Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has launched Tanzania’s National Supply Chain Management Policy of 2025, urging institutions and officials responsible for its implementation to adhere to principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
Speaking in Dodoma yesterday during the launch ceremony at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre, Dr Nchemba said the effectiveness of the country’s procurement and supply chain system depends more on the integrity and professionalism of those implementing the rules than on the policies or laws themselves.
The Prime Minister launched the policy on behalf of Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that the move marks an important step in strengthening the management of public assets and national resources.
Dr Nchemba said audit reports from the Controller and Auditor General of Tanzania and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority have consistently shown that many challenges in public procurement stem not from weaknesses in policy, laws or regulations, but from those entrusted with enforcing them.
According to him, procurement activities are often influenced by the attitudes, behaviour and ethical standards of professionals and administrators involved in the process.
He therefore urged stakeholders, particularly from the private sector, to strengthen cooperation with the public sector in order to fully utilise the opportunities created by the policy.
Dr Nchemba said the policy provides, for the first time, a comprehensive national framework linking all stages of supply chain management from procurement and acquisition to storage, distribution, use and disposal of public assets.
“This is a historic moment in the management of our national resources. Tanzania now has a single policy framework that connects all critical stages of the supply chain system,” he said.
He noted that the policy aims to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and increase incomes while building an inclusive and competitive economy that benefits a large number of Tanzanians.
The Prime Minister added that the policy will also improve the availability and distribution of goods and services while boosting productivity and service delivery across various sectors of the economy.
Dr Nchemba said the policy prioritises the use of local raw materials and expertise, the growth of domestic industries and the strengthening of technological infrastructure to enhance efficiency in supply chain management.
He added that environmental protection and climate change considerations have also been incorporated into the policy to ensure sustainability in the management of national resources.
“These measures will transform supply chain management into a strategic tool for improving production, strengthening the supply of goods and services and increasing the country’s competitiveness in regional and international markets,” he said.
The Prime Minister directed ministries, independent departments, government agencies, public institutions, regional administration offices and local government authorities to implement the policy with professionalism, transparency and accountability.
He emphasised that the success of the policy will largely depend on the commitment, mindset and cooperation of all stakeholders involved in supply chain management at different levels.
Dr Nchemba also instructed authorities to ensure the policy strengthens the participation of local producers, small and medium-sized enterprises and special social groups so that economic opportunities generated through procurement systems benefit a broader section of society.
In addition, he called on ministries and public institutions to review policies, laws and regulations that may contradict the principles of the new policy in order to create a more supportive environment for effective supply chain management.
The event was attended by several senior government officials, including Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar, Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office for Finance and Planning Juma Malik Akil, representatives from the judiciary, Parliament leaders and regional administration officials from across the country.
