Tanzania sees benefit of e-Watumishi as it launches Public Service Week

DODOMA: TANZANIA public servants are now enjoying the services of e-Watumishi System, digital payment system for the country’s all public institutions.

That was revealed in Dodoma during the official opening of 2025 Public Service Week.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr George Simbachawene, has directed all public institutions across the country to ensure they embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in a bid to deliver faster, reliable and more efficient services to the public.

Speaking in Dodoma during the opening of the Public Service Week, Mr Simbachawene said the sixth-phase government has placed significant emphasis on digital transformation to enhance efficiency in public service delivery.

“Today, we can all testify to the positive changes in service delivery, following the introduction of several digital systems initiated by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa last year. These systems are transforming how government operates and interacts with the public,” he said.

This year’s Public Service Week is being commemorated under the theme “Promote the Use of Digital Systems to Increase Access to Information and Enhance Accountability.”

The minister highlighted several key systems that have brought tangible benefits in public administration, including the e-Watumishi system, which has improved salary management by ensuring public servants receive their pay correctly and on time, and the Performance Management Information System (PEPMIS), which tracks performance of each public servant based on daily or weekly activity reports.

He further mentioned the Human Resources Needs Assessment System (HR Assessment), which helps identify staffing needs and ensure optimal resource allocation, and the e-Mrejesho platform, which allows public servants and citizens to submit feedback, suggestions, concerns or inquiries to the government for timely response.

“These systems have not only improved efficiency, but they have also promoted transparency and accountability across public institutions,” he added.

Mr Simbachawene also urged all public institutions that have not yet integrated into the Government Enterprise Service Bus (GovESB) to do so immediately.

He revealed that, to date, only 185 institutions have joined the platform, which facilitates interoperability and enables services to be delivered seamlessly across different government departments.

“This system allows services to be offered in one place, eliminating the need for citizens to move from one office to another. It saves time, reduces costs and enhances the overall experience for wananchi,” he explained.

The minister further urged government leaders and public servants to use Public Service Week as an opportunity to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities, and how they can access services and demand accountability.

He also encouraged institutions to share best practices and innovations aimed at improving service delivery, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and receive valuable feedback from stakeholders including citizens, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the private sector.

“Let us use this platform to showcase the improvements made in service delivery and to learn from each other how to better meet the expectations of the public,” he said.

Mr Simbachawene reminded public servants that the Public Service remains a key pillar in driving national development and the well-being of citizens.

He urged them to continue performing their duties in line with the country’s laws, policies, regulations and guidelines.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr Juma Mkomi, said invitations were issued to all ministries, regional secretariats and about 120 public institutions to participate in the commemoration by offering services directly to the public.

He noted that 23 ministries, five regional secretariats and their respective councils, as well as 101 public institutions, are participating in the 2025 Public Service Week activities.

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“This is a valuable opportunity for citizens to receive on-site services, learn about the mandates of various institutions, and provide feedback to help improve public service delivery,” he said.

Public Service Week activities include exhibitions, legal aid services, awareness sessions, and innovation showcases aimed at bringing government services closer to the people.