Deputy minister calls for enhanced e-GA-private sector collaboration

DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Mr Deus Sangu, has urged the e-Government Authority (e-GA) to strengthen its collaboration with the private sector to increase job opportunities for innovative youth in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Mr Sangu made the appeal recently while closing the Sixth phase of practical training and internships for the 2024/25 financial year, conducted by e-GA through its Research, Innovation and Development Centre (e-GovRIDC) in Dodoma.

“I commend e-GA for the excellent work you are doing to nurture talent and enhance youth capabilities in ICT; however, I also advise you to strengthen collaboration with the private sector to provide opportunities for students undergoing practical training at this centre,” Mr Sangu stated.

He pointed out that collaboration between e-GA and the private sector will boost productivity in the ICT sector, thereby increasing job opportunities for youth and ultimately reducing the employment challenges faced by the nation.

“I have visited various projects underway at this centre and have witnessed the significant work that e-GA is doing to prepare our youth to adapt to emerging technological changes such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Blockchain and Digital Currency. I have seen how capable our youth are in these areas,” stated Hon Sangu.

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He said such training helps students increase their skills and experience in understanding new technologies to drive development and significant changes towards a digital government, thus ensuring a generation well-equipped with ICT knowledge, ultimately contributing to the building of a Digital Government.

He emphasised that the government will continue to create an enabling environment and empower the e-GA to ensure that the use of ICT in government continues to strengthen, alongside preparing skilled youth in ICT to participate in building a Digital Government.

On his part, Director General of the e-GA, Engineer Benedict Ndomba, pledged to continue and enhance collaboration with the private sector, as well as empower youth in ICT to provide opportunities for them to showcase their capabilities and compete in the global job market.

“e-GA will enhance collaboration with the private sector and various universities to empower youth in ICT and enable them to compete in the global job market. By doing so, we will help reduce the employment challenges in the country,” emphasised Ndomba.

Speaking on behalf of the students who participated in the programme, Mr Philemon Mbunda, a third-year student from the University of Dodoma (UDOM), expressed gratitude to e-GA for the opportunity to participate in the programme, which has helped them enhance their skills and experience in understanding emerging technologies.