India firm backs Tanzanias digital skills

DAR ES SALAAM: INDIA’s Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation (HARTRON) is setting its sights on Tanzania’s fast-growing digital economy, pledging investment, training centres and technological support that could transform digital literacy and IT infrastructure across the country.

Speaking during India Day at the just ended 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), HARTRON Managing Director Mr Raj Ganeshan said the agency came to Tanzania not just to participate in the event, but to signal its readiness to invest and collaborate in building Tanzania’s digital ecosystem.

“We have travelled from India not just to attend this remarkable event, but to express our intent and readiness to invest, contribute and collaborate with Tanzania’s fastemerging digital ecosystem.” he said HARTRON, which oversees computerisation and IT procurement in Haryana State, is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zanzibar’s Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports.

The agreement will support the establishment of computer learning centres across the country, modelled on digital education projects successfully implemented in India.

“These centres will be tailored to the aspirations and needs of Tanzanian communities,” he said.

“They will help build digital literacy and equip young people with relevant skills.” Mr Ganeshan said HARTRON is also in talks with the University of Dar es Salaam Computing Centre for possible technical cooperation in areas such as software and hardware development, e-governance and IT systems integration.

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“Our team is ready to act. Our franchise partners are ready to invest,” he said.

“We aim to bring not just technical expertise, but also a spirit of collaboration and deep respect for Tanzania’s vision of digital progress.” He called for collaboration between governments, academic institutions and local industries, saying such efforts can support inclusive digital growth.

“Let this be the beginning of a long-standing collaboration, one that empowers youth, strengthens institutions and accelerates the digital economy of Tanzania.” Director of the Foreign Cooperation Department of Haryana, Ms Amna Tasneem, urged closer business-to-business cooperation between India and Tanzania.

She said several companies from Haryana are interested in engaging Tanzania’s private sector. Ms Tasneem also introduced the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation (HSWC), which participated in the trade fair to showcase its innovations in agricultural storage.

She said HSWC has applied technology that reduced post-harvest losses to 0.2 per cent and generates over 588 million US dollars in annual revenue.

“We believe this experience can benefit Tanzania by supporting the development of modern storage facilities, training for farmers and infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses,” she said.

Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) Executive Director Mr Gilead Teri said economic ties between the two countries continue to grow, with India among the top investors in the country. He said 793 projects from India have been registered so far, valued at around 2.5 billion US dollars.

“These projects focus on manufacturing, transport and commercial infrastructure,” he said.

“This shows strong investor confidence in Tanzania’s business environment.” He encouraged Indian investors to work closely with Tanzanian companies to manufacture goods for local, regional and international markets.

He said Tanzanian products enjoy duty- and quota-free access to Europe and the United States.

“The Investment Centre is committed to providing full support and information to investors,” he said.

“We welcome all interested parties to visit the TISEZA pavilion to explore available opportunities.” Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) Director General Ms Latifa Khamis said the agency is committed to strengthening commercial relations between Tanzania and India, especially with businesses from Haryana State.

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She said Haryana had shown particular interest in partnering in technology, agriculture and small-scale industry. She said this year’s trade fair attracted over 4,000 participants, which she described as a sign of Tanzania’s growing reputation as a reliable business destination in East Africa.

“TanTrade will continue supporting small and medium enterprises through branding consultancy, simple technology use and better logistics for exports,” she said.