MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has showcased significant progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting major achievements in water access, social services, economic growth and institutional reforms during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, United States.
The country’s progress was presented through its Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) by the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, who reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development despite global economic challenges, climate change and emerging development pressures.
Addressing delegates from UN member states, development partners and international organisations, Prof. Mkumbo said Tanzania has continued to implement policies and investment strategies aimed at ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the country’s development journey.
He explained that the Third Voluntary National Review provides an opportunity for Tanzania to assess achievements made since the previous review, identify remaining challenges and share lessons that can contribute to the global implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the key milestones highlighted in the report is the remarkable improvement in access to clean and safe water in rural communities. According to Prof. Mkumbo, rural water coverage has increased from 72.3 percent in 2020 to 85.3 percent in 2025, reflecting sustained government investment in water infrastructure and improved service delivery.
He noted that expanding access to clean water has significantly improved public health, reduced the burden on women and children who traditionally travel long distances in search of water, and enhanced agricultural productivity in many rural communities.
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Prof. Mkumbo also informed the forum that Tanzania has continued investing heavily in education, healthcare, transport infrastructure and energy to support inclusive economic transformation.
He said government reforms have strengthened economic resilience while creating a more conducive environment for investment, innovation and job creation. These efforts, he added, are helping accelerate progress towards achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals simultaneously.
The Minister emphasized that Tanzania’s development agenda remains closely aligned with the National Development Vision 2025, the Third Five-Year Development Plan, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, ensuring that national priorities complement regional and international commitments.
While acknowledging the progress made, Prof. Mkumbo noted that Tanzania continues to face challenges, including the impacts of climate change, fluctuations in the global economy, financing constraints and the need to accelerate technological innovation.
He stressed that addressing these challenges will require stronger collaboration between governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society and international financial institutions.
“Tanzania remains committed to strengthening partnerships and mobilising resources that will accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for all citizens,” he said.
The High-Level Political Forum serves as the United Nations’ principal platform for reviewing global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Countries voluntarily present national reports to share achievements, identify implementation gaps and exchange best practices with the international community.
Tanzania’s participation in this year’s forum underscores the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability and international cooperation in advancing sustainable development.
Development experts say the country’s latest review demonstrates measurable progress in improving living standards through strategic public investment, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining momentum to achieve the SDGs before the 2030 deadline.
As global attention increasingly focuses on sustainable and inclusive growth, Tanzania’s latest report positions the country among nations actively monitoring progress, evaluating policy outcomes and strengthening development strategies to deliver long-term benefits for its people.
