ZANZIBAR: IN many developing countries, including Zanzibar, going to court has long meant navigating bureaucracy, mountains of paper files and waiting months, or even years, for cases to be heard.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar says that experience is set to change, as it steps up investment to modernise the judiciary and bring justice closer to the people.
Speaking at the climax of Zanzibar Law Week celebrations at the House of Representatives Hall in Wete, Pemba, Second Vice-President (2VP) Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said the government has taken firm measures to create a supportive and efficient working environment for the judiciary.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, Mr Abdulla said that in the 2025/2026 financial year, the government allocated over 13.6bn/- for the construction of modern court buildings, installation of ICT infrastructure and procurement of essential working tools.
He said the investment is part of a broader push towards e-Government, aimed at improving efficiency and accountability in the delivery of justice. Central to this effort is the introduction of digital case management systems and other ICT platforms designed to streamline court operations.
“Through these systems, case registration will be simpler, hearings and judgments will be delivered faster and accurate data will be readily available,” Mr Abdulla said. “This will increase transparency and strengthen accountability among all legal stakeholders.” The 2VP also commended the leadership of the High Court of Zanzibar for reforming the Civil Procedure Decree (Chapter 8) of 1917, noting that a draft of a new law and several supporting regulations have already been prepared.
He reminded court officials that strong, modern laws are critical to social and economic development, adding that business growth and investment depend heavily on an effective legal framework.
Chief Justice of Zanzibar, Mr Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla, said ICT adoption will transform court operations by improving efficiency, transparency and accountability, ultimately making justice more accessible to citizens.
He revealed that five digital systems have been developed, including a case management system that will eliminate paper files and allow lawyers to file cases remotely.
Other systems include ZAN-WAKILI, the Judicial Service Commission system, a complaints and feedback platform and a digital archive for court judgments.
According to the Chief Justice, training on these systems is ongoing for court staff and legal stakeholders in both Unguja and Pemba, a move that will significantly enhance the quality of judicial services in Zanzibar.
Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for the Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman, said his ministry will continue working closely with the judiciary to ensure court officials operate in a safe, enabling and confidential environment, given the sensitive nature of their work. He praised legal institutions for their cooperation and commitment to safeguarding access to justice.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Mgeni Jailani Jecha, stressed the importance of upgrading court systems to meet growing demands for speedy and transparent justice.
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He said digital technologies will help reduce delays, address challenges related to absent witnesses and enhance the safety, confidence and freedom of witnesses when giving testimony.
He added that poor and insecure record-keeping has been a long-standing challenge for Zanzibar courts, noting that ICT systems will ensure proper storage of case records for appeals and other critical judicial needs. On his part, Zanzibar Law Society President, Mr Joseph Magazi said meaningful access to justice today must go hand in hand with the use of technology.
He said ICT not only improves court processes but also expands access to legal education and raises public awareness of the law. Mr Magazi pledged that the Law Society will continue supporting government efforts to educate citizens on using digital systems for criminal justice services, promoting transparency in court proceedings and enabling witnesses to give evidence remotely.
As Zanzibar’s courts embrace technology, officials say the reforms are not just about modern buildings or digital platforms, they are about restoring public confidence and ensuring justice is delivered fairly, efficiently and without unnecessary barriers.