Dodoma. The newly appointed chairperson of the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI), Mr Wilson Masilingi, on February 17 met staff and management of the institution for the first time since his appointment, pledging to strengthen integrity, accountability, and transparency in the extractive sector.
The meeting marked Mr Masilingi’s formal introduction to the organisation following his appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to lead the TEITI Committee.
It also provided an opportunity to review the institution’s mandate, achievements, and challenges.
Addressing staff, Mr Masilingi urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
He commended the team for their commitment and dedication in executing the institution’s responsibilities.
He said TEITI plays a central role in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of revenues from minerals, oil, and natural gas.
These resources, he noted, are vital to national development and must be managed in a manner that safeguards public interest.
He explained that his decision to meet staff and management in person was driven by the need to gain a deeper understanding of the institution’s operations.
He said such direct engagement would help build trust, encourage open dialogue, and foster collective responsibility.
“I considered it important to come and meet you face to face. I could have requested written reports, but I felt it was better to listen to you directly, exchange views, and discuss a few critical matters,” he said.
He added that the meeting would help him gain early insights into the institution’s progress, achievements, and existing challenges.
This, he said, would enable him to offer informed guidance and strategic support.
Mr Masilingi pledged to work closely with the TEITI Board and management to ensure that the institution effectively fulfils its mandate.
He said his leadership would focus on strengthening collaboration, improving operational efficiency, and advancing transparency standards.
He also emphasised the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility.
He urged staff to remain committed to their duties and to continue safeguarding the values of accountability and openness.
TEITI was established under the Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015.
The law mandates the institution to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive sector by ensuring full disclosure of payments made by companies and revenues received by the government.
The initiative is part of Tanzania’s commitment to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an international standard that promotes open and accountable management of natural resources.
Membership requires countries to publish regular reports detailing payments, contracts, production data, and revenue flows.
Through this framework, TEITI seeks to strengthen public oversight, enhance trust between the government, companies, and citizens, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
In her remarks, TEITI Executive Secretary, Mariam Mgaya, welcomed the new chairperson and briefed him on the institution’s structure and responsibilities as outlined in the law.
She congratulated Mor Masilingi on his appointment and assured him of full cooperation from staff and management.
She said the team remains committed to advancing the institution’s objectives in line with national laws and international standards.
“On behalf of the management and staff, I warmly welcome you and congratulate you on your appointment. We are ready to work closely with you to ensure that TEITI continues to move forward and meets all international requirements,” she said.
Ms Mgaya outlined the progress made since the establishment of TEITI, including the production of several transparency reports, capacity-building initiatives, and stakeholder engagement programmes.
She also highlighted ongoing activities and future strategies aimed at strengthening compliance with EITI standards.
These include improving data quality, enhancing public awareness, and expanding collaboration with government agencies, private companies, and civil society organisations.
She said TEITI remains focused on ensuring that information on the extractive sector is accessible, reliable, and timely.
This, she added, is essential in promoting informed public debate and evidence-based policymaking.
The meeting also discussed key challenges facing the institution, including data gaps, reporting delays, and the need for stronger inter-agency coordination.
Participants emphasised the importance of sustained political support and adequate resources to address these issues.
Mr Masilingi acknowledged these challenges and assured staff of his commitment to supporting efforts to overcome them.
He said his leadership would prioritise practical solutions, institutional strengthening, and continuous engagement with stakeholders.
He further stressed that transparency in the extractive sector is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility.
He said openness in revenue management enhances public trust and supports equitable development.
As Tanzania continues to expand its mining, oil, and gas activities, the role of TEITI is expected to grow in importance.
The institution is seen as a key platform for ensuring that the benefits of natural resources are shared fairly and managed sustainably.
The appointment of a new chairperson comes at a time when the government is intensifying reforms in the extractive sector.
These reforms aim to improve governance, maximise revenue collection, and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
Observers say the renewed leadership at TEITI offers an opportunity to deepen transparency practices and reinforce public confidence in the management of the country’s natural wealth.
With his commitment to integrity and dialogue, Ambassador Masilingi is expected to steer the institution towards greater effectiveness and international credibility.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity, professionalism, and renewed dedication to the institution’s mission.
Staff pledged their support and expressed optimism about the future direction of TEITI under the new leadership.
