In a startling revelation, the World Bank has projected that Tanzania’s population is set to surge to a staggering 140 million by the year 20501. This forecast comes off the back of the 2022 Population and Housing Census, which pegged the nation’s populace at 65.5 million individuals1.
The rapid population growth, doubling approximately every 23 years, presents both an opportunity and a formidable challenge for the East African nation. The World Bank’s Country Director, Nathan Belete, highlighted the country’s growth rate of three percent, surpassing the average for sub-Saharan Africa and lower-income countries1.
With this demographic explosion, the demand for essential services like education and healthcare is expected to skyrocket. Projections indicate that the cost of public education could rise from 3.3 percent to 4.1 percent of GDP under a high fertility scenario. However, with effective family planning services, this could potentially drop to 2.9 percent1.
The World Bank’s report underscores the urgency of addressing the population surge to harness the benefits of a demographic dividend. Policy measures suggested include expanding access to secondary education, particularly for girls, enhancing family planning services, improving child survival interventions, and lowering stunting rates1.
Tanzania stands at a crossroads, with the potential to capitalize on its growing population to fuel economic growth and development. However, without strategic planning and investment in human capital, the country risks straining its resources and infrastructure under the weight of its burgeoning population.
As the nation grapples with these demographic dynamics, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of empowering adolescent girls and promoting economic opportunities for women and girls. Tanzania’s future prosperity hinges on its ability to navigate this demographic shift with foresight and ingenuity1.
