“The God of all grace will make Tanzania strong!”
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.(1 Peter 5:10,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 62.1 million
Area | 947,300㎢, Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean in eastern Africa.
Capital City | Dodoma (legislative capital, 260,000 people), Dar es Salaam (administrative capital, 7.4 million people)
People Groups | Total 157 groups, Sukuma 16.7%, Gogo 4.3%, Haya 3.8%, Ha 3.2%, Makonde 3%, Nyamwezi 2.9%, Nyakyusa 2.4%, Hehe 2.3%
Unreached People Groups | 29 (9.8% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Swahili, English
Total Languages | 143
Bible Translations | Completed 42, New Testament 36, Partial 25
Religion | Christianity 51.1% (16% Protestant, 28% Catholic), Islam 29.7%, Ethnic religions 17.2% Evangelical 11% (6.83 million people)
》 About Tanzania
Tanzania’s history goes back to the early 16th century when Portugal occupied parts of mainland East Africa and the island of Zanzibar. Arab traders also used Zanzibar as a base for the slave trade. After World War I, Britain took over as the colonial power. Tanganyika (mainland) gained independence in 1961, followed by Zanzibar in 1963. The next year, the two countries united to form the Republic of Tanzania—named by combining Tanganyika and Zanzibar. In 1967, the government adopted socialism, nationalizing major industries. But when the economy struggled, more practical policies were introduced in the late 1970s. By the mid-1980s, Tanzania began shifting toward a market economy, encouraging private sector growth. In 1992, a multi-party democracy was established. Since independence, Tanzania has remained one of the more stable countries in East Africa. John Magufuli was re-elected president in 2020, but after his sudden death in 2021, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan became the country’s first female president.
Though Tanzania remains one of the poorest countries in terms of income per person, it has maintained an impressive average annual growth rate of 7%. The country is rich in natural resources, including minerals and tourist attractions. Support from the World Bank, IMF, and donor countries has helped improve infrastructure, especially in telecommunications, banking, and construction. Gold makes up about 35% of exports, though it accounts for less than a quarter of GDP. Agriculture still dominates the economy, employing around 65% of the population. All land in Tanzania is state-owned, with the government offering leases of up to 99 years. Main exports include gold, tobacco, ores, coffee, tea, and spices. Major imports include electronics, petroleum, machinery, vehicles, and plastics. Tanzania’s GDP per capita is approximately $1,120.
》 Scripture Focus
| 1 Peter 5:1-3, 8-10(NIV) 1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Since the 1980s, a strong church planting movement has spread across Tanzania, leading to the birth of many churches—especially rapid growth in Pentecostal congregations. While more than half the population identifies as Christian, only about 8% regularly attend church. Many people lack knowledge of the Bible, and there is a serious shortage of trained, mature leaders. Let us pray that the God of all grace would build His church in Tanzania to be pure, strong, and complete. May pastors stay sober and alert, faithfully teaching the truth, rejecting religious pluralism and prosperity theology, and setting an example for the flock. Let us also pray that the church in this land would share in the sufferings of Christ, recognize the glory of His calling, and boldly dream of completing the mission in this generation.
2. About 63% of Tanzania’s population is under the age of 24. With religious education now allowed in schools, there is a growing need for trained Christian teachers. Let us pray that churches and mission organizations will raise up Bible teachers and send them into schools to reach the next generation with the gospel. Scripture Union runs an AIDS rehabilitation program that teaches youth the value of purity. Let us pray that the 1.7 million people living with AIDS and over 1 million AIDS orphans will hear the gospel of grace—so they may be healed, restored, and become living witnesses of the hope found in Christ.
3. Zanzibar is made up of two main islands and several smaller ones, with a population of 1.6 million. Although it is an autonomous region, it belongs to the United Republic of Tanzania. The eastern coast of mainland Tanzania is about 90% Muslim, while Zanzibar is 98% Muslim. Zanzibar and Pemba Island, once centers of the slave trade, remain spiritually resistant to the gospel. Let us pray that every scheme and power of Satan—who roams seeking whom he may devour—would be broken, and that the hearts of Muslims would be humbled and opened to receive the gospel. Despite persecution, the church in this region is growing. Let us pray that the God of all grace would strengthen these believers in faith that they may boldly proclaim Christ to their Muslim neighbors.
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