Mwanza Regional Commissioner, CP Salum Hamduni, has called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Tanzania to align their activities with the country's laws and regulations. He made the remarks at the Mwanza Regional NGO Forum, where he acknowledged the significant contributions of NGOs to community development and social services. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of innovative project designs and diversified revenue sources to ensure sustainability. He also highlighted the role of NGOs in complementing public efforts to improve people's livelihoods.
CP Hamduni urged NGOs to move beyond dependence on a limited number of donors and explore sustainable financing options. He suggested that developing income-generating projects would help organisations remain operational and overcome financial challenges. The Commissioner also stressed the need for transparency in obtaining and managing financial resources. He emphasized that accountability mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes, maintaining public confidence and strengthening relationships with development partners.
The Mwanza Regional Commissioner’s Office has acknowledged the efforts of NGOs in bringing development to the people. CP Hamduni encouraged organisations to design interventions that contribute to broader national and regional development priorities. He reminded NGOs of their administrative obligations, including submitting annual plans to the Mwanza Regional Registrar’s Office. This requirement is essential for ensuring that NGOs operate within the framework of existing laws and regulations.
CP Hamduni also urged NGOs to align their programmes and projects with the National Development Vision 2050. He emphasized that this alignment is crucial for achieving national and regional development priorities. The Commissioner highlighted the importance of financial transparency and accountability in maintaining public confidence and ensuring that resources produce the desired results.
Speaking on behalf of NGOs in Mwanza, Revocatus Sono highlighted the financial and operational challenges facing organisations in the region. He mentioned that many NGOs struggle with limited financial resources, making it difficult to maintain operations and implement development activities effectively. As of August 2026, 510 organisations were registered in the Mwanza region, but registration alone is not enough to guarantee effective implementation.
Sono also pointed to weak cooperation between NGOs and some stakeholders, which could affect the implementation of development activities intended to benefit communities. He emphasized the need for improved collaboration and support to ensure the success of development programmes. The Mwanza Regional NGO Forum provided a platform for NGOs to discuss their challenges and opportunities.
The call for NGOs to support Vision 2050 and enhance transparency reflects the government's efforts to promote sustainable development and accountability. By aligning their activities with national priorities and adopting innovative project designs, NGOs can contribute significantly to Tanzania's development goals. The Mwanza Regional Commissioner's Office will continue to work with NGOs to ensure that their activities comply with laws and regulations.
Key points
- Tanzanian official urges NGOs to support Vision 2050 and adopt innovative project designs.
- NGOs in Mwanza face financial and operational challenges, including limited resources and weak cooperation with stakeholders.
- The government emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in NGOs' financial management.
