ARUSHA: THE Treasury Registrar’s Office (TR) is shaking up the public sector with a series of bold reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and performance.
These initiatives align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R philosophy, focusing on the 2R elements—rebuild and reform—to boost the productivity of public institutions for the nation’s benefit.
They are designed to transform the public sector into a more responsive and effective instrument for national development and ensure they are assets rather than liabilities to the government.
One key strategy involves the TR’s office partnering with leadership institutions to develop a comprehensive induction programme for newly appointed heads of public institutions. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of these institutions.
These reforms align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4R philosophy, specifically focusing on the 2R elements—rebuild and reform—to boost the productivity of public institutions for the nation’s benefit.
At the opening of the second working session for Board Chairpersons and Heads of Public Institutions at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Treasury Registrar, Mr Nehemia Mchechu highlighted these efforts.
The session, officiated by President Samia, brought together over 600 chairpersons and CEOs from 309 public entities and corporates. Of these, 253 are fully government-owned, while the remaining 56 have government-held shares.
The three-day session gathers technocrats, experts, leaders, and experienced individuals capable of implementing necessary reforms in public institutions.
Mr Mchechu detailed the TR’s office initiatives to improve the management and operation of public institutions. He announced that the office is preparing an induction programme for newly appointed heads.
“TR’s office, in collaboration with leadership institutions, is set to prepare an induction programme to boost efficiency among newly appointed heads of public institutions,” Mr Mchechu stated. The programme aims to help executives transitioning from the private sector better navigate the public sector.
He added, “The programme will include all appointees from 2022 to the present—approximately 94 executives. This short course will be conducted every six months thereafter.” The programme will also support those transitioning within the government to understand the challenges of top positions in public institutions.
Mr Mchechu reiterated the TR’s commitment to ongoing reforms, including de-listing non-performing institutions and merging those with overlapping roles.
Despite efforts to remove underperforming institutions, he noted positive performance indicators, with the number of institutions contributing dividends to government coffers rising from 109 (49 per cent) in 2023 to 145 this year—a remarkable 85 per cent increase.
Regarding legal reforms, Mr Mchechu assured that progress is on track and expected to be completed within the current calendar year.
“Once enacted, the Treasury Registrar (Powers and Functions) Act will address capital challenges for public institutions by including an investment fund specifically designed for this purpose,” he added.
Over the next three days, the forum will leverage the knowledge and expertise of leaders and experts to discuss strategies for improving the performance of public entities.
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In response to President Samia’s directives, the TR office has completed a new structure that reflects the current economic, legal, business, and social environment affecting institution management. This structure is now in use.
Addressing performance issues, Mr Mchechu highlighted that a thorough analysis has been conducted, resulting in TR Circular No. 1 of 2023, which grants operational autonomy to 57 institutions based on 10 decision-making criteria.
He also mentioned that the government has increased capital in some institutions. The effectiveness of this increase will be enhanced with the establishment of an Investment Fund following amendments to the current Registrar of the Treasury law.
“The TR office has strengthened its public communication system to enhance transparency and accountability in its operations and the institutions it oversees,” he said.
He emphasised that President Samia’s directives for public institutions to explore business and service opportunities beyond Tanzania’s borders are a priority for this session.
“This session is themed ‘Public and Statutory Corporations Business Strategies Beyond Tanzania.’ We aim to explore how companies, services, and products can extend beyond our borders while identifying those that can thrive domestically to lay a foundation for international investment.”
The session will feature presentations from countries successful in public investment and management, including TEMASEK (Singapore), ADIA (Abu Dhabi), and SASAC (China).
“We will also hear from Henok Teferra Shawl, an Ethiopian expert in public sector reforms known for transformative work with major global airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY Airlines. He will share his ‘From Zero to Hero’ journey, offering insights into how our organisations can evolve from struggling to profitable and ultimately contribute to the economy as expected,” he said.
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