Many Tanzanians Access Services at the National Archives and Records Department

Adeladius Makwega

President’s Office, National Archives and Records Department – Dodoma

“The work of the department I lead is to collect various records and documents from public and private institutions, with the main criterion being that such documents have significant national importance. Recently, we have also reached out to individuals. We have recently preserved documents from Kanyama Chiume, Shaaban Robert, and others.

Another responsibility is to provide services to researchers from within and outside the country, restore and preserve these records, and, ultimately, educate the public about the importance of preserving such documents.”

Director Kolokota added:

“Here, we have records dating back to the German era, the British era, and even records from the present day.”

Mr. Kolokota emphasized the importance of preserving records, saying:

“In the past, our department received many researchers from outside the country, but now the number of local researchers has increased significantly because Tanzanians have become more aware of the importance of these records. Therefore, I encourage each and every one of us to preserve these documents. Our department belongs to all of us.”

These events took place on August 19, 2026, when the Government Communication Unit of the National Archives and Records Department collected this information after holding discussions with the Director of Records Services at the President’s Office, National Archives and Records Department, Mr. Athanas Bernad Kolokota.

The Government Communication Unit of this public institution also visited the Head of Records Services, Mr. Emilios Muungano. He said:

“Our services are provided to researchers from outside the country after they go through COSTECH and then come to the National Archives and Records Department. COSTECH makes the required payment, after which the researcher comes to us and receives our services. This applies to foreign researchers. For Tanzanians, however, these services are provided free of charge as long as they have an introduction letter or identification documents such as a NIDA card. They do not pay any fees for the services.”

This is a summary of the events and information collected on August 19, 2026, at the President’s Office, National Archives and Records Department.