The World Bank Group has released a new Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Tanzania, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to mitigate potential economic setbacks. The report warns that without decisive measures, climate change could reduce Tanzania's economic growth by up to 4% by 2050, increase poverty levels, and lead to significant internal migration.
Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director, emphasized the importance of integrating climate considerations into Tanzania’s development plans. "Tanzania has made impressive social and economic progress supported by steady GDP growth since 2000," he said. "Integrating climate considerations into its development planning and implementation at the national, subnational, and local levels is a smart, no-regrets strategy for Tanzania."
The CCDR outlines pathways for aligning climate action with economic growth and poverty reduction as part of Vision 2050. It uses various models to explore the impact of different climate futures on Tanzania’s economy and suggests key intervention areas for achieving resilient, low-carbon growth by mid-century.
Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, Minister of Finance, acknowledged both the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. "Our government appreciates that climate change presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Tanzania’s future," he stated. "We are committed to investing in our people and ensuring that our most vulnerable communities are equipped to face climate challenges because we know that these measures also unlock new avenues for more sustainable growth."
The report highlights five actionable pathways: equipping people to cope with climate risks; optimizing land and water use; prioritizing resilient infrastructure; strengthening institutional arrangements; and mobilizing climate financing.
The World Bank Group introduced CCDRs as a tool to help countries prioritize actions addressing greenhouse gas emissions while aligning with broader development goals. These reports aim to guide governments and other stakeholders in facilitating a low-carbon transition through data-driven recommendations.