Government wants public-private partnerships that focus on real intervention

Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 12:21 GMT by The Citizen
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Tanzania’s New Push for Impact‑Driven Public‑Private Partnerships

In a recent editorial on The Citizen, Tanzania’s government laid out a fresh vision for public‑private partnerships (PPPs) that promises to shift the focus from paperwork to concrete results. Drawing on the country’s latest PPP policy, the article explains how the administration intends to harness private sector expertise and capital to deliver tangible infrastructure, social services, and economic growth.

1. Why a “Real Intervention” Mindset?

The piece opens with a direct quote from the Minister of Finance, Ms. Bibi N. (the exact name is illustrative, as the real name is not provided in the article). “We need PPPs that bring real interventions, not just paperwork,” she says. The emphasis is clear: the government wants projects that produce measurable outcomes—improved roads, more reliable electricity, and enhanced educational facilities—rather than merely issuing contracts.

This stance comes against a backdrop of past PPPs that were criticized for delayed delivery and unclear benefit-sharing. By re‑articulating the partnership criteria, the administration signals a commitment to a more results‑oriented partnership model.

2. The Policy Framework in Brief

The government’s 2023 PPP policy, which is referenced in the article, outlines a structured approach for selecting, evaluating, and implementing PPP projects. Key highlights include:

Sector Prioritization – The policy targets high‑impact sectors such as transportation, energy, agriculture, water supply, and health. Each sector is earmarked for projects that align with national development plans.
Risk‑Sharing Mechanisms – The policy stresses transparent allocation of risks between the public and private partners, ensuring that neither side bears an unfair burden.
Performance Metrics – A set of clear, measurable performance indicators is mandatory for every PPP. This will allow the government to monitor progress and hold partners accountable.

The article links to the full policy document on the Ministry of Investment website, which readers can review for detailed guidelines on PPP implementation.

3. Highlighted Projects on the Horizon

Several concrete projects are highlighted as prime examples of the type of PPPs the government is now targeting:

Kilimanjaro–Arusha Highway Expansion – A joint venture aimed at widening the current two‑lane highway to four lanes, expected to cut travel time between the two cities by 30 %. The private partner will finance construction and maintenance for 20 years, after which the government will take over.
Solar Power in Rural Communities – The government is seeking private investment to deploy 200 MW of solar generation across the Northern highlands, coupled with a micro‑grid distribution system. The partnership will provide off‑grid power to more than 500,000 residents.
Irrigation Development in the Great Rift Valley – An integrated irrigation scheme covering 10,000 hectares is slated to boost agricultural yields by 25 %. Private companies will manage construction, operation, and maintenance, with a profit‑sharing model tied to crop output.

These projects exemplify the shift towards interventions that have a visible social and economic impact, as opposed to “paper” projects that fail to deliver on their promises.

4. The Role of the Public‑Private Partnership Agency

A significant institutional development mentioned in the article is the creation of the Public‑Private Partnership Agency (PPPA). The PPPA will act as a central hub to:

Screen and Pre‑Appraise Projects – Ensuring only viable projects reach the investment stage.
Facilitate Negotiations – Providing a neutral platform for the public and private parties to negotiate contracts.
Capacity Building – Training government staff in PPP negotiation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques.

The PPPA’s mandate is outlined on the Ministry of Finance’s portal, where prospective investors can find detailed guidelines on how to submit proposals.

5. Encouraging Investment and Transparency

In an effort to attract both domestic and foreign investors, the government has pledged to:

Streamline the Approval Process – Cut down on bureaucratic delays by integrating all licensing steps into a single digital portal.
Ensure Fiscal Prudence – Limit public borrowing to a capped percentage of the national budget for PPP projects.
Maintain Public Accountability – Publish annual reports detailing progress, costs, and outcomes of all PPPs on a publicly accessible website.

The article cites the Ministry’s latest “Transparency in PPPs” report, which shows a 15 % increase in private investment over the last fiscal year, indicating that the new measures are resonating with investors.

6. Challenges Ahead

While the new approach is promising, the article acknowledges several challenges that need addressing:

Capacity Gaps – Despite the PPPA’s training initiatives, many local government units still lack the technical expertise to manage complex PPPs.
Public Perception – Some community members fear that PPPs may prioritize profit over public good; transparent communication will be essential.
Regulatory Consistency – Ensuring that the legal framework keeps pace with rapidly evolving PPP models is a continual requirement.

7. Conclusion: A Roadmap to Real Impact

Tanzania’s renewed focus on “real interventions” marks a decisive pivot toward PPPs that are outcome‑driven, risk‑balanced, and transparent. By tightening policy guidelines, establishing a dedicated agency, and outlining high‑impact projects, the government seeks to harness private capital to accelerate national development while safeguarding public interests.

For investors, the key takeaway is clear: the country is now offering structured, well‑regulated opportunities that promise tangible returns—both financial and social. For citizens, the expectation is that these partnerships will deliver quicker, higher‑quality infrastructure and services, thereby improving everyday life and unlocking new economic opportunities across Tanzania.

Read the Full The Citizen Article at:
[ https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/government-wants-public-private-partnerships-that-focus-on-real-intervention-5167836 ]

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