MOROGORO, Tanzania: Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has called on government agencies to close loopholes that allow corruption, particularly in public procurement, project execution, and contract management—areas that account for more than 75% of public spending.
The call comes as the East African nation seeks to strengthen governance and attract investor confidence.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Morogoro on Tuesday, Nchemba highlighted the bureau’s recent successes, including the recovery of over 60.2 billion Tanzanian shillings ($23 million) in misappropriated funds.
He said the resources had been redirected to essential services, including health, education, water, electricity, and infrastructure projects.
Nchemba also cited strong performance in the courts, with convictions secured in nearly 69% of the 489 corruption cases prosecuted between July and December 2025, reflecting improved investigations and cooperation between investigators and the judiciary.
“Tanzania has intensified anti-corruption measures in recent years to align with international standards and bolster confidence among investors and citizens alike,” Nchemba said.
The government has expanded PCCB capacity through increased staffing, higher budgets, and legal reforms.
Key measures include digitising public services to limit discretionary decision-making, expanding electronic procurement systems for transparency in government contracts, tightening oversight of public finances and major projects, and strengthening asset declaration and audit frameworks for officials.
The reforms have helped reduce opportunities for graft, improve compliance, and enhance public trust.
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Tanzania has also seen measurable progress on international anti-corruption indicators. In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, the latest available, Tanzania scored 41 out of 100, ranking 82nd out of 180 countries, up from 87th in 2023.
The score places the country above the sub-Saharan African average and ahead of most regional peers, with Rwanda as the only East African country performing better.
Domestic surveys, including a 2025 Afrobarometer study, show growing public approval for the government’s anti-corruption efforts, even as citizens remain cautious about reporting cases due to fear of retaliation.
Nchemba urged citizens to report corruption incidents, assuring confidentiality, and called for active participation by the private sector, international partners, youth, and women.
The Tanzania’s PM also directed closer coordination between the PCCB and the Public Service Ethics Secretariat to reinforce accountability in the civil service.
Linking anti-corruption work to Tanzania’s long-term development agenda, Nchemba said curbing graft is essential for achieving the National Development Vision 2050, promoting sustainable growth, and creating a more attractive environment for investors.
“Preventing corruption is your responsibility and mine, let us fulfil our duty,” he said, urging PCCB leaders to build on recent gains and deepen preventive action.
