Tanzania makes significant progress in implementing National Statistical Plan

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has achieved significant progress in implementing the Tanzania Statistical Master Plan (TSMP) Phase-II, according to Zanzibar's Chief Statistician Salum Kassim Ali.

Speaking on September 22, 2024, Ali highlighted the successful completion of 11 out of 13 planned activities during the first year of implementation (2022/23).

This progress is attributed to the crucial technical and financial support provided by the World Bank (WB).

A joint implementation support mission by the WB and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) assessed the program's progress.  Mr Dhiraj Sharma, a Senior Economist at the WB's New York office, commended Tanzania's commitment.

"Achieving 11 out of 13 results is a strong indicator of the government's commitment to the TSMP's goals," Mr Sharma said.

This positions Tanzania to continue receiving support from the WB for subsequent activities under TSMP Phase-II."
Focus on Modernisation and Alignment

TSMP Phase-II coordinator James Mbongo outlined some of the completed activities, including training programs, quality assessment framework development, statistical consumer price index enhancements, and infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, data collection tablets were procured, and various research initiatives were finalised.

"These steps mark substantial progress in modernizing the national statistical system," Mr Mbongo said.

The five-year plan (2022/23-2026/27) builds upon the successes of TSMP I and aims to address current challenges while adapting to the evolving statistical landscape.

According to Mr Mbongo, key focus areas include data harmonisation, quality improvement, dissemination, and infrastructure development.

The plan ultimately supports monitoring social and economic progress aligned with Tanzania's national development strategies, regional visions, and global development goals.