DAR ES SALAAM: President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday called for tighter oversight of public funds despite reporting progress in financial accountability and governance across government institutions.
Speaking after receiving reports from the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Hassan said recent improvements reflected growing transparency and efficiency in the management of public resources.
“Accountability is not optional; it is a duty for all public leaders and Tanzanians,” she said, adding that misuse of public funds would be addressed in line with the law.
The reports, presented at State House in Dar es Salaam, highlighted gains in financial reporting, anti-corruption enforcement and procurement oversight during the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
Hassan said the three institutions play a central role in ensuring public resources are used effectively to support development and improve citizens’ welfare.
She cited an increase in clean audit opinions in the CAG report as evidence of improved financial management, but said identified weaknesses must be addressed through full implementation of audit recommendations.
On anti-corruption efforts, Hassan acknowledged progress in monitoring development projects, recovering public funds and prosecuting corruption cases. However, she warned that recurring weaknesses must be tackled and urged the PCCB to maintain firm and impartial enforcement.
She also called on public officials to uphold integrity and avoid corruption to safeguard national resources.
Turning to public procurement, Hassan praised reforms led by PPRA, including upgrades to the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST), which she said have strengthened transparency in government spending.
Procurement accounts for a significant share of public expenditure and must be managed with “the highest level of integrity,” she said, urging strict adherence to procedures.
Hassan directed the procurement regulator to include performance rankings of institutions in its next report to enhance accountability and encourage compliance.
She also instructed government agencies to improve coordination and integration of digital systems to close loopholes, tasking relevant ministries with strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka was directed to monitor implementation of recommendations from the three oversight bodies.
Hassan said the government would review the findings and ensure recommendations are implemented, adding that the audit report would be submitted to parliament in line with constitutional requirements.
She described the CAG, PCCB and PPRA as pillars of good governance, saying their work is essential to ensuring public funds are managed efficiently and transparently.
