How political parties will finance their election campaigns

These limits aim to level the playing field and prevent excessive influence of money in politics.

CCM’s Sh100 billion target

On Tuesday, the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) held a high-profile fundraising event in Dar es Salaam, drawing wealthy business people, miners and party leaders. The party announced that it had already secured Sh86 billion from contributors.

CCM secretary-general Emmanuel Nchimbi revealed that the party’s goal is Sh100 billion, to be raised through contributions from both members and non-members. The campaign will continue until October 27, just two days before voting.

The launch was officiated by the CCM national chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. She thanked the contributors and reminded members of the need for sustained unity and resources.

“A party needs to be maintained, to be fuelled just like a car without fuel cannot move. Maintaining CCM means unity in heart, mind and action, as well as providing resources, just as we have done today,” she said.

President Hassan stressed that the contributions would allow CCM to start activities aimed at securing another mandate to lead the country.

“The building of this party is the responsibility of all of us members inside and outside Tanzania. Even our members in the diaspora are requesting account details to contribute,” she said.

However, Dr Nchimbi clarified that the Sh100 billion target is not solely for campaign use. The extra funds will also support party-building projects, including the refurbishment of the party headquarters in Dodoma.

ACT-Wazalendo’s cautious approach

Unlike CCM, ACT-Wazalendo has opted not to publicly reveal the exact amount it plans to spend on its campaign. Party secretary-general Ado Shaibu explained that disclosing figures could expose their strategy.

“If the revealed amount is so economic, it can indicate the type of materials to be used in the campaign and make it easy for others to sabotage us,” he said.

Mr Shaibu confirmed that the party is mobilising resources from members and supporters, both online and offline and intends to comply with the Election Expenses Act.

“We are involving our members and stakeholders to ensure we get the necessary funds. We will also do online fundraising. For example, running a general meeting of the party costs no less than Sh300 million.”

He added that some businesspeople have been quietly contributing to the party and will be involved in campaign financing.

Chaumma keeping donors under wraps

Chaumma’s Benson Kigaila made it clear that the party will not disclose its donors.

“There is no businessman who has contributed to an opposition party publicly and we are not ready to announce our donors openly,” he said.

Mr Kigaila added that their fundraising approach will differ entirely from CCM’s, with methods tailored to reach contributors without public events.

“We have our own strategies to reach donors, but we cannot copy what CCM is doing.”

Mr Kigaila did not reveal the party’s campaign budget, saying it would be announced by the official party spokesperson.

NCCR-Mageuzi lining up resources

NCCR-Mageuzi is also deep in preparations. According to secretary-general Ameir Ali Mshindani, the party’s National Executive Council was meeting in Dodoma to approve candidates for both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

“On Friday, we will go to the Independent National Electoral Commission to collect forms for our presidential candidate and running mate. After that, we will begin meetings to decide on our budget and campaign plan,” he said.

NLD’s Sh5 billion budget

The National League for Democracy (NLD) has set its campaign budget at Sh5 billion.

Secretary-general Doyo Hassan said the funds will cover both the campaign and operational costs.

“We believe this amount will be enough to complete the campaign. We have asked citizens to contribute in various ways, not only money but also resources and support for our policies,” he said.

Mr Hassan added that NLD is prioritising ten regions for sponsorship drives, including Dodoma, Tanga, Morogoro, Singida, Coast, Arusha, Manyara, Dar es Salaam, South Unguja and North Pemba.

“We cannot raise Sh100 billion for an election, but we will use social media and media outlets to sell our policies, as these are more digital times,” he noted.

UMD and Demokrasia Makini set plans

The Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD) is finalising its budget. Party secretary-general Moshi Kigundula said a meeting on August 15 would decide priority areas and resource allocation.

“We will look at our priority areas for the campaign and from there our budget will be clear,” he said.

Meanwhile, Demokrasia Makini chairperson and presidential candidate Coaster Kibonde announced that the party had allocated Sh570 million for the campaign and the election itself.

“We have prepared early and we are determined to win this election,” he said.

Analysts weigh in

Political analyst Benson Mwaisanika said CCM’s Sh100 billion fundraising goal is “unprecedented in Tanzanian politics” and will likely fuel debates on whether such large amounts create an uneven playing field.

“Even if part of the money is for party building, the optics matter. In a democracy, public perception of fairness is as important as legality,” he said.

Another analyst, Ms Rehema Mnyenye, observed that opposition parties’ reluctance to disclose figures reflects fears of political and economic retaliation.

“Businesses that support opposition parties may face consequences, so secrecy is a survival strategy,” she said.

Governance expert George Malima said the Election Expenses Act was intended to make elections affordable and fair, but parties now use mixed funding strategies that blur the line between campaign and organisational spending.

“Legally, the line is clear. Politically, it’s much harder to separate the two. What we are seeing in 2025 is a test of how well the law can be enforced,” he said.