive research agenda that recognises Tanzania’s dynamic socio-economic landscape.

He called for targeted studies that address both global risks and local challenges, urging researchers to explore how rapid technological change, economic uncertainty and climate change destabilise Tanzania’s socio-economic fabric. He advocated for innovative solutions to build national resilience.

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With 77.2 per cent of Tanzania’s population under 35, Dr Mpango emphasised the need to understand the evolving labour market.

The VP noted that despite a significant number of university graduates, only 30,000 to 90,000 job vacancies exist in the formal sector.

He called for research that aligns educational outcomes with market needs and explores sustainable financing options for youth-oriented programmes, particularly in the expanding ICT sector.

Dr Mpango also urged ESRF to prioritise socio-economic research aimed at reversing detrimental behaviours, emphasising the urgent need for a cultural shift in Tanzania to tackle entrenched societal issues that hinder national progress.

Key challenges include workplace dishonesty, lack of punctuality and a pervasive culture of dependency that stifles individual initiative.

He advocated for strategies promoting hard work, environmental stewardship and community engagement, stating that Tanzania’s path to prosperity lies in fostering a culture of accountability, cooperation and responsible citizenship.

ESRF Executive Director Professor Fortunata Makene expressed gratitude for the Vice-President’s support and outlined the institution’s plans to expand its research activities and capacity.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality research that informs policymaking and contributes to Tanzania’s development,” she said.

As ESRF enters its fourth decade, the conference provided a platform to reflect on its achievements and chart the way forward.

By fostering collaboration and promoting evidence-based policymaking, ESRF aims to continue playing a vital role in Tanzania’s development journey. Since its inception in 1994, ESRF has made significant contributions to national development.