Justice, anti-graft reforms top 123.6bn/- budget

ZANZIBAR: GOOD governance, justice reforms and anti-corruption initiatives have emerged as key priorities in a 123.6bn/- budget presented for the President’s Office – Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance for the 2026/27 financial year.

Acting Minister Suleiman Masoud Makame presented the budget in the House of Representatives in Chukwani, Unguja, outlining plans to strengthen accountability, improve public service delivery and modernise government systems.

Among the major priorities are expansion of electronic systems in public institutions, promotion of ethical leadership and intensified efforts to combat corruption.

The government also plans to strengthen auditing and control of public resources, implement leadership succession programmes and introduce performance contracts for public officials to improve accountability.

Mr Makame said construction of the Pemba Public Administration Institute branch and facilities for the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority will continue, while new projects including a law school and an Islamic college are expected to begin.

He acknowledged persistent challenges within the justice sector, particularly growing backlogs of criminal, drug-related, economic crime and abuse cases, which require extensive coordination among justice institutions.

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According to the minister, the government is responding by improving court infrastructure, expanding digital systems and strengthening cooperation between the judiciary, prosecution, police and investigative organs.

Makame also stressed the need for huge investment in ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity and specialised staff training to support digital transformation across public institutions.