Our country has maintained its 11th position as the freest economy in Africa, thanks to its impressive performance in spending, fiscal as well as investor freedom.

We must say this is really something to be proud of - for we have at least kept our feet steady on the ground. But thinking more critically, one would be excused if one felt that it is still simply not good enough. As they say, there is always room for improvement. Yes. Judging from the few developments in terms of policy and assurances of good governance, one sees an opportunity to fly even higher.

For instance, credit has been given for ensuring that investors enjoy their freedom. But an investor in the mining sector, who has been waiting for the government to review its law or implement the Bomani Commission report's recommendations, to no avail, is at loss.

An investor, who is being forced to list on the Dar es Salaam Stock Market within three years - even if the bourse's experts think that is contrary to the principles of the free market economy - will be wondering what freedom we are talking about.

Yes, the government has been praised for a good performance in its disciplined spending. But observers will question why most local government authorities continue to get qualified account audits even after President Kikwete called for the expeditious prosecution of accountants looting public resources?

We all know that a good number of public servants continue to live beyond their means, thanks to the handsome allowances they cleverly devise and pay one another. Clearly, these are some of the things that make wananchi, and, indeed, even donors, easily understand why are poor and will remain so.

It is our dream that we steadily move forward, building blocks step by step and not by making one step ahead and two backwards. We have shown that we can make a difference on the continent. We should aggressively continue doing so.