NEEC lauded for economic empowerment efforts

DODOMA: The Parliamentary Committee on Administration, Constitution and Legal Affairs has commended the National Economic Empowerment Council (NEEC) for its effective role in promoting citizens’ participation in economic activities and improving livelihoods.

Committee’s Vice Chairman, Florent Kyombo, gave the appraisal over the weekend in Dodoma during a capacity-building seminar provided by NEEC.

The seminar focused on educating the committee about NEEC’s roles, structure and operations, aiming to deepen their understanding and ensure a more informed legislative process. Mr Kyombo acknowledged that the seminar had greatly enhanced their comprehension of the council’s work and its impact on citizens.

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“The committee has received this excellent education and we all have understood it well.

This has shed light on the subject and I believe it will assist in refining the bill before us,” he remarked.

NEEC’s Executive Secretary, Ms Beng’i Issa, elaborated on the council’s responsibilities, explaining that it is tasked with coordinating economic empowerment activities and identifying opportunities for Tanzanians to engage in the economy.

This is done in collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring that citizens can access and benefit from these opportunities.

“Our roles include developing strategies, guidelines and programmes to support economic empowerment, particularly for local businesses and groups.

We also foster partnerships in economic activities with stakeholders and provide advisory services to the government and private sector on economic empowerment matters,” Ms Issa stated.

Established in 2004 under the Prime Minister’s Office, NEEC operates under Act No 16, which gives it a leadership mandate to drive economic empowerment policy across all sectors in Tanzania.

Ms Issa emphasised that the council is responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the National Economic Empowerment Policy.

Additionally, she highlighted the government’s efforts to create specialised empowerment centres aimed at improving citizens’ access to information, education and resources.

These centres serve entrepreneurs of all sizes, offering support in business formalisation, market access, tax education, value addition and access to capital.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Ummy Nderiananga, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure that supports citizens’ economic activities.

She emphasised the need to adapt to technological advancements and foster income growth to empower Tanzanians further.