Digital transformation key to Vision 2050

DAR ES SALAAM: DIGITAL transformation is no longer a policy option but a national imperative as the country begins implementing Vision 2050, a long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

At a time when economies are being reshaped by technology, accelerating digitisation will be critical to improving public service delivery, driving innovation, creating jobs and ensuring the vision translates into tangible benefits for citizens.

With technology now firmly embedded in everyday life and geographic boundaries rapidly shrinking, the case for embracing digital transformation is no longer debatable it is imperative. From an economic perspective, Tanzania’s ability to realise the ambitions set out in Vision 2050 will depend largely on its readiness to adapt to technological change.

Digital tools have the potential to raise productivity, expand markets, improve efficiency and unlock new sources of growth across key sectors of the economy. Failing to keep pace risks widening competitiveness gaps at a time when peer economies are accelerating their own digital transitions.

For contemporary states, digital transformation is a necessity rather than a luxury. A deliberate, inclusive and well-governed digital agenda can fast-track economic development, strengthen public service delivery, generate quality employment and most critically position Tanzania to compete effectively at both regional and global levels as Dira 2050 takes shape.

Tanzania has strong foundations for digital transformation: a youthful, tech-aware population, a strategic regional location, social cohesion and a tradition of peace and unity.

These advantages make digital transformation not only timely, but essential. At its core, digital transformation reshapes how economies grow, how governments deliver services and how citizens access opportunities.

When deployed strategically, digital technologies can lower transaction costs, raise productivity, connect Tanzanian producers to regional and global markets and enable high-growth sectors such as agritech, digital finance, e-commerce and tourism technology.

Digitisation can also transform public service delivery. Effective e-government systems make services such as land, tax, health and education faster, more transparent and more affordable, while reducing bureaucracy and corruption. Beyond efficiency, digital transformation drives inclusion.

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Affordable connectivity and relevant skills can bring women, youth and rural communities into the digital economy, strengthening social cohesion and reducing inequality. Digital systems further enhance national resilience by improving social protection, public financial management and crisis response.

Tanzania’s geography, demographics and growing mobile connectivity make ambitious national digital programmes not only feasible but potentially transformative.

Quick gains are possible in sectors such as tourism and agriculture, where digitisation can streamline operations, improve market access and enhance revenue generation. Lessons from countries like Kenya and Rwanda demonstrate that rapid digital progress is achievable when initiatives are guided by clear policies, strong public-private partnerships and disciplined execution.

However, Tanzania must navigate persistent challenges, including limited broadband access, digital skills gaps, unreliable power in certain regions, unequal access to digital services, the gender digital divide, cybersecurity risks and data protection concerns. Addressing these requires coordinated action across government, business and civil society to ensure the digital transformation benefits all citizens.

A foundational priority is universal, affordable broadband, particularly in rural and periurban areas. Expanding access can be accelerated through competitive markets, shared infrastructure and innovative public-private partnerships, complemented by the development of community public access points.

This will allow more Tanzanians to participate in the digital economy, unlock educational and entrepreneurial opportunities and stimulate innovation nationwide. Equally critical is the creation of a secure, mobile-first one-stop government platform, supported by digitised core public records.

Such a platform would improve service delivery, transparency and efficiency, while also reducing opportunities for corruption. Integrating e-governance tools across ministries and local authorities will allow citizens to interact seamlessly with government services, boosting trust and administrative accountability.

Supporting SMEs and startups is another cornerstone of the digital agenda. Providing access to digital skills training, financing and integrated e-payment systems can expand economic participation, strengthen sectors like tourism and agriculture and broaden the tax base.

This approach ensures that digital transformation is not confined to large corporations but drives inclusive economic growth, empowering smaller businesses to compete in domestic and regional markets.

A sustainable transition also requires investment in human capital, including digital literacy, coding, distance learning and inclusive skills programmes. Developing a workforce capable of leveraging technology is essential for long-term competitiveness and innovation.

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Digital trust is non-negotiable. Strong frameworks for cybersecurity, data protection and consumer rights, alongside national incidentresponse capacity, are necessary to protect citizens and enable innovation.

Without these safeguards, the risks of fraud, data breaches and exclusion could undermine the transformative potential of digital initiatives.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, Tanzania must move decisively from planning to execution. A coordinated national digital transformation plan, guided by clear KPIs and managed through a cross-ministerial delivery unit, should prioritise high-impact services aligned with Dira 2050.

Digital transformation must be treated as a shared national project, requiring collaboration across government, business, academia and civil society. If Tanzania acts boldly now, it can leverage technology to drive inclusive growth, strengthen governance, expand opportunities and build long-term resilience.

By laying a strong infrastructure foundation, fostering digital skills, ensuring secure and trusted systems and focusing on measurable citizen benefits, the country can transform not just its economy but the everyday lives of its people.nance.