Embrace ICT, Silaa tells new TPC board
DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, has urged the new board of the Tanzania Postal Corporation (TPC) to prioritise the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and innovation, in order to improve performance and effectively meet evolving market demands.
Speaking to the new board members and TPC management in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Mr Silaa underscored the pivotal role that ICT development, along with the ongoing Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Industrial Revolutions, will play in shaping the future operations of TPC.
“In an era where ICT is a key tool for achieving tasks, it is essential for an organisation to assess how well it is positioned to execute its responsibilities, given the rapid growth of ICT and the ongoing industrial revolutions,” Mr Silaa said.
He stressed that TPC must operate profitably and move away from past losses, expressing confidence that the new board and management would align with the corporation’s goals.
“I direct the Permanent Secretary, the Chairperson and the Board members to closely oversee the corporation’s management, ensuring that proposed projects are impactful and profitable,” he added. “I will not accept claims of success if the corporation is not performing up to standard.”
Minister Silaa also noted the expertise of the board, which includes professionals in ICT systems, postal services, financial auditing and administration. He expressed confidence that such a diverse team would ensure the corporation’s success.
“For TPC to succeed, there must be love, unity and mutual understanding among the board, management and staff. Ensure that employees are empowered to perform their duties with professionalism, patriotism and creativity never under threat,” he advised.
The TPC Postmaster General, Mr Macrice Mbodo, said that the 2024/25 fiscal year will mark the final year for implementing the transitional strategic plan. This plan, part of the 8th business strategic plan, aims to transform the postal service into a digital entity for sustainable business growth.
“One of the key successes of this strategy is the integration of our services into the digital postal system, allowing any citizen with a smartphone to access postal services conveniently,” said Mr Mbodo.
He also highlighted six priority areas for focus by June 2025, which include transportation, financial services, agency operations, e-commerce, corporate asset management and the provision of government services through service centres.
The docket Permanent Secretary, Mr Mohammed Khamis Abdullah, expressed expectations for significant changes within TPC.
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“The board must ensure that the corporation provides high-quality postal services, both domestically and internationally, with professionalism and profitability,” he said.
In response, the Chairperson of the TPC Board, Major General (Rtd) Ambassador Gaudence Milanzi, assured the minister that the board would work diligently to implement the directives.
“We have received your directives and we assure you that we will collaborate effectively with the Postmaster General and management to ensure that these directives are fully implemented,” said Ambassador Milanzi.
