Our research programme for the current Strategic Plan 2025-2029 intends to inform policy making and design of strategies and interventions to address various development challenges. It considers the changing global, regional, and country contexts, including multiple crises ranging from, climate change, geopolitical conflicts, fluctuations in energy costs, slow economic recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic, continued digital divide in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, and demographic transition.
Tanzania achieved the status of ‘low-middle income’ but at a level below the target set in the Vision 2025, and there are many other targets that have not been met including that of structural transformation. The Government of Tanzania has in place the Development Vision 2050, which seeks to accelerate the achievement of desired growth path towards a diversified and a competitive economy, but also one that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. REPOA’s research programme will contribute research-based evidence to support policies and strategies geared towards steering Tanzania in the desired path and in fulfilling its regional and global commitments. The ultimate purpose is the improvements in the welfare and livelihoods of all citizens, which comes along with the economic, social, and political rights and civil liberties desired by human beings. REPOA understands this task to be enormous and will require the contribution of many institutions and actors in the development space. REPOA will thus focus on the few thematic research areas, that we believe the in-house multidisciplinary research capacity and our institutional collaboration and networks can deliver during the next five years.
The proposed research thematic areas include:
Our proposed research areas are outlined below:
i. The business environment and private sector development
The private sector continues to serve as one of the key drivers of the economy. A conducive business environment and favourable investment climate are critical for private sector growth, job creation, and economic diversification. Research in this area will help identify barriers to business development and provide guidance on how to further attract and retain both domestic and foreign investments. This is vital for Tanzania’s trade competitiveness in the East African region, continent of Africa, and the global market. It is also key to the growth of SMEs that are crucial for the youth employment and achieving the demographic dividend.
ii. Strategic Plan 2025-2029 Structural transformation and development trajectory in Tanzania.
As Tanzania continues to transition from an agriculture-based economy to a more industrialised and service-oriented one, it is essential to analyse the progress, challenges, and opportunities this will present. Our work in this area will contribute to the formulation of policies that accelerate transformation of the economic structure, raise productivity, promote balanced development and mitigate disparities within the country across different social groups, furthering our insistence on inclusive growth.
iii. The green transition and climate change
As a resource-intensive economy, reliant on its natural resources for revenue and growth, Tanzania is vulnerable to climate change impacts which threaten its agricultural sector, water resources, and biodiversity. Research on green transition strategies, including renewable energy adoption and sustainable practices will be vital for building resilience against climate risks. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and supports regional sustainability initiatives, including Tanzania’s spearheading of the Clean Cooking Project.
iv. Trade competitiveness, value chains and regional integration
Research in this area will aim to understand how Tanzania can overcome barriers to trade, and how Tanzanian producers can effectively integrate into Global value chains (GVC) and regional value chains (RVC), which are most likely to underpin the success of any export-led growth strategy. GVC opens access to technology and information needed for a competitive production process; exposes local firms with stringent international quality standards and leads to innovation that is constantly needed for trade competitiveness. AfCFTA will only be beneficial to Tanzania if producers and exporters will become competitive, and if the various constraints to regional trade integration are effectively eliminated.
i. Domestic resource mobilisation and public expenditure management
Effective domestic resource mobilisation and prudent public expenditure are fundamental for sustainable development. Mindful tax collection mechanisms and efficient use of public funds can significantly improve social services, infrastructure development, and allocative efficiency. This research area supports the broader goal of achieving financial self-sufficiency, reducing dependency on external aid, and accelerating economic growth.
ii. Natural resource governance
Tanzania’s abundant natural resources, if managed well, can drive economic growth and development. Research on governance frameworks, transparency, and accountability in resource management ensures that the benefits are equitably distributed and contribute to sustainable development. This is crucial for preventing resource-based distortions in the economy, conflicts, and fostering social and political stability.
iii. Local economic development (LED) in the context of decentralisation Decentralisation policies aim to empower local governments and communities and allow for more effective decision-making. Researching local economic development strategies can identify best practices and challenges in implementing decentralisation, based on Tanzania’s historical experience, but also that of other countries. Examining LED across a country as resource rich as Tanzania will ensure that development and its ii iii benefits reach all regions, reducing regional disparities within Tanzania, and more importantly, empower LGAs to effectively address unemployment of youth in their respective localities.
iv. Citizen’s participation and voice in public policy
Citizen agency and participation aligns with our commitment to putting people at the centre of all that we do. These two concepts are the cornerstone of democratic governance and accountable policymaking and ensures that the policies being developed work for the people. As more Tanzanians become involved in public policy processes, we see the policies reflecting their true needs and aspirations. This research area supports the broader aim of inclusive governance and sustainable development by fostering a more engaged and informed citizenry, alongside the critical mass of individuals able to analyse and reflect on the impact of policies.
i. Economic and social empowerment of women and youth
Beyond applying a gender lens to our research, we also see the value in conducting research specifically on women’s economic and social wellbeing. Enabling women is crucial for achieving gender equality and inclusive growth that brings along the entire population, and not just certain groups. Research on barriers to women’s participation in the economy and society helps design interventions that promote gender equity. While attention to women’s empowerment includes young women, it is imperative that specific research and policy engagement focus on the youth more generally, recognising that the population of Tanzania is relatively young, with 60% representing the age of 25 and below. The highly touted demographic dividend will be significantly delayed unless significant and targeted investments to build the human capital base of our youth is undertaken, along with well-informed and strategically designed youth empowerment programmes.
ii. Human capital development
Research on access to education, healthcare, and other basic services will highlight areas needing improvement and help in policy formulation. With 65% of the population located in rural areas, dispersed across the vast expanse of Tanzania, and considering that 60% represents young people of 25 years and below, the availability and access to key social services between rural and urban, and among the various segments of the population, especially youth and women will be a key area of research. By spotlighting issues of basic social services, greater focus can be applied on how to enable all of Tanzania’s population to participate meaningfully in productive activities for their own welfare and the country’s development and accelerate the demographic dividend.
iii. Social protection in the context of societal vulnerability
Social protection mechanisms are essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations against economic shocks and hardships. Research in this area will help to identify effective social safety nets and support systems. This aligns with the global agenda of reducing poverty and inequality and supports regional and global efforts to create more resilient societies. Alongside the Doha Plan of Action, and its associated initiatives, we see great opportunity for REPOA’s work to contribute to these discussions and promoting evidence-based design of feasible and transformative social protection system.
iv. Poverty and Inequality
While research on the root causes and manifestations of poverty and inequality had defined REPOA in its early years, further knowledge and research insights are needed in designing targeted interventions to uplift marginalised communities and groups. This supports Tanzania’s national development objectives and regional commitments towards inclusive growth and social cohesion. In examining the evolving poverty and other forms of deprivation, both its sources and its implications, we can design more effective strategies to address poverty and inequality, and how to level the field for all to enjoy the same opportunities and benefits from economic growth and natural resources.
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