Core area “Peaceful and inclusive societies” Creating transparency in the financial system, strengthening women’s rights

    Tanzania is facing the challenge of addressing corruption and a weak public sector as a prerequisite for stable long-term public revenue. In addition, even though progress has been made, access to justice for women is still often limited, especially in rural areas. Germany supports the country in its efforts to modernise financial administration, expand digital skills and protect victims of violence.

    School girls in Tanzania with a laptop

    Tanzania is in the midst of a far-reaching process of change, but is still facing considerable challenges. Corruption and an underfunded public sector are hampering the effectiveness of public institutions and slowing down economic development. In particular, the capacities and resources needed to implement the necessary reforms in the financial and administrative sector are lacking. As a consequence, public funds are used inefficiently and the government is having difficulties generating stable long-term revenue. In addition, Tanzania is still listed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” – an indication that the country still has deficits when it comes to addressing money laundering and inadequate financial supervision, which is having a negative effect on international investor confidence.

    More than 40 per cent of the women in Tanzania aged 15 to 49 have suffered physical violence; some 17 per cent say they have experienced sexual violence. In many cases, however, there are no legal consequences. Even though progress has been made in recent years – for instance with the introduction of mobile courts and digital case management systems – many women still have limited access to justice, especially in rural areas. There are other structural challenges, too, such as inadequate resources and poor coordination between the different actors in the judiciary.

    Goals for the sector

    In order to foster sustainable development, Germany is supporting Tanzania in its efforts to increase public revenue, achieve greater efficiency in public spending and greater transparency in financial oversight. For the first time, these measures are also being implemented in Zanzibar. Digital competencies in administration and civil society are being developed – with a special focus on gender equality and greater involvement of groups that have had very little voice in the past. At the same time, Germany is supporting efforts to improve access to justice and strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence. In addition, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is working at the regional level to foster independent judicial systems and transparent legal structures.

    Project examples

    • Tax authorities are being professionalised both in Tanzania and, for the first time, in Zanzibar. Public spending is being made more efficient and a basis is being created for evidence-based financial policies. This is facilitated by improved data management, targeted training programmes on financial auditing and new dialogue formats between the government and the people.

    • The Digital Transformation Center Tanzania is strengthening digital skills with a focus on gender equality and human rights. It prioritises the upskilling of women, girls and marginalised groups and implements digital strategies in close cooperation with authorities and NGOs. The Center is aligned with the values-based principles of the EU and of Germany’s development policy so as to ensure inclusion and sustainability.

    • Together with Tanzania’s Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, root causes are being identified that limit women’s and children’s access to justice – ranging from legal and institutional to social barriers. At the same time, steps are being taken to further develop support structures. A country-wide film and theatre campaign is also being run to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

    As at: 17/11/2025