Let us not rest until every woman and girl has the right to live a healthy, empowered, and full life – ICPD30.

According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Tanzania’s population reached 61.7 million: an increase of 16.8 million people over ten years. By 2050, the population is expected to double and Tanzania will become one of the African countries with the highest populations; with more than 50% of the population being young under 25.

Tanzania is currently at a crucial juncture where increased investment in the population’s health, education, empowerment, and employment can accelerate the achievement of national goals and development. Empowering youth and women, particularly the most marginalized and disadvantaged, with knowledge, skills, and rights will be critical to the implementation of current National Development Vision 2025, and the development and success of the next National Development Vision 2050.

“With just six years remaining to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial for nations to reflect on their progress. The Addis Ababa Declarations of 2014 have also marked a decade since their adoption, and the implementation of the ICPD is now in its 30th year. This milestone calls for a comprehensive evaluation of achievements, obstacles, and the formulation of targeted strategies to address lingering challenges, all while upholding the Principle of Leaving No One Behind. As we pursue the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063 and the agenda 2030, it is imperative that our collective efforts prioritize inclusive and sustainable development for all individuals”. Lawrence Mafuru, the Executive Secretary of the President’s Office Planning Commission.

Speaking in Dodoma, the Capital City of the United Republic of Tanzania on the occasion of high-level Dissemination of the National Consultative report of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development, which contributes to the report on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), during its 30th anniversary.

“The future of Tanzania will depend heavily on how we think about and respond to the ties between population and development. Our choices will either make us a stronger and more resilient country or lead us towards unprecedented costs and irreversible consequences”. Mark Bryan Schreiner the UNFPA Representative in the United Republic of Tanzania.  “Human Capital development requires deliberate and sustained investment to seize the opportunities presented by our demographics, which feature a very young and fast-growing population, and untapped potential for women and girls.”

The upcoming Vision 2050 can allow the country to capitalize on the youthful population and create a gender dividend by prioritizing, investing in, and protecting human capital. This will be critical to rebuilding a high-productivity, inclusive, and more resilient economy. To develop effective human capital optimally, it is crucial to adapt strategic and accelerated interventions to achieve optimum population growth by striking the right balance between population growth parameters and resource availability, while observing human rights and gender equality and equity.

This will further require; At the community level; Improving access to healthcare, especially reproductive health requires concerted efforts to address the high unmet need for family planning (which currently stands at 21% for married women aged 15 to 49, according to the 2022 Demographic Health Survey); At policy and decision-making levels, practical orientation and an understanding of the consequences of population trends and their impact on economic growth and the quality of life in the community are essential.

Tanzania stands a better chance of moving to an accelerated demographic transition, leading to a demographic dividend; that cuts spending on dependents and spurs economic growth; thus reaching a period of freeing up of resources for the country's economic development, and future prosperity of its population; and also leading to a labour force that is growing faster than the population dependent on it - together with a rapidly increasing per capital income.

“The International Conference on Population and Development report serves as a roadmap for action, guiding us in our efforts to build a better future for all. It underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and compassion in addressing the diverse needs of populations around the world”. Ms. Rahma Mahfoudh, Executive Secretary, Zanzibar Planning Commission

The ICPD Programme of Action was adopted in 1994 in Cairo, Egypt, and transformed global thinking on population and development. It defined a bold agenda and placed people’s dignity and rights at the centre. The Programme of Action affirmed that inclusive and sustainable development requires a people-centred approach that addresses the needs, aspirations, and rights of all persons.

During the upcoming Commission on Population and Development (CPD57) from 29 April – 03 May 2024 in New York; representatives of Governments, CSO partners, youth, persons with disabilities, and many other stakeholders from countries across the world will celebrate 30 years of ICPD achievements and a growing understanding of the importance and significance of human-centred sustainable development, which will set the stage for a recommitment to the ICPD agenda and positioning for the post-2030 population and development agenda.

The Dissemination of Tanzania’s Consultative Report of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development (AADPD10) and ICPD30 was led by the President’s Office Planning Commission in close collaboration with the Zanzibar Planning Commissions and support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).