Tanzania insists the AI won’t threaten human jobs, it only aims to improve efficiency
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has said it is promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) not to replace human workers, but to improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology responsible for Education, Dr Hussein Mohammed Omari, said people who acquire the skills to use AI effectively are likely to have greater employment opportunities in the evolving labour market.
Dr Omari made the remarks while closing the 42nd meeting of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA).
He said the rapid development of AI and other digital technologies was changing the nature of work, making technological skills increasingly important for both current and future employment.
“The government is encouraging the use of artificial intelligence not to reduce employment opportunities for human beings, but to increase efficiency in the execution of duties,” Dr Omari said.
ALSO READ: Preparing Tanzania’s youths for the age of Artificial Intelligence
He added that workers who understand how to use AI as a tool to complement their skills would be better positioned to compete for employment opportunities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for education stakeholders to discuss the application of AI in learning and assessment, including its potential benefits for students.
Speaking on the subject, Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), Dr Said Ally Mohamed, who is also the current President of AEAA, highlighted the potential of AI to support students and improve learning outcomes.
AEAA Secretary General Eshetu Ebede of Ethiopia also outlined the benefits of using AI in education, particularly in supporting learners and strengthening education assessment systems.
The discussions come at a time when education systems across Africa are increasingly examining how AI and other emerging technologies can be integrated into teaching, learning and assessment while ensuring responsible and effective use of the technology.
