Pan-Africanism in Tanzania: Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-2005 Era

Pan-Africanism has been a significant force in African politics since the mid-20th century, with Tanzania playing a notable role as a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). In recent years, Tanzania's stance on pan-Africanism has evolved amidst global socio-political changes and internal challenges. Qualitative research methods were employed to gather data from semi-structured interviews with policymakers, civil society representatives, and academic experts. Data analysis involved thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that while pan-Africanism has provided a sense of unity and identity for Tanzanian communities, the post- era saw increased economic pressures and internal political divisions challenging its implementation. Specifically, there was a notable trend towards prioritising national interests over pan-African goals in certain policy areas. In conclusion, this study elucidates the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of promoting pan-Africanism in contemporary Tanzania, emphasising the need for nuanced approaches that balance global solidarity with local needs. Recommendations include fostering collaborative initiatives between Tanzanian stakeholders to promote shared interests within a broader African framework. Additionally, policymakers should engage more actively with civil society to ensure pan-African ideals are grounded in practical, locally relevant solutions. Pan-Africanism, Tanzania, Post- era, Policy formulation, International relations