TANZANIA on Monday joined the global community in marking United Nations Public Service Day, celebrating the critical role of public servants while renewing the nation’s commitment to building an efficient, accountable, and citizen-focused public sector.

Commemorated annually on June 23, the day—established by the UN General Assembly in 2002—highlights the vital contributions of public service in advancing sustainable development and improving citizens’ lives. In Tanzania, events in Dar es Salaam brought together government officials, civil servants, and citizens to reflect on public service delivery and its challenges and achievements.

Minister of State in the President's Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, described public service as the “backbone of the nation,” emphasising that the quality of service directly impacts public trust and national progress.

“On this day, we not only celebrate the tireless efforts of our public servants but also recommit ourselves to continuous improvement,” he said. “Every Tanzanian deserves timely, equitable, and dignified service.”

He outlined several reforms under way to enhance performance, including training and capacity-building programmes, a strengthened anti-corruption drive, and the digitisation of key services.

“A corruption-free public service is not just a moral obligation, it is an economic necessity,” Simbachawene said, adding that transparent governance attracts investment and ensures efficient resource use.

A major highlight of the event was Tanzania’s progress in digitising public services. Government officials showcased advances such as online tax systems, digital land registries, and streamlined National Identification Authority (NIDA) services.

“Technology is not just a tool—it is a catalyst for efficiency and transparency,” the minister said.

Several outstanding public servants were honoured for their commitment to excellence. Among them was Halima Rashid, a rural nurse from Morogoro, recognised for her dedication to maternal and child health, and Juma Said, an agricultural officer in Shinyanga praised for helping local farmers adopt climate-resilient techniques.

The event also featured testimonials from citizens. George Mrema, a small business owner in Kariakoo, said the digitisation of services like business permits had improved efficiency and supported enterprise growth.

“Now with online applications, services are much quicker. This helps us grow our businesses,” Mrema noted.

Despite progress, speakers acknowledged persistent challenges, including infrastructure gaps in rural areas, uneven implementation of reforms, and the need to improve service responsiveness at all government levels.

Looking ahead, the government pledged to strengthen human capital through continuous professional development and a stronger emphasis on ethics and merit-based appointments. It also reiterated its focus on citizen engagement to refine public service delivery in line with community needs.

As the commemorations concluded, the underlying message was clear: Tanzania’s vision is to build a responsive, inclusive, and high-performing public service. UN Public Service Day served not only as a moment of reflection but as a renewed call to action—towards a public sector that truly serves the people.