Govt commits to digital public service delivery

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government is committed to strengthening public service delivery through digitalisation, as part of implementing the National Development Vision 2050.

Speaking recently to journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, said that by 2050, more than 80 per cent of government services will be delivered digitally.

He explained that the first five years of implementation will set a rapid pace and require greater involvement of young people to achieve the aspirations of the Tanzania envisioned for 2050.

“Our belief is that the first five years will establish a strong momentum that will require more young people to meet the ambitions of the Tanzania we aim to achieve by 2050,” said Mr Kikwete.

He added that the government is working closely with Tanzanian youth to create employment opportunities and promote national development.

To enhance accountability and ensure the delivery of quality public services, he said the government has introduced the Electronic Performance Management System, commonly known as ‘e-Utendaji.’

He said that since its introduction in the 2023/2024 Financial Year, 84 per cent of public servants and 93 per cent of public institutions are already using the system.

The system has enabled effective monitoring and assessment of performance across different periods.

On ethics among leaders and public servants, Minister Kikwete said that the ruling CCM through its Election Manifesto, has directed the government to strengthen ethical standards in public leadership and service.

He explained that training and induction programmes have already been conducted for Ministers and Deputy Ministers to strengthen their capacity to discharge duties in accordance with the Constitution, policies and laws of the country.

Referring to the National Development Vision 2050, Mr Kikwete underscored that the Vision clearly identifies good governance, local government authorities and a responsive public service as key national priorities.

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He added that the government continues to implement capacity-building programmes for public servants through the Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC), with a focus on preparing young people to address labour market challenges.

“These reforms have been instrumental in equipping young people with the skills required across various sectors, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market and preparing them to participate fully in the digital economy and in the delivery of quality public services,” he said.

On the issue of housing, Minister Kikwete said that the government, through the Watumishi Housing Investment (WHI), has initiated projects to construct decent and affordable housing for public servants.

These projects have created employment opportunities in engineering and management fields, while ensuring access to affordable housing for public employees.

Furthermore, in combating poverty he explained that, the government has launched the third phase of the Productive Social Safety Net Programme (PSSN III), which is expected to commence in early 2026 under TASAF.

The programme, with a total cost of 296 million US dollars, aims to reach 575,000 households living in vulnerable conditions, with the primary objective of expanding access to social protection services and decent employment.

“The programme will strengthen its operational systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the delivery of quality services to citizens,” he said.

He further noted that the programme will oversee the establishment of a National Non-Contributory Social Protection Registry, intended to serve as a permanent, nationwide system for identifying, storing and managing data on individuals and households living in vulnerable conditions.

In an effort to strengthen good governance, accountability and the fight against corruption, the Minister said that between 2025 and 2030, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) will focus on combating corruption and malpractice, while promoting transparency and accountability