Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) Director General, Dr. Jabiri K. Bakari, has challenged staff to adopt a transformative mindset anchored in planning, innovation, teamwork and stakeholder engagement, saying the approach is critical to strengthening institutional performance and advancing the growth of Tanzania’s aviation industry.
Dr. Bakari made the remarks during a four day retreat held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha from June 5 to 8, which brought together TCAA managers and staff representatives from across the country.
The retreat provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on organisational priorities, review performance and explore practical approaches to enhancing service delivery and operational excellence.
The first phase of the retreat focused on personal transformation and team development through a programme facilitated by Peak Performance. Through a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, participants engaged in exercises designed to strengthen teamwork, build trust, improve communication and challenge existing mindsets.
The sessions encouraged staff to reflect on their personal and professional habits, embrace healthy lifestyles and develop a renewed sense of purpose in support of the Authority’s mission. Participants also explored the importance of self awareness, accountability and maintaining a positive mindset as essential drivers of both personal and organisational success.
One of the key outcomes of the programme was the development of a team building charter reflecting the shared values, aspirations and commitments identified during the retreat. The charter is expected to serve as a guiding framework for strengthening organisational culture, promoting teamwork and accountability, and supporting the Authority’s pursuit of excellence in service delivery.
Throughout the retreat, participants also engaged in discussions on organisational performance, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, business processes and opportunities for improving service delivery. The sessions provided a platform for staff and management to collectively examine challenges, identify opportunities and develop practical solutions aimed at strengthening the Authority’s effectiveness.
Speaking during the retreat, Dr. Bakari emphasized the importance of moving away from a reactive “fire fighting” culture and embracing a mindset driven by planning, innovation and proactive decision making. He challenged staff to utilise research, real time data and market intelligence in understanding industry trends and making informed decisions.
The Director General also underscored the importance of adopting a “Know Your Customer” approach, urging staff to strengthen engagement with stakeholders and gain a deeper understanding of their needs, expectations and challenges.
“We must understand our customers, know their challenges and appreciate the environment in which they operate. Better understanding of our stakeholders enables us to make informed decisions, improve service delivery and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the aviation industry,” he said.
Dr. Bakari further emphasized the importance of building and nurturing strong relationships with stakeholders across the aviation sector, noting that collaboration, trust and continuous engagement are essential to a vibrant and sustainable industry. He encouraged staff to continuously monitor industry trends, conduct research and leverage real time data to better understand stakeholder needs and support informed decision-making.
He also stressed the importance of employee health and wellbeing, observing that a healthy and motivated workforce remains a critical pillar for organisational success. He encouraged staff to embrace healthy lifestyles and maintain the physical and mental resilience required to support a sector that operates around the clock.
The retreat concluded with participants identifying practical solutions to key organisational challenges and reaffirming their commitment to teamwork, innovation, stakeholder engagement and excellence in service delivery.
The discussions reflected TCAA’s broader vision of building a high performing institution capable of supporting a safe, efficient and sustainable aviation industry through collaboration, strategic leadership and continuous improvement.
