Public-Private partnerships drive 80 strategic projects

DODOMA: COLLABORATION with investors has enabled the government to facilitate 80 strategic projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) by April 2025, Deputy Minister for Finance, Hamad Hassan Chande, informed Legislators yesterday.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Mr Chande was responding to a question from Mbeya Rural MP, Oran Njeza (CCM), who inquired about the number and status of projects being implemented under the PPP arrangement.

Mr Chande explained that the projects are being executed in line with the Public-Private Partnership Act, Chapter 103.

He also highlighted that Section 10A of the Act established the PPP Facilitation Fund (PPP-FF), which plays a critical role in supporting the preparation and implementation of these projects across various sectors.

The Deputy Minister further explained that Article 5(1) of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act empowers the Public-Private Partnership Centre to provide technical assistance to both government authorities and the private sector throughout all phases of project development, from initial conceptualisation and preparation to full implementation.

Providing further details, Mr Chande revealed that, out of the 80 PPP projects facilitated by the government, three are currently in the implementation stage, four are under negotiation, two are in the procurement stage, 26 projects are undergoing feasibility studies, 13 are in the preliminary feasibility stage and 32 are still at the concept paper preparation stage.

In a supplementary question, MP Njeza sought to understand the government’s strategies for implementing projects with PPP potential, specifically mentioning the Igawa–Tunduma road.

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The MP noted that the Budget Law restricts the government from allocating public funds to such projects, emphasising the need for private sector involvement.

He also inquired about the progress of the proposed construction and operation of the new Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway and the role the private sector would play in this initiative.

In response, Mr Chande assured the MP that the government continues to promote private sector participation in the development and execution of PPP projects, engaging private players from the earliest stages of planning and preparation.

He confirmed that a private investor is already managing the preparations for the Igawa–Tunduma road project under the PPP model.

Regarding the TAZARA railway, Mr Chande explained that the governments of Tanzania and Zambia are engaged in high-level discussions with the Government of China and have made significant progress.

He revealed that the two countries are in the process of finalising a contract with the Chinese construction firm CECC to begin work on the railway upgrade.

Mr Chande emphasised that this partnership demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to involving private investors in large-scale regional infrastructure development.

He further noted that it not only strengthens economic ties but also helps mobilise resources and technical expertise, which are crucial for accelerating growth-oriented projects.

“The government continues to create an enabling environment for the private sector to fully engage in the execution of development projects through partnerships. This aims to accelerate both economic and social development in the country,” Mr Chande concluded.