Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has commended the Tanzanian government’s progress in deploying cutting-edge digital systems to enhance disaster preparedness, social inclusion, and emergency response mechanisms.
Dr. Mwinyi made the remarks on Monday, July 7, 2025, after visiting the integrated pavilion of the Prime Minister’s Office at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba.
During the high-profile visit, President Mwinyi was taken through several transformative technology platforms, including a National Disaster Risk Mapping System, which utilizes geospatial data to identify and visualize high-risk areas vulnerable to climate-induced hazards such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat.
The system developed in compliance with Section 31(2)(a) of the Disaster Management Act, Cap. 242 guides government ministries, regional authorities, and local councils to integrate risk mitigation and preparedness strategies into their development plans and budgets.
“This platform marks a strategic shift from reactive disaster response to proactive planning. It empowers decision-makers to prevent or minimize climate risks before they occur,” an official from the Prime Minister’s Office explained.
The maps generated by the system are based on social, economic, environmental, and technological indicators, making them a reliable planning tool for both public institutions and private sector actors involved in infrastructure, land use, and investment development.
Also drawing attention was an Automated Fire Alert System, designed to eliminate delays in reporting fire incidents especially in settings such as schools and correctional facilities where access to mobile phones may be limited.
Linked directly to fire extinguishers, the system instantly dispatches location-specific alerts via text and voice call to the Fire and Rescue Force the moment a unit is removed from its holder, eliminating human error and speeding up response times.
“This innovation addresses one of the biggest gaps in emergency response timely communication,” an official noted.
“It reduces reliance on people making distress calls in panic and ensures authorities are alerted the moment a fire breaks out.”he added
President Mwinyi also inspected the National Disability Information System, a central digital registry that stores and manages data on persons with disabilities across the country.
The system enables safe, accessible, and seamless transfer of information across government institutions, while supporting the development of inclusive policies.
Officials said the platform is designed to improve planning, reduce logistical costs for citizens, and ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind in accessing social services and development opportunities.
"The value of this database goes beyond statistics it is a game-changer in service delivery and inclusion. It ensures that persons with disabilities are visible in national systems and development agendas,” a government representative added.
Dr. Mwinyi toured the pavilion in his role as Guest of Honour at the official opening of the 49th DITF, held at the Sabasaba Grounds along Kilwa Road in Dar es Salaam.
The annual trade fair has attracted hundreds of local and international exhibitors, with this year’s edition highlighting innovations in digital public service delivery and national resilience.
The Prime Minister’s Office pavilion has emerged as one of the standout attractions at the fair, showcasing how technology can serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, safety, and sustainable development.
President Mwinyi’s visit underscores the increasing recognition of digital governance as a cornerstone of Tanzania’s development vision, aligning with broader national efforts under the Sixth-Phase Government to enhance service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement.