Why 2026 Gawio Day matters for Dira 2050
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has said dividends and contributions from public institutions reflect the success of ongoing economic reforms as Tanzania prepares to implement the National Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050), marking a new phase of development anchored on a stronger economy, accountability and improved institutional efficiency.
Speaking yesterday during the ceremony for receiving dividends and contributions from public institutions and agencies, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said this year’s Gawio Day carries special significance as it comes on the eve of the implementation of Dira 2050, signalling that Tanzania is entering a new development phase with visible economic progress.
“As we stand on the threshold of beginning Dira 2050, we do so with pride in how far we have come and optimism about where we are heading,” Prof Mkumbo said.
He said the event was not a routine reporting exercise, but a moment to receive tangible results of reforms undertaken across public institutions.
He said the dividends demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring that public institutions are managed on the basis of accountability, good governance and efficiency, so that they deliver measurable contributions to national development.
Prof Mkumbo said public institutions and agencies belong to Tanzanians and represent the face of government in service delivery, adding that their performance directly impacts economic development and citizens’ welfare.
“Public institutions and agencies are the face of government in demonstrating good governance, accountability and service delivery to citizens. When they fail, the government is seen as failing; when they perform well, they reflect a strong government,” he said.
He commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to drive key economic reforms through the 4R philosophy and the policy of economic openness, which he said have improved efficiency in public institutions and strengthened the investment environment.
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Prof Mkumbo said under her leadership, performance in the public sector is no longer measured by the number of activities implemented, but by results reflected in tangible contributions to national development.
“We are not here to receive long implementation reports, but to receive real results of work done through dividends declared by public institutions and agencies,” he said.
He said the reforms are also visible in the private sector, where Tanzanian companies have continued to gain regional recognition due to improved business conditions.
Citing a recent African Business magazine ranking of the largest companies in East and Central Africa, he said Tanzania has managed to place six companies among the top 20 in the region. He named CRDB Bank, NMB Bank, TBL, Vodacom Tanzania, Tanzania Portland Cement and TCC Plc as among the leading firms, describing the achievement as unprecedented.
The minister said that in 2020, Tanzanian banks were not among regional leaders, but have now risen due to sustained economic reforms and improved financial sector performance.
He expressed confidence that public institutions and agencies will also feature among the region’s largest companies in the coming years as reforms deepen and operational efficiency improves.
Prof Mkumbo also commended ministers for strong oversight of institutions under their portfolios, saying their stewardship has contributed significantly to improved efficiency and stronger performance across the public sector.
