Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has called on the heads of 39 Union institutions in Tanzania to stop working in isolation and strengthen cooperation to provide quality services to citizens on both sides of the Union. He made the remarks on September 19, 2026, when he opened a meeting of the institutions in Unguja. Mr. Ndejembi emphasized that these institutions, known as institutions of the United Republic of Tanzania, must uphold the spirit of the Union through their actions.
Mr. Ndejembi warned against the tendency of some institutions to overlook one side of the Union, particularly when they receive international opportunities or invitations. He expressed disappointment in seeing institutions operate as if they stand alone, without involving the other side of the Union, whether the Mainland or Zanzibar. The Vice President stressed that citizens need quality services that improve their economic, educational, and health outcomes, rather than internal disputes between institutions.
Minister Masauni, who was also present at the meeting, stressed the importance of the institutions having a broad understanding of their mandate and the spirit of the institutions they lead in serving Tanzanians. He said his intention was to bring the institutions together to become more effective in serving the nation. The Minister's comments align with the Vice President's call for strengthened cooperation among the institutions.
Efrahim Mafuru, Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), said his institution works closely with its Zanzibar counterparts, particularly the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA). TanTrade coordinates external trade and provides entrepreneurship education, and has an office in Zanzibar. The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has allocated land for the construction of a permanent office.
Professor Said Mohamed, Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta), said that according to the Constitution, all the council's activities fall under Union matters. Necta works with regional and council committees across the country to administer examinations and appoint examiners from both sides of the Union. In 2024, Necta began administering the national Form Two assessment to candidates in Zanzibar.
The Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Dr. Jabir Bakari, said the authority provides technical advice and guidance to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and oversees airlines operating in Zanzibar. The authority ensures that airlines meet international safety and service standards. This is an example of an institution working in accordance with the spirit of the Union.
The Office of the Vice President will continue to coordinate, oversee, and provide guidance to ensure the rights and interests of both sides of the Union are upheld. The Vice President's call for cooperation among the institutions is expected to improve service delivery and promote the spirit of the Union. The meeting in Unguja aimed to bring the institutions together to work towards a common goal.
Key points
- Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi urges 39 Union institutions to strengthen cooperation.
- Institutions must uphold the spirit of the Union through their actions.
- The Office of the Vice President will continue to coordinate and provide guidance to ensure the rights and interests of both sides of the Union are upheld.
