The Public Finance Act

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CHAPTER 348
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
arrangement of sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Act to bind Government.
3. Application.
4. Interpretation.
part ii
CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FINANCE
(a) Duties and Powers of Minister and the Treasury
5. Control, management and supervision of public finances.
6. Role of Permanent Secretary and Paymaster- General.
7. Oversight of public property.
8. Collection system for public moneys.
9. Accountant-General.
10. Accounting officers.
11. Regulations and directions.
12. Penalties and surcharge.
(b) The Consolidated Fund and Other Public Funds
13. Consolidated Fund.
14. Treasury Single Account.
15. Functions of Treasury Single Account.
16. Treasury Single Account Regulations.
17. Operation of TSA.
18. Special funds.
19. Investment of moneys in Consolidated Fund.
20. Moneys raised or received to exclude deposits or trust funds.
21. Bank accounts.
22. Issues from Consolidated Fund.
23. Accountant-General’s warrant.

Moneys raised or received to exclude deposits or trust funds.
21. Bank accounts.
22. Issues from Consolidated Fund.
23. Accountant-General’s warrant.

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
part iii
ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE
24. Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.
25. Excess expenditure.
26. Grants of Credit.
27. Provision of Appropriation Act not in force.
28. Minister may authorise advances.
29. Duration of appropriations and warrants.
30. Development project contracts.
part iv
PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION OF ACCOUNTS
(a) Submission of Accounts and Reports
31. Annual accounts.
(b) Audit Authorities
32-41. Repealed.
part v
OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDITOR GENERAL
42. Internal Auditor General.
43. Functions of Internal Auditor General.
44. Officers of Internal Auditor General Division.
part vi
AUDIT OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES
45-46. Repealed.
part vii
FINANCES AND AUDIT OF THE OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
AND AUDITOR-GENERAL AND RELATED PROVISIONS
47-50. Repealed.
part viii
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
51. Abandonment of claims, etc., and write-off of public money and stores.
52. Offences.
53. Repeal.
54. Effect of repeal of various sections.
SCHEDULE

1. Abandonment of claims, etc., and write-off of public money and stores.
52. Offences.
53. Repeal.
54. Effect of repeal of various sections.
SCHEDULE

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PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Public Finance Act. 2. This Act binds the Government of the United Republic. 3. This Act shall apply to the business and operations conducted
by the Treasury under the supervision and authority of the
operations of the Accountant-General and of the Controller
and Auditor- General. 4. In this Act unless the context otherwise requires-
“Accountant-General” means the officer appointed under
section 8;
“accounting officer” means any officer appointed by
the Paymaster-General and charged with the duty of
accounting for any service in respect of which money have
been appropriated by the National Assembly or any person
to whom issues are made from the Consolidated Fund;
Short title
Act to bind
Government
Application
Interpretation
Act Nos. 4 of 2018 s. 46
12 0f 2022 s.

whom issues are made from the Consolidated Fund;
Short title
Act to bind
Government
Application
Interpretation
Act Nos. 4 of 2018 s. 46
12 0f 2022 s.

46
CHAPTER 348
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT
An Act to repeal the Exchequer and Audit Ordinance in order to make better
provisions for the more effective control, management, and regulation of
the collection and use of the finances of the United Republic and for
enhancing Parliamentary control and supervision of public funds and
resources, and for related matters. [1st July, 2001]
[GN. No. 130 of 2001]
Acts Nos. 6 of 2001
15 of 2003
13 of 2005
16 of 2007
11 of 2008
15 of 2010
4 of 2013
2 of 2014
15 of 2015
4 of 2017
4 of 2018
12 of 2022

130 of 2001]
Acts Nos. 6 of 2001
15 of 2003
13 of 2005
16 of 2007
11 of 2008
15 of 2010
4 of 2013
2 of 2014
15 of 2015
4 of 2017
4 of 2018
12 of 2022

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E.

nzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.494
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E.

2023]
“Appropriation Act” means any Act to apply a sum out of the
Consolidated Fund to the service of a financial year;
“Consolidated Fund” means the Consolidated Fund of the
Government of the United Republic referred to in section 12;
“Constitution” means the Constitution of the United
Republic of Tanzania;
“Controller and Auditor-General” means the officer referred
to in Article 143 of the Constitution of the United Republic
of Tanzania;
“department” in relation to a Ministry of the Government
or other public authority or other body, includes any
division or unit, by whatever name known, of that
Ministry, authority or other body;
“financial year” means in relation to-
(a) the Government, other than local government
authority, a period of twelve months ending on 30th
June of each year;
(b) a local government authority, the same meaning ascribed
to it in the local Government Finances Act; and
(c) a public authority or other body, the period specified by
or under the relevant law or instrument relating to that
authority or body or as determined by the competent
authority of that authority or body;
“generally accepted accounting practice” means accounting
practices and procedures recognised by accounting
profession authorities as appropriate for reporting
financial information relating to Government, a Ministry
or Department, a Fund, an Agency or other reporting
unit, being practices and procedures that are consistent
with this Act and any relevant Appropriation Act;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for finance;
“officer” or “public officer” means a public servant employed
by the Government or any officer of a Government
authority, parastatal organisation or any other
Government Institution;
“outputs” means goods produced or services provided;
Cap.

icer of a Government
authority, parastatal organisation or any other
Government Institution;
“outputs” means goods produced or services provided;
Cap.

2
Cap. 290

2
Cap. 290

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E.

nzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.495
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E.

2023]
“Paymaster-General” means the officer referred to in section
6(7) and vested with the power to control the issue of
public money to accounting officers;
“Permanent Secretary” means the Permanent Secretary to
the Treasury;
“public authority” means a body of persons, whether or not
corporate, established by or under any written law, other
than the Companies Act, whose functions are of a public
nature and are exercised in furtherance of the public
policy determined by the Government;
“public moneys” include-
(a) the public revenues of the United Republic; and
(b) any trust or other money held, whether temporarily or
otherwise, by an officer in his official capacity, either
alone or jointly with any other person, whether an
officer or not;
“public property” means an asset owned by public sector
entity other than money;
“public sector entities” means Government ministries,
departments, regional secretariat, local government
authorities, regulatory authorities, public corporations,
executive agencies, commercial entities owned by
Government and other public institutions;
“resources” includes moneys, stores, property, assets, loans
and investments;
“statutory expenditure” means expenditure charged by an
Act of Parliament, including this Act, on the Consolidated
Fund, but does not include the expenditure of moneys
appropriated or granted by an Appropriation Act or a
Supplementary Appropriation Act;
“subsidiary legislation” means any order, proclamation, rule,
rule of court, regulation, notice, by-law, instrument or
directions made or issued under this Act or other lawful
authority;
“Sub-Treasury Single Account” means an account that
receives funds from TSA for disbursement to beneficiaries;
Cap.

his Act or other lawful
authority;
“Sub-Treasury Single Account” means an account that
receives funds from TSA for disbursement to beneficiaries;
Cap.

212

212

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
“Supplementary Appropriation Act” means any Act, the
purpose of which is to supplement the appropriation
already granted by an Appropriation Act;
“the Treasury” means the Minister, and includes such officer
or officers as may be deputed by the Minister to exercise
powers and to perform duties under this Act;
“Treasury Single Account” means a unified structure of
Government bank accounts that gives a consolidated
view of Government cash resources.

this Act;
“Treasury Single Account” means a unified structure of
Government bank accounts that gives a consolidated
view of Government cash resources.

PART II
CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT
OF PUBLIC FINANCE
(a) Duties and Powers of Minister and the Treasury
5.–(1) It shall be the duty of the Minister to-
(a) develop and implement a macroeconomic and fiscal
policy framework for the United Republic and shall,
for that purpose-
(i) supervise and monitor the finances of the United
Republic;
(ii) coordinate international and inter-governmental
financial and fiscal relations;
(b) advise the Government on the total of resources to be
allocated to the public sector and the appropriate level
of resources to be allocated to individual programmes
within that sector. (2) For the purposes of the full discharge of the duties set
out in subsection (1), the Minister shall ensure that-
(a) full and transparent accounts are from time to time
and not less than annually made to the National
Assembly indicating the current and projected state of
the economy and finances of the United Republic and
the fiscal policy of the Government;
(b) systems are established throughout Government
for planning, allocating and budgeting for the use
Control,
management and
supervision of
public finances

ystems are established throughout Government
for planning, allocating and budgeting for the use
Control,
management and
supervision of
public finances

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
of resources and approve all requests for the issue of
public moneys prior to their inclusion in any estimates
of expenditure for submission to the National Assembly
in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and
(c) the control of the National Assembly over such resources
and public moneys is maintained and transparent
systems are established and maintained which-
(i) provide a full account to the National Assembly
for the use of resources and public moneys;
(ii) ensure the exercise of regularity and propriety in
the handling and expenditure of resources and
public money. (3) For the purposes of the full exercise of supervision over
the finances of the United Republic, the Minister shall, subject
to this Act and to any other written law, have the management
of the Consolidated Fund and the supervision, control and
direction of all matters relating to the financial affairs of the
United Republic.

anagement
of the Consolidated Fund and the supervision, control and
direction of all matters relating to the financial affairs of the
United Republic.

6.–(1) The Permanent Secretary shall be responsible to the
Minister for ensuring the effective application of this Act and
any subsidiary legislation made or issued under it. (2) For the purposes of discharging the responsibility
referred to in subsection (1), the Permanent Secretary may be
consulted by Accounting Officers on any matter concerning the
application of the provisions of this Act, and he shall promptly
appraise the Minister concerning any defect in this Act or any
subsidiary legislation which might result in a diminution of
control over the assets and finances of the Government, and he
may, subject to this Act, give any directions and instructions
which he may consider necessary for the safety, advantage,
economy and efficient use of public resources. (3) The Permanent Secretary shall ensure that-
(a) there is established and operated an effective system
for the collection of information to ensure that timely
and effective preparation of the annual estimates of
Role of
Permanent
Secretary and
Paymaster-
General

ollection of information to ensure that timely
and effective preparation of the annual estimates of
Role of
Permanent
Secretary and
Paymaster-
General

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
expenditure for consideration and approval by the
Minister and submission to the National Assembly;
and
(b) such estimates are prepared in conjunction with any
general or specific direction of the Minister and reflect,
as can best be ascertained at the time, good value for
money and the effective use of Government’s resources. (4) The Permanent Secretary may, by writing under his
hand, require any accounting officer or any entity whose
accounts are required by law to be audited by the Controller
and Auditor-General or any entity that manages an asset or
liability of the Government to supply such information as he
considers necessary for the purposes of section 5, and may
in such writing specify the date by which and the manner in
which the information required is to be provided, and the date
specified being reasonable regard being had to the information
required.

the manner in
which the information required is to be provided, and the date
specified being reasonable regard being had to the information
required.

(5) The Permanent Secretary and any officer deputed by
him, shall be entitled to inspect all offices and to be given
access to them at all reasonable times of the day, and be given
all available information he may require with regard to the
moneys and records in respect of them, so far as may, in any
way, be necessary for the purpose of compliance with the
provisions of this Act. (6) This Act or any subsidiary legislation made or issued
under it shall not be construed as requiring any person to do
anything in respect of moneys held on trust which contravenes
or is inconsistent with the terms of that trust. (7) The Permanent Secretary shall be also the Paymaster-
General who shall, in that capacity and subject to the directions
of the Treasury, control the issue of public moneys to ministries
and departments of the Government, and perform such other
functions as the Minister may by regulations under this Act,
prescribe.

moneys to ministries
and departments of the Government, and perform such other
functions as the Minister may by regulations under this Act,
prescribe.

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
7.–(1) The Paymaster General shall be responsible for the
oversight of public property in public sector entities. (2) In overseeing public property, the paymaster General shall-
(a) develop, monitor, evaluate and review implementation
of guideline relating to acquisition maintenance,
utilization and disposal of public property;
(b) establish and maintain systems for oversight of public
property;
(c) analyse reports on accidents and losses of public
property and process compensation claims;
(d) manage public property disposal;
(e) conduct verification and inspection of public property;
and
(f) be responsible for confiscated or for feited property
[s. 6A]
8.–(1) For the purpose of section 9, all public moneys shall be
collected through Government e-payment Gateway system or
its acronym “GePG”. (2) The accounting officer shall ensure that all public moneys
are collected through Government e-payment Gateway system
in a manner prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s.

re that all public moneys
are collected through Government e-payment Gateway system
in a manner prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s.

7]
9.–(1) There shall be an Accountant-General under the
Permanent Secretary, who shall be appointed by the President
from amongst senior professional accountants and auditors
registered with the National Board of Accounts and Auditors’
on such terms and conditions as shall be specified in the
appointment. (2) The Accountant-General shall be responsible to the
permanent Secretary for the compilation and management of
the accounts and the custody and safety of the public moneys
and for that purpose the Accountant-General may, in a
manner prescribed by the Minister, and with prior consent of
the Permanent Secretary, give such instructions of a general or
Oversight of
public property
Act No. 12 of 2022 s. 47
Collection system
for public moneys
Act No. 4 of 2017 s. 44
Accountant-
General
Acts Nos. 15 of 2003 s. 61
15 of 2010 s. 27
12 of 2022 s. 48

022 s. 47
Collection system
for public moneys
Act No. 4 of 2017 s. 44
Accountant-
General
Acts Nos. 15 of 2003 s. 61
15 of 2010 s. 27
12 of 2022 s. 48

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
specific character to accounting officers as may be necessary
for the effective implementation of the purpose and Provisions
of this Act.

8 R.E. 2023]
specific character to accounting officers as may be necessary
for the effective implementation of the purpose and Provisions
of this Act.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of
subsection (2), the Accountant-General shall-
(a) specify for every Ministry, division, department, fund,
agency, regions or other reporting unit the basis of the
accounting to be adopted and the classification system
to be used there and ensure that a proper system of
account is established in each of them, and that all
money received and paid by the Government is brought
promptly and properly to account;
(b) refuse payment on any voucher which is wrong or
deficient in content, or that contravenes any subsidiary
legislation or instructions properly made or given in
pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution, this
Act or of any other written law for the management
of public money, or that is in any way unacceptable in
support of a charge on public funds;
(c) report in writing any apparent defect in departmental
control of revenue, expenditure, cash, stores and
other property of the Government and any breach or
non-observance of financial regulations, directions
or instructions which may come or be brought to his
attention;
(d) ensure, in so far as is practicable, that adequate
provisions exist for the safe custody of public money,
securities and accountable documents; and
(e) take precautions, by the maintenance of efficient checks
including surprise inspections, against the occurrence
of fraud, embezzlement or carelessness.

ake precautions, by the maintenance of efficient checks
including surprise inspections, against the occurrence
of fraud, embezzlement or carelessness.

[s. 8]
10.–(1) There shall be appointed by name and office and in
writing by the Paymaster-General an accounting officer in
respect of each expenditure vote, who shall control and be
accountable for the expenditure of money applied to that vote
Cap. 2
Accounting
officers
Act No. 15 of 2003 s. 62

iture vote, who shall control and be
accountable for the expenditure of money applied to that vote
Cap. 2
Accounting
officers
Act No. 15 of 2003 s. 62

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
by an Appropriation Act and for all revenues and other public
moneys received, held or disposed of, by or on account of the
department or service for which the vote provides. (2) An accounting officer may, and shall if so required by
any subsidiary legislation under this Act, define in writing the
extent to which the powers and duties conferred and imposed
on him may be exercised or performed on his behalf by any
public officer under his control and give such directions as may
be necessary to ensure the proper exercise or performance of
those powers and duties, although the delegation of powers and
duties shall not abate or abridge the personal accountability of
the accounting officer.

hose powers and duties, although the delegation of powers and
duties shall not abate or abridge the personal accountability of
the accounting officer.

(3) Every accounting officer shall comply with any subsidiary
legislation made or issued under this Act and all instructions
that may be given by the Accountant-General in respect of
the custody and handling of, and the accounting for public
money, public stores, investments, securities or negotiable
instruments, whether it is the property of the Government on
deposit with or entrusted to the Government or to any public
officer in his official capacity or any other person. [s. 9]
11.–(1) The Minister may make such regulations or give such
directions as may appear to him to be necessary or expedient
for the proper carrying out of the objects, purposes and
provisions of this Act, and the assuring of the safety, economy
and advantage of the public revenue and public property. (2) The Minister shall take all proper steps to ensure that any
directions given under this section are brought to the notice of
all persons directly affected by them, and such regulations or
directions may be published in any manner which is proper
and efficient and in addition to publication in the Gazette. [s.

em, and such regulations or
directions may be published in any manner which is proper
and efficient and in addition to publication in the Gazette. [s.

10]
12.–(1) The Minister may by regulations prescribe penalties,
notwithstanding that such penalties exceed the limits prescribed
by section 36 of the Interpretation of Laws Act, for any failure
Regulations and
directions
Penalties and
surcharge
Cap. 1

xceed the limits prescribed
by section 36 of the Interpretation of Laws Act, for any failure
Regulations and
directions
Penalties and
surcharge
Cap. 1

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
to comply with or the contravention of any provision of this
Act or any subsidiary legislation made or issued under the Act. (2) Where a person contravenes or fails to comply with
any provision of this Act or any subsidiary legislation made
or issued under it and the Act or legislation declares that such
contravention or failure to comply is an offence, that person
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction
to a fine not exceeding that prescribed by the Minister under
subsection (1).

at person
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction
to a fine not exceeding that prescribed by the Minister under
subsection (1).

(3) Where there occurs a loss of or deficiency in public
money or other money that has been advanced to or was under
the control of a public officer or where a loss or destruction of
or damage to public property or other property occurs while the
property was in the care of a public officer and the Minister is
satisfied after due enquiry that the negligence or misconduct of
the officer caused or contributed to such loss or deficiency, then-
(a) the amount of such loss or deficiency;
(b) the value of the property lost or destroyed; or
(c) the cost of replacing or repairing the damage to that
property,
shall be a debt due to the Government and may be recovered
from the officer in accordance with the Public Officers
(Recovery of Debts) Act.

property,
shall be a debt due to the Government and may be recovered
from the officer in accordance with the Public Officers
(Recovery of Debts) Act.

(4) Where the negligence or misconduct of a public officer
was not the sole cause of any loss, deficiency, damage or
destruction resulting in an action under subsection (3), the
amount recoverable from the officer may be restricted to so
much only of the cost of, or the cost of replacing or repairing,
the loss, deficiency, damage or destruction as the Minister
considers, after due enquiry, to be just and equitable having
regard to the contribution made by the officer to that loss,
deficiency, damage or destruction. (5) In this section a reference to “a public officer” includes a
person who has been such a public officer. [s. 11]
Cap. 76

cy, damage or destruction. (5) In this section a reference to “a public officer” includes a
person who has been such a public officer. [s. 11]
Cap. 76

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
(b) The Consolidated Fund and Other Public Funds
13.–(1) Subject to the provisions of Article 135 of the
Constitution, all revenues or other moneys raised or received
for the purposes of the Government not being revenues or other
moneys that are payable by or under any law into some other
fund established for any specific purpose or that may, by or
under any law, be retained by the authority that received them
for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that authority,
shall be paid into and from the Consolidated Fund. (2) For the purpose of subsection (1), an executive agency
established under the Executive Agencies Act, a public
corporation established under the Public Corporation Act, a
public authority or public institution shall submit its budget to
the Paymaster-General for scrutiny and approval.

under the Public Corporation Act, a
public authority or public institution shall submit its budget to
the Paymaster-General for scrutiny and approval.

(3) An executive agency, public corporation, public
authority or public institution which charges or imposes and
collects fees for services rendered shall, at the end of every
quarter of a financial year, remit fifteen percentum of the gross
revenue to the Consolidated Fund. (4) An agency, Authority or public institution that fails to
remit ten percent of its annual gross revenue as required under
this section shall in addition to such ten percentum, pay a penalty
of five percent of the amount payable by it under this section. [s. 12]
14.–(1) There shall be opened and maintained in the Bank of
Tanzania a Government account to be known as a Treasury
Single Account or in its acronym “TSA”. (2) The Accountant General shall open, operate and manage
the account under subsection (1). [s. 12A]
15.–(1) Functions of the Treasury Single Account shall be-
(a) to receive all moneys released from the Consolidated
Fund;
(b) to remit moneys to Sub-TSA;
Consolidated
Fund
Cap. 2
Acts Nos. 4 of 2013 s. 38
2 of 2014 s. 43
15 of 2015 s. 40
Cap. 245
Cap. 257
Treasury Single
Account
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47
Functions of
Treasury Single
Account
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47

s. 43
15 of 2015 s. 40
Cap. 245
Cap. 257
Treasury Single
Account
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47
Functions of
Treasury Single
Account
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
(c) to receive unspent and unapplied moneys from Sub-
TSA. (2) For purposes of this section-
(a) unspent funds means funds that were deposited in the
Government account and the intended beneficiary
failed to utilise the funds; and
(b) unapplied funds means funds that were previously sent
to a commercial bank that failed to be applied to the
intended account. [s. 11B]
16.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for proper and
effective implementation of sections 13 and 14. (2) Without prejudice to generality of subsection (1), the
Minister may make regulations prescribing-
(a) the role of Paymaster-General to the Treasury Single
Account;
(b) the manner and procedures for funding of TSA and
Sub-TSA account;
(c) setting and control of daily expenditure limits;
(d) the manner and procedure in relation to processing
and remittance of funds;
(e) handling of unspent and unapplied balances; and
(f) any matter incidental to or connected to the Treasury
Single Account. [s. 11C]
17.

e of funds;
(e) handling of unspent and unapplied balances; and
(f) any matter incidental to or connected to the Treasury
Single Account. [s. 11C]
17.

The Treasury Single Account shall be deemed to have come
into operation on the 1st day of January, 2019.1
[s. 11D]
18.–(1) The Minister may by order published in the Gazette,
establish special funds which shall not form part of the
Consolidated Fund, and the receipts, earnings and accruals of
1 The 1st day of January, 2019 is the cutoff date within which Treasury Single
Account is to be fully in operational. The prescribed period is computed from 1st
July, 2018 being the date of commencement of the Finance Act No. 4 of 2018. Treasury
Single Account
Regulations
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47
Operation of TSA
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47
Special funds
Acts Nos. 16 of 2007 s. 20
4 of 2018 s. 48
Cap. 2

e Account
Regulations
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47
Operation of TSA
Act No. 4 of 2018 s. 47
Special funds
Acts Nos. 16 of 2007 s. 20
4 of 2018 s. 48
Cap. 2

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
such funds at the end of the financial year shall not be repaid
to the Consolidated Fund but shall be retained by the funds for
the purposes for which they were established:
Provided that, this subsection shall not apply to amounts
allocated to the fund from the Consolidated Fund and any
other funds or moneys referred to under Article 135(2) of the
Constitution of United Republic of Tanzania. (2) An order made under subsection (1) shall-
(a) state the purposes for which the special fund is being
established; and
(b) identify the Accounting Officer responsible for its
operations,
and that order shall be laid before the National Assembly and
be subject to annulment by the National Assembly and cease
to have effect when so annulled but without prejudice to the
making of a further order.

and
be subject to annulment by the National Assembly and cease
to have effect when so annulled but without prejudice to the
making of a further order.

(3) The expenditure shall not be incurred by a special fund
except under the authority of a warrant under the hand of the
Permanent Secretary addressed to the responsible accounting
officer and no such warrant shall be issued in respect of any
financial year unless estimates of the income and expenditure
of the special fund for that financial year, approved by the
Minister, have been laid before the National Assembly. (4) The funds set out in the Schedule shall be deemed to
have been established under this section and for the purposes
specified in that Schedule. (5) Subject to subsection (3), the Minister may make
regulations and issue directions for the management and
control of any Fund established under this section. (6) The Minister shall have the power at any time to wind
up any fund established under this section and any funds
standing to the credit of such fund at the time of winding up
shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund. (7) The Minister may by an order published in the Gazette
amend the Schedule. [s. 12]
Cap. 2

e of winding up
shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund. (7) The Minister may by an order published in the Gazette
amend the Schedule. [s. 12]
Cap. 2

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.506
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
19.–(1) Any sums standing to the credit of the Consolidated
Fund may, subject to compliance with authorised procedures, be-
(a) kept in cash or in such bank accounts as the Accountant-
General may from time to time determine;
(b) invested with a bank at call or subject to notice
not exceeding twelve months or in an investment
authorised by law for the investment of trustee funds
and approved by the Minister. (2) For the avoidance of doubt, the investment of such funds
shall not constitute a withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund
in terms of section 21. [s. 13]
20. For the avoidance of doubt any reference to moneys raised
or received by the Government does not include moneys
received on deposit or moneys held on trust by or under the
control of any court, officer of a court, the Public Trustees,
the Attorney General or the Official Receiver or any sums of
money held on trust by any other officer for purposes other
than the purposes of the Government. [s. 14]
21.

l or the Official Receiver or any sums of
money held on trust by any other officer for purposes other
than the purposes of the Government. [s. 14]
21.

A public or official account shall not be opened in any bank
without the authority in writing of the Accountant-General. [s. 15]
22.–(1) Subject to Article 136 of the Constitution, no money
shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except upon
the authority of a warrant under the hand of the Paymaster-
General addressed to the Accountant- General. (2) A warrant shall not be issued by the Paymaster- General
for the purpose of meeting any expenditure unless a grant of
credit sufficient to cover the sum involved has been issued by
the Controller and Auditor-General and-
(a) the expenditure has been authorised for the financial
year during which the withdrawal is to take place by-
(i) an Appropriation Act;
Investment
of moneys in
Consolidated
Fund
Moneys raised
or received to
exclude deposits
or trust funds
Bank accounts
Issues from
Consolidated
Fund
Act No. 15 of 2003 s. 63
Cap. 2

olidated
Fund
Moneys raised
or received to
exclude deposits
or trust funds
Bank accounts
Issues from
Consolidated
Fund
Act No. 15 of 2003 s. 63
Cap. 2

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.507
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
(ii) a Supplementary Appropriation Act; or
(iii) warrant issued under section 26(1);
(b) it is expenditure (referred to in this part as statutory
expenditure) that is charged on the Consolidated Fund
by the provisions of the Constitution or any other law;
(c) for the purpose of repaying any moneys that are
received in error by the Consolidated Fund; or
(d) for the purpose of paying such sums as may be required
for any advance, refund, rebate or drawback where the
payment of such advance, refund, rebate or drawback
is provided for in this Act or any other Act. (3) The Minister may suspend, withdraw or limit any
Warrant or other authority issued by the Permanent Secretary,
provided that he is satisfied that such action is required by
reason of financial exigencies or the public interest. [s.

d by the Permanent Secretary,
provided that he is satisfied that such action is required by
reason of financial exigencies or the public interest. [s.

16]
23.–(1) The Accountant-General shall, subject to this Act, by
warrant under his hand authorise accounting officers to incur
expenditure up to the limits and for the purposes and subject
to the conditions contained therein. (2) A warrant shall not be issued by the Accountant-General
unless the sum and purpose for which it is issued have been
included in a warrant issued by the Paymaster-General under
section 21(2) and every warrant issued by the Accountant-
General shall be subject to such limits and conditions as the
Minister may determine. (3) The Accountant-General may not make any payment or
accept any charge in his accounts, and an accounting officer
may not incur any commitment or expenditure, unless and
until authorised by warrant so to do. (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), “commitment” means
a contract or other arrangement providing for a payment. [s. 17]
Accountant-
General’s warrant

For the purposes of subsection (3), “commitment” means
a contract or other arrangement providing for a payment. [s. 17]
Accountant-
General’s warrant

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.508
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
PART III
ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE
24.–(1) Subject to Article 137 of the Constitution, the Minister
shall cause to be prepared and laid before the National
Assembly as soon as practicable before the commencement of
each financial year-
(a) estimates of the revenues, expenditure and financing
requirements for the Government of Tanzania for that
year;
(b) for each vote of expenditure a statement of the classes
of outputs expected to be provided from that vote
during the year and the performance criteria to be met
in providing those outputs. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if the National Assembly
is dissolved less than three months before the commencement
of any financial year, the estimates for that year may be laid
before the National Assembly as soon as practicable after the
commencement of that year.

f any financial year, the estimates for that year may be laid
before the National Assembly as soon as practicable after the
commencement of that year.

(3) The votes of expenditure contained in the estimates
(other than statutory expenditure) shall be included in a
Bill to be known as an Appropriation Bill which shall be
introduced into the National Assembly to provide for the issue
from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet
that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums to the
purposes specified therein. (4) Where in respect of any financial year it is found that the
amount appropriated by an Appropriation Act is insufficient or
that a need has arisen for expenditure for a purpose to which
no amount has been appropriated by that Act, a supplementary
estimate, showing the amount required, shall be laid before
the National Assembly and the votes of expenditure shall
be included in a Supplementary Appropriation Bill to be
introduced in the National Assembly to provide for the
appropriation of those sums. [s. 18]
Estimates of
Revenue and
Expenditure
Cap. 2

ion Bill to be
introduced in the National Assembly to provide for the
appropriation of those sums. [s. 18]
Estimates of
Revenue and
Expenditure
Cap. 2

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.509
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
25.–(1) Where at the close of account for any financial year it
is found that moneys have been expended-
(a) on any expenditure vote in excess of the amount
appropriated for it by an Appropriation Act;
(b) for a purpose for which no moneys have been voted
and appropriated; or
(c) on any subhead of an expenditure vote in excess of the
sum assigned thereto in the estimates of expenditure
for the financial year and to which no further sum has
been applied under any provision of this Act or any
subsidiary legislation issued under it,
the amount of the excess expended or not appropriated shall
be included in a statement of expenditure in excess which
shall be laid before the National Assembly. (2) Where the National Assembly shall, by means of
a motion allows any excess or any amount expended but
not appropriated to stand charged to public funds, the sum
required to meet such excess or such amount as shall be
allowed, shall be included in a Supplementary Appropriation
Bill for appropriation. [s. 19]
26.

equired to meet such excess or such amount as shall be
allowed, shall be included in a Supplementary Appropriation
Bill for appropriation. [s. 19]
26.

The Controller and Auditor-General shall, by warrant
under his hand issue Grants of Credit on the Consolidated
Fund to the Minister-
(a) for the amounts becoming payable during the ensuing
three months for statutory expenditure; and
(b) for the amounts becoming payable for the service of a
financial year under the authority of an Appropriation
Act or under the provisions of sections 21(2)(c) and
(d), 26(1) and 27. [s. 20]
27.–(1) Subject to Article 139 of the Constitution, and to
subsection (2) of this section, if the Appropriation Act has not
come into force at the commencement of any financial year,
Excess
expenditure
Grants of Credit
Provision of
Appropriation
Act not in force
Cap.2

s not
come into force at the commencement of any financial year,
Excess
expenditure
Grants of Credit
Provision of
Appropriation
Act not in force
Cap.2

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.510
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
the President may, by Warrant under his hand addressed to
the Minister, authorise a withdrawal from the Consolidated
Fund for the purposes of meeting the expenditure necessary
to carry on the services of the Government until the expiration
of four months from the beginning of that financial year or the
coming into operation of that Act, whichever is earlier. (2) Any sum so authorised shall not exceed the sum specified
for such service in the estimates presented for the current
year or one-third of the sums provided in the Appropriation
and Supplementary Appropriation Acts of the previous year,
whichever is the lesser, and shall be set off against the amounts
respectively provided in the Appropriation Act upon the same
coming into operation. [s. 21]
28.

s the lesser, and shall be set off against the amounts
respectively provided in the Appropriation Act upon the same
coming into operation. [s. 21]
28.

The Minister may, by Warrant under his hand addressed to
the Accountant-General authorise the issue of advances from
the Consolidated Fund to-
(a) special funds if those advances are repayable not later
than the end of the financial year in which they were
issued; and
(b) public officers, for the purpose of funding approved
expenditure, if those advances are repayable not later
than the end of the financial year in which they were
issued. [s. 22]
29. Every appropriation by the National Assembly of public
moneys for the service of a financial year and every warrant
or other authority issued under this Act in respect of such
financial year, shall lapse and cease to have any effect at the
close of that year and the unexpended balance of any moneys
withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund shall be repaid to the
Consolidated Fund. [s. 23]
Minister may
authorise
advances
Duration of
appropriations
and warrants

n from the Consolidated Fund shall be repaid to the
Consolidated Fund. [s. 23]
Minister may
authorise
advances
Duration of
appropriations
and warrants

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.511
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
30. Where for the purposes of any development project which
has been approved by the National Assembly by resolution
or otherwise a contract for the supply of goods or services is
entered into on behalf of the United Republic which provides
that any payment (other than a payment charged on the
Consolidated Fund by virtue of the provision of this Act or
any other Act) is to be made on or after the first day of July
next following, the Minister shall as soon as possible after the
making of such contract give notice thereof to the National
Assembly and every such notice shall specify-
(a) the names of the contracting parties;
(b) the nature of the goods or services to be supplied;
(c) the total amount payable by the United Republic in
respect of such goods or services and the date or dates
on which payment is to be made; and
(d) the development project to which such contract is
referable. [s.

such goods or services and the date or dates
on which payment is to be made; and
(d) the development project to which such contract is
referable. [s.

24]
PART IV
PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION
OF ACCOUNTS
(a) Submission of Accounts and Reports
31.–(1) The Accountant-General shall, within a period of
seven months or such longer period as the National Assembly
may by resolution appoint after the end of each financial year,
prepare and transmit to the Minister and to the Controller
and Auditor-General, the Financial Statements prepared in
accordance with the requirements of the International Public
Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and generally accepted
accounting practices, and such other statements, and in such
form as the National Assembly may require. (2) Each accounting officer shall, within a period of three
months after the end of each financial year prepared and
Development
project contracts
Annual accounts
Acts Nos. 15 of 2003 s. 64
16 of 2015 s. 41

ree
months after the end of each financial year prepared and
Development
project contracts
Annual accounts
Acts Nos. 15 of 2003 s. 64
16 of 2015 s. 41

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.512
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
transmit to the Controller and Auditor-General in respect of
the past financial year and in respect, of the votes under his
control, the Financial Statements prepared in accordance with
the requirements of the International Public Sector Accounting
Standards (IPSAS) and General Accepted Accounting
Practices, and such other statements, and in such form as the
National Assembly may require. (3) A public officer administering a fund established
or deemed to have been established under section 17, and
public officer administering any agency, trust or other fund
or account not provided for in this section, shall prepare, sign
and transmit to the Controller and Auditor-General Financial
Statements of that agency, trust or other fund or account in
accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS)
and any instructions or form which the Accountant-General
may direct.

ther fund or account in
accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS)
and any instructions or form which the Accountant-General
may direct.

(4) All accounts submitted under this section shall-
(a) be prepared in accordance with International Public
Sector Accounting Standards and generally accepted
accounting practices and in accordance with any
instructions approved by the Permanent Secretary and
issued by the Accountant-General; and
(b) state the basis of accounting used in their preparation
and identify any significant departures therefrom and
the reason for that departure. [s. 25]
(b) Audit Authorities
32-41. [Repealed by Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 51]. [ss. 26-36]
Repealed

artures therefrom and
the reason for that departure. [s. 25]
(b) Audit Authorities
32-41. [Repealed by Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 51]. [ss. 26-36]
Repealed

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.513
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
PART V2
OFFICE OF INTERNAL AUDITOR GENERAL
42.–(1) There shall be an Internal Auditor General under the
Ministry responsible for finance. (2) The Internal Auditor General shall be appointed by the
President from amongst qualified persons in accountancy,
auditing or financial matters on such terms and conditions to
be specified in the letter of appointment. [s. 37]
43.–(1) The Internal Auditor General shall be responsible to
the Paymaster General for-
(a) developing internal audit policies, rules, standards,
manuals, circulars and guidelines;
(b) reviewing and appraising compliance to laid down
laws, regulations, standards, systems and procedures
in Ministries, Departments, Government Institutions,
Regions, Local Government Authorities, executive
agencies and donor funded projects; and
(c) ensuring control and proper accountability of public
monies and property.

overnment Authorities, executive
agencies and donor funded projects; and
(c) ensuring control and proper accountability of public
monies and property.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Internal Auditor
General shall-
(a) scrutinise and compile audit reports from Ministries,
Department, Government Institutions, Regions, Local
Government Authorities, executive agencies and donor
funded projects and shall prepare a summary of major
audit observations and recommendations and submit
the same to the Paymaster General for further action;
(b) undertake continuous Audit Risk Management;
(c) develop and supervise the implementation of Internal
Audit Strategy;
2 This Part was added by Act No. 15 of 2010 s. 28 and renumbering subsequent
Part accordingly. Internal Auditor
General
Functions of
Internal Auditor
General

Part was added by Act No. 15 of 2010 s. 28 and renumbering subsequent
Part accordingly. Internal Auditor
General
Functions of
Internal Auditor
General

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.514
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E.

nzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.514
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E.

2023]
(d) develop, implement and review Annual Audit
Programme;
(e) liaise with the Controller and Auditor General,
Accountant General, Accounting Officers, and
Professional Standards Settings Authorities on audit
matters;
(f) manage and control the quality of operations of the
audit cadre and enhance capacity of Audit Committees;
(g) evaluate the effectiveness of Audit Committees in
Ministries, Departments, Government Institutions,
Regions, Local Government Authorities and executive
agencies;
(h) facilitate the development of internal audit cadre;
(i) review and appraise-
(i) budget planning and implementation with a view
to promoting compliance with national goals and
objectives;
(ii) technical reports on development initiatives; and
(iii) works, goods offered and services supplied to the
Government from development and recurrent
budgets and determine their value for money;
(j) prepare audit reports and advise the Government on
intervention measures towards ensuring values for
money on public expenditure;
(k) make follow up on the agreed audit recommendations
and required corrective actions;
(l) undertake special and investigative audits;
(m) review, monitor, evaluate and recommend on systems
of Government revenue collections for proper
accountability; and
(n) participate in the hearings and render advice to the
relevant Parliamentary Oversight Committees.

venue collections for proper
accountability; and
(n) participate in the hearings and render advice to the
relevant Parliamentary Oversight Committees.

[s. 38]

[s. 38]

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
44. There shall be internal audit officers of academic
qualifications and experience in their fields of study of such
number and titles as may be necessary for effective performance
of the functions of the Internal Auditor General Division. [s. 39]
PART VI
AUDIT OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
AND OTHER BODIES
45-46. [Repealed by Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 51.]
[ss. 40-41]
PART VII
FINANCES AND AUDIT OF THE OFFICE
OF THE CONTROLLER AND AUDITOR-
GENERAL AND RELATED PROVISIONS
47-50. [Repealed by Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 51.]
[ss. 42-45]
PART VIII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
51.–(1) The National Assembly may, by resolution, authorise
the Minister to the extent specified in the resolution to abandon
and remit any claims by or on behalf of the Government or
any service thereof and to write off losses of moneys or stores
belonging to the Government or provided for the public
service.

f of the Government or
any service thereof and to write off losses of moneys or stores
belonging to the Government or provided for the public
service.

(2) The Minister may by writing under his hand delegate
to any officer any powers which he is authorised to exercise by
resolution of the National Assembly under this section. [s. 46]
Officers of
Internal Auditor
General Division
Repealed
Repealed
Abandonment of
claims, etc., and
write-off of public
money and stores

section. [s. 46]
Officers of
Internal Auditor
General Division
Repealed
Repealed
Abandonment of
claims, etc., and
write-off of public
money and stores

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.516
THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
52.–(1) A person commits an offence against this Act if-
(a) without reasonable cause fails to provide by the due
date, such information as the Permanent Secretary may
reasonably require under section 6(4);
(b) without reasonable cause hinders, obstructs the
Permanent Secretary or any officer or refuses entry or
access to any office for the purposes of inspecting such
office in accordance with subsection (5) of section 6 of
this Act;
(c) contrary to section 20 causes to be opened any bank
account for public or official use without the permission
of the Accountant-General. (2) A person convicted of an offence against this Act shall be
liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to
both. [s. 47]
53.–(1) [Repeals the Exchequer and Audit Ordinance].

dred thousand shillings
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to
both. [s. 47]
53.–(1) [Repeals the Exchequer and Audit Ordinance].

(2) After 1st July, 2001, the provisions of the Interpretation
of Laws Act shall apply to the repeal of the Exchequer and
Audit Ordinance, and all references to that Ordinance in any
written law, instrument or document shall, in so far as they
relate to the Controller and Auditor-General, his functions or
other matter, be construed as references to this Act unless the
context requires otherwise. [s. 48]
54. Notwithstanding the repeal of sections 26 to 42 and
paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) of section 44(1), all directions and
orders issued, made or given under the repealed sections shall
be deemed to be directions and orders issued, given or made
under this Act and shall remain valid, in force and apply, with
necessary variations, until revoked by a direction or order
issued, given or made under that Act. Offences
Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 51
Repeal
Ord. No. 21 of 1961
Cap. 1
Effect of repeal of
various sections
Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 49

made under that Act. Offences
Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 51
Repeal
Ord. No. 21 of 1961
Cap. 1
Effect of repeal of
various sections
Act No. 11 of 2008 s. 49

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THE PUBLIC FINANCE ACT [CAP. 348 R.E. 2023]
SCHEDULE
(Made under section 18(4))
African Productivity Loan Fund.
Civil Contingencies Fund.
Government Bursaries Fund.
Hides and Skins Cess Fund.
Karimjee Scientific Bursaries Fund.
Lint and Seed Marketing Board Loan Sinking Fund.
Rewards and Fines Fund.
Sinking Funds.
Stock Transfer Stamp Duty Fund.
Support Fund.
Advances Fund.
Government Stores Fund.
Act No.
13 of 2005 s. 33

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.