National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu has emphasized the importance of public trust in institutions for attracting investment and driving economic development in Tanzania. Addressing the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Zungu stated that confidence in public institutions could boost investor confidence and help attract capital. The five-day IPU Assembly, being held in Tanzania for the first time, runs from October 5 to 9.
Zungu highlighted the role of parliaments as institutions of trust, saying that trust is not simply a moral virtue but an economic asset. When trust is strong, confidence grows, and when confidence grows, capital follows. He cited Tanzania's efforts to strengthen governance, public trust, and access to economic opportunities. President Samia Suluhu Hassan's 4Rs philosophy — Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuilding — is part of the Government's approach to strengthening human rights, democracy, and inclusive governance.
The 153rd IPU Assembly, with the theme "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust, and opportunities for all," brings together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss governance, peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Zungu was elected president of the 153rd Assembly on October 6 and is presiding over its proceedings. The Assembly is also expected to consider a resolution on parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities.
Zungu linked good governance to Tanzania's long-term development ambitions under Vision 2050, whose three pillars are a strong, inclusive, and competitive economy; human capabilities and social development; and environmental integrity and climate resilience. He emphasized that good governance is an enabler of all development ambitions. Parliament's responsibility extends beyond passing legislation to ensuring that governments remain responsive to citizens' aspirations and everyday realities.
The Speaker highlighted the role of parliaments as bridges between the aspirations of people and government decisions. He stated that parliaments are places where differences are transformed into dialogue, competing interests are reconciled through reason, and the dignity of every human being is protected. Discussions at the Assembly cover artificial intelligence and the future of work, extractive industries, mental health, climate change, maritime security, and international law.
The IPU Assembly provides a platform for parliamentarians to share experiences and best practices in promoting good governance and empowering communities. Zungu's leadership of the Assembly is seen as an opportunity for Tanzania to showcase its efforts in strengthening governance and promoting inclusive development. The Assembly's outcomes are expected to contribute to the global conversation on good governance and sustainable development.
The event concluded with a call to action for parliamentarians to prioritize building trust and promoting good governance in their respective countries. By doing so, they can create an enabling environment for investment and economic growth. The importance of public trust in institutions was underscored as a critical factor in driving development and prosperity.
Key points
- Public trust in institutions is critical for attracting investment and driving economic development in Tanzania.
- The 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha focused on enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust, and opportunities for all.
- Tanzania's Speaker, Mussa Azzan Zungu, emphasized the role of parliaments as institutions of trust and bridges between the aspirations of people and government decisions.
