Religious bodies hailed for driving growth
DODOMA: THE government has commended religious institutions for their significant contributions to the country’s social and economic development, acknowledging their profound impact on education, health, and humanitarian services both locally and globally.
Speaking yesterday in Dodoma at the 32nd General Assembly of the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, affirmed the government’s recognition of faithbased organisations’ vital role in shaping the nation’s progress since independence in 1961.
“Religious institutions have played an immense role in producing professionals across various sectors who are helping to address global challenges and crises,” said Dr Biteko who had represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the event.
Citing data from research across Africa, Dr Biteko said that religious organisations contribute between 30 and 70 per cent of health sector development across the continent.
“Globally, institutions such as the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Oxford University in the UK and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa were all founded by religious figures,” he added.
He further referenced the World Council of Churches and World Vision as prime examples of religious organisations delivering humanitarian aid globally without discrimination based on religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Dr Biteko also paid tribute to the late South African Anglican theologian and human rights activist, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, describing him as a peace-loving leader who championed justice and human rights, contributing immensely to the fight against apartheid and the advancement of equality and development in South Africa and beyond.
Dr Biteko emphasised the current administration’s approach to governance and elaborated on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s philosophy of inclusive leadership and dialogue, particularly with faithbased organisations.
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“The President believes in engaging religious leaders. If she were the type to isolate herself, relying solely on state apparatus like the military, laws and the constitution, it would be difficult. But she has instead opened the door for dialogue and collective reflection on the nation’s future,” he said.
Addressing CCT’s proposals, Dr Biteko affirmed the government’s tradition of involving domestic observers in general elections.
He expressed confidence that the Independent Electoral National Commission would extend invitations to civil society and other stakeholders, while stressing that the Commission must maintain its operational independence.
The Chairperson of CCT, Bishop Dr Fredrick Shoo, commended President Samia for promoting democratic values by allowing public gatherings and facilitating the implementation of development projects nationwide.
As the country heads to October 2025 General Election, Bishop Shoo urged political stakeholders to uphold ethics and maintain social stability.
“Elections should be a bridge to peace and development, not a source of division, we urge for campaigns based on national interests, free from insults and corruption,” he said.
He called on INEC to ensure transparency and collaborate with local observers to uphold electoral justice.
Bishop Shoo further appealed to the government to provide tax relief and exempt donor aid from levies to enable religious institutions to deliver better services to citizens.
“CCT remains committed to working with the government to improve the welfare of communities,” he affirmed.
CCT Secretary General, Rev Dr Moses Matonya, explained that the Council brings together 12 member denominations and 14 Christian organisations.
He said that 224 out of 280 delegates were in attendance at the assembly
