Tanzania has reached a remarkable 128% food self-sufficiency, enabling it to export surplus produce to neighbouring African countries. President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the achievement at the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, during a session titled “Bold Measures to Feed Africa,” moderated by Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group.
President Hassan highlighted that after attaining food security, Tanzania is now focusing on enhancing food quality, accessibility, affordability, and reducing post-harvest losses. “We realized that not investing in agriculture is much more costly than investing in the sector,” she explained.
In addition to food security, Tanzania has become a processor and net exporter of cashew nuts—an uncommon feat for African nations, as cashews are often processed in Asia. The country has also achieved nearly 100% rural electrification, with almost all of its 12,300 villages now connected to the grid.
With African Development Bank support, Tanzania is also driving youth and women employment in agriculture, targeting its 65% youth population. Under this initiative, each youth receives 10 acres of land along with training in farming, livestock, and crop production. President Hassan noted that 11,000 youths have benefited so far, with this year’s harvest underway. “We thank the African Development Bank for supporting that program,” she said.
Tanzania is making significant progress elsewhere including assembling aircraft, automating its airport and running an effective intra city transit system, a feat most African countries are far from achieving.
The eastern African country started making giant strides when its immediate past president John Magufuli got elected into office. His vice president Madam Hassan, who took over after his demise, has continued with the immense development of the country.
