Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has announced the country’s ambition to be among the world’s top 10 food producers, supported by significant investments in agriculture. Speaking at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, he highlighted that this goal aligns with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.
The Prime Minister noted that Tanzania has reached a food self-sufficiency level of 130%. He reported a rise in agricultural exports from US$2.1 billion in the 2021/2022 financial year to US$3.7 billion by 2024/2025. Agriculture currently accounts for 24.6% of Tanzania’s GDP, employs 65% of the population, and generates about 30% of the country’s export income.
Addressing the theme “Before Hunger Defeats Us,” Nchemba stressed the need for urgent action to tackle food security challenges in Africa, while also recognising the continent’s potential to enhance global food security. He called for greater investment in farmers, science, youth, women, and resilient food systems.
“Let’s invest in farmers and science, in young people and women, and in robust food systems. Before hunger defeats us, we must act together to ensure food systems can sustain current and future generations,” he concluded.
