‘Prepare for surge in legal cases’

• Success of Vision 2050 hinges on judiciary efficacy, says Samia

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on the judiciary and its stakeholders to prepare for an increase in legal cases as Tanzania progresses toward its Development Vision 2050.

Speaking at Chinangali Park in Dodoma yesterday during the Law Week celebrations and the launch of nationwide court activities for 2025, Dr Samia said that the success of Vision 2050, which aims to raise Tanzania’s national income to 700 billion US dollars (approximately 1,750tri/-), depends heavily on attracting investment, expanding trade and strengthening domestic capital mobilisation.

According to World Bank Report of 2023, Tanzania’s GDP stood at 79.16 billion US dollars (about 197.9tri/-). “These efforts will inevitably lead to more legal disputes, which will place pressure on the justice system,” Dr Samia said.

“The judiciary, along with its stakeholders, including lawyers, legal professionals and law enforcement agencies, must be ready to handle this surge in cases efficiently and effectively.”

Dr Samia further said that the success of Vision 2050 hinges on the commitment of the government, private sector, Parliament, judiciary and the entire legal profession.

“As business activities grow, the judiciary must resolve legal disputes swiftly to maintain investor confidence and ensure economic stability,”she added.

“Without a strong and efficient judicial system, disputes may drag on, slowing economic progress and deterring investment.

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Delays in resolving legal matters create uncertainty and harm the business environment.” President Samia urged judicial officers and law enforcement agencies to ensure that courts are viewed as enablers of economic activities rather than obstacles.

Dr Samia also directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Tanzania Revenue Appeals Tribunal (TRAT) to expedite tax-related cases, so that investors are not delayed and taxes are paid on time. “The financial sector is also undergoing significant changes.

Over the next 25 years, we are moving toward a cashless economy and handling more online financial transactions. We must prepare for this shift,” she said.

The president further explained that the Attorney General’s Office is responsible for reviewing and evaluating government contracts to protect national interests.

Legal professionals handling economic agreements must possess the necessary expertise to ensure the country is not disadvantaged.

She also called on judges and magistrates to remain impartial and deliver justice based on legal and constitutional principles. President Samia commended the judiciary for embracing technology in court proceedings.

She particularly commended the judiciary for leading Africa in adopting Information and Communication Technology, highlighting its timely printing and uploading of judgments on the Judiciary’s website, TanzLII, which provides free access to Tanzanian law.

She noted that in 2024 alone, 172,301 cases were registered and concluded online in primary courts, while 70,714 cases were processed digitally from district courts to the High Court.

“Some witnesses even gave testimony while in different countries, which helped cut transportation costs and facilitated the judicial process,” she said.

President Samia attributed these advancements to deliberate government efforts outlined in the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) for 2020–2025, which focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure across various sectors, including the judiciary.

She also said that the 2020/2025 CCM Election Manifesto requires continued development of ICT systems to improve justice delivery, with visible results already being seen.

Dr Samia emphasised that judicial reforms and improvements have not occurred by chance but are the result of careful planning and execution.

She called on all stakeholders to align their efforts with the country’s long-term development goals to ensure that the justice system remains a pillar of national progress.

On his part, Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Juma said that the judiciary is closely following President Samia’s directives and recognises her commitment to judicial reforms.

He said that while the government is pushing for reforms, some legal institutions are resisting certain changes, particularly those proposed by citizens through the Criminal Justice Commission.

“There have been complaints about a deadlock in implementing some proposals, with some individuals opposing them.

They do not seem to fully understand the President’s intention, which is to ensure justice is served in both criminal and civil law areas,” he said.