“Achieving Open Government Requires a Country to Put in Place Systems and Mechanisms which need to be reflected in the National Policies, Laws and Institutions”

       Jakaya Kikwete

Why does it matter in the Tanzania oil, gas and mining sectors?

Being a compliant country to EITI standards since 2012, Tanzania’s implementation of the EITI Standard and the TEITA Act, 2015 have so far been important tools enabling stakeholders, especially policy makers to oversee governments’ management of extractive contracts. However , as a  matter of fact, the country has failed to live up to its disclosure obligations, and commitments regarding extractives sector contracts leaving it a MYSTERY for stakeholders to further advocacy and debates which cannot be discussed without disclosure.

Open and accountable government in the extractive sector empowers “MWANANCHI” to fully participate in the decision-making processes positively impacting on revenues generated that have an impact in their livelihood. This can succeed ONLY when the investment plans and government businesses are carried out openly for the people and relevant stakeholders to scrutinize.

The public’s’ interest is to understand how their natural resources are used and shared. To achieve this, “Wananchi” must first and foremost be informed about public contracting on agreements between private sector and governments; modalities of engagement, revenues, environmental impact assessments, revenue sharing, and community participation etc. For this reason, the disclosure of records generated from the sector as part of the procurement process is an important component of Open Government.

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