The cleric-cum-politician highlighted Tanzania’s vast reserves of natural gas—an estimated 57.54 trillion cubic feet. Photo: Courtesy.
Bishop Gwajima calls for bold, long-term strategies to unlock Tanzania’s natural wealth
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga–Kawe MP Bishop Josephat Gwajima, a firebrand politician known for his vocal approach, has recently delivered a compelling contribution to Tanzania’s 2025-2026 annual development plan in Parliament, calling for a transformative shift toward long-term strategies to capitalize on Tanzania’s natural resources.
With his characteristic blend of passion and pragmatism, Gwajima outlined a bold vision that targets neglected areas such as gas, iron, coal, and water, which he argued could propel Tanzania towards substantial economic development if harnessed through sustained and visionary planning.
My stint in this House has shown me that we fail to move on due to a lack of long-term plans,” he remarked, pausing as his words resonated across the chamber. “Our strategies have been so ephemeral, and this should not be blamed on a single person but on our whole system. We need to change if we aim for the good of this nation.”
Gwajima’s candid reflection on the state of national planning adds to the ongoing debate on Tanzania’s development direction, a call for a collective shift toward sustainable, future-focused policies.
The cleric-cum-politician highlighted Tanzania’s vast reserves of natural gas—an estimated 57.54 trillion cubic feet—but expressed disappointment that the country continues to import gas cylinders from countries like Iran, Egypt, and China. He pointed out that only two of the country’s 11 gas fields are operational, namely Songosongo in Lindi and Mnazi Bay in Mtwara, leaving trillions of cubic feet of untapped gas.
“Imagine the economic impact if we channeled our gas directly to Tanzanian households,” Gwajima said passionately. “We could eliminate the dependency on firewood, reduce deforestation, protect our rainfall, and uplift household economies,” he noted.
Citing his constituency as an example, Gwajima explained that Kawe recently connected 450 households to gas, bringing down monthly utility costs from Sh 50,000 to Sh 5,000 for some residents. This, he argued, could be replicated nationwide, reducing reliance on imported gas and boosting government revenue.
Emphasizing the need for domestic gas production to support a national energy grid, Gwajima decried the practice of importing essential resources that Tanzania already has in abundance. “How can we justify importing gas cylinders when we are sitting on vast natural gas reserves? This is unacceptable,” he stated emphatically, calling for action to direct the country’s wealth back into local development and infrastructure.
The outspoken MP also expressed concern about water shortages in the capital, Dar es Salaam, where some residents receive water only twice a week. While lauding the efforts of Minister for Water Juma Aweso, Gwajima argued that infrastructure development must be geared towards a national water grid to distribute water from resource-rich regions like Shinyanga, Ruvuma, and Songwe.
“Our country is blessed with water sources, yet people in urban areas struggle to get enough. A national water grid could link regions and ensure sustainable water access across Tanzania,” he said, underscoring the need for a phased approach to fund and construct such a grid over the coming years.
Turning to Tanzania’s vast mineral wealth, Gwajima criticized the reliance on imported iron for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), noting that Tanzania’s own Liganga iron ore and Mchuchuma coal mines remain underutilized.
He pointed out that the government imported iron from India and Egypt, a choice he said undermines Tanzania’s mining potential and stifles local industry development. “We have iron ore and coal in Liganga and Mchuchuma, resources that could make Tanzania self-sufficient in iron production. Why are we not using them?” Gwajima questioned, adding that long-term plans to develop these resources could eliminate the need for imports and create jobs domestically.
The MP’s impassioned address comes as no surprise to his supporters, who see him as an ambitious reformist, despite his controversial political history. Anchilla Magayane, a resident of Dar es Salaam, remarked, “Gwajima dares to speak on behalf of the people.
His ideas may seem grand, but they resonate with what we need as a nation.” Another supporter, Daudi Masalu from Shinyanga, noted, “While he may be outspoken, he often raises issues that others ignore. He has a vision for our country’s progress.”
However, Gwajima’s critics remain skeptical of his promises. Musa Lugete from Ununio, Dar es Salaam, dismissed Gwajima’s proposals as “unrealistic and overly ambitious.” Tarik Ibrahim from Tegeta argued, “This is a politician who has promised everything from buying his locomotive to taking Tanzanians to the United States for economic training. It’s difficult to take him seriously.” These critiques reflect a sentiment that while Gwajima’s proposals are ambitious, there is doubt over their feasibility and implementation, particularly given his history of bold, often divisive claims.
Gwajima has previously made headlines for his stance against the COVID-19 vaccine, claiming it was intended to jeopardize Africans, a position that brought him into conflict with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and led to a summons before the Parliamentary Ethics Committee. Despite his contentious statements, Gwajima continues to attract significant attention, largely for his ability to bring national issues into sharp focus. Recently, he tempered his rhetoric, opting to avoid personal attacks, a move seen by some analysts as a strategic attempt to position himself favorably for the 2025 elections.
For all his detractors, Gwajima’s supporters argue he brings fresh ideas to a Parliament dominated by one-party politics. Esther Makoye from Ibadakuli in Shinyanga stated, “Even with his flaws, Gwajima’s ideas could push the government to address issues of water, energy, and mineral wealth more aggressively.”
Critics and admirers alike agree that Gwajima’s address reflects a larger challenge facing Tanzania: harnessing its natural wealth for national development through comprehensive, long-term strategies.
With the majority party firmly in control, Gwajima’s role as an outspoken advocate may continue to stir debate and, potentially, inspire shifts toward policies that tackle these long-standing issues. Whether his proposals are implemented or remain a vision, Gwajima has undeniably highlighted key issues that many believe deserve attention.
