PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed new ministers to mobilise local funds as the government shifts towards financing national projects using domestic resources, following the violence that surrounded the October polls, tarnishing the country’s image.

In remarks after swearing-in the new cabinet, she said the incidents had affected Tanzania’s reputation and could make access to international loans and aid more difficult or delayed. As a result the government must now substantially rely on internal financial capacity, she stated.

“The government has been depending on external loans and aid from international organisations, but what happened has diminished our standing. We must use the resources we have to generate revenue and implement our projects,” the president affirmed.

The responsibility to deliver on promises made to Tanzanians now rests with the entire cabinet of 27 ministers assisted by 29 deputy ministers, working closely with permanent secretaries to review commitments set for implementation within the president’s first 100 days in office for the new term.

She stressed that the ministers’ roles are a public service and not positions of prestige, reiterating the campaign slogan of ‘work and dignity to move forward” as demanding tangible results rather than rhetoric.

“Anyone who treats the ministerial position as a source of pride will be replaced. I will continue making changes until I find the right people. From today, your job is to be accountable to our nation,” she said, asserting that time is limited and the government has many pledges to fulfil, so the new ministers need to work with diligence and integrity. 

The swearing-in paves the way for a cabinet working session scheduled for tomorrow, where ministers will review the government’s progress and outline the direction for the next phase, mindful of pledges the president made at the inauguration of the 13th Parliament.

She said the government will focus on leaders reaching out to citizens and serving them directly, while after yesterday’s ceremony several newly sworn-in ministers underlined their commitment to meeting the president’s expectations.

Water minister Jumaa Aweso said the president’s directive reflects the reality facing Tanzanians and calls for increased speed and efficiency. “When you are trusted, you must prove trustworthy. My aim is to work at a brisk pace so that I earn that trust,” he said.

Regina Qwaray, a deputy minister in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), said she would repay the president’s trust by working with patriotism and dedication, guided by the motto “work with dignity.”

Her Works counterpart Godfrey Kasekenya said the president’s instructions were not routine directives but demands for real results. “Tanzanians have trusted us. It is our responsibility to work with knowledge and apply our skills. The sector we serve is central to unlocking the country’s economy,” he remarked.