The APRM review for Tanzania is on

The Tanzania Country Review Report is scheduled for peer review at the 18th Summit of the African Peer Review Forum in January 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, says a new information posted on the APRM Continental Secretariat website.

The APRM Country Review Mission (CRM) to Tanzania was undertaken in 2012. Thereafter, the Country Review Report was drafted and finalized by the Report Writing Committee. The Mission, which was led by Barrister Akere Tabeng Muna, member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons, comprised 21 prominent African experts in the  four thematic areas covered by the APRM: Democracy and Political Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Corporate Governance, and Socio-Economic Development.

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania speaking during the Mission’s visit reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the APRM: “Tanzania acceded to the APRM because we are in total agreement with its objective of promoting good governance in African nations. The APRM process has been a useful tool in building the capacity on monitoring governance, developing partnerships and enhancing advocacy for efficiency, effectiveness and transparency in leadership.  I am proud of the APRM process and I am also proud to be part of showcasing Africa’s innovative thinking with regard in promoting in the whole concept of good governance.“

In the course of its work, the CRM met with senior government officials, representatives and officials from various institutions operating in the field of governance, non-state stakeholder groups and Development Partners in order to discuss the state of governance in Tanzania and come up with recommendations to address the short comings.

Remarkable progress has been made in terms of governance in Tanzania, as highlighted in the Country Self-Assessment Report (CSAR), which cited, in this regard, the prevailing peace, the regular conduct of elections, and the peaceful succession of power since 1985. Nevertheless, there are still some challenges to be addressed. They include the demands for a new Constitution, the outstanding matters related to the Union question and the need to improve the quality of education and health services.

In the meantime, Tanzania has drafted its National programme of Action (NPoA) to address the governance-related challenges that have been identified. The NPoA, which emanates from the APRM process, constitutes the critical link between the state and the citizens to construct visions and goals that are implemented by the state.