Tanzania was established in 1964.  For most of its early years, president Julius Nyerere committed the country to a policy of socialism and self reliance.  The programme failed due to inefficiency, corruption, resistance and the rise in price of imported petroleum.

In 1986, the World Bank imposed a structural adjustment programme, telling Tanzania to forget its socialist principles, liberalise the economy and reduce public spending.

The economic policies imposed on Tanzania have meant it has struggled to develop in recent years and is now largely dependent on aid and loans.

Nevertheless, Tanzania has made significant progress in achieving social economic progress and President Mkapa, elected in 1995, has waged a war against corruption.

ActionAid in Tanzania
ActionAid has been active since 1997, and established a permanent office here in 1998.

We now work with over 65,000 people in remote rural areas. Our main focus is education. We work closely with existing organisations and community groups to make sure that the change we achieve together is appropriate and lasting. ActionAid also campaigns against the economic policies that keep people poor.