The 16th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (TOA) is set to focus on how decentralisation can accelerate the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and ensure citizens benefit directly from development initiatives in their communities.
The meeting will be held from August 19 to 21, 2026, at the Dodoma City Council Hall in the Government City of Mtumba, under the theme: “Decentralisation of Powers to Local Government Authorities is a Strong Pillar for Achieving the National Development Vision 2050.”
TOA Chairman Albert Gabriel Msovela said the meeting would provide an important platform for stakeholders to examine how devolving decision-making powers to local authorities can improve development planning, project implementation and access to social services.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officiate the official opening of the meeting on August 19.
Mr Msovela said the meeting was in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen decentralisation and ensure citizens have a greater role in determining and overseeing development priorities in their communities.
He said discussions would examine key areas outlined in the Development Vision 2050, with experts expected to present papers on various aspects of local governance and development.
“This meeting is an opportunity for delegates to discuss areas outlined in the Vision. We will have various topics presented by experts, and I urge citizens to follow the meeting live through different media platforms so they can understand how TOA will involve them in innovation and the management of development projects, including those in health, education and road infrastructure,” Mr Msovela said.
He added that the meeting was expected to produce resolutions and implementation strategies aimed at ensuring citizens derive tangible benefits from development programmes implemented through local government authorities.
The TOA chairman urged delegates to participate fully in the discussions, saying their contribution would be critical in developing practical strategies that respond to citizens’ needs and support national development goals.
Participants will include Regional Administrative Secretaries from all 26 regions, Directors of Local Government Authorities, including city, municipal and district councils, as well as District Administrative Secretaries from the country’s 136 districts.
The meeting comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen local participation in development planning and service delivery, with decentralisation expected to play a key role in translating the ambitions of the Development Vision 2050 into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
