CIVIL Society Organisations (CSOs) have highlighted key areas for improvement, including maternal and child health, affordable healthcare, inclusive social protection and food security for a better Vision 2050.

Lucas Kifyasi, acting chairman for the CSO working group and a United Nations Association for Tanzania official, commended the government for its efforts in developing the Vision.

Many of the CSOs' 2024 proposals were incorporated into the first draft., he said in a meeting with Stanslaus  Nyongo, the Planning and Investment deputy state minister in the President's Office, along with members of the mational preparatory committee for Vision 2050 in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

 CSOs under the coordination of the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) presented views on the draft of vision and long term national development plan.

They focused on eliminating maternal and child deaths, establishing comprehensive health insurance for vulnerable groups and ensuring food security, he stated.

“We have worked with communities from grassroots to national levels, collecting insights and feedback through digital tools, to ensure the Vision reflects the needs of all Tanzanians,” the leading activist affirmed.

CSOs also pushed for transformative changes in the education sector, proposing a focus on technological innovation to align with global industrial trends and support the country’s youth in the digital age. 

Furthermore, they called for social protection mechanisms that are inclusive of all social groups, ensuring no one is left behind.

The CSOs’ expectation is for the country to build a diverse and inclusive economy, fostering economic growth and resilience, strengthening social equity along with gender equality economically, politically and socially.

It should also seek to increase employment through priority sectors, investing in the protection of justice tied to maintaining peace, strengthening the rule of law, the protection of life and security of property among the people, he specified.

In his remarks, the deputy minister lauded  CSOs for helping to obtain best suggestions for Vision 2050. 

“You have helped us obtain good opinions. You are role models for women. Through your network, you have done a great job, provided excellent analysis, and as a ministry, we will work on all your suggestions,” he said.

Recommendations from CSOs underscore the need for Vision 2050 to address the realities faced by Tanzania’s most vulnerable citizens, including youth, women, the elderly and people with disabilities, ensuring their active participation in the nation’s growth, he stated.

As the country moves towards long-term development goals, collaborative efforts between government and civil society will be crucial for creating a robust, equitable and sustainable future for all Tanzanians, he added.