On 3rd December 2021, KAS in collaboration with its partner Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), organized and conducted the Workshop on promotion of Social Market Economy – Tanzania Model (SMET). This workshop that targeted policy makers, business community, local investors, farmers, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders aimed at bringing the idea of Social Market Economy as an alternative way of fast-tracking inclusive economic growth, wealth, coupled with the social progress generated by employment.
The opening keynote speech was followed by presentations from different experts on the subject matter. The speeches were presented by Mr. Tilmann Feltes (KAS Resident Director in Tanzania), Hon. Gordon Hoffmann (General Secretary of CDU-Brandenburg), Rev. Father Ernesto Mgalama (Leader of Consolata Mission) and Hon. David Kihenzile (MP for Mufindi South Constituency). The event was moderated by Father Charles Kitima (General Secretary of TEC).
This event had 40 participants that came from a diverse background such as civil society organizations (CSOs/NGOs), political parties, religious institutions, and entrepreneurial & business forums. The event was planned to address the improvement of political and social framework conditions for a sustainable economic, energy and climate policies.
Presentations were based on how Tanzanian economic development evolved from colonial times up to current times while mentioning challenges faced and were held by the Public Policy Research Centre of the St. Augustine University of Tanzania. The presentations covered the following topics: “The national private sector development policy (NPSDP2013) and its relevance to social cohesion, peace and inclusive socio-economic growth in Tanzania”, “Social Market Economy and development of indigenous and multinational private sector” as well as “Social Market Economy as inclusive economic model”. Another aim was to provide a space for discussion about the role of politicians and other economic stakeholders in influencing economic policies. Therefore, placing these policies into action that support economic growth while improving social needs for better livelihood. Following the input of the presenters there were lively, passionate and civil discussions about the case studies that were discussed. The frequent group discussions and active participation of qualitative experiences lead to a common and shared understanding between the participants.
