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By Dr. Bravious Kahyoza and Michael Kihanga
Since March 26, 2025, the Public-Private Partnership Centre (PPPC) has been actively engaging with local councils across Katavi, facilitating training sessions aimed at identifying and preparing projects for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities.
The sessions have reached professionals from Mpimbwe, Mlele, and Mpanda Municipality, with a total of 72 local experts attending.
The initiative, organized by PPPC experts, focuses on helping participants understand the concept of PPPs, prepare Project Concept Notes, craft investment advertisements, and leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for mapping out potential projects in the councils’ planning frameworks.
Thanks to the efforts of the districts' directors, the training has been met with great enthusiasm. In Mlele, 16 professionals were trained, while Mpimbwe saw 36 attendees, and 20 participated in Mpanda Municipality.
Mpimbwe District Council: a vision for economic growth
Ms. Shamim Mwariko, the Director of Mpimbwe District Council, opened the training by highlighting the vast potential for PPP projects in her district.
She pointed out that sectors such as agriculture, tourism, sports, and local trade could be key drivers for PPP partnerships.
"PPP has the power to transform our economy, but it requires a shift in how we view the private sector. The private sector is essential for driving economic growth," Ms. Shamim remarked during her address.
The discussions during the training revealed that sectors like agriculture, hospitality services, and infrastructure for small businesses have significant potential for PPP projects.
Ms. Shamim encouraged the PPPC to focus on priority areas to accelerate PPP adoption across the country.
Mpanda Municipality: unlocking regional potential
For Mpanda Municipality, Ms. Sophia Kumbulu, the Municipality's Director, described the training as a turning point for both the municipality and the broader region.
She emphasized Mpanda’s strategic position as the capital of Katavi, and its potential to become a hub for PPP initiatives.
"Mpanda can be the center of PPP activities for our region, given its proximity to neighboring countries such as DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda," she said.
In addition to identifying areas such as garment industries, guesthouses, and agricultural markets for potential PPP projects.
Ms. Kumbulu highlighted that Mpanda already possesses key infrastructure, including an airport and reliable road networks, making it a prime location for large-scale PPP investments.
Mlele District Council: fostering growth in agriculture and livestock
Ms. Sigilinda Mdemu, Director of Mlele District Council, expressed great enthusiasm for the PPP training, which she sees as a vital opportunity to unlock the economic potential of her district.
She pointed out that Mlele's focus on agriculture and livestock offers significant opportunities for PPP collaborations.
"Mlele is an agricultural and livestock-oriented district, and PPPs could bring remarkable improvements in productivity, benefiting both the economy and the livelihoods of our people," said Ms. Mdemu.
The trained professionals in Mlele, guided by the PPPC facilitators, identified various project opportunities, including agricultural markets, parking facilities, beekeeping ventures, and the establishment of small-scale agricultural processing industries.
The road ahead for PPPs in Katavi
The training sessions and project identification activities across these councils demonstrate a growing momentum to drive economic transformation through PPPs.
Local officials have shown a clear commitment to harnessing the benefits of public-private partnerships, which include access to capital, technology, and management expertise.
PPPs not only provide a way to unlock economic potential but also foster decentralized development and greater participation of local communities in economic activities.
The success of this initiative in Katavi marks a significant step forward in the journey toward a more inclusive and sustainable economy in Tanzania.
As the PPPC continues to lead these efforts, it plays a pivotal role in reshaping Tanzania’s economic landscape by encouraging partnerships that benefit both the public and private sectors. The training in Katavi is an important milestone in this ongoing effort.
