Good Governance and Accountability
18/03/2008 //
Tanzania aims at improving governance, and “Governance and Accountability” is one of three clusters in the Poverty Reduction Strategy (the Mkukuta). In order to secure sustainable development it is essential to ensure that structures and systems of governance as well as rule of law are democratic, participatory, representative, accountable and inclusive. It is also important to ensure equitable allocation of public resources- with corruption effectively addressed. The Governance systems must work in favour of all citizens, also the poor and vulnerable groups. Areas that Norway prioritise in particular under “Governance and Accountability” are anti-corruption initiatives, human rights, and governance at local level.
Anti corruption initiatives
As in many other countries, corruption is a serious problem in Tanzania. The fight against corruption is an important aspect of Norwegian Development Assistance and is an integrated part of all the projects and programmes supported. Norway is at present developing a core-support to the Anti-corruption bureau of Tanzania (PCCB) in order to enable the institution to combat corruption within natural resources sectors. In addition Norway, together with other development partners, support Tanzania in its development of the National Anti Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (NACSAP) II. Dialogue with the Government of Tanzania is another aspect of development partner’s anti-corruption efforts in the country. Norway is currently the co-chair of Development Partners Working Group on Good Governance. Norway is also looking into alternative ways of combatting corruption through support to civil society organisastions, for instance NGO’s awareness raising campaigns on corruption and cooperation with Faith-Based Organisations that have broader network in the country than most other Civil Society Organisations.
Public Financial Management
Norway is one the key donors for the Public Financial Management Reform Program (PFMRP), which is a key component of Norway’s contribution to improve governance in Tanzania. The PFMPR provides support to key governance institutions, including the Ministry for Finance and Economic Affairs, the Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (PPRA), and the National Audit Office (NAO) for capacity building and reform initiatives. The program covers long-term planning, budgeting, budget execution and reporting, procurement, and audit.