Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has underscored the need for monitoring and evaluation experts in Tanzania to uphold professionalism and fairness in their work to ensure better governance and sustainable development.
Closing the Fourth Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Conference in Mwanza on behalf of Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdullah, Dr. Biteko urged practitioners to avoid bias and instead provide accurate assessments that highlight both achievements and challenges.
“When carrying out your duties, do not feel intimidated or seek popularity. Be fair and bold enough to show weaknesses and reveal the truth so that corrective measures can be taken,” he said.
Dr. Biteko praised the experts for successfully implementing 78 percent of last year’s resolutions but insisted that more effort is needed.
“I congratulate you for the progress achieved, but we need more from you,” he emphasized.
He further directed employers, directors, and departmental heads to prioritize capacity building by enrolling their staff in specialized training programs that will equip them with the skills and tools required for effective performance.
Earlier, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination), Dr. James Kilabuka, said the annual conference has continued to gain traction, attracting participants from across the region.
“This year, we registered over 1,200 participants compared to 954 last year,” he said.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity for Society to Enhance Performance and Sustainable Development,” the MEL Conference provided a platform for experts to share knowledge, track progress, and reinforce the role of evaluation in driving accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.