Tanzania, as an esteemed member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) General Assembly, has garnered recognition for its commendable endeavors in revitalizing its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) achievements, along with the formulation of strategic plans aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures. According to data sourced from the ITU, Tanzania ranks as the second safest country in Africa for cybersecurity.
Being an active participant in the ITU General Assembly, Tanzania has demonstrated a concerted focus on providing high-speed internet services to households and establishments. This initiative is substantiated by readiness assessments conducted by esteemed institutions such as the Portulans Institute and the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Tanzania’s emphasis on empowering its technologically adept youth is evident in its ambition to establish centers dedicated to nurturing talents in Artificial Intelligence and technological innovations.
The Director-General of the Information and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC), Dr. Nkundwe Mwasaga, attributes this notable ranking to the relentless efforts of the ICTC in spearheading innovative technology programs and initiatives. Dr. Mwasaga highlights the transformative impact of enabling young individuals, underscoring the resultant proliferation of diverse ICT programs. This advancement not only augments the technological landscape but also positions Tanzania as a trailblazer in technological advancements.
The Tanzanian government underscores the imperative of further investment in this domain, recognizing the youth’s dynamism, agility, and innovativeness. This commitment is exemplified by the forthcoming establishment of eight additional ICT centers across the nation, dedicated to nurturing ICT talent and expanding opportunities for youth innovation. Strategically located in areas such as school vicinities, these centers are poised to accommodate up to 200 individuals simultaneously. They will be situated in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Lindi, Tanga, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Zanzibar.
Dr. Mwasaga underscores the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) not only in enhancing efficiency but also in offering extensive opportunities for skill development. Consequently, these initiatives aim to cultivate a cohort of up to 500 young ICT professionals proficient in AI and related skills. Moreover, the ICTC envisages collaborating with the ITU to establish a technology innovation center for the East African region, along with initiatives such as a Metaverse studio, enhancement of internet content, district-level ICT development research, and the establishment of a Resilience Academy within the country.
