Samia pledges 7percent growth as CCM intensifies campaigns

Zanzibar. Tanzania is on track to restore its pre-pandemic growth momentum, with the economy projected to expand by 7 percent annually by 2026, CCM presidential candidate and incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan told supporters at a rally yesterday.

Speaking at a campaign rally at Nungwi in North Unguja Region in Zanzibar yesterday President Hassan said her administration’s fiscal and economic policies had stabilised mainland growth at 6 per cent, while Zanzibar, under President Hussein Mwinyi, posted a 7.1 per cent expansion last year.

She pledged to accelerate reforms in tourism, energy and the blue economy to return the country to higher growth rates seen before Covid-19 disrupted global markets.

“Before the pandemic, our economy had gained strong momentum. That momentum was slowed, but with the strategies we are implementing, we are confident of returning to 7 percent growth next year as is the current case with Zanzibar,” she said.

Tourism remains at the centre of the government’s recovery agenda. Official data show the mainland attracted 5 million visitors last year, while Zanzibar received over 700,000.

President Hassan credited the surge to renewed marketing efforts and the success of The Royal Tour documentary, which has promoted Tanzania as a leading global destination.

Alongside tourism, she emphasised the blue economy as a pillar of future growth, with ongoing plans to tap oil and gas resources, expand fisheries, and invest in climate adaptation. “We are working to ensure the nation benefits sustainably from our ocean resources while addressing climate change impacts,” she said.

She also highlighted the role of diplomacy in opening new markets and investment opportunities, arguing that strengthened international relations had already boosted trade and partnerships.

At the same time, she reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding the Union between the mainland and Zanzibar, describing it as a proven driver of stability and shared growth.

President Mwinyi, also seeking re-election under CCM, echoed the optimism. He said the strong turnout reflected voter confidence but urged Zanzibaris not to take victory for granted. “What lies ahead is greater prosperity. But elections are decided at the ballot. I call on all of you to come out and vote,” he said.

CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro praised the party’s leadership for turning recovery into tangible results, citing tourism and infrastructure development. She said Samia and Mwinyi had shown capacity to deliver and were well placed to take the country to the “next level of development.”

In a lighter moment, she noted that Zanzibaris had nicknamed Mwinyi “Hussein Mabati” — mabati meaning iron roofing sheets — a reference to the wave of construction projects that have provided both shelter and stability on the islands.

President Hassan also reflected on the warm reception she has received across Zanzibar. “The other day in Kiembe Samaki, the welcome was overwhelming.

Yesterday in Makunduchi, the turnout was massive, and today in the North, the story is the same — crowds everywhere,” she said.

She said that CCM had the confidence to seek a new mandate in 2025 because of its record of achievement, saying the party was certain of delivering more in the next term.

CCM’s pledges for the next five years include sustaining economic growth and raising household incomes, improving living standards, enhancing social welfare, safeguarding peace and stability, and strengthening democracy and good governance.

“Most importantly, our goal is to build a self-reliant nation,” she said. “We cannot succeed until every Tanzanian, every young person, has work that provides an income, so that each one can stand independently.”

She noted that her administration was preparing an enabling environment for young people to engage in productive activities and improve their livelihoods.

Reflecting on Zanzibar’s progress since 2020, she said Mwinyi had managed to deliver growth despite Covid-19, the global downturn, and falling international aid. “We worked together on fiscal policies, and that is why we did not stall in implementing projects,” she said.

She added that Mwinyi’s leadership had restored Zanzibar’s 7 percent growth trajectory, outpacing the mainland’s 6 percent, and expressed optimism that the mainland would reach similar levels from next year.

Hassan said that the government’s economic gains had enabled the building of schools, health centres, modern markets and housing.