Does Tanzania's Development Trajectory Borrow from the China Model?

Abstract

Tanzania has experienced a remarkable economic growth averaging 6 percent over the past two decades. While this growth is usually associated with the liberalization of the economy that began in the mid‐1980s, the influence of African Socialism in Tanzania cannot be overemphasized. Specifically, Tanzania has mostly been a developmental state focusing on infrastructural push. This article qualitatively analyzes rhetoric from senior political and government figures to detect if there is a political myth underpinning the existence of the “China Model” in Tanzania. Results show that, while for the past two decades Tanzania's development trajectory has been partially influenced by the China model, the China case is unique and thus its model may not be successfully replicated in Tanzania. I thus recommend a home‐grown model if sustainable economic development has to be achieved in Tanzania.Related Articles (in this Special Issue)Davidsson, Simon. 2020. “Modeling the Impact of a Model: The (Non)Relationship between China's Economic Rise and African Democracy.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).Duggan, Niall. 2020. “China – The Champion of the Developing World: A Study of China's new Development Model and its Role in Changing Global Economic Governance.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).Ganda, Willie D. 2020. “The China Model in Zimbabwe: The Belt and Road Initiative and Beyond.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).