President Samia Emphasizes the Crucial Role of Technology in Justice Delivery in Tanzania

President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized Tanzania’s commitment to leveraging technology for legal advancements during her address at the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting. 

Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is taking a proactive approach to embracing “Technology and Innovation” within the judiciary. The country is leveraging electronic tools, virtual court sessions, e-filing systems, and artificial intelligence to tackle challenges in the legal system. This commitment reflects Tanzania’s dedication to harnessing digitalization for the benefit of the judiciary, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency. The adoption of these technological measures is part of a broader strategy to modernize the legal infrastructure and improve access to justice for citizens.

He emphasises on harnessing technology and innovation in Tanzania’s judiciary includes measures to address case backlogs. The adoption of electronic tools, virtual court sessions, e-filing systems, and artificial intelligence contributes to the efficient handling of legal cases. These initiatives align with the broader goals of enhancing transparency, ensuring accountability, and improving the overall efficiency of the legal system in Tanzania. The use of technology is a strategic approach to streamline judicial processes and provide timely justice to citizens.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlight the Tanzanian government’s pivotal role in supporting technological advancements within the judiciary. Notably, the establishment of a fiber optic network to connect different courts underscores Tanzania’s commitment to creating a robust technological infrastructure for the legal system. This connectivity initiative aims to facilitate seamless communication and data transfer, contributing to the overall modernization and efficiency of the judiciary. The government’s involvement in such infrastructure development reflects a proactive approach to integrating technology to enhance the functionality of the legal system in Tanzania.

Improving the criminal justice system, promoting fairness, efficiency, and upholding human rights were emphasized as key priorities in Tanzania’s judicial policy. The submission of a comprehensive report by the Tanzania Criminal Justice Commission in July 2023, outlining transformative measures, further reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing the justice system.

Ambassador Pindi Chana, Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, echoed the President’s sentiments, emphasizing Tanzania’s dedication to advancing the rule of law, justice, and equality within the Commonwealth. Initiatives such as nationwide legal aid campaigns and awareness programs on legal education and human rights demonstrate Tanzania’s commitment to ensuring justice for all citizens.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, spotlight the importance of collective cooperation in addressing legal challenges and advancing justice globally. The meeting served as a platform for dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the formation of partnerships to overcome legal hurdles facing member states.

The collaborative approach focus at the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting underscores the organization’s role as the largest association of nations, characterized by a shared history, common interests, and joint actions. The emphasis on collective cooperation and the exchange of best practices during the meeting exemplifies the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering collaboration among its member states.

By addressing legal challenges collectively and promoting shared values, the Commonwealth aims to create a platform for nations to work together, drawing on their commonalities to address global legal issues and advance justice on a broader scale.