Embrace bold reforms, CS tasks state enterprises

ARUSHA: CHIEF Secretary Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka has challenged leaders of public institutions and corporations to pursue bold reforms, strengthen corporate governance and make difficult decisions to build institutions capable of driving Tanzania’s transformation under the National Development Vision 2050.

Dr Kusiluka made the call yesterday when closing the Board Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers (C-CEOs) Forum in Arusha.

He said the forum had come at a critical time as Tanzania embarked on implementing Vision 2050, noting that its early years would be particularly important because decisions made, investments initiated, institutions built and leaders prepared during the period would establish the foundation for long-term national development.

“The decisions we make now, the investments we initiate now, the institutions we build now and the leaders we prepare now are the foundation of our success on the journey towards Vision 2050,” said Dr Kusiluka.

He said public institutions and corporations were central to the Vision because their operations influence wealth creation, business, transport, energy, investment financing, public services and opportunities for citizens.

Dr Kusiluka urged board chairpersons and CEOs to go beyond maintaining existing systems by identifying weaknesses, introducing improvements and making difficult decisions to transform public institutions into stronger and more productive entities.

“My appeal is that we should not come up with easy resolutions simply because they are easy. Success in implementing the Vision will require difficult decisions,” he said. He also called for stronger cooperation among public institutions, boards, management and parent ministries, saying institutions could not succeed by working in isolation.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of effective board-management relations, urging boards to exercise proper oversight while supporting CEOs and management in implementing institutional plans.

He cautioned against situations where CEOs performed board functions or communicated on major institutional matters without involving their boards, while urging chairpersons to use established procedures to address concerns.

Dr Kusiluka further urged institutional leaders to personally participate in addressing audit queries raised by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG).

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He warned that inadequate cooperation could sometimes lead to issues being reported in a manner that damaged the reputation of institutions and the government, even where matters could have been clarified through timely engagement.

He also called on public institutions to recognise the important role of young people in national development, particularly in technology, innovation and other emerging areas.

Dr Kusiluka urged institutions to identify young people who had demonstrated exceptional talent and innovative ability and give them opportunities to contribute to institutional transformation.

“We should give opportunities to exceptional young people who have demonstrated their ability and innovation. They can bring results to our institutions,” he said.

On governance, he urged institutions to comply with laws and accountability requirements and seek legal guidance from relevant government structures when necessary.

He said the ultimate objective was to build stronger public institutions, push meaningful change and establish a firm foundation for successful implementation of Vision 2050.

Meanwhile, Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu pledged to intensify efforts to strengthen public corporations and ensure government investments generated greater value.

Mr Mchechu said reforms required strong leadership, determination and difficult decisions, adding that the forum had enabled leaders to exchange experiences and identify areas requiring improvement.

“We still have much to learn, much to improve and a great deal of work ahead of us,” he said.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Investment, Dr Fred Msemwa, commended the Treasury Registrar’s Office for its achievements in managing government investments and strengthening public entities.

He said the forum had brought together ministers, government leaders, private-sector representatives, experts, board chairpersons and CEOs, creating an opportunity to link policy, leadership and implementation.

Dr Msemwa urged participants to translate the resolutions into practical actions and results, while acknowledging the participation of board chairpersons from Zambia.

Presenting the forum’s six resolutions, Director of Administration and Human Resources Management in the Office of the Treasury Registrar, Chacha Marigiri, said they focused on creating opportunities for youths, strengthening performance assessment, improving compliance with procedures and protecting public investments against disasters and other risks.