By Alfred Zacharia
Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, Dr. Doto Biteko, has challenged board chairpersons and chief executives of public institutions to deliver on strategic resolutions and convert government investments worth TSh86 trillion into tangible economic growth.
Closing the 2025 Public Institutions CEOs Forum in Arusha on August 26, Dr. Biteko urged leaders to drive poverty reduction and economic transformation by improving efficiency and boosting contributions to the national treasury.
“Citizens expect you to transform their lives. When we talk about poverty, the government must lead in eradicating it. You have a duty to raise living standards,” he said.
He cited progress made after last year’s commitments. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) doubled its contribution to the consolidated fund from TSh5.5 billion in 2023/24 to TSh11.1 billion in 2024/25. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) increased its contribution by 363 percent, from TSh1.2 billion to TSh5.5 billion in the same period.
“These results prove that your decisions work. But expectations remain high as we advance toward Vision 2050,” he said, urging institutions to become self-reliant and match the performance of private firms.
Dr. Biteko directed executives to seal revenue leakages, following instructions from Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango, and called on them to promote peaceful participation in the 2025 General Election, noting that stability drives institutional success.
Deputy Minister for Planning and Investment, Stanslaus Nyongo, expressed appreciation to President Samia for her guidance in strengthening public enterprises.
He said the four-day forum enabled knowledge-sharing with local and international experts and reaffirmed that his ministry will ensure full implementation of the forum’s resolutions.
“The ministry will oversee reforms to make public institutions key drivers of economic growth, with the goal of raising GDP from the current US$85 billion to US$1 trillion by 2050,” he said.
Acting Arusha Regional Commissioner Salim Kali highlighted achievements in rural electrification, water projects, and road infrastructure that have improved livelihoods and supported tourism.
Treasury Registrar Nehemia Mchechu revealed that over 650 participants from more than 300 companies joined the three-day session, which focused on maximizing state investment returns and strengthening public enterprises as economic growth engines.
The forum ran under the theme: “Sustainable Business Partnerships in a Globally Competitive Environment – The Role of Public Institutions.”