ACT-Wazalendo has criticised the Government’s 2026/27 national budget, arguing that it does not adequately address challenges facing Tanzanians in key sectors, including health, agriculture and business.
The party’s leader, Dorothy Semu, said the budget had fallen short of public expectations, particularly in delivering solutions to rising healthcare costs, supporting farmers and improving the business environment.
Presenting the party’s analysis of the budget, Ms Semu said many citizens expected stronger measures to improve healthcare services, especially under the government's universal health coverage agenda.
She said the cost of treatment and diagnostic services for chronic diseases remains high in public hospitals, forcing many families to spend a significant portion of their income on healthcare.
According to her, the budget does not clearly outline how the government intends to reduce treatment costs or expand access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
Ms Semu also questioned the effectiveness of the current universal health insurance framework, arguing that a large proportion of Tanzanians remain outside formal health insurance schemes and continue to rely on out-of-pocket payments when seeking medical care.
She proposed the establishment of a universal social protection system that would enable citizens to contribute according to their financial capacity, while the government supports vulnerable groups unable to make contributions.
The ACT-Wazalendo leader further highlighted persistent shortages of healthcare workers, medicines and medical equipment in health facilities across the country.
She said the budget does not provide sufficient measures to address staffing gaps or improve the availability of essential medicines and supplies.
In the agriculture sector, Ms Semu said farmers continue to face high fertiliser prices and dependence on imported inputs, increasing production costs and reducing profitability.
She noted that a significant share of fertiliser used in Tanzania is imported and argued that the budget lacks adequate strategies to strengthen domestic fertiliser production and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
The party also expressed concern over the level of funding allocated to agriculture, despite the sector employing the majority of Tanzanians and contributing substantially to the national economy.
Ms Semu said budget allocations to agriculture remain below the sector’s needs and that disbursement of approved funds has often been inconsistent.
On the operations of the Port of Dar es Salaam, ACT-Wazalendo called for greater transparency regarding investment arrangements and port management reforms.
She said that while cargo volumes have increased, challenges related to cargo delays, infrastructure limitations and congestion associated with container transportation in Dar es Salaam continue to affect efficiency.
The party urged the government to make public details of port management agreements and provide information on the benefits generated from the investments to ensure greater accountability.
Ms Semu said the 2026/27 budget introduces additional taxes and levies while failing to provide sustainable solutions to challenges affecting ordinary citizens.
She said ACT-Wazalendo would continue advocating for prudent management of public resources and policies aimed at improving healthcare, agriculture, employment opportunities and economic growth.
