By Our Correspondent, Dodoma
Tanzanians have been urged to actively engage in the government budget process to fully benefit from national development priorities and economic opportunities available in their communities.
Speaking on Wednesday during the ongoing Nane Nane National Agricultural Exhibition at Nzuguni Grounds in Dodoma, Senior Economist from the Government Budget Department in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Eliud Mkiramweni, said the national budget should not be seen merely as a government financing tool but as a guiding framework that outlines the country's key investment areas.
“The government budget is a reflection of national priorities, such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water, energy, and support for small and medium enterprises,” said Mr. Mkiramweni at the Ministry of Finance pavilion.
He added that “When citizens understand these priorities early, they are better positioned to leverage available opportunities to improve their livelihoods.”
He noted that the budget process is open to the public and begins at the grassroots level — from villages and wards to councils and eventually to Parliament.
Citizens, he said, can play a role in proposing projects, tracking allocations, and monitoring implementation.
“Citizen participation strengthens accountability and ensures that government resources are used effectively. It also empowers people to demand results and contribute to decision-making processes,” he explained.
Mr. Mkiramweni added that involving the public in the budget process promotes transparency and can help create new economic prospects — particularly for youth, women, and small-scale farmers.
He encouraged village and street leaders to raise awareness on the importance of the budget cycle and ensure community members are actively involved in identifying development priorities.
“The budget should not be understood only by technocrats or government officials. Every Tanzanian who wants to see real progress in their community must engage in the process,” he emphasized.
According to Mr. Mkiramweni, meaningful citizen participation can lead to more relevant, efficient, and sustainable development projects that directly impact people's lives.
“The national budget has a direct effect on citizens. When they have a say in how it is planned, they are more likely to see impactful and well-implemented projects,” he said.
The Ministry of Finance and its institutions are participating in the Nane Nane Exhibition under the theme:
“Choose Good Leaders for Sustainable Agricultural and Fisheries Development 2025.”
The annual event brings together stakeholders in agriculture, governance, and economic development to share knowledge, technologies, and policy initiatives.