NPC starts prepping for next five-year development plan

DODOMA: THE National Planning Commission (NPC) has begun preparations for the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP IV) together with a new strategic planning guide for government institutions, regional secretariats and local authorities.

The preparations are part of efforts to ensure effective implementation of the National Development Vision 2050.

NPC Executive Secretary, Dr Fred Msemwa spoke of the task ahead in Dodoma while closing a two-day workshop that brought together policy, planning and economic experts from ministries, regional administrations, local authorities, the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s Office.

The workshop also provided a platform to gather feedback on areas that underperformed in previous development plans.

Dr Msemwa said one of the major challenges in earlier plans was the delayed disbursement of funds, which resulted in incomplete projects.

“This challenge will be addressed through strategic measures developed by experts to enhance financial resource mobilisation,” he said.

Presentations during the workshop covered the Vision 2050 framework, the Long-Term Perspective Plan (LTPP), the upcoming FYDP IV and new strategic planning guidelines for public institutions.

He urged experts to ensure the new Five-Year Plan places strong emphasis on rural development.

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“When interpreting the Vision, the plan must prioritise progress in rural areas. We will work closely with local authorities and regional administrations to ensure that programmes at the grassroots level generate real benefits for citizens,” he explained.

Dr Msemwa also called on experts to adopt a transformative mindset, noting that the plan’s success will depend on their ability to drive efficient, results-oriented implementation.

He highlighted the private sector as a key driver of economic growth and employment, stressing the need to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that hinder business operations. Such obstacles, he warned, undermine job creation and reduce government revenue.

“Revenue systems should focus on profits rather than capital. This will encourage private investment, expand services, create jobs and secure sustainable income for the government,” he said.

He added that transitioning to a profit-based revenue approach must be gradual and carefully managed to maintain financial stability while improving productivity.