Tanzania tables Sh76 billion budget for community development, gender equality

“We are requesting Sh49.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh26.9 billion for development projects, financed through both domestic and external sources,” she told legislators.

The proposed budget marks an increase from the Sh67.9 billion allocated in 2024/25. By April 2025, the ministry had received Sh47.7 billion—equivalent to 70.3 percent of the approved allocation.

Dr Gwajima attributed the funding shortfall to “a decline in student enrolment at public community development colleges, infrastructural limitations, and reduced support from development partners.”

Despite such setbacks, the ministry reported considerable progress in a range of sectors. Over 31,800 grassroots projects were rolled out following community mobilisation initiatives. These included the construction of health centres, classrooms, and other vital infrastructure.

Similarly, capacity-building training was undertaken in 21 regions to equip local officers and residents with skills for planning and executing development activities.

Cultural heritage also featured prominently. Over 20,000 citizens took part in ministry-facilitated dialogues promoting constructive social values, using influencers including artists and football supporters to encourage transformation.

Meanwhile, eight community development colleges admitted 5,166 students—a 6.45 percent decline from the previous year. However, Dr Gwajima noted that “students are acquiring practical, entrepreneurial skills through structured apprenticeships that enhance employability and self-sufficiency.”

Economic empowerment of informal workers, notably women vendors, food sellers, tailors, and boda-boda riders, remained a core focus of the ministry.

Between July 2024 and May 2025, 54,999 new informal traders were registered, raising the total to 78,984. Among them, 28,287 received digital identification cards enabling access to low-interest credit.

“To date, Sh1.1 billion has been issued to 601 traders. Loan applications amounting to Sh3.5 billion are under review,” said Dr Gwajima.

To support this drive, the government, in collaboration with commercial banks including NMB, CRDB, NBC, and DCB, released comprehensive loan access guidelines.

Infrastructure projects for small-scale traders are ongoing, with office premises completed in 17 regions and further construction underway in nine more.

This initiative—mandated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and backed by a Sh10 million per region grant—seeks to provide traders with both administrative representation and designated operational space.

Regarding child welfare, the ministry intensified actions to shield children from abuse and harmful customs. Revisions were made to laws such as the Child Act and Cybercrimes Act, introducing stiffer penalties for abuse and digital violence.

“We’ve engaged more than 7,000 parents with positive parenting messages, and through faith-based platforms alone, around 3.8 million individuals have been educated on family care and child development,” noted the minister.

The ministry also facilitated the establishment of 1,682 new school-based child protection desks, bringing the national count to 4,082. Additionally, 4,700 guidance and counselling teachers received training, while 595 children’s councils were formed to promote participatory governance.

To assist street children, the ministry rescued 10,782 children this year, placing them in temporary shelters or reuniting them with their families. Some were enrolled in vocational training institutions, with 56 joining technical colleges and 43 graduating.

Special operational protocols were issued, and 11 surveillance desks were set up at bus terminals and ports to curb trafficking and unsafe child movement.

Elderly care was equally prioritised. A revised National Policy for Older Persons was launched, and 2.2 million elderly citizens were issued with identification cards granting access to free healthcare.

The ministry also extended support to 245 impoverished elderly people housed in 13 state-backed centres, while overseeing care for another 279 elders in private facilities.

A notable highlight in Dr Gwajima’s speech was the launch of the PAMOJA Project—a Sh276 billion, five-year programme funded by the World Bank, designed to enhance women’s economic participation and tackle gender-based violence.

“This initiative, supported by a $100 million loan and a $4 million grant, will be implemented across 40 local authorities in 10 regions and is expected to benefit around 600,000 women,” she stated.

In her concluding remarks, the minister appealed to Parliament to endorse the budget, emphasising its potential to spur national development.

“We are counting on Parliament’s support to sustain and scale up these social development achievements,” she affirmed.

The proposed budget now awaits scrutiny and approval by Parliament.