DAR ES SALAAM, Dec 7 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE World Bank has committed nearly 300 million US dollars (equivalent to 783.373bn/-) to fund the third phase of Tanzania’s poverty alleviation initiative under the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF).
The announcement was made by the World Bank’s Country representative for Tanzania on Thursday by Nathan Belete, during a highlevel discussion in Dar es Salaam on the future of the programme.
Belete commended the initiative, citing it as a global benchmark for tackling poverty and achieving positive outcomes.
He lauded the Tanzanian government for the successes achieved in the programme’s first two phases, saying the Bank’s commitment to collaborate with development partners in supporting the country’s goals of poverty reduction and economic empowerment.
Minister for Finance Mwigulu Nchemba, who led the discussions, said that the third phase would align closely with Tanzania’s forthcoming national development vision for 2025–2050.
He further said that the programme would adopt an inclusive approach to ensure no one is left behind, integrating low-income communities into national development through participation in ongoing projects.
“The third phase will encompass productive activities that involve all societal groups, without exclusion and ensure equitable budget allocation for developmental projects,” Nchemba said.
He also highlighted testimonials from beneficiaries of earlier phases, who reported increased income and economic progression due to TASAF’s interventions.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability), Ridhiwani Kikwete, said the discussions took place because the second phase of the initiative is expected to end next year, so it was crucial for the government and stakeholders to meet and explore the best way to execute the next phase of the programme.
He highlighted the collaborative commitment of stakeholders in continuing the partnership for the new phase.
Meanwhile, Zanzibar’s Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Saada Mkuya Salim, advocated for integrating digital solutions into the next phase to enable beneficiaries to receive funds digitally, enhancing security and promoting savings culture among recipients.
“TASAF projects have not only elevated impoverished households economically but have also contributed to infrastructure development, including schools and health centres in Zanzibar,” she said.
Nchemba underscored Tanzania’s economic resilience, predicting a growth rate of 5.4 per cent in 2024, up from 5.1 per cent in 2023.
This growth, he said, reflects improved government policies and efforts to counter both domestic and international economic challenges.
The TASAF initiative has garnered significant international attention for its innovative approach to poverty reduction, providing cash transfers and support to vulnerable groups such as elderly citizens and widows.
Executive Director of TASAF Shedrack Mziray said the upcoming phase is projected that would require a total budget of 500 million US dollars, targeting new beneficiaries and retaining some from the second phase who remain in need.
The meeting brought together representatives from various ministries, the World Bank and other development partners, setting a collaborative tone for the next steps in combating poverty in Tanzania. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
