Tanzania launched the National Development Vision 2050, a 25-year plan aiming to transform the country into an upper-middle-income, knowledge-based economy by 2050. President Samia Suluhu Hassan outlined strategies across nine key sectors, including agriculture, industry, tourism, and finance, emphasizing digital transformation, revenue growth, and climate resilience. The government will implement a three-year medium-term plan, strengthen public finance management, and coordinate ministries and commissions to ensure inclusive growth, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development.

The government plans to table the Infant Registration Bill to allow the National Identification Authority to register children from birth. The law would assign identification numbers at birth and issue national ID cards at age 18. Nida Director General James Kaji said the move would expand access to social services and improve population data. He urged more than 300,000 citizens to collect processed ID cards.

President Hussein Ali Mwinyi formed an eight-member commission to review and assess compensation for people affected by government projects in Unguja and Pemba, Zanzibar. The commission will examine compensation issues, advise the government on appropriate measures, and address related challenges. Members include experts in law, engineering, finance, social sciences, ICT, and public administration. Citizens are urged to cooperate and provide accurate information during the commission’s area visits to ensure effective assessments.

Chadema called for the unconditional release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and renewed demands for constitutional reforms, citing concerns over his ongoing trial. Party leaders raised the issues in a New Year message and public statements. The position drew mixed reactions, with supporters backing the demands as necessary for democracy, while critics questioned the timing and approach. The debate highlighted divisions over justice, governance, and reform ahead of 2026.

Zanzibar Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla urged Nanguji residents to uphold peace as a shared national responsibility and foundation for sustainable development during a Friday address at Al-Nassri Mosque in South Pemba. He emphasized that citizens must reject divisive behavior and foster unity, solidarity, and education to support socioeconomic progress. Abdulla linked peace to continued stability, economic growth, and effective governance, highlighting its role in attracting investment and enabling long-term development across Unguja and Pemba.

Tanzania authorities detained US citizen Thadey Sabinus Kweka in Moshi on allegations of publishing false information following the contested election. A court ordered him to surrender passwords to his phone for investigation. Legal experts criticized the hearing as one-sided and said it violated his right to a fair trial. The case highlights broader post-election crackdowns, restricted consular access, and concerns over human rights and due process in Tanzania.