Tanzania has called for stronger financial accountability, institutional reforms and increased domestic investment in healthcare as African Union (AU) ministers deliberate on the bloc's 2027 budget and governance agenda in Addis Ababa.
The country's position was presented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, who is leading Tanzania's delegation at the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council on behalf of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
Speaking during the two-day meeting, Ambassador Mussa said Tanzania supports the adoption of the AU's 2027 budget but stressed that effective public financial management, accountability and results-based budgeting must remain central to the Union's operations.
He said the AU should ensure its financial resources are used efficiently to deliver tangible benefits to African citizens while reducing reliance on external development partners.
He also emphasised that staff recruitment, institutional expansion and programme implementation should be aligned with the organisation's financial capacity to enhance long-term sustainability.
During deliberations on institutional reforms and audit reports, Tanzania urged the AU to strengthen its internal audit, financial management, procurement and reporting systems.
The country also called for the full implementation of audit recommendations to reinforce transparency, integrity and efficiency across AU institutions.
On health, Tanzania commended the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for its role in strengthening the continent's health security and preparedness against disease outbreaks.
The delegation urged AU member states to increase domestic investment in health systems, expand local production of medicines and medical supplies, and deepen cooperation to improve Africa's capacity to prevent and respond to public health emergencies.
Tanzania said these measures are essential for advancing the African Union's Agenda 2063 and building a more resilient, self-reliant continent capable of addressing emerging development and health challenges.