Arusha, Tanzania – The 2026 Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of Public Institutions Forum (C-CEOs Forum) convenes amid heightened scrutiny of Tanzania’s public corporations, tasked with advancing the nation’s Dira 2050 vision. Scheduled for Arusha, the event brings together over 300 stakeholders, including government officials, corporate leaders, and private-sector representatives, to address how public investments can yield tangible economic and social returns. This marks the fourth iteration since the forum’s inception in 2023, reflecting its growing role in shaping institutional efficiency and accountability.
The forum’s agenda centers on redefining performance metrics for public corporations, moving beyond traditional financial indicators like dividends. Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu emphasized that productivity, service quality, resource efficiency, and technological adoption must now be central to evaluating institutional success. “The focus is no longer just on how much the government has invested, but what those investments are producing for the economy and citizens,” Mchechu stated, citing a 35.8% rise in public investment value from 67.95 trillion to 92.28 trillion Tanzanian shillings between 2020/21 and 2024/25.
Mchechu underscored the need for public corporations to align with Dira 2050, which demands institutions capable of translating national strategies into concrete results. He noted that while financial returns remain important, non-financial outcomes—such as innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth—must also be prioritized. “A public corporation may generate revenue but still struggle with service delivery or operational efficiency,” he explained, highlighting the complexity of measuring institutional impact.
The forum also addresses the surge in non-tax revenue from public institutions, which rose 108.3% from 637.7 billion to 1.327 trillion shillings between 2020/21 and 2025/26. Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla stressed that sustained gains require balancing productivity improvements with long-term financial resilience. “Collaboration across sectors is critical,” he said, pointing to interconnected industries like transport, energy, and agriculture that depend on efficient public institutions.
Technology adoption emerged as a key theme, with Mchechu advocating for digital tools and artificial intelligence to enhance transparency and decision-making. However, he cautioned that technological progress alone is insufficient without skilled human capital. “Employees and managers must integrate these tools into strategic frameworks,” he said, emphasizing the need for workforce development alongside infrastructure investment.
Private-sector participation adds another layer to the forum’s objectives. Mchechu noted that public corporations’ performance affects service reliability, supply chains, and the broader business environment. Strengthening public-private partnerships could unlock opportunities for technology transfer, financing, and improved service delivery, all vital for Dira 2050’s success.
Beyond policy discussions, the event is expected to boost Arusha’s local economy, with over 700 participants anticipated to stimulate demand for hospitality, transport, and retail services. As the forum concludes, its impact will hinge on translating commitments into actionable institutional reforms and accountability mechanisms, ensuring public investments deliver lasting value for Tanzanians.
The C-CEOs Forum underscores Tanzania’s evolving approach to public sector management, balancing fiscal responsibility with innovation and collaboration. With Dira 2050 as a guiding framework, the event highlights the critical role of public corporations in driving national development and addressing the complex challenges of modern governance.