TANZANIA, Dec. 9 -- WHEN Tanzania emerged from colonial rule in 1961, it inherited an economy that was fragile and narrowly based.

Per capita income stood at roughly 281 US dollars in nominal terms, among the lowest globally, while real output per person barely reached 820 US dollars.

The population was expanding rapidly, at more than 3 per cent per year, meaning that any economic progress was quickly absorbed by demographic pressure.

Infrastructure development was minimal, industrial capacity was extremely limited and production systems remained aligned to colonial priorities rather than the needs of ordinary citizens.

Amid these uncertainties, a leader with extraordinary clarity of purpose began shaping the young nations economic di...