Govt backs faith-based investment

DODOMA: THE sixth-phase government has underscored its commitment to creating an enabling environment for faith-based investments, saying religious institutions are playing an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and expanding social services.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule made the remarks over the weekend while inaugurating the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) Investment Complex during the council’s 60th Executive Council meeting in Dodoma.

Construction of the 3.8bn/- complex began in 2023 and is now 95 per cent complete. Once operational, it is expected to generate about 600m/- annually and features conference facilities with a capacity to host more than 500 participants for meetings and other events.

Ms Senyamule said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan recognises the significant contribution of religious institutions to national development through investments that complement public efforts in education, healthcare, moral development and economic empowerment.

“The government values the contribution of faithbased institutions to national development. Investments such as this show how religious organisations can actively contribute to the national economy by creating jobs, generating income and expanding economic opportunities for Tanzanians,” she said.

She added that the government’s investment-friendly policies continue to encourage public and private institutions, including faithbased organisations, to invest in productive sectors that support sustainable national development.

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CCT Chairperson, Bishop Dr Stanley Hotay described the project as a major milestone in the council’s journey towards financial self-reliance, noting that internally generated income has increased the institution’s financial independence from 20 per cent in 2025 to 33 per cent by June this year.

“This project is part of our long-term strategy to build a financially sustainable institution capable of supporting its programmes through internally generated resources,” Bishop Hotay said.

CCT Secretary General, Canon Dr Moses Matonya said the investment will significantly strengthen the council’s revenue base, enabling it to expand social services and evangelism activities across the country.

He said proceeds from the complex will finance community development programmes while reducing dependence on external funding.