Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called on the country’s media sector to play a decisive role in safeguarding peace, promoting national unity, and ensuring accountability in the lead-up to the 2025 General Election.
Speaking at the opening of a high-level stakeholders’ forum in Dar es Salaam, convened to assess the media’s contribution to a credible electoral process, Dr. Biteko warned against sensationalism, disinformation, and political bias, urging journalists and media houses to serve as pillars of truth, tolerance, and professionalism.
“The media must remain an unblemished mirror of society free from distortion, hate, or favouritism,” said Dr. Biteko.
“You are the frontline defenders of democracy. It is your duty to encourage dialogue, political maturity, and respect for divergent views.”he added
He assured journalists that the government was committed to ensuring their safety and operational freedom during the entire election cycle, pledging “a secure, free, and enabling environment” for media professionals to execute their roles.
With just over a year before Tanzania heads to the polls, Dr. Biteko underscored the crucial role of the media in navigating the nation through a politically charged atmosphere.
“Elections are temporary, but our unity as a nation must endure. Let us work together to ensure Tanzania remains peaceful during and after the elections. The media is one of our strongest tools in maintaining this peace.”
Tanzania’s media landscape has expanded significantly in recent years. The country now boasts over 375 newspapers, 247 radio stations, 68 television outlets, 355 online platforms, and 72 blogs.
Dr. Biteko said this growth came with an even greater responsibility to uphold ethical standards, resist manipulation, and maintain professional integrity.
A 2022 study by Tanzanian think tank REPOA found that over 76% of Tanzanians rely on radio and television for political news.
Dr. Biteko urged media outlets to provide fact-based policy debates and platforms for electoral dialogue, especially to promote inclusion among women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
He also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration for restoring press freedoms and prioritising access to accurate information.
In April 2021, the President ordered the unbanning of several media outlets and reinstated their licences, a move widely seen as a gesture of reconciliation and openness.
“This shows our government values the role of the press. Under the 4Rs philosophy—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding the media remains a critical partner in our democratic journey,” said Dr. Biteko.
But as Tanzania’s digital media space continues to grow, the Deputy Prime Minister warned against the dangers of misinformation and online incitement, calling for digital literacy, responsible reporting, and fact-checking.
The event also marked the official launch of TAI–Habari, a national digital platform for the registration and accreditation of journalists, managed by the Journalists Accreditation Board.
Over 2,900 journalists have already been registered through the platform, which issues digital press cards and centralises professional credentials.
Information Minister Professor Palamagamba Kabudi said the forum was part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen partnerships between state institutions, media outlets, civil society, and the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
“Elections are sensitive periods. Citizens demand timely, accurate, and impartial information,” Prof. Kabudi said.
“This forum includes security agencies to ensure that journalists work without fear or intimidation. Collaboration between the police and the media is vital.”he added
Representing the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Ubungo District Commissioner Albert Msando reaffirmed local government’s commitment to supporting media access to accurate regional information throughout the electoral process.
Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Gerson Msigwa, also stressed the professionalisation of journalism in the digital age.
He said that ahead of the 2025 election, Tanzania’s media sector is better equipped than ever before to operate ethically and efficiently.
“We are approaching these elections with a commitment to professionalism. The launch of the digital press card system is a landmark for media regulation in Tanzania,” said Msigwa.
The forum concluded with a unified call for ethical journalism, civic education, and institutional cooperation to ensure that the 2025 elections are peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will.