Tanzania’s ambitious "Dira 2050" development vision is not just a document; it is a marching order. Nehemiah Mchechu, the Treasury Registrar, has issued a stern directive to State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to shape up or ship out, declaring that the era of bailouts and inefficiency is over.

Mchechu’s ultimatum comes as the government doubles down on public investments to fuel economic transformation. With SOEs controlling a staggering 92.3 trillion shillings in assets, their performance is the linchpin of the entire national strategy. The Registrar made it clear that these entities must transition from being drains on the exchequer to becoming engines of wealth creation, capable of funding the country’s infrastructure and social programs.

The 92 Trillion Shilling Question

The Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) currently oversees 308 entities. These range from strategic ports and railways to financial institutions. Mchechu argues that if these institutions operate at even 50% greater efficiency, the impact on Tanzania’s GDP would be transformative. He is pushing for a corporate culture within the public sector, demanding clean audits, profit dividends, and strategic expansion.

"We are building a competitive, productive economy," Mchechu stated at a recent forum. "You cannot build a modern economy on the back of broken institutions. Every shilling of public money must generate a return. Dira 2050 is about tangible results—jobs, income, and stability."

• Reform Agenda: The OTR is implementing strict performance contracts for CEOs and Boards of SOEs. Failure to meet targets will result in immediate dismissal.
• Fiscal Discipline: The government is reducing subventions, forcing parastatals to be innovative in raising capital and managing their balance sheets.
• Regional Ambition: Stronger SOEs are seen as the vanguard for Tanzania’s economic expansion into the East and Southern African markets.

From Policy to Prosperity

The focus on SOEs acknowledges a critical reality: the private sector alone cannot carry the heavy lifting of development in a growing economy. Strategic state intervention is necessary, but only if the state’s agents are competent. The Registrar’s office is now acting as an active shareholder, asking the tough questions that private equity firms ask.

This shift in tone is resonating with investors and citizens alike. A disciplined public sector reduces the cost of doing business, improves service delivery in energy and transport, and ultimately lowers the tax burden on the ordinary citizen. As Tanzania looks toward the horizon of 2050, Nehemiah Mchechu is ensuring that the vehicle driving the nation there—its public institutions—is serviced, fueled, and roadworthy.