DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has said Tanzania’s economic and social transformation depends on maintaining a productive workforce, stressing that the country’s growing population should be harnessed as a driver of development rather than viewed as a burden.
Speaking at the Fourth Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Symposium earlier today July 16, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, the RC said the goal is to ensure that more than 60 per cent of the population remains actively engaged in productive economic activities, while the rest are equipped with the skills needed to adapt to the demands of rapidly growing cities such as Dar es Salaam.
According to Mr Chalamila, increasing citizens’ participation in production, innovation and development activities is essential to strengthening both the regional and national economy.
The symposium has brought together government leaders, health professionals, policymakers, researchers and young people to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s health systems and health workforce through technology, innovation and greater youth participation.
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Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi is representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the guest of honor at the event held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).
Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi also attended the symposium in his capacity as Patron of the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF), which works to strengthen health systems and address human resource shortages in the health sector, particularly in rural areas.
Held annually, the Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Symposium honours the vision of the late Third Phase President Benjamin William Mkapa by promoting dialogue and partnerships aimed at improving health systems across Africa.