The Ministry of Finance has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Mzumbe University (MU) to strengthen capacity in procurement, supply chain, and public asset management, a move aimed at producing graduates equipped with skills that match government needs and labour market demands.
The pledge was made today by the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary for Treasury Services at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Lusius Mwenda, while closing a one-day training programme for Mzumbe University students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Asset Management.
The training was organised by the Government Assets Management Department of the Ministry of Finance and held at the Kambarage Hall, Treasury Square, in Dodoma.
Mr Mwenda said the programme was designed to expose students to practical aspects of public asset management, including an understanding of laws, policies, regulations and guidelines governing public assets, procedures for disposal and verification of government assets, and the use of the Government Assets Management Information System (GAMIS).
“We commend Mzumbe University for introducing a Bachelor’s Degree in Government Assets Management, as it is a critical step that aligns with the actual needs of the job market and government responsibilities,” Mr Mwenda said.
He noted that the government has made significant progress in strengthening systems for payments and asset management compared to previous years, with the aim of enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in the use of public resources.
“The government has taken major steps in the use of digital systems, including the Government Assets Management Information System (GAMIS), the National e-Procurement System (NeST) and the Government e-Payment Gateway (GePG). These systems have enhanced transparency and accountability while helping to close loopholes for corruption,” he explained.
Mr Mwenda urged the students to use the training opportunity to build their professional capacity, deepen their knowledge and exchange experiences, while remaining committed to academic excellence to compete effectively in the job market.
Earlier, while welcoming the guest of honour, the Director of the Government Assets Management Department at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Chotto Sendo, said the ministry has continued to improve systems for managing public assets in response to evolving legal and regulatory frameworks.
“In 2009, the government established the Government Assets Management Department to oversee public assets nationwide. In 2012, the ministry issued the Public Assets Management Guidelines, which were revised in 2019 to reflect emerging needs,” Mr Sendo said.
He added that the government has continued to strengthen GAMIS, enabling improved record-keeping of public assets, and has recently upgraded the system to GAMIS Version II (2025) to align with current operational requirements.
On his part, the Head of the Faculty of Procurement and Supply and Senior Lecturer at Mzumbe University, Dr Paul Nsimbila, commended the Ministry of Finance for providing the practical training, describing it as critical in building students’ professional competence.
He said Mzumbe University would continue collaborating with the ministry to enhance hands-on training for students by drawing on the experience of ministry experts in public asset management.
The one-day training was attended by 150 students and seven lecturers from Mzumbe University’s Morogoro campus, underscoring the growing emphasis on linking academic training with practical public sector requirements.