Tanzania to review civil service recruitment model

TANZANIA: TANZANIA is considering to introduce pre-entry training and examinations for aspiring civil servants to strengthen public service capacity and competency. TPSC Chief Executive and Principal, Dr Ernest Mabonesho said on Monday during a high-level visit by a Somali delegation, the move focuses at strengthening public service capacity. The delegation, led by Somalia’s Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Hirsi Jama Ganni, concluded a working visit to the Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC), opening avenues for institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The TPSC said the visit has reinforced the college’s growing reputation as a regional centre of excellence in public service training. He noted that the engagement provided an opportunity for mutual learning, with both sides sharing experiences on improving efficiency and professionalism in the public sector. Dr Mabonesho said one of the key ideas emerged from the discussions is the possible introduction of pre-employment training and examinations for prospective civil servants to better prepare them before joining the public service.

“Currently, most training is conducted after recruitment, but there is a need to equip candidates with essential knowledge and skills beforehand,” he said. He added that lack of prior understanding of public service roles among new entrants contributes to ethical breaches, weak performance and poor service delivery. The college is now considering to engage relevant government authorities to assess the feasibility of introducing pre-entry assessments, drawing lessons from countries such as South Africa, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

ALSO READ: Somalia team in TZ for public service capacity building On his part, Mr Ganni said Somalia is prioritising public administration reforms as part of broader efforts to rebuild state institutions after decades of conflict. He noted that Somalia plans to establish a National School of Government to spearhead civil service training and professional development. “This visit is part of wider cooperation between our governments in public service reform, digital transformation and modernisation of government operations,” he said.

He commended Tanzania for its long-term investment in building a capable public service, noting that such efforts are key to effective governance.