Zanzibar – April 3, 2025: The Second Vice President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Hon. Hemed Suleiman Abdullah, has urged all government institutions to effectively utilize Public Communication Officers as key advisors and facilitators in delivering accurate and timely information to the public.
Speaking during the official opening of the 20th Government Communication Officers’ Working Session in Mjini Magharibi, Hon. Abdullah emphasized that communication officers are the bridge between the government and its people, and they must be empowered to play that role effectively.
Strengthening Communication Between the State and the Public
Hon. Hemed called on heads of government institutions to recognize Public Communication Officers as essential public relations advisors. He stressed that each institution should develop a Strategic Communication Plan and ensure it includes the following:
- Hiring qualified communication officers
- Allocating adequate budgets for communication tools and resources
- Capacity building to enable officers to adopt and use modern communication technologies
- Integrating communication teams into all development projects and institutional activities
Inclusive Information Sharing
The Vice President also emphasized that Public Communication Officers should be actively involved in all development initiatives led by their respective institutions. In addition, Ministers, Regional Commissioners, District Commissioners, and Heads of Institutions should play an active role in publicizing government initiatives and maintaining good relations with media houses and journalists.
This inclusive approach aims to strengthen government transparency, increase public awareness, and ensure accurate information dissemination to the citizens.
Promoting Accountability Ahead of the 2025 General Elections
Hon. Hemed Suleiman Abdullah underlined that the main goal of these directives is to ensure Tanzanians are well-informed about ongoing development projects and government initiatives. This, he stated, will empower citizens to make informed decisions, especially as the country prepares for the upcoming General Elections in October 2025.
By building a stronger communication framework and engaging effectively with the media, the government hopes to bridge the information gap between leadership and the people — laying the foundation for a transparent, inclusive, and democratic society.