The National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) has been directed to take its programmes closer to ordinary Tanzanians and ensure citizens know what financial support is available, who qualifies and how to access it.
The directive was issued by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, when he met NEEC Executive Secretary Jabiri Makame.
Prof Kabudi said NEEC should ensure its work is felt at community level by improving public awareness of government empowerment funds and programmes.
He said citizens should be able to identify the opportunities available to them and understand the procedures for accessing them.
The directive highlights one of the key challenges facing public empowerment initiatives—ensuring that information about available support reaches the people who are expected to benefit from it.
“NEEC must reach and touch the lives of citizens,” Prof Kabudi said, stressing the need for the council to make information on empowerment funds, programmes and opportunities accessible to the public.
The minister also urged the council to explain how citizens can take advantage of the opportunities rather than leaving them to navigate government programmes without adequate information.
Prof Kabudi congratulated Mr Makame on his appointment and said his previous experience as a district commissioner and regional commissioner would help him in delivering NEEC's mandate.
Mr Makame thanked Prof Kabudi for the guidance and pledged to work with NEEC employees to implement the directives.
He said the council would focus on meeting citizens' expectations at a time when Tanzania has begun implementing the National Development Vision 2050.
The focus on access to information is significant because government empowerment schemes can only benefit their intended recipients when citizens know where to apply, the requirements involved and the opportunities available to them.
Mr Makame also held meetings with Deputy Minister Ummy Nderiananga and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr James Kilabuka, who represented the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities.
The engagements marked part of Mr Makame’s initial consultations with senior officials as he begins his tenure as NEEC Executive Secretary.