DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has urged both public and private institutions to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation to prepare for potential challenges, ensuring solutions are already in place.

Dr. Biteko made these remarks on September 12, 2025, in Mwanza, while closing the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) conference on behalf of Zanzibar’s Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla.

He added that any institution operating without evaluation cannot achieve results, comparing it to playing football without a referee.

He emphasized that institutions or individuals who do not evaluate themselves are often surprised by outcomes instead of anticipating and preparing for them.

"Those who conduct monitoring and evaluation can minimize negative impacts because they have already identified challenges and prepared responses. In government, we must adopt a system of continuous evaluation without leniency, "he said.

He further stated that officials should not be satisfied with hearing only good news; the truth forms the basis of development. He urged evaluators and monitors across the country to act with integrity, openly highlight weaknesses, and loudly promote achievements so citizens can see the value of their government.

"Anyone attempting to hinder evaluation work knows what they are doing. This is our duty, and we cannot step back. We want citizens to know that their government works transparently and accurately,"he added.

He stressed the importance of having strategic evaluation plans for every ministry, department, and institution to ensure national development is not hindered by unexpected challenges.

Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Stanslaus Nyongo, noted that while self-evaluation carries some cost, failing to monitor and evaluate results in far higher costs for institutions and the nation.

He added that monitoring and evaluation also help identify operational challenges early, allow adjustments, and increase accountability across all sectors.

Deputy Secretary-General in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination), Dr. James Kilabuko, representing Secretary-General Dr. Jim Yonaz, said the conference involved experts from within Tanzania and abroad, enabling participants to learn extensively.

Participants came from South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana, Germany, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, engaging in various topics, expert discussions, training, and exhibitions.