THE government of Tanzania has finally indicated that it does indeed recognize the importance of the Policy Research for Development institution – formerly Research for Poverty Alleviated (RePOA) – and showered praise upon it for its tirelessness contribution to the economy in terms of developmental researches.
These remarks were made by the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mizengo Pinda, when officiating at a a-two-day Workshop in Dar es Salaam whose theme was ‘Harnessing Natural Resources for Socio-economic Transformation.’
The occasion – which was also a function to mark 20 years since RePOA's inception – attracted a considerable number of researchers and other experts in natural resources, ranging from agriculture and mining in general, to oil and natural gas.
One notable participant, Prof. Anthony James Venables, an Economist from the Oxford University (UK), propounded upon how Tanzania could benefit from the abundant natural resources it is endowed with by Mother Nature and Father Time.
Noting that “serious investment in agriculture” could take the nation to higher socio-economic development levels, Prof. Venables said explained that, obviously, agriculture could account for a variety of 'products,' including enough food for the people, with surpluses for export as processed, value-added products.
The good professor also pointed out that the recently discovered natural gas at Songosongo (Kilwa) and Mnazi Bay (Mtwara) has the potential to vastly transform Tanzania economically and socially – but stressed that “the people of Tanzania should be patient for sometime, as it would take time to realize the expected results!”
In his welcoming remarks, the RePOA Executive Director, Prof. Samuel Wangwe, said that, even as his organization marks its 20th anniversary this year, there have been a number of challenges that they have faced over the years.
As the chief guest at the function, Premier Pinda, said that RePOA – which is “a leading social and economic research think tank established in 1995, has done much for this nation!
“The main objective of the workshop,” Pinda said, “is to promote policy dialogue based on evidence from research on matters related to the management of natural resources in ways that promote transformation of the country’s economy to achieve inclusive development.
“Inclusive development will be attained only if the majority of citizens benefit now and in the future,” he noted.
Expounding on the Workshop, the Prime Minister said participants would be made to understand upstream characteristics of natural resources, and what they entailed in terms of government choices on investment types and levels, the choice of fiscal regimes and on ways to minimize risks among key stakeholders.
Issues which were deliberated upon included implications of extraction or exploitation of natural resources, and alternative mechanisms available for optimal revenue and fiscal management, linkages between exploitation of natural resources and economic and social development.
All that includes employment, supply networks, technology transfer, environmental management, prospects, constraints and opportunities available for individuals and enterprises across natural resource value chains in Tanzania.
Participants explored options available for Tanzania to avoid the risk of turning into a renter state, as well as the degeneration of democracy and the rule of law.
Discussants explored strategies and means through which the country’s resources wealth can be shared directly and inclusively with citizens, giving priority to the most vulnerable and socially unprotected groups of people.
As per day one of the conference, experts and specialists came up with answers to frequently asked questions.. For instance: how long does it take to ensure that development and utilization of our natural resources generate benefits that are lasting – and inclusive to the entire society of Tanzania?
Under what conditions can we promote development of and integration of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in local supply? How will the chains ensure their participation in the value chains of natural resources in a robust and sustainable manner? Why has the wealth of natural resources in Tanzania failed to stimulate rapid industrialization?
Are the current settings in the socio-cultural and political economy right for achieving rapid industrialization using our natural resources wealth? Should Tanzania focus more on a domestic natural gas industrial base or a natural gas export-based economy?
Does this dichotomy matter for Tanzania? Is paying the resource revenue directly to citizens as a small basic income grant and/or affordable small loan effective in ensuring specific needs for specific groups of people are met and for inclusive social and economic growth?
Among other things, the discussions evolved practical models and experiences that are to ensure that exploitation of the country’s abundant and unique natural resources – including natural gas, oil, minerals, etc – for the benefit of millions of Tanzanians.
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