Africa-Press – Tanzania. VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has attributed Tanzania’s progress in infrastructure development to effective tax revenue collection, active private sector participation and the expansion of capital and bond markets, which are being increasingly leveraged to finance key national projects.
Dr Mpango made the remarks during a high-level panel discussion on “The Importance of Efficiently Utilising Africa’s Resources to Drive Development,” held at the opening of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Governors’ Board in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
“Given the crucial role of infrastructure in Tanzania’s economic transformation, the government has intensified efforts to mobilise funds for key projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and strategic road networks that will connect us to neighbouring countries and boost regional trade,” Dr Mpango said.
He underscored the government’s commitment to improving domestic revenue mobilisation and project financing by strengthening tax administration through the use of electronic collection systems and the establishment of a taxpayer complaints mediator’s office, allowing citizens to voice concerns and improve transparency.
Dr Mpango also said the government’s drive to expand the capital and bond markets has enabled the introduction of diversified financing instruments. He said these efforts have been complemented by the utilisation of social security funds to build roads and bridges, as well as effective use of concessional loans from international financial institutions and development partners.
He commended the AfDB and its outgoing President Dr Akinwumi Adesina for their strong partnership with Tanzania, particularly in funding major infrastructure projects such as roads, airports and the SGR, which is set to link Tanzania with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr Mpango reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to investing in energy infrastructure, citing the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP) as a milestone achievement. Now completed and operational, the JNHPP is generating 2,115 megawatts of electricity, helping to meet the country’s growing power demand.
He also pointed to ongoing investments in natural gas and geothermal energy, with geothermal production expected to start at an initial capacity of 500 megawatts.
“These investments are critical not only for powering our industries but also for ensuring inclusive, sustainable development across the country,” Dr Mpango noted.
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