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The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has officially listed Tanzania among countries anticipated to graduate from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to the category of developing nations. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting in Dodoma, led by Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, at a preliminary country review conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Dr. Mwamba highlighted that this recognition stems from Tanzania’s steady and commendable economic and social progress over the past 20 years. The country has implemented consistent and effective economic policies that have supported an average annual GDP growth rate of 6.2% from 2000 to 2024.
“In the year 2000, Tanzania’s per capita income stood at USD 453. By 2023, it had nearly tripled to USD 1,277,” Dr. Mwamba noted. “At the same time, the rate of extreme poverty dropped from 36% in 2000 to 26% in 2024, largely due to sound fiscal management and improved access to credit, particularly in the private sector.”
He added that inflation has remained within single-digit levels over the years, contributing to economic stability and protecting citizens’ purchasing power. Strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, transportation, and social services have played a central role in the country’s development trajectory.
Among the notable projects, Dr. Mwamba cited the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project—Tanzania’s largest electricity generation initiative—as a transformative investment. He also referenced the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and Dodoma, which aims to modernize both passenger and freight transport systems. Investments have also expanded in education, healthcare, industrial development, and employment, all contributing to the improved well-being of the Tanzanian population.
“These comprehensive efforts, aligned with our vision for industrialization and job creation, have helped Tanzania meet key criteria for transitioning out of least developed country status,” Dr. Mwamba emphasized. He extended gratitude to the UNCTAD technical team for their thorough assessment and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully support the ongoing evaluation process.
Speaking at the meeting, Shigeki Komatsubara, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, reaffirmed the UN’s support for Tanzania’s transition. He emphasized that the graduation process will continue to involve broad-based consultations with stakeholders from all sectors of society, including citizens of all ages.
“This process is not only a recognition of Tanzania’s achievements but also an opportunity to ensure that development gains are sustained and inclusive,” said Mr. Komatsubara.
The preliminary review meeting convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, the private sector, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and development partners from both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
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The country assessment, led by UNCTAD, evaluates whether Tanzania has met the key criteria for LDC graduation based on economic performance, social development, and structural transformation. It also aims to identify potential risks and provide guidance on policies that can strengthen resilience and sustain progress after graduation.
The final determination will require Tanzania to meet the criteria again during the next triennial review by the UN’s Committee for Development Policy, scheduled for 2027. If the country successfully qualifies again, a formal recommendation for graduation from LDC status could follow soon after.
Graduating from the LDC category marks a significant milestone, symbolizing a nation’s advancement toward sustainable development, reduced vulnerability, and greater participation in global economic systems.
