ARUSHA: Tanzania’s judiciary has begun using artificial intelligence (AI) to draft court judgments, significantly reducing processing time and improving efficiency, Chief Court Administrator Prof Elisante Ole Gabriel said.
Speaking at the 6th e-Government Annual Meeting, Prof Gabriel said the pilot Transcription and Translation Software (TTS) programme, launched in 2024 across 11 judicial zones, allows judges to dictate rulings, which are then transcribed and translated into Kiswahili or English. Previously, writing a 200-page judgment could take weeks.
The introduction of AI-supported transcription has enhanced efficiency, reduced paperwork, and mitigated physical strain for judicial officers. Case processing improvements have also contributed to public confidence in the judiciary, which rose from 70 per cent in 2019 to 88 per cent in 2023.
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The judiciary has also integrated data sharing with key institutions such as the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), allowing for faster verification of corporate records, tax compliance, and legal status — an approach described as a global best practice in court administration.
Electronic case management systems enable citizens to file cases remotely, track progress, and identify assigned magistrates. The system also facilitates virtual testimony, allowing witnesses outside the country, including in Canada and Europe, to participate without travelling.
Currently, the judiciary is running over 17 ICT-focused programmes, covering system upgrades, staff training, and personnel development. Prof Gabriel emphasised that strong leadership and strategic investment in ICT expertise are key to sustaining digital transformation.
