Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Elijah Mwandumbya, has called on government budget experts to prioritize projects to ensure resources are used efficiently and avoid implementing initiatives outside the approved budget.
Speaking in Dodoma at a workshop for government budget experts, Mr. Mwandumbya emphasized the importance of using the improved Budget Preparation and Management System (CBMS) to guide budget planning and implementation.
He noted that some requests for funding new projects come shortly after the budget is approved, raising concerns about proper prioritization.
Mr. Mwandumbya also encouraged ministries to collaborate on similar projects to maximize resources.
He cited an example where the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries could implement a joint irrigation project to serve both crops and livestock, instead of executing separate projects that use the same resources.
“This approach increases efficiency. Even if slightly more resources are needed, combining projects produces better results than multiple separate initiatives,” he said.
He added that the 2026/2027 fiscal year will be the first budget aligned with the National Vision 2050 and will build on ongoing work plans.
He urged experts to consider both the National Vision and the Party Manifesto when planning budgets to ensure projects support the country’s short, medium, and long-term goals.
The workshop, which includes experts from ministries, government agencies, semi-autonomous departments, and regional secretariats, will conclude on August 29, 2025.
Discussions will also cover lessons from the 2024/25 budget, preparation of the 2025/26 budget, and input for the 2026/27 Government Planning and Budget Guidelines.
