Government unveils tech report to unlock blue economy
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has launched the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) report as the blueprint to unlock blue economy and agriculture potentials through effective use of science and innovations.
The report recommends replacing traditional blue economy and agriculture practices with climate-smart farming, using technologies like mobile apps, drones, climate forecasting tools, remote sensing, augmented reality and AI to reduce post-harvest losses and boost productivity.
The document was prepared by Tanzania’s Deep Fishing Authority (TDFA), the International Seaweed Authority (ISA) and the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, among other collaborators.
Speaking at the launch in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Zanzibar’s Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Shaaban Ali Othman, said the report aligns with national priorities under the upcoming National Development Vision and Zanzibar Vision 2050, both emphasising science and technology to boost productivity and create decent jobs.
He noted that the report urges continued use of innovation to enhance economic competitiveness and sustainable development.
“TNA marks a new beginning, placing science and technology at the core of modernising the blue economy and agriculture,” he added.
The report highlights that agriculture employs over 65 per cent of Tanzania’s workforce, contributes about 30 per cent to GDP, provide 25 per cent of foreign exchange and supplies over 60 per cent of raw materials. It supports the country’s 10/30 agenda, aiming for 10 per cent agribusiness growth by 2030.
Mr Othman said the TNA addresses skill and capacity gaps in fisheries, aquaculture, marine resources and seaweed farming to modernise coastal production.
He added that the report lays a foundation for longterm collaboration between the UN Technology Bank and the Tanzanian government to harness identified opportunities.
UN Technology Bank Managing Director, Mr Deodat Maharaj, said the report is a roadmap for turning recommendations into high-impact tech projects and highlighted plans to work with the Tanzania Investment Centre to attract foreign investors.
UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, Mr Shigeki Komatsubara, said the report aligns with SDG 9 on Innovation and pledged UN support through strategic partnerships, including capacity building for climate-smart agriculture.
Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Edwin Mhede, noted that coastal communities have practiced seaweed farming traditionally for over 90 years and urged stakeholders to use the report to accelerate the modernisation of local technologies.
