Arusha, Tanzania – August 13, 2024

Tanzania's Vice President, Hon. Philip Mpango, has urged East African nations to prioritize investment in education to ensure the region's youth are equipped for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Speaking at the official opening of the first East African Community (EAC) Regional Education Conference in Arusha, Mpango emphasized the critical need for reforms that align education systems with both academic and vocational demands.

The Policy Forum's July Breakfast Debate brought together key stakeholders to discuss the state of the health sector in Tanzania, focusing on the theme: "Post National Budget 2024/2025: Examining the Credibility Equation of Health in Tanzania." The event, organized in collaboration with TGNP and Stanbic Bank Biashara Incubator, centered on an in-depth analysis of the health sector budget and its priorities.

The Tanzanian national budget for the fiscal year is TZS 49,365.7 billion and is structured across various sectors aimed at bolstering national development and ensuring effective governance. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to sectors such as Defence, Law, and Public Safety (5,493.5 billion TZS), reflecting a commitment to maintaining security and upholding the rule of law.

The Policy Forum's June Breakfast Debate brought together stakeholders to address critical issues surrounding budget transparency and public participation in Tanzania. The event, hosted in collaboration with HAKI Elimu and Stanbic Bank Biashara Incubator, focused on the findings of the Open Budget Survey 2023 (OBS 2023).

Following the decision of the President of the Republic of Kenya to not assent to the Finance Bill 2024, we, as civil society organisations in Kenya and across the continent, continue to rally behind the peoples’ demands for comprehensive economic justice.

Tanzania's innovation scene is calling for a policy overhaul to attract more funding for its burgeoning startup ecosystem. Stakeholders at a recent breakfast debate held during Tanzania Innovation Week 2024 highlighted the stark funding gap compared to regional peers. 

Policy Forum held the March 2024 Breakfast Debate in collaboration with Stanbic Bank Biashara Incubator, which focused on shedding light on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and identifying key loopholes that the government must address to effectively combat this issue. The discussions delved into various facets of IFFs, highlighting their detrimental impact on the economy and the urgent need for concerted efforts to curb them.

Policy Forum conducted a two-day training session in Dodoma, Tanzania, which aimed at bolstering the understanding and capacity of civil society organizations, faith actors, academia, and parliamentarians on taxation issues.

This was done in collaboration with Norwegian Church Aid / Kirkens Nødhjelp and Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), with focus on building resilient tax systems capable of navigating economic fluctuations and adapting to shifts in government priorities.

As International Women’s Day draws near, the spotlight turns to the pivotal role of women within Tanzania's extractive industry. In a recent dialogue, stakeholders came together to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse contributions of women in this sector, recognizing their resilience in overcoming significant challenges. The conversation aimed to promote inclusivity and drive positive change within the extractive industry landscape.

In an increasingly interconnected world, education policies may emphasize the development of global competence, including intercultural understanding, language proficiency, and awareness of global issues. This could involve integrating global perspectives into the curriculum, promoting international exchange programs, and providing professional development for educators in the sector.