The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Jenifa Christian Omolo, has officially opened the Budget and Planning Review Session for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
The session, held at Kambarage Hall in Dodoma, brings together Regional Administrative Secretaries, Municipal Directors, and Regional Budget Officers to evaluate financial allocations and strategic priorities aimed at driving national development.
Speaking at the opening session, Ms. Omolo emphasized the necessity of aligning financial resources with government objectives to ensure maximum impact.
"This review is essential in harmonizing our budget and planning processes, ensuring that we make informed financial decisions that support national development goals," she stated.
The session aims to establish a unified approach to budget planning, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to key sectors. It aligns with the 2025/26 Budget and Planning Guidelines, the Third Five-Year National Development Plan (FYDP III), and other sectoral policies.
Discussions focus on strategic investments that will stimulate economic growth, enhance service delivery, and improve public welfare.
Participants include key government officials responsible for budget formulation and implementation. Regional Administrative Secretaries and Municipal Directors play a critical role in translating budget allocations into actionable projects that benefit citizens.
"By bringing together stakeholders from different regions, we can develop a more synchronized and efficient budget execution framework," said Mr. Paul Mwakalebela, a Regional Budget Officer.
"This session allows us to assess challenges and devise strategies to improve budget execution."
A major focus of the review is fostering collaboration between interdependent sectors. Ms. Omolo highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation, stating, "We must strengthen coordination between sectors to prevent duplication of efforts and maximize impact.
Proper collaboration ensures that every shilling spent contributes directly to national priorities."
The session also underscores the efficient use of financial resources to meet short-, medium-, and long-term national goals.
Officials are tasked with identifying priority areas requiring funding and ensuring financial planning aligns with Tanzania’s overall development agenda.
A key issue raised during discussions was the need for increased accountability and transparency in budget execution.
Participants emphasized the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of allocated funds.
"It is not just about planning but also about effective and efficient implementation," said Ms. Grace Mwasale, a Municipal Director. "We must enhance our reporting systems to ensure public funds are managed responsibly."
The review session serves as a knowledge-sharing and capacity-building platform, equipping government officials with the skills to enhance budget management and planning.
Participants also explored innovative financing mechanisms to boost revenue generation and reduce dependence on external funding sources.
As the session progresses, government officials will present recommendations for improving budget planning and execution.
These insights will be incorporated into the final budget framework, ensuring that financial resources are allocated strategically to projects that align with Tanzania’s long-term development vision.
Ms. Omolo concluded by urging officials to stay committed to the goals outlined in the budget and development plans.
"Our responsibility is to serve the people by making well-informed financial decisions that foster sustainable development.
Let us collaborate to ensure our budgets address the real needs of our communities and drive long-term progress," she said.
The Budget and Planning Review Session marks a significant step in strengthening Tanzania’s financial management systems, ensuring that the government’s vision for economic growth and social development is realized through effective resource allocation and strategic planning.