No growth without peace, unity

**DAR ES SALAAM: **PEACE and national unity remain among Tanzania’s most valuable assets in its pursuit of sustainable economic growth.

As the country sets its sights on building a one trillion US dollareconomy by 2050, maintaining stability must go hand in hand with addressing citizens’ concerns, strengthening public trust and creating opportunities for all.

Government Chief Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa’s appeal for Tanzanians to uphold peace and resolve grievances through established channels is timely.

Economic transformation requires a stable environment in which businesses operate, investors make long-term commitments, public institutions deliver services and citizens pursue their livelihoods without fear.

Violence and unrest inflict serious economic and social costs. They disrupt trade, destroy property, discourage investment and divert public resources from essential development priorities.

Ultimately, ordinary citizens, particularly small-scale traders, young people and vulnerable households, often bear the heaviest burden.

However, peace should not be understood merely as the absence of conflict. Lasting stability depends on justice, accountability, public confidence and the willingness of institutions to listen and respond to legitimate concerns.

Citizens must be able to express their grievances peacefully, while the government has a responsibility to ensure that complaints are handled fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delays.

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Equally, citizens should exercise their rights responsibly, respect the law and reject violence as a means of resolving disputes.

The ambition outlined in Dira 2050 demands a collective national effort. With the private sector expected to contribute substantially to the economic target, Tanzania must cultivate an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, productive investment and job creation.

Peace and stability provide the foundation, but effective policies, skilled workers, reliable infrastructure and accountable institutions must deliver the results.

Young people also have an important role to play. Social media should be used to acquire knowledge, market products, develop businesses and promote constructive debate rather than spread incitement or misinformation.

Journalists, meanwhile, should continue informing the public accurately, holding institutions accountable and encouraging peaceful solutions to national challenges. Ultimately, peace and accountability are complementary, not competing, priorities.

Unity must not silence legitimate concerns; instead, it should create the confidence needed to address them through dialogue and lawful processes.

As Tanzania pursues its development ambitions, every citizen and institution must contribute to protecting the national interest.

By combining peaceful engagement with responsive governance and inclusive economic opportunities, the country must strengthen social cohesion and build a more prosperous future for generations to come.

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