State firms face performance test as Gawio Day looms

DAR ES SALAAM: GAWIO Day 2026 will offer one of the clearest tests yet of how effectively Tanzania’s public investments are generating returns and supporting the country’s long-term economic ambitions.

The annual event, scheduled for June 30 at State House in Dar es Salaam, will see President Samia Suluhu Hassan receive dividends and statutory contributions from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and companies in which the government holds shares.

Beyond the ceremonial handover, the event has increasingly become a barometer of the financial performance of public institutions and the government’s efforts to improve returns from assets owned on behalf of Tanzanians.

Acting Treasury Registrar Lightness Mauki said the event provides an opportunity to assess the contribution of public investments to national development as Tanzania prepares to implement Vision 2050, which seeks to transform the country into a competitive, trillion-dollar economy.

“Gawio Day serves as a platform to showcase returns from government investments, strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of public assets and demonstrate the contribution of public institutions to economic growth and sustainable development,” she told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

According to Ms Mauki, preparations for the event are progressing well, with stateowned enterprises and government-linked companies continuing to submit dividends and statutory contributions to the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR).

She said all 308 public entities and companies in which the government holds shares are expected to meet their legal obligations by remitting contributions before the event.

The funds collected play a significant role in financing development projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, water, energy and infrastructure, reducing pressure on public finances and supporting service delivery.

This year’s Gawio Day comes as the government seeks to maximise returns from investments valued at about 92tri/-, making the performance of state-owned enterprises an increasingly important component of economic growth and fiscal sustainability.

Ms Mauki said institutions that make outstanding contributions to government revenue will be recognised during the event, with President Samia expected to present awards aimed at promoting accountability, competitiveness and improved performance across the public sector.

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She commended institutions that have already submitted their payments and urged those yet to do so to meet the deadline.

The event will be held under the theme: “Results-Driven Public Investment: A Pillar of a Competitive Economy and Sustainable Development towards Vision 2050.”

According to Ms Mauki, the theme underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring public investments deliver measurable returns and tangible benefits to citizens.

“Efficient and accountable management of public investments is essential for achieving sustainable development and advancing the goals of Vision 2050,” she said.

The significance of Gawio Day has grown in recent years alongside rising collections from public institutions.

During last year’s event, President Samia received a record 1.028tri/- in dividends and contributions, representing a 68 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

The government is targeting collections of 1.5tri/- this year, a figure that will be closely watched as an indicator of the health of public enterprises and the effectiveness of efforts to improve returns from state investments.

For policymakers, investors and the public alike, the outcome of Gawio Day 2026 will provide an important measure of whether public assets are generating the value needed to support Tanzania’s economic transformation agenda.