MPs Training, Dodoma Tanzania

Introduction

Tanzania Coalition on Debt and Development (TCDD) in collaboration with AFRODAD h conducted a Parliamentary training on Strengthening Parliamentary oversight in Public Debt Management in the Covid-19 context in in Dodoma, Tanzania on 28^th – 29^th August 2021. The training was mainly attended by Members of Parliament from Budget Committee and APNAC Members, Faith based Organization leaders, CSOs representatives and Media.

Covered Topics

Status of Tanzania Public Debt Sustainability: The Impact of Commercial Loans to Tanzania-Advantages and disadvantages of conducting credit rating to a country like Tanzania
The role of Parliament as an oversight institution and accessing Debt Information and Debt Transparency
Responsible borrowing in the COVID 19 era-African Borrowing Charter
Domestic resource mobilization: addressing illicit financial flows and tax leakages
The Impact of Public Private Partnership on Debt Sustainability

Main Challenges

Regardless of the division of public-private responsibilities and arrangement, the public agency will be held accountable by the public
PPPs are complex transactions that require more preparation, planning, oversight and coordination than traditional forms of procurement, which may equate to additional costs.
Public agencies should plan for long-term contract management rather than short contracts which brings into conflicts and misunderstanding between the parties.
The scope of successful of PPPs should not be overestimated, and they do not constitute a panacea (cure all) for all social services delivery in times of budgetary constraints.
Furthermore, literatures argue that there is no magic formula that will produce successful PPPs in all places under all conditions. Careful analysis of each local situation is necessary perquisites to effectiveness of PPPs.

Way Forward

A need for strong Parliament that will ensure there is improved relationship and mutual benefits is enhanced between the government and private sector
The government should improve the business Environment to private sector, where will enable them to get enough revenue that will reduce the pressure of seeking the External borrowing
The government should identify new business that will not be easily affected by the COVID-19 and other emergency issues of the same, and put much emphasis on those businesses so as to boost collection (Government improve their technology so that it can be able tax the online business which is not properly taxed as of today)
The government should increase export and international business. This will increase government foreign currency stock that will help government enhance the balance of payment and reduce rushing for external borrowing.
Faith based Leaders and CSOs urged the MPs to involve citizens when introducing the new sources of revenues in the country, no one should be left behind, and citizen needs to be engaged. This came as a result of the recently introduction of New sources of revenues in the country through mobile money which led to the country/citizen outcry.
Participants proposed a need for political will and visionary leadership to African countries and citizens must demand that, in order to have leaders who care for the welfare of its people.
Participants insisted on promotion of moral and Ethics that will enhance integrity to public servants for them to be able to stand for the welfare of the general public and not individual benefit.
As Loans Act No.34 of 1974 gives powers to MPs; Faith based leaders and CSOs urged MPs to exercise those powers in full. MPs were urged to ensure that they monitor and hold government accountable and not to support in every government proposal they bring to the table.
The Minister responsible must ensure that Debt Management committee and Technical committee must follow proper procedures as stipulated in the Loan Act, 1974 is well followed
MPs should also ensure that all funds obtained from Loans and grants are well spent to deliver the intended purposes.

PARTICIPANTS PHOTOS

Hon. Constantine Kanyasu (MP), Presenting on The Role of Parliament as an oversight Institution in accessing Debt Information and Debt transparency.