The recently announced Controller
and Auditor General (CAG) report continues to ignite discussions across social
media, generating both skepticism and praise for the Tanzanian government.
Since its presentation before
President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma, analysts and critics have been
actively debating its transparency compared to previous administrations.
A key point of contention, as
highlighted on JamiiForums platform, revolves around the rising national debt, a topic
that has drawn widespread engagement across various media outlets.
While the debt has increased
significantly, many critics argue that a large portion of it stems from the
previous administration, which failed to clarify financial obligations, leaving
the current government to manage the repercussions.
One forum participant, Kalemba,
commented that "Samia has only borrowed five trillion shillings, while the
rest originated from her predecessor. Most of these debts are high-interest
commercial loans that require short-term repayment, forcing Samia to borrow
more just to settle them."
Discussions have also emphasized
the unprecedented transparency of the latest CAG report, which analysts believe
surpasses those of previous administrations in openness and accountability.
The report provides insight into
ongoing projects, such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane from Mwenge to Boko,
which is progressing rapidly, with arguments claimed that the compensation being paid to affected
residents.
However, concerns persist that
Tanzania’s national debt could soon surpass that of neighboring Kenya, as the
rising figures have sparked warnings among economic experts.
A key question emerged from the
debate: did the sixth administration accumulate 30 trillion shillings in debt
compared to the previous regime’s 60 trillion?
An expert weighed in, noting that
debt values fluctuate based on the exchange rate of the Tanzanian shilling
against the US dollar, often changing every year.
"Not all debt arises from
borrowing; some is a result of currency depreciation against the dollar, a
factor that even Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba previously
explained," a member pointed out.
Between July 2015 and April 2016,
the national debt surged from 12,779.9 million USD to 13,318.9 million USD,
highlighting the growing burden from the end of the fifth administration to the
current sixth government. Since President Samia took office in 2021, a total of
25 recorded loans have been acquired up to June 2024.
Despite ongoing concerns, many
citizens support Samia’s administration, arguing that the rising GDP justifies
the increasing debt.
The CAG report, presented on
March 27, 2025, at the State House by Controller and Auditor General Charles
Kichere, underscores the government's commitment to financial accountability
while shedding light on the economic strategies shaping Tanzania’s future.
