Dar es salaam, Tanzania – The First Lady of Finland, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, has called on Tanzanian leaders to uphold values, ethics, and good governance while making decisions grounded in facts rather than assumptions.
Addressing a leadership event organized by the UONGOZI Institute, Mrs. Innes-Stubb warned that the consequences of misinformation and disinformation can be severe, urging leaders to avoid decisions that could harm citizens.
“As leaders, it is essential that we do not make decisions that will hurt people,” she said. “I encourage all of you to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s development.”
She commended the UONGOZI Institute for introducing the Women’s Leadership Programme, saying it is a vital step towards empowering female leaders and promoting inclusive governance.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, underscored the need to reform the process of vetting Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to minimize workplace conflicts.
“Experience has shown that many leaders, despite delivering strong performance, often find themselves entangled in conflicts,” he said.
“We need to improve how we coordinate project implementation, ensuring financial and human resources are used efficiently to deliver impactful and positive outcomes.”he added
Simbachawene noted that the government is investing heavily in development projects to promote national progress and enhance the lives of Tanzanians.
European Union Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, emphasized the importance of leadership in driving national development. She said diverse leadership teams are more effective and should be embraced.
“It’s time we devote ourselves to achieving the best outcomes through inclusive and dynamic leadership,” she stated.
Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Finland in Tanzania, Juhana Lehtinen, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Finland and Tanzania through the UONGOZI Institute.
“We are proud of the ambitious and visionary leadership of the UONGOZI Institute. Over the years, the Institute has gained global recognition,” he said, affirming Finland’s commitment to supporting its continued success.
“We are optimistic about the potential impact this partnership will bring,” Lehtinen added.
The Chief Secretary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Engineer Zena Ahmed Said, urged leaders to apply their leadership skills to inspire others and contribute to sustainable development.
UONGOZI Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Kadari Singo, said the event was held to celebrate the achievements of graduates from the Institute’s flagship leadership programs: the Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership (PGD), the Certificate in Leadership (CiL), and the Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP).
“To date, over 200 leaders have graduated from these programs, which attract participants from across Africa, including leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society,” said Singo.
He noted that the three programs are designed to build core competencies in personal, people, and organizational leadership, aiming to nurture transformative leaders for Africa’s future.