Why good governance matters

DAR ES SALAAM: THE difference between countries that achieve lasting prosperity and those that struggle to fulfil their potential is not always measured by the size of their economies, the abundance of their natural resources or the scale of their ambitions. More often, it is reflected in the strength of the institutions responsible for turning plans into results.

Roads can be built, industries established and investment attracted. But development rarely advances as intended without public institutions capable of implementing policies effectively, managing resources responsibly and maintaining public confidence.

That reality is becoming increasingly relevant as Tanzania begins implementing Vision 2050, the country’s new long-term development blueprint.

The vision sets out an ambitious roadmap for transforming Tanzania into a prosperous, inclusive and competitive nation by the middle of the century. It envisages a one-trillion-dollar economy, stronger industries, higher productivity and improved living standards for a population expected to exceed 118 million people.

Much of the discussion surrounding Vision 2050 has focused on economic growth, industrialisation and infrastructure development. Equally important is another theme running throughout the document: Governance.

Vision 2050 identifies good governance, peace, security and stability as essential conditions for sustainable development. The document argues that economic transformation depends not only on investment and physical infrastructure, but also on institutions that are accountable, efficient, transparent and responsive to citizens’ needs.

This broader understanding of development is reflected in the 2026/27 budget presented by the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance.

Presenting the budget in the National Assembly, the docket Minister Ridhiwani Kikwete outlined a reform agenda focused on digital transformation, public-sector efficiency, accountability, institutional performance and leadership development. The initiatives form part of a wider effort to prepare public institutions for the demands of a rapidly growing and increasingly sophisticated economy.

“We are laying the foundation for achieving the goals of Vision 2050,” Mr Kikwete told lawmakers.

His remarks reflect a principle that appears repeatedly throughout the vision document: Strong institutions are not simply an outcome of development; they are among the conditions that make development possible.

Countries that have successfully moved from low-income to middle-income and high-income status have generally combined economic reforms with improvements in governance. Effective public institutions help create stable environments for investment, improve service delivery and ensure public resources are used efficiently.

For Tanzania, the importance of that task is growing as development ambitions expand.

Vision 2050 seeks to accelerate industrialisation, strengthen innovation, deepen regional and global integration and improve quality of life. Achieving those objectives will require public institutions capable of coordinating complex programmes, managing large-scale investments and ensuring that development gains reach communities across the country.

The vision acknowledges that governance reforms undertaken over recent decades have contributed to improvements in public administration and service delivery. At the same time, it identifies areas requiring further attention, including accountability, efficiency, public participation and performance management.

Digital transformation is expected to play a major role in addressing those challenges.

Vision 2050 identifies digital transformation as one of the strategic drivers expected to accelerate economic and social development over the next 25 years. It calls for wider access to digital services, stronger technological capabilities and greater use of technology in public administration. Among its targets is ensuring that more than 80 per cent of government services are delivered through secure, accessible and integrated digital platforms by 2050.

Recent developments suggest progress is already underway. In 2025, the Electronic Government Authority (e-GA) received the World Summit on the Information Society Grand Champion Award in Geneva for its e-Mrejesho platform, which allows citizens to communicate directly with government leaders and public institutions.

Tanzania was also ranked in the highest category of digital governance maturity in a World Bank assessment released last year.

Government officials view these achievements as evidence of broader institutional change. Digital systems are increasingly being used to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, strengthen transparency and make public services more accessible.

Between July 2025 and March 2026, authorities expanded digital infrastructure, upgraded data centres, strengthened cyber-security systems and integrated additional institutions into shared digital platforms.

The government says 252 systems across 200 institutions are now connected through the Government Enterprise Service Bus, allowing agencies to exchange information more efficiently and reducing duplication.

As government services become increasingly digital, cybersecurity is receiving greater attention.

Protecting public systems and citizen information has become an important component of governance reform. During the reporting period, the government expanded cyber-security assessments and monitoring while increasing training for ICT professionals across public institutions.

Vision 2050 recognises that trust in digital systems will be essential as technology assumes a larger role in governance and public administration.

The reform agenda extends beyond technology.

Transparency, accountability and integrity remain key priorities under both the budget and Vision 2050. The document argues that corruption weakens institutions, undermines economic performance and erodes public trust. It therefore calls for stronger accountability mechanisms and more transparent public administration.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) continue to play a significant role in those efforts.

According to government figures, the bureau monitored 885 development projects valued at more than 599bn/- between July 2025 and March 2026.

Reviews were conducted across sectors including health, education, mining, transport, energy and construction with the aim of identifying weaknesses early and strengthen safeguards around public resources.

Public awareness campaigns have also expanded through schools, community groups and media platforms, reflecting the view that preventing corruption requires both enforcement and public participation.

Another priority highlighted in Vision 2050 is the development of a professional and performancedriven public service.

The document notes that while Tanzania has made progress in strengthening public administration, challenges remain in areas such as skills development, institutional capacity and performance management. It calls for a meritbased public service built on competence, professionalism and accountability.

Leadership development forms part of that effort.

Through programmes implemented by the UONGOZI Institute, public officials, policymakers and emerging leaders are receiving training in governance, strategic management and public leadership. Such investments are seen as crucial in preparing leaders capable of managing a larger and more complex economy.

The vision also places considerable emphasis on local governance, since local authorities are expected to play an increasingly important role in service delivery, resource mobilisation and implementation of development programmes.

Thus, stronger local institutions, policymakers argue, will help ensure that economic opportunities and public services reach communities throughout the country.

Social protection remains another important component of the broader governance agenda. Through TASAF, the government continues to support vulnerable households through cash transfers, community projects and public works programmes.

Vision 2050 understandably calls for expanded social protection coverage as part of efforts to reduce poverty, strengthen resilience and promote inclusive growth.

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Economic transformation is not simply about constructing roads, building factories or attracting investment. The success of those investments often depends on the institutions responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing them.

Efficient public services can lower the cost of doing business. Transparent systems can strengthen investor confidence. Accountable institutions can improve the use of public resources. Effective leadership can help ensure development programmes deliver intended results.

As Tanzania begins translating Vision 2050 from aspiration into implementation, governance reforms are becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s development agenda.

The infrastructure projects envisioned under the strategy may become the most visible signs of progress. Less visible, but equally important, will be the institutions responsible for delivering that progress and sustaining it over the long term.