The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has recorded strong development progress in Mkalama District during the 2025/26 financial year, with notable improvements in education, health, agriculture, livestock, business development, environment, and community empowerment aimed at raising the welfare of citizens.
District authorities said the achievements reflect the government’s continued commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to strengthen service delivery and ensure that development resources directly benefit wananchi at the grassroots level.
They also acknowledged the support and coordination from the Prime Minister's Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), which has played a key role in improving planning, supervision, and implementation of development projects in the district.
The update was shared with the media to highlight key achievements for the 2025/26 financial year, which ended on June 30, and to outline priority areas for the 2026/27 financial year.
In economic empowerment, the council disbursed 10 percent revolving funds amounting to TZS 500,598,000 to 52 groups of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Women’s groups received TZS 208,011,000, youth groups TZS 259,787,000, and persons with disabilities groups TZS 32,800,000.
The funds have enabled many beneficiaries to start or expand businesses, increase income, and create employment at community level.
To bring services closer to citizens, the council introduced a mobile outreach initiative known as MAK (Mkalama Asilimia Kumi Kliniki), which takes loan services directly to villages.
Through this initiative, about 2,000 citizens were reached through public meetings held in 17 wards and 70 villages, while digital platforms extended awareness to approximately 2,000,000 people across and beyond the district.
In addition, 289 beneficiaries received entrepreneurship and business management training, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The training has helped improve business skills, strengthen financial management, and increase self-employment opportunities.
In the business sector, the council inspected and provided advisory services to 560 shops to improve business performance and compliance.
As a result, investment in the district increased from 6 investors in 2024/25 to 9 investors by June 2026, in sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, and livestock. These investments have contributed to job creation for both youth and adults.
The education sector continued to expand, with the construction of four new schools—Kinyambuli and Kidarafa secondary schools, and Mlumba and Gracemesaki primary schools—at a total cost of TZS 1,304,625,624. The investments have helped improve access to education, especially in rural areas.
Further improvements worth TZS 305,000,000 were made in education infrastructure, including 34 classrooms, 5 laboratories, and 1 dormitory.
The number of advanced secondary schools increased from 3 to 6, while the district now has 99 primary schools and 22 secondary schools.
Academic performance also improved, with Form Four pass rates increasing from 97.89 percent to 97.91 percent, while Form Six maintained a 100 percent pass rate. Primary school performance rose from 68 percent to 71.85 percent, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen learning outcomes.
Education services were further supported through government capitation grants totaling TZS 1,692,175,371.
The district also distributed 45,848 textbooks and 115 ICT devices to improve learning conditions. To address teacher shortages, 65 new teachers were recruited and deployed to schools.
In the health sector, the district constructed four new dispensaries in Makulo, Yulanson, Kitumbili, and Tumuli villages, and continued with the construction of a new health centre in Iguguno, along with rehabilitation of existing facilities.
These investments, valued at TZS 719,143,506, have increased the number of health facilities to 55, improving access to healthcare services.
Availability of medicines improved to 93.8 percent following the procurement of drugs and medical supplies worth TZS 850,968,855.17.
The district also received 11 modern diagnostic machines and medical equipment worth TZS 200,000,000 to strengthen service delivery.
Vaccination coverage reached 100 percent, while immunization performance improved to 105 percent, showing strong outreach by health workers.
Free health services for vulnerable groups benefited 5,501 elderly citizens and 15,664 children under five years of age, with services valued at TZS 104,024,958.
In environmental conservation, the district supported the national clean energy agenda by distributing 4,370 clean cooking stoves, including gas and improved charcoal stoves. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on firewood and protect forests from degradation.
Tree planting efforts also expanded, with 800,817 trees planted across villages and public areas. A tree nursery producing 20,000 seedlings was also established to ensure continuous availability of trees for environmental conservation activities.
Agriculture remained the backbone of the district economy. Food crop production increased significantly from 116,948 tonnes to 354,438 tonnes, while cash crop production rose from 44,796 tonnes to 50,471 tonnes. This growth has strengthened food security and household incomes.
These achievements were supported by increased agricultural extension services, improved access to subsidized inputs worth TZS 9,488,500,000, and better market systems through warehouse receipt arrangements.
Farmers received payments totaling TZS 8,143,989.09, while the council collected TZS 246,688,529 in agricultural levies.
The livestock sector also recorded progress, with 173,775 animals receiving veterinary services. Overall livestock productivity increased from 65 percent to 80 percent, supported by more extension officers and improved animal health services.
A total of 379,196 animals were treated through dipping services, while vaccination campaigns worth TZS 101,550,000 were implemented to control major livestock diseases and improve productivity.
In human resources, the council recruited 344 new staff across key sectors including education, health, agriculture, and administration.
In addition, 216 employees were promoted based on performance, improving efficiency and service delivery across the district.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, the council will focus on completing key development projects, including the construction of Ishenga Secondary School under SEQUIP, classrooms, laboratories, sanitation facilities, staff houses, ICT infrastructure, and health facilities, including the completion of the district hospital.
The council will also continue to strengthen economic empowerment programs and improve services in education, health, agriculture, and livestock to further raise the living standards of citizens.
In conclusion, district leaders called for continued cooperation between government leaders, public servants, and wananchi.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability and encouraged citizens to support development efforts.
They also reminded public servants to align their work with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which officially began implementation on July 1, 2026, calling for greater productivity, innovation, and accountability in public service delivery for faster national development.
