DAR ES SALAAM: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has called for the accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in public institutions to improve service delivery, reduce bureaucracy for successful implementation of Vision 2050.
His call comes as both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar prepare to officially launch Vision 2050 on July 1, with the long-term development blueprints placing innovation, technology and knowledge-based growth at the centre of economic transformation.
Speaking through the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr Ridhiwan Kikwete, at the Second Public Service Conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Dr Nchimbi said public institutions must modernise to keep pace with rapid technological changes.
“It is important to promote the use of various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to simplify service delivery, reduce bureaucracy, enhance institutional capacity and strengthen accountability to citizens,” Dr Nchimbi said.
He said the conference comes at a critical time as both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar prepare to begin implementing their respective Vision 2050 frameworks next month.
According to the Vice President, the two visions provide a roadmap for building a self-reliant, inclusive, resilient and equitable society driven by knowledge, innovation and technology. “Both visions recognise the importance of an efficient, accountable, flexible and modern public service in driving national development,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi said the successful implementation of Vision 2050 will depend heavily on a competent public service capable of effectively executing government policies and programmes while delivering quality services that strengthen public trust in public institutions.
He directed public service training institutions to remain focused on their core mandates of training, applied research and professional consultancy while producing public servants guided by integrity, patriotism, professionalism, accountability and a strong work ethic.
The Vice-President also called for stronger induction programmes for newly recruited employees and wider access to competency-based training to ensure public servants keep pace with technological and administrative changes.
He said greater use of applied research findings and professional advisory services would help the government address public service challenges, improve policies and strengthen development plans and guidelines.
ALSO READ: Tanzania pushes digital reform as public service week opens in Dodoma
“In addition, there is a need to establish systems that encourage continuous learning among public servants so they can keep pace with technological and administrative changes taking place around the world,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi further directed ministries, departments, agencies, regional secretariats, local government authorities and public institutions to make full use of services offered by public service training colleges to build a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering Vision 2050 objectives.
He expressed confidence that the conference would generate practical recommendations to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and support the successful implementation of Vision 2050.
The government, he said, will continue creating an enabling environment for public servants through improved administrative systems, wider use of technology and sustained investment in human capital development.
Speaking at the conference, Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC) Rector Dr Ernest Mabonesho said public service remains the backbone of national development, arguing that even a vibrant private sector cannot thrive without strong and effective public institutions.
“The quality of public service determines the pace of national development. Strong institutions are essential for implementing national priorities and creating an environment where businesses and citizens can prosper,” Dr Mabonesho said.
He said discussions at the conference would focus on the role of public service in supporting Vision 2050, as well as the contribution of innovation and digital transformation in improving service delivery, accountability and institutional performance.