Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Tanzania has significantly bolstered its national debt management capabilities through participation in specialized training programs offered by the Commonwealth Secretariat. This training has proven invaluable as the country transitions to the modern "Meridian" debt management system, implemented in July 2023.

Tanzanian High Commissioner to the UK, Mbelwa Kairuki, recently highlighted the importance of this expertise. In 2024, twelve Tanzanian finance ministry officials underwent intensive training on national debt management practices, facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat. This initiative directly supports the government's shift to the Meridian system, which replaces the older CS-DRMS platform.

The Meridian system, launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2019, offers a cutting-edge, web-based solution for comprehensive debt management. It accommodates a wider range of debt instruments, enhances data security, and facilitates real-time information sharing among key stakeholders. This improved system is crucial for effective public debt management and promotes transparency within the financial sector.

Government Commitment to Modernization

Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Jenifa Omolo, emphasized the government's commitment to adopting this advanced system during its August 2023 launch. She noted that Meridian would significantly improve data storage and enhance the transparency of debt statistics, aligning Tanzania with international best practices employed by other Commonwealth nations.

Dr. Ruth Kattamuri, Senior Director of the Economic, Youth, and Sustainable Development Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat, commended Tanzania's proactive approach to adopting Meridian. She reaffirmed the Commonwealth's ongoing support for the country in ensuring the system's effective operation and its contribution to national development.

Technical Expertise and Collaboration

Assistant Commissioner of the Debt Management Department, Omary Khama, explained that the transition to Meridian began in June 2022, involving a collaborative effort between Tanzanian experts and Commonwealth specialists. This comprehensive approach ensured a smooth and successful implementation.

Beyond debt management, Tanzania is actively embracing emerging technologies to enhance public service delivery and policy development. The government is actively sharing best practices for efficient public service management and leveraging technology to streamline operations. Furthermore, the country is fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations to effectively implement the Sustainable Development Goals.