The Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) in Tanzania has articulated a strategic framework based on five core values to govern its oversight of public investments. According to Daily News, the agency manages a portfolio valued at 92.28 trillion shillings, comprising 308 institutions and companies. Of these, 252 are public sector corporations where the government holds majority shares, while the remaining 56 are entities with minority government interests. The OTR has identified excellence, innovation, integrity, collaboration, and impact as the central principles guiding its stewardship of these resources.
Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu emphasized that the goal of this oversight is to ensure that public ownership translates into tangible performance and economic returns. He stated that the agency must move beyond administrative compliance to focus on how efficiently public enterprises use resources and fulfill their mandates. Mchechu noted that professional ownership requires a deep understanding of the business environments in which these entities operate, allowing the OTR to identify risks and provide sound advice. This approach aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 2024 Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises, which call for governments to exercise ownership responsibilities professionally and ensure that state-owned enterprises have capable boards.
The OTR’s framework also prioritizes innovation to help public enterprises adapt to changing technological and market conditions. Daily News reported that the agency aims to improve the collection and analysis of performance data to identify opportunities early. Mchechu highlighted that integrity is fundamental to managing public wealth, requiring transparency and accountability in decision-making. He added that every decision must be guided by the national interest, safeguarding the interests held on behalf of the public against conflicts of interest and misconduct.
Collaboration is identified as essential for coordinating with other government institutions and stakeholders. Chacha Marigiri, the Director of Administration and Human Resources Management at the OTR, explained that working together allows for the exchange of expertise and the resolution of complex issues. He linked this value to the principle of impact, arguing that collective effort must result in lasting economic and social benefits for Tanzanians. The OTR views impact as the ultimate measure of success, ensuring that public investments contribute to employment and essential services while maintaining financial discipline. This balance is considered critical as Tanzania pursues its long-term development agenda, Dira 2050, which seeks a more productive and inclusive economy.