LAUNCH OF EPDI TANZANIA

Tanzania has established the first parliamentary and economic dialogue centre in Africa. The model was developed for the Westminster Parliament forty years ago and been copied by established democracies, but has proven most effective in countries in transition like Georgia.

EPDI Tanzania is a branch of Enterprise and Parliamentary Dialogue International and is forming its own board of parliamentarians and business people. Goodluck Asaph Mlinga MP is its Executive Secretary, Philimon Adriano Kayanda is the Treasurer and Dickson Mathias Muze is the Executive Director.

Commenting the launch of EPDI Tanzania, Fredrick Hyde-Chambers OBE, Secretary General of EPDI said: ”It is established at a particularly interesting time in the country, arguably the most stable and peaceful in Africa. The only Lady President who is a head of Government in Africa, has just been sworn in. She is a strong supporter of good governance and democracy.”

In addition to developing services to answer Tanzania’s specific needs, EPDI will be sharing the experience of economic reforms from Georgia. From a failed state in 2003 the World Bank has said that Georgia is now top in economic reforms and ease of doing business and the least corrupt country in the region.

EPDI will be supporting the Tanzanian branch with expertise, facilitating the sharing of relevant expertise and ensuring adherence to the internationally recognized Code of Principles.