DAR ES SALAAM: THE government is drafting a new local content policy to unlock economic potential of the nation.
The new policy aims to empower Tanzanians by boosting local participation in various sectors of the economy.
By prioritising local goods, services and labor, the government seeks to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Speaking at the National Business Council (TNBC) Business Environment Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Dr Jim Yonazi, said it was important to draft a comprehensive national policy that will foster inclusivity across both public and private sectors.
He highlighted the policy’s goal of empowering Tanzanians to actively participate in the nation’s economic development.
“The goals of this policy, among others, include increasing the participation of Tanzanians and Tanzanian institutions in various economic activities, as recommended by stakeholders,” said Dr Yonazi, who also chairs the TNBC task force overseeing the policy’s development.
Dr Yonazi said that through the policy, the government aims to streamline systems and regulations to create a more competitive business environment for Tanzanians in both domestic and international markets.
The policy will also support the digitalisation of government services via the Government Online Authority (e-GA), improving efficiency and accessibility.
“Tanzania is taking significant steps toward creating a better business environment with the introduction of this national policy,” he added.
The recommendations discussed at the meeting were part of the implementation of directives issued earlier this year by TNBC Chairperson, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, during a meeting at State House in Dar es Salaam.
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TNBC Executive Secretary Mr Godwill Wanga said that by fostering an enabling environment for businesses, the policy will help local enterprises gain a competitive edge in both local and global markets.
“This is a major step forward. We expect this process to result in a policy that will unite all economic stakeholders in contributing to the growth of our national economy,” he said.
Participants in the meeting also pointed out that the new policy will allow Tanzanians to fully engage in economic activities, particularly by recognising and integrating the informal sector into the formal economy.
Mr Henry Kimambo, a tourism sector representative, noted that operational conflicts and the burden of multiple fees from different government agencies had sometimes discouraged people from doing business.
He expressed optimism that the policy would address these issues.
Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneurs Chamber, Mrs Mercy Sila, praised the TNBC for fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors in the policy’s drafting process.
