Dar es Salaam, Oct. 18 -- TANZANIA could build modern highways, expand its ports, generate more electricity and attract billions of shillings in investment, yet still fall short of its economic ambitions if citizens and investors cannot rely on the law to protect their property, enforce contracts and resolve disputes fairly.

This is one of the less visible but fundamental challenges facing Development Vision 2050, which seeks to transform the country into a competitive, inclusive and prosperous economy.

The ambition is considerable: a US$1 trillion economy and an average income per person of US$7,000 by 2050. Achieving these targets will require more than public investment, industrial expansion and technological advancement. It will als...