‘Stronger public institutions key to national growth’

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called on public service institutions in both Zanzibar and the mainland to collaborate in enhancing service delivery, promoting accountability and accelerating national development.

Speaking during the opening of the first Public Service Academic Symposium, President Mwinyi said both governments are committed to improving the working environment for public servants, expanding access to training opportunities and embracing technology and innovation to improve efficiency and accountability in public service.

The event was jointly organised by the Zanzibar Institute of Public Administration (IPA) and the Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC), as part of the implementation of a 2022 cooperation agreement between the two institutions.

“Public servants are a vital pillar of our social, political and economic development. They must be empowered and equipped to become agents of positive transformation in the nation,” he stated.

Moreover, Dr Mwinyi called for more use of digital systems, investment in good governance and the promotion of ethical conduct in the workplace to ensure modern, citizen focused services across all sectors, IPA Principal Dr Shaaban Mwinchumu Suleiman described the symposium as a critical platform for public leaders and civil servants to explore the role of leadership, technology and innovation in achieving ‘the Tanzania we want’.

He said the forum provides an opportunity to share best practices for strengthening public service in response to current and future changes.

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TPSC Principal, Dr Ernest Mabonesho stressed that the symposium reflects a strong commitment to improving the performance of public institutions and equipping civil servants with the skills needed to meet modern challenges.

“The goal is to ensure that public institutions operate professionally, accountably and in line with the real needs of citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of IPA’s Board, Dr Abdulhamid Yahya Mzee applauded the cooperation between the two institutions, saying it has helped to produce capable public servants who meet the evolving demands of the nation.

“This partnership has played a key role in fostering ethics, productivity and efficiency within the public sector,” he said.

Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Mr Deus Clement Sangu, said the symposium has come at a timely moment as both governments intensify policy and technological efforts to improve services delivery.

For his part, Zanzibar’s Minister of State, President’s Office (Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance), Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman said the training provided by the two institutions has enhanced discipline and efficiency among civil servants, stressing that integrity is the foundation of quality public service.

The symposium is being held under the theme “The Role of Leadership, Technology and Innovation in Achieving the Tanzania We Want” and is expected to inspire new strategies to strengthen public service for sustainable national development.