The Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) has called for stronger cooperation between public institutions and journalists to ensure Tanzanians can access accurate and timely information on issues affecting their lives.
The call came on Monday, September 28, 2026, as Tanzania joined the international community to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
JAB said access to reliable information was critical in enabling citizens to understand government decisions, follow developments in their communities and hold institutions accountable.
The board said journalists have a key responsibility in making information available to the public by gathering, verifying, analysing and reporting facts professionally and ethically.
“Journalists have an important role in ensuring citizens receive accurate, reliable and timely information,” the board said in a statement.
It urged journalists to exercise their right to access information responsibly, observe established procedures and verify information before publication.
The emphasis on verification, JAB said, was necessary to protect the public from inaccurate information while ensuring that reporting remained focused on matters of public interest.
The board also urged public institutions to cooperate with journalists and facilitate access to information in accordance with the law, regulations and procedures provided under the Access to Information Act.
For citizens, access to information can be particularly important when decisions made by public institutions affect essential services, public resources and development projects.
JAB said it would continue working to strengthen journalists' professionalism and promote ethical standards while collaborating with stakeholders to create an environment that supports access to and dissemination of accurate information.
The board said such efforts would contribute to greater transparency, accountability and public understanding.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed globally to highlight the importance of people's ability to seek and receive information, including information held by public institutions.