Airtel, govt align on Dira 2050 digital push

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a significant show of public-private collaboration, the government and Airtel Global have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening investment in the country’s digital infrastructure as part of the broader national development agenda under the Vision 2050 to accelerate digital economy.

This renewed partnership was the focus of high-level discussions between top government officials and the top leadership of Airtel Global, including Chairman Sunil Mittal and the company’s Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Kumar Taldar.

The meeting, held in Dar es Salaam, yesterday, signalled a shared resolve to accelerate Tanzania’s digital transformation and position the country as a regional technology hub.

Speaking after the meeting, Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu pointed out the strategic importance of Airtel Tanzania, in which the government holds a 49 per cent stake.

“Today is a very important day. We are hosting key executives from Airtel Global, including their chairman and CEO. Our discussions focused not only on the operations of Airtel Tanzania but also on the broader development of the telecommunications sector and digital systems in general,” said Mr Mchechu.

He noted that the government, as a major shareholder, sees Airtel not just as a business, but as a national asset.

The meeting was an opportunity for both sides to exchange ideas and align on the future direction of the company.

“Airtel has consistently ranked among the top three contributors of dividends to the government. Today, we’ve discussed how we can increase investment in the company to ensure it continues to grow and become the leader of the top four big telecom providers in the country,” he added.

The discussions come at a critical time when Tanzania is aligning its economic strategies with Vision 2050, a forwardlooking development plan that places digital transformation at the heart of its socioeconomic goals.

The vision aims to create a competitive, inclusive and knowledgebased economy by leveraging digital technologies across all sectors.

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It prioritises expanding digital connectivity to rural and underserved areas, building national digital infrastructure, encouraging innovation and digital entrepreneurship, fostering e-government systems, improving digital literacy and attracting both domestic and foreign investment in ICT.

By 2050, Tanzania envisions becoming a regional leader in digital trade and technology, with the digital economy playing a major role in GDP growth, job creation and public service delivery.

TR Mchechu said that the government is ready to match Airtel’s commitment by ensuring the right policies, infrastructure and investment environment are in place.