Biteko calls for strategies to drive digital transformation

DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko has called on education stakeholders across Africa to develop strategies and partnerships to drive digital transformation in the education sector.

Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the opening of the 18th eLearning Africa Conference, Dr Biteko expressed Tanzania’s ambition to lead the continent’s digital transformation, as outlined in the National Development Vision 2050 draft.

The vision identifies digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth, social development and global competitiveness.

To realise this ambition, Dr Biteko said Tanzania has already introduced several initiatives, including the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy and the Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024–2034.

The three-day conference, organised by eLearning Africa, is co-hosted by Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

“Tanzania is committed to advancing digital transformation in education. We are eager to collaborating with African governments, development partners, the private sector and scholars to make e-learning accessible and affordable for all,” Dr Biteko said.

He noted that Tanzania’s National Digital Education Strategy and Digital Programme are aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure and services across the country.

The initiatives focus on delivering essential technology, connectivity, equipment and e-learning resources to all regions.

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Dr Biteko also urged other African nations to invest in digital education and leverage their resources to support their own transformation journeys.

“For Africa’s digital transformation to succeed, we must invest in building a skilled workforce from an early age,” he said.

He said that Tanzania has revised its 2003 National Education and Training Policy to reflect this goal, emphasising skills development starting at the primary level.

“This policy also promotes the use of digital technologies to address teacher shortages, expand access to education and improve learning outcomes,” Dr Biteko said.

“It prepares students for the future and empowers educators with better teaching tools in a digital age.”

He further stressed the need to create enabling environments for local innovators by implementing supportive policies that foster entrepreneurship and technology development.

This, he said, would help develop local markets for transferable technologies, increase resource efficiency, reduce delays and accelerate transformation.

Dr Biteko also underscored the importance of retaining skilled professionals within Africa and engaging the diaspora in contributing to the continent’s technological growth.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, said Tanzania continues to invest in educational technology, including the promotion of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

He noted that the conference, which began on May 7, 2025, provides an important platform for strengthening cooperation among African nations and aligning education policies with technological innovation