DAR ES SALAAM: A CROSS- SECTION of analysts have said that the selection of Tanzania as a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact partner would intensify efforts to transform the country’s economy.
The development comes after the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board recently selected the country to develop threshold programmes, which are smaller grant programmes designed to support policy and institutional reforms that address economic growth constraints.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News’ St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) Lecturer-cum economist, Dr Isaac Safari, said the move will help to promote the country’s economy and reduce poverty.
“The act of Tanzania being selected as a MCC compact partner is not only an honour to the country but also shows how it adheres to the rule of law,” he underlined.
In particular, Dr Safari underscored the need of embracing patriotism and integrity on the use of the grants provided by the corporation.
Dr Safari’s view was seconded by a Lecturer at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Dr Sylvester Jotta, who also insisted on integrity.
“Being a former MCC compact partner, the country has benefited with this partnership in various sectors including the energy sector … MCC participated to ensure some parts of the country are connected to electricity such as Geita Region to boost economic development,” he said.
In line, he commended the efforts made by the government in upholding the democratic governance, protecting human rights, and fighting corruption as the factors for the country being selected by MCC.
According to the statement issued by US Embassy in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, in its quarterly meeting held on December 13 the MCC Board selected Cabo Verde, the Philippines, and Tanzania for the new partnership.
“The Board’s selection of Cabo Verde, the Philippines, and Tanzania advances MCC’s mission to forge strong partnerships with countries that have demonstrated a commitment to democratic governance, investing in their people, and economic freedom,” said MCC Chief Executive Officer Alice Albright.
Adding: “We look forward to building on prior partnerships and working hand in hand with each country to advance prosperity for their people.”
The statement revealed that newly threshold-eligible, the Philippines and Tanzania are both former MCC compact partners that continue to face pressing development needs in strategic regions of the world.
“In recent years, both the Philippines and Tanzania have demonstrated renewed commitments to advancing critical reforms to strengthen democratic governance, protect human rights, and fight corruption,” the statement read in its part.
In recognition of the efforts, MCC’s Board selected the Philippines and Tanzania to partner with MCC in the development of threshold programmes that focus on the policy and institutional reforms countries can undertake to reduce poverty and generate economic growth.
In a related development, the statement said the MCC’s Board of Directors received an update on political developments in Niger and MCC’s progress in winding down the country’s bilateral compact, as well as updates on the status of the Connectivity and Coastal Resilience Compact in Mozambique following concerns over the flawed October 2023 municipal elections.