Experts highlight AI opportunities for startups
DAR ES SALAAM: ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key driver of Tanzania’s digital economy, with experts highlighting its vast potential to accelerate transformation across multiple sectors and create new opportunities for startup innovators.
Speaking at the Africa Research Institute for AI (ARIFA) Leadership Breakfast Forum in Dar es Salaam, recently, ARIFA Chairman, Prof Zaipuna Yonah said technologies such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data analytics, blockchain and the Internet of Things are rapidly reshaping economies across Africa, including Tanzania.
He noted that Africa stands at a unique turning point where its growing youthful population aligns with digital transformation, creating significant opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
“About 230 million jobs will be needed in Africa by 2030 and AI can help bridge that gap,” he said during his presentation titled Fuelling Africa’s AI Future.
Prof Yonah stressed the need for deliberate and strategic investments in digital infrastructure, including connectivity, cloud systems and computing capacity, alongside efforts to build AI skills across all levels of society, from education systems to executive leadership.
He also emphasised the importance of organisations becoming data-driven and AI-ready, while urging countries to strengthen collaboration across sectors and borders to fully harness the benefits of emerging technologies.
According to him, AI-driven value creation could unlock up to 610 billion US dollars in additional GDP for Africa by 2030, underscoring its transformative potential.
ARIFA Vice-Chairman, Dr Athuman Mfutakamba, said AI is a crosscutting technology with applications across virtually all sectors of the economy.
“People must embrace AI because it presents vast opportunities and advantages,” he said.
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He explained that AI can be used in identifying mineral deposits, oil and gas resources and rare earth elements, while also offering solutions in agriculture, climate change, healthcare and manufacturing through improved efficiency and decision-making.
ARIFA Executive Director, Dr Dennis Mwighusa, said Tanzania’s investments in education, alongside supportive policy frameworks, are laying a strong foundation for a more inclusive digital economy.
“AI presents countless opportunities for both the public and private sectors to develop solutions to the country’s most pressing challenges,” he said.
He added that increased connectivity is driving the growth of startups, technology companies and e-commerce platforms, thereby fuelling innovation and expanding economic opportunities.
Experts agreed that AI is increasingly becoming central to productivity and economic growth by enhancing efficiency, enabling better decision-making through data analysis and supporting the creation of new products, services and markets.
Dr Mwighusa noted that the digital economy underpins modern governance systems, new business models and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, making adoption of such technologies essential for competitiveness and improved living standards.
The ARIFA Leadership Breakfast Forum serves as a regional platform that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and promote responsible adoption of AI technologies.
