Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has officially opened the 15th National Conference of the Local Government Reform Association (TOA), urging local government leaders to strengthen reforms and innovation in service delivery to meet the needs of citizens more effectively.
The three-day conference, held at the City Hall in Mtumba Government City, Dodoma, has brought together Regional Administrative Secretaries and Directors of Local Government Authorities (LGAs) from across the country.
The event serves as a national platform for sharing experiences, reviewing reform progress, and building leadership capacity among key players in local governance.
Addressing the gathering on Monday, April 14, 2025, the Prime Minister commended TOA for its continued commitment to enhancing the performance of local authorities through research, knowledge exchange, and strategic guidance.
“This meeting is not just a formality it is a crucial space for reflection and planning. The Government counts on you to lead reform efforts that will boost efficiency, accountability, and public trust in our local institutions,” said Majaliwa.
He emphasized that effective local government is central to national development, noting that service delivery begins at the grassroots. The Prime Minister encouraged participants to develop homegrown solutions and adopt modern approaches to governance.
This year’s conference is themed “Driving Local Reforms for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the importance of responsive leadership, digital transformation, and community-centered planning in advancing local development goals.
TOA is a professional association composed of Council Directors and Regional Administrative Secretaries.
Its mandate includes providing technical advice to the Government, fostering peer learning, and championing reforms that improve the functioning of LGAs.
TOA Chairperson Mr. Elias Mwandobo, who also serves as the Director of Shinyanga Municipal Council, said the association remains committed to supporting the Government’s decentralization agenda.
“We believe that empowered, ethical, and well-trained leaders at the local level are the foundation of effective governance. TOA is investing in continuous learning and innovation to ensure our leaders are well-equipped to meet today’s development challenges,” he said.
He added that the conference would also provide an opportunity to assess the implementation of key reform areas, including human resources, financial accountability, public participation, and service integration.
Throughout the event, participants will engage in technical discussions, case studies, and presentations from government institutions and development partners, all aimed at enhancing local government operations across Tanzania.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to a renewed vision for local government reforms that align with national priorities and the aspirations of Tanzanian communities.