Immigration, TCAA seal digital pact to modernise passenger data sharing

DODOMA: The Tanzania  Immigration Department Immigration Department has signed a landmark agreement with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) to enhance national security through the digital exchange of air passenger information.

The agreement, signed in Dodoma on Tuesday, marks a major shift from manual to digital data sharing in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive for government institutions to integrate their systems to improve service delivery and reinforce security.

Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, Commissioner General of Immigration, Dr Anna Makakala, said the two institutions have been exchanging traveller information for some time, but the process was outdated and inefficient.

“We have been sharing information, but the methods were outdated. With this new agreement, the Immigration Department will now be digitally connected with TCAA systems to enable secure and efficient information exchange,” said Dr Makakala.

She underscored that the integration is expected to significantly boost border security by allowing real-time access to verified passenger data.

“This is a strategic step toward strengthening national security and service efficiency, in line with President Samia’s vision of digital information sharing among state institutions,” she added.

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TCAA Director General, Mr Salim Msangi, described the agreement as a crucial development for both security and planning purposes, as the authority is mandated to collect and manage passenger data for those entering and exiting the country.

“These statistics are essential. Without accurate and timely data, it becomes difficult for the government and stakeholders in the aviation sector to make informed decisions,” he said.

Mr Msangi noted that the integration of systems will provide complete and timely data on passenger numbers, their profiles, and the purposes of their visits, helping both the Immigration Department and the aviation authority to function more effectively.

“This collaboration will enhance efficiency as information will now be readily available and shared securely. Previously, we cooperated, but the process was not seamless,” he said.

In a related development, Mr Msangi revealed that TCAA has initiated the rollout of a centralised data system that will integrate with other platforms to collect passenger data from all airports across the country.

“This will enable us to track every air passenger, improve data accuracy and boost revenue collection in the sector,” he said.

The move is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s aviation oversight capabilities while aligning with broader national goals of digital transformation and institutional collaboration.