Tanzania’s Corruption Woes: A Persistent Problem

Introduction

DAR ES SALAAM - In a country where corruption has become a way of life, Tanzania’s government is struggling to tackle the issue. Despite promises to root out graft, the problem persists, with many cases involving high-ranking officials and even the president himself.

The IPTL Scandal

The latest scandal involves Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL), which was awarded a lucrative contract in 1995 despite allegations of corruption. A parliamentary commission later found that the tender was fixed, and that the company had no experience in power generation. The delays in commissioning were largely due to the company’s inability to finance the procurement and transport of generators.

• Prime Minister Edward Lowassa and Minister of Energy and Minerals Nazir Karamagi resigned in 2008
• Allegations of corruption led to a parliamentary inquiry, but many believe that the government failed to fully investigate the matter
• Some even suggested that then-President Jakaya Kikwete was involved in the corruption

Recent High-Profile Cases

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases involving senior officials and politicians. In 2014, it emerged that IPTL had made fraudulent payments from an escrow account set up by TANESCO to the energy firm and to several senior CCM politicians. Despite overwhelming evidence of malfeasance, only a few minor prosecutions were carried out.

The Root of the Problem

The problem of corruption in Tanzania is deeply ingrained, with many experts attributing it to:

• Elite politics
• Close relationships between government officials and business leaders
• Lack of transparency in political donations and undisclosed sources of funding for politicians

Government Response

The government’s response has been criticized for being inadequate, with some arguing that existing laws disproportionately benefit the ruling CCM party. A pending bill aimed at amending the Political Parties Act of 2015 could further erode the rights of opposition parties.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s struggle to tackle corruption is a persistent problem that requires urgent attention and action. The government must take concrete steps to:

• Increase transparency
• Enhance accountability
• Promote political competition
• Root out graft and build trust among its citizens