Tanzanians Share Mixed Reactions to Economy Despite Optimistic Repoa Survey Findings
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga –A new Afrobarometer survey conducted by Research on Poverty Alleviation (Repoa) has ignited a firestorm of debate across the country, as Tanzanians take to social media and public forums to challenge its optimistic portrayal of the nation’s economic situation.
While the survey reports that 67 percent of citizens believe the government is effectively managing the economy, ordinary people, especially in rural areas, argue that the reality they face is far harsher than the numbers suggest.
Released in Dar es Salaam, the survey indicates that two-thirds (67 percent) of Tanzanians believe the government is managing the economy well, with a nine-percentage-point improvement in the country’s economic outlook compared to 2022. Despite these figures, many on the ground argue that the findings fail to reflect the harsh realities of everyday life.
Shinyanga-based farmer Esther Makoye dismissed the survey’s findings outright. “Life is too hard,” she said, pointing to poor infrastructure that stifles farmers’ ability to transport produce to markets.
Her frustration echoes the sentiments of Mussa Masalu, a graduate who now ekes out a living running a fruit stall in Shinyanga’s Ibadakuli Ward. “Despite my education, I’m a volunteer teacher with no proper income. Customers are few, and survival is a struggle,” Masalu lamented.
A local beverage vendor in the same municipality questioned the credibility of the survey, saying, “Corruption is rampant, and the cost of living is unbearable. I don’t trust these results.”
The survey, conducted among 2,400 adults nationwide, also revealed that four in ten respondents (39 percent) describe Tanzania’s economic condition as “fairly good” or “very good,” marking a nine-percentage-point increase since 2022.
However, 84 percent admitted they had experienced a lack of cash income at least once in the past year, with 40 percent frequently or constantly facing the issue.
Faraja Mande, an Advanced Level Economics teacher from Tengeru, painted a bleak picture of economic life. “At many markets, people sleep on their stalls without customers. The government hasn’t done enough to increase workers’ salaries, which is eroding our purchasing power,” he noted.
While Repoa’s acting executive director, Dr. Lucas Katera, attributed the improved outlook to investments in infrastructure and national security, he acknowledged that rural areas are still plagued by cash shortages.
“Poor infrastructure continues to hinder the transportation of agricultural produce, affecting rural livelihoods,” Dr. Katera remarked.
The report highlighted that perceptions of poor living conditions are more common among women (41 percent) than men (35 percent).
It also noted that while 45 percent of respondents identified health as a key issue the government should address, nearly half reported lacking access to medical care at least once in the past year.
Similarly, 48 percent reported going without water, with water supply and infrastructure cited as major concerns by 36 percent and 34 percent of respondents, respectively.
Political science analyst Mussa Lugete, based in Dar es Salaam’s Ununio area, expressed skepticism about the findings, especially with elections looming in 2025.
Analysts say many graduates have turned to betting or manual labor to make ends meet. Photo: Courtesy
Mussa Lugete, a political analyst based in Dar es Salaam’s Ununio area, did not hold back in questioning the credibility of the report. “Intellectuals and researchers are increasingly distrusted. Many seem to rubber-stamp narratives favorable to those in power,” he said. Lugete criticized the survey for potentially targeting only the affluent while ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens.
“Unemployment is rampant, especially among the youth. Many graduates have turned to betting or manual labor to make ends meet,” Lugete said. He also bemoaned the state of the economy, arguing that low purchasing power continues to cripple households. “We’re told inflation is under control, but walk into any market—people are struggling to afford basic goods. Perhaps they only interviewed those living comfortably,” he added.
The survey, which interviewed 2,400 adults in August and September, reported a nine-percentage-point improvement in perceptions of the country’s economic condition since 2022. However, Lugete dismissed such findings, describing them as part of a broader propaganda machine. “The TRA [Tanzania Revenue Authority] releases statistics, but no independent investigator verifies them. It’s all about soothing politicians. Even investigative journalism is dying; we get little truth, only what suits the powers that be,” he argued.
He contrasted Tanzania’s struggles with Uganda’s progress under President Yoweri Museveni. “Look at Uganda. President Museveni has managed to keep inflation for food items under control. Here, prices soar while wages remain stagnant,” Lugete said, highlighting what he sees as a failure to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens.
Former Mzumbe University Professor Honest Ngowi, a noted economist, previously highlighted the disconnection between macroeconomic indicators and ordinary citizens’ realities.
“Inflation may be a talking point for politicians, but for the common person, it’s meaningless when wages remain stagnant and costs keep rising,” Prof. Ngowi observed in an earlier analysis.
Despite the Afrobarometer survey showing improvements, public perception remains deeply divided. The report noted that the proportion of citizens describing their living conditions as “fairly bad” or “very bad” dropped by 12 percentage points to 38 percent, down from 50 percent in 2022. However, critics argue these figures fail to capture the daily struggles of many Tanzanians.
“Perceptions vary widely depending on individual experiences,” said Prof. Paschal Mihyo, a visiting emeritus research fellow at Repoa. “The survey captures beliefs, not absolute truths.”
As the report gained traction online, it sparked heated discussions on social media and in public forums. While some praised the government’s efforts in managing the economy, others accused the survey of glossing over systemic issues like corruption, low wages, and poor infrastructure.
For many, the Repoa report has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over Tanzania’s economic direction. While it offers a snapshot of progress, the voices of farmers, teachers, vendors, and other ordinary citizens paint a starkly different picture—one of persistent hardship and unmet expectations. Whether these findings will influence future policy or remain a source of controversy is yet to be seen.
