Development strategies during the first phase (1961 – 1966)

After gaining independence, Tanzania faced several challenges, including:

1. Weak economy with limited financial resources.
2. Lack of stable infrastructure to support economic growth.
3. Absence of industries to process raw materials and create employment.
4. Shortage of skilled professionals such as:
   • Economists
   • Teachers
   • Engineers
   • Doctors and nurses
   • Agronomists and veterinarians

Due to these challenges, Tanzania—like many other African countries—remained dependent on former colonial rulers for support in economic, educational, and developmental matters.

The first phase of development focused on addressing these issues by laying the foundation for economic and social transformation.

To eliminate such dependence, Tanzania implemented various economic, social, political, and cultural development strategies which include the following:

1. Economic development

   After gaining political independence in 1961, Tanzania embarked on a journey to build its economy. Despite the achievement of political freedom, the country's means of production were still largely controlled by a small number of people, particularly European capitalists. These means of production included factories, farms, transportation and communication facilities, and large-scale crop and livestock farms.

   Initial Economic Strategies

   The government of Tanzania began implementing strategies to improve the national economy, focusing on the following areas:

   1. Infrastructure Development

      • The government prioritized the development of transportation and communication systems, including roads, railways, and post offices.
      • This infrastructure aimed to facilitate the movement of agricultural tools, crops, and people to enhance economic activities.
      • In 1963, a railway line was built connecting Mruazi-Korogwe station to the Ruvu junction, thus linking Tanga to the Central railway line.
      • Roads were also constructed in both urban and rural areas to improve transportation services.

   2. Expansion of Markets

      • The government worked to expand domestic and foreign markets to ensure the trade of locally produced raw materials and products.
      • This move was aimed at reducing the country's reliance on an export-based production system that primarily focused on the exportation of raw materials.

   3. Development Plans

      • To guide its economic growth, the government implemented economic development plans:
        • Three-Year Plan (1961-1964)
        • Five-Year Plan (1964-1969)
      • These plans primarily focused on increasing the production of cash crops and improving agricultural productivity.

2. Social development

   After independence, Tanzania faced significant challenges in the provision of social services such as health, education, water, and electricity. These services were limited and, during the colonial era, were provided based on race and religion, with access being largely restricted for the majority of Tanzanians. The available services were few in relation to the growing population.

   Key Focus Areas in Social Development

   1. Improvement of Health and Education Services

      • The government's primary focus was to enhance the provision of health and education services to ensure that all citizens had access to basic social amenities.
      • The first major step was the abolition of racial segregation in the provision of these services, ensuring equal access for all Tanzanians, regardless of race or religion.

   2. Expansion of Educational Institutions

      • Schools, colleges, and hospitals were built to cater to the increasing demand for social services.
      • In 1961, the University of Dar es Salaam, initially a College of the University of London, became a Constituent College of the University of East Africa in 1963.
      • The Dar es Salaam Teachers' College, also known as Chang'ombe Teachers College, was established in 1964 to improve the provision of education and expand primary and secondary school enrollment.
      • The aim was to increase the number of professionals to drive the nation's social and economic development.

   3. Abolition of Discrimination in Social Services

      • During this period, the government worked to eliminate racial discrimination in both education and healthcare, ensuring all citizens, regardless of background, could benefit equally from these essential services.

3. Political development

   Political development in Tanzania between 1961 and 1966 involved several critical steps in building a post-independence nation. Below is an outline of the key events:

   Gaining Independence (9th December 1961)

   • Independence from British rule was officially achieved on 9th December 1961. On this historic day, the British flag was lowered, and the Tanganyikan flag was raised, marking the birth of an independent nation.

   Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Resigns as Prime Minister (January 1962)

   • To strengthen TANU (Tanganyika African National Union) and lay the foundation of the new nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere resigned as Prime Minister for ten months in January 1962. This move was aimed at consolidating power and guiding the country towards stability.

   Africanisation Policy

   • The next major step was the policy of Africanisation, where power was handed over to Africans by the white colonial rulers.

   Presidential Election (November 1962)

   • In November 1962, a presidential general election was held, and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was elected as the first President of the Republic of Tanganyika, taking office on 9th December 1962.

   Establishment of National Service and TPDF (1963 - 1964)

   • In 1963, the National Service (Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa - JKT) was established, followed by the creation of the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) in early 1964. The TPDF replaced the former Tanganyika Rifles Army, which was the colonial defense force.

   Unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar (26th April 1964)

   • On 26th April 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar unified to form the United Republic of Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in the political history of the nation.

   Abolition of Multi-Party System (1964 - 1965)

   • Between 1964 and 1965, the multi-party system was abolished, and a single-party system was introduced, consolidating political power under the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU).

   First One-Party Election (September 1965)

   • The first one-party election took place in September 1965, consolidating the single-party system and affirming the political structure of the new nation.

4. Cultural development

   During this period, the Tanzanian government made significant efforts to preserve and promote the Tanzanian culture. The focus was on various aspects of cultural identity, including language, dressing, food, and entertainment.

   Key Efforts

   1. Kiswahili as the National Language:
      One of the major steps was the declaration of Kiswahili as the national language. This decision aimed to unite all communities across Tanzania, transcending linguistic differences and fostering national solidarity.
   2. Promotion of Traditional Dress, Food, and Entertainment:
      Alongside the emphasis on language, efforts were made to encourage the use of traditional clothing, promote local cuisines, and support Tanzanian entertainment as part of strengthening cultural pride and unity.

Despite the achievements made immediately after independence, the first phase of development (1961–1966) faced several challenges:

Industrial and Economic Challenges

1. Shortage of industries to process locally produced raw materials.
2. Limited domestic and foreign markets for locally produced goods, leading to the export of raw materials at lower prices.
3. Loss of government revenue due to major economic sectors (factories, large-scale farms, and banks) still being owned by a few individuals, including foreigners.

Education Challenges

1. Education system inherited from colonial rule focused on preparing a few individuals for white-collar jobs rather than promoting self-reliance.
2. Shortage of teachers and poor infrastructure, resulting in fewer children attending school.
3. Many school-age children left without education due to inadequate facilities.

Social Services Challenges

1. Shortage of water and healthcare services, affecting large portions of the population.
2. Lack of medical equipment and drugs in health facilities.
3. Unequal distribution of social services – most facilities were concentrated in white settlements, while African-occupied areas lacked reliable infrastructure and essential services.