Futuring-in-Context
Tanzania Country Profile
Tanzania, a country located in East Africa, is known for its diverse culture and wildlife. Tanzania has a long-standing history of social justice issues that have plagued the nation struggling with inequality, discrimination and poverty. These issues have created a significant gap between the rich and the poor, with marginalised communities bearing the brunt of the burden.
One of the most critical issues facing Tanzania is the lack of access to basic human rights, such as education, healthcare and clean water. The failure to provide these fundamental rights has led to a significant increase in poverty levels, perpetuating the cycle of inequality that is currently prevalent in the country.
Country partners and participants
Futures Literacy Lab
Tanzania Polak Game
Our first experiment in the Futures Literacy Lab was designed to explore futures orientations. Tanzanian youth were invited to share if they thought the futures would be better or worse, and to choose an avatar that represents them in the year 2035. While they were split regarding if the world would be better or worse, most Tanzanian youth felt they could influence the future. Images were diverse: cheetah, butterfly, soaring eagle, and successful business people.
Probable Futures 2035
“Lemons to Lemonade”
“Maisha yakienda kombo yaache usienda nayo” – if life goes wrong, don’t go with it. Tensions around the benefits and costs of technological change, struggles to shift gender role norms in a patriarchal society, and the desire for youth autonomy and meaningful civic participation were prevalent themes.
Desirable Futures 2035
“Subira huvutu heri”
Patience brings blessings in this future where unity reigns and metaphors like “Education is the best equalizer”, “All voices count”, and “No one is left behind” underscore more prosperous Tanzania youth futures. The youth participants, while eager for radical change also recognize that significant transformations would take time and unfold in phases and specific to various contexts.
Reframe 2035
“Tech is Ubiquitous”
In a 2035 Tanzania, where everything and everyone is always connected and technology reigns supreme, metaphors like ‘Ukiona vyaelea, jua vimeundwa’ – If you see things floating, then there’s a lot of work that was done for such heavy ‘things’ to float” – signals Tanzanian youth considering the many implications of tech-ubiquitous futures and the costs of change.
What might be gained and lost regarding fundamental ideas about self and other, relationships, learning, work, and life?
How can Tanzanians learn to navigate the “Tech Tightrope”?
Photo Gallery
Enjoy a glimpse into our vibrant workshop spaces
Emerging Policy Issues Raised by Youth
Tanzania Vision 2035
In 2023, Tanzania confronted challenges but embraced transformative changes, fostering innovation and resilience. The education system shifted towards e-learning, prioritizing practical skills, while financial services witnessed innovation with platforms like “Nala” empowering young entrepreneurs. Direct democracy flourished, with technology integration and inclusive decision-making amplifying youth voices. Initiatives addressed water scarcity and unreliable power, showcasing Tanzania’s commitment to proactive solutions and sustainable practices. Retaining cultural heritage and environmental conservation, the nation emerged as a beacon of progress where leadership prioritized citizens’ well-being, technology integration was seamless, and equitable representation became a norm. Tanzania’s journey exemplified resilience, innovation, and positive transformation, setting a model for a youth-centric society.
