In a televised New Year address from State House in Tunguu, Zanzibar, on Tuesday, Samia said consultations were already under way with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to agree on the commission’s structure, membership and mandate.
“As we enter 2026, the government is fully committed to strengthening national unity,” she said, adding that consensus would be sought on the commission’s responsibilities and time frame.
The president urged Tanzanians not to allow differences of opinion to fracture the country, saying pluralism was central to democracy but should not be used to weaken national cohesion. Tanzania, she said, remained founded on the principles of peace, unity and solidarity.
Looking ahead, Samia said 2026 would mark the start of implementing Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050, alongside a three-year medium-term strategy focused on boosting domestic revenue. Measures would include expanding electronic systems for tax collection and payments, and tightening oversight of public finances.
She also reaffirmed her government’s commitment to implementing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s election manifesto, including pledges made during the first 100 days after the general election.
On foreign policy, Samia said Tanzania would continue to deepen regional and international cooperation, using economic diplomacy to attract investment, expand trade and contribute to peace and security in Africa and beyond.
Reviewing economic performance in 2025, the president said the country had made gains across several sectors, supported by measures to stabilise the economy and curb inflation, particularly food prices. Average inflation stood at 3.4%, she said, while economic growth rose to 5.8%, up from 5.2% in 2024.
She added that public debt remained sustainable, citing efforts to retire high-interest loans and restructure existing obligations to reduce servicing costs. Growth, she said, had been driven by investment in infrastructure and strong performances in mining, agriculture, construction, financial services and tourism.
Foreign exchange reserves increased to $6.6bn, enough to cover more than five months of imports, according to the president.
Samia acknowledged that 2025 had also brought challenges, including unrest around October 29, thanking security forces and citizens for maintaining peace and stability.
She also addressed water shortages experienced in parts of the country, particularly Dar es Salaam, blaming prolonged low rainfall between May and October. Emergency measures included redirecting water from nearby sources and rehabilitating boreholes, while longer-term projects such as the Kidunda dam and the second phase of the Kimbiji–Mpera water scheme were under way to provide a permanent solution, even during droughts.
Notes to Editors
· President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced plans to establish a National Reconciliation Commission in 2026 to strengthen unity, social cohesion and inclusive dialogue, following consultations with political parties, civil society and other stakeholders.
· The announcement was made during the President’s New Year address from State House, Tunguu, Zanzibar, where she reaffirmed Tanzania’s foundations of peace, unity and democratic pluralism.
· The address also outlined key priorities for 2026, including implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, economic reforms to boost domestic revenue, continued economic diplomacy, and sustained efforts to maintain peace, stability and economic growth.
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