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Tanzania Government Introduces Institutional Risk Management Framework for Public Sector Entities

The Tanzanian government has introduced a comprehensive institutional risk management framework for public sector entities (PSEs) to ensure effective management of risks and promote good governance.

Background

The framework, unveiled by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, aims to assist PSEs in embedding risk management culture and practices amongst all staff, as well as put in place effective accountability strategies and mechanisms.

Framework Guidelines

According to the guidelines:

• All PSEs, including ministries, independent departments, authorities, agencies, regional secretariats, local government authorities, public corporations, judiciary, parliament, and other offices in the public service, are required to develop, implement, and enhance a risk management framework and process.
• The framework is designed to ensure that PSEs identify, record, monitor, and report risks, including procedures for reporting risk information to accounting officers and other oversight organs.
• It also requires PSEs to integrate their risk management processes into their strategic, budgeting, and operational business planning activities.

Importance of Risk Management

The guidelines emphasize the importance of risk management in public sector governance, stating that it provides assurance to the achievement of government objectives across different sectors, leading to effectiveness and efficiency in government performance towards providing services to citizens and increasing stakeholders’ confidence.

Roles and Responsibilities

The guidelines outline the roles and responsibilities of various executive authorities, oversight organs, and officials in PSEs, including:

• Permanent Secretary-Treasury: overall responsibility for ensuring effective application of risk management processes, procedures, and practices.
• Internal Auditor General: assists the Permanent Secretary-Treasury in discharging this responsibility.
• Governing/oversight bodies
• Accounting officers
• Internal auditors
• Other stakeholders

Scope and Review

The guidelines apply to all PSEs, including ministries, independent departments, authorities, agencies, regional secretariats, local government authorities, public corporations, judiciary, parliament, and other offices in the public service. The framework will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance to the changing needs of PSEs.

Implementation

The implementation of the institutional risk management framework is expected to commence immediately, with all PSEs required to develop, implement, and enhance their risk management frameworks and processes within a specified timeframe.

Assistance and Support

The Internal Auditor General will provide support, guidance, and best practices on risk management to PSEs. The Permanent Secretary-Treasury will also ensure that necessary resources are provided to facilitate the implementation of the framework.

Conclusion

The introduction of the institutional risk management framework is a significant step towards promoting good governance and transparency in the public sector. It is expected to enhance accountability, reduce risks, and promote a culture of risk management across all PSEs.