The Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC) has continued to roll out its second-phase nationwide project development and training initiative, with the latest efforts reaching Tanganyika and Nsimbo District Councils in Katavi Region.
Now in its third week, the ongoing exercise is part of the Centre’s mission to build capacity and ignite partnership-driven development across all Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania.
In Katavi, the initiative has sparked engaging discussions, constructive feedback, and technical insights from district-level experts.
Dr. Bravious Kahyoza, the PPPC’s regional coordinator, described the initiative as a catalyst for reviving the spirit of collaboration between public institutions and the private sector.
“The project is awakening a strong sense of partnership among leaders and technical staff in local councils,” he said.
Michael Kihanga, the programme’s co-coordinator, emphasized the momentum the exercise has created. “We are witnessing a new wave of awakening.
Local governments are realizing that PPPs are no longer a theoretical model but a practical solution for strategic, sustainable development,” he said.
Understanding PPPs and Identifying Viable Projects
Key areas of the training included understanding the PPP model, identifying bankable projects, preparing concept notes and investment profiles, and applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping potential projects.
In Tanganyika District Council, 39 experts were trained, while Nsimbo District Council had 12 participants. These efforts support the PPPC’s mission to foster a deeper understanding of PPP processes among public officials at the grassroots level.
“In every region we visit, we emphasize that our goal is not just to promote PPPs but to prepare projects that meet required standards. That starts with building capacity and increasing awareness,” said Innocent Mauki, Head of the Project Development Division at PPPC.
Tanganyika district eyes port and market infrastructure
Tanganyika District Council was spotlighted for its strong potential in tourism, transportation, agriculture, livestock, and market development. Dr. Kahyoza noted that PPPs offer more than just financing: “PPPs bring innovation, efficiency, and value for money. This is about transforming how we deliver public services.”
District Commissioner Mr. Onesmo Buswelu echoed this view, urging the PPPC team to focus on high-impact areas.
“We are thankful that PPPC has reached Tanganyika. My advice is to give priority to sectors that fight poverty directly—such as agriculture and livestock markets. These are the areas where citizens feel the impact of development,” he said.
Buswelu recommended that the council's planned international market and truck parking project near Karema Port be implemented through a PPP.
“This corridor has vast potential to stimulate cross-border trade with the DRC. We must unlock that through strategic infrastructure,” he noted.
Acting District Executive Director Dr. Alex Mrema added: “Karema Port is not just a local asset; it is a national gateway. Its development can shift our economy significantly.”
Nsimbo council sees opportunity in warehousing and agribusiness
In Nsimbo District, leaders are targeting agro-warehouses, market infrastructure, and logistics hubs as key PPP opportunities. Council Director Christine Bunini called the training “a catalyst for economic transformation.”
“This is aligned with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of placing the private sector at the heart of the national economy. In Nsimbo, we are determined to turn that vision into results,” she said.
Dr. Kahyoza reminded participants that any PPP arrangement must adhere to legal procedures.
“Before entering into a PPP contract, a local authority must notify and involve the PPPC. Everything must comply with the PPP Act and the 2020 Regulations,” he emphasized.
One of the council’s trade officers, also trained as a PPP specialist, noted that Nsimbo has strong investment potential in agro-processing and beverage production.
“Water bottling, fruit juices, and soft drinks are viable sectors for public-private collaboration,” he said.
Why PPPs Matter for Katavi’s Economic Future
Despite Katavi’s GDP growth rate of 6 percent, higher than the national average of 5.6 percent—the region faces a demographic challenge. Its population is growing at 7.2 percent annually, resulting in a negative per capita income growth rate of –1.2 percent.
By contrast, the national average per capita income is increasing at 2.6 percent, supported by a population growth rate of just 3 percent.
“This means that while the economy is growing, the average resident in Katavi is becoming poorer each year,” Dr. Kahyoza warned.
“That’s why we need PPPs—to accelerate formalization, improve productivity, and boost household income,” he added.
He cited examples like the Sibwesa livestock auction in Tanganyika, which draws informal buyers from South Sudan, Somalia, and the DRC.
“There’s no formal structure, no records, and no revenue to the council. Turning this into a PPP project would formalize the market and benefit everyone,” he explained.
The same applies to agriculture. Many internal migrants have settled in Katavi, engaging in small-scale farming and livestock keeping without formal support.
“We need to build structure, provide services, and introduce value chains. That’s where PPPs come in,” said Christine Bunini.
Dr. Kahyoza concluded by recalling the late President Benjamin Mkapa’s economic vision.
“When President Mkapa invited economist Hernando de Soto to advise Tanzania, the message was clear: we must formalize our economy. Today, that goal remains. Through PPPs, Katavi can lead the way.”
