DAR ES SALAAM: AS the world progresses through the fourth, fifth and sixth industrial revolutions, including digital transformation, the government has stressed the importance of inclusivity in the digital economy, ensuring that no one is left behind.
During the conclusion of the 8th Tanzania Annual ICT Conference (TAIC) in Dar es Salaam recently, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa highlighted that the government is implementing various initiatives, including improving system interoperability to enhance citizens’ access to services.
“Digital transformation is essential at this time. Therefore, this journey must not leave anyone behind, particularly in the context of inclusive financial systems,” said Mr Majaliwa.
He insisted that to implement the digital economy strategy effectively, every citizen must have a National Identification Number (NIN), which will enable access to various services from both the government and the private sector.
The Premier said the government has designated the NIN as the “Jamii Number,” urging all Tanzanians to register widely to stimulate economic growth, reduce cash transactions and enhance the provision of economic and security services.
Mr Majaliwa added that the government continues to advance the “Jamii Exchange” information-sharing system to facilitate data exchange.
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Moreover, he highlighted the establishment of a Personal Data Protection Commission to safeguard citizens’ privacy. The government is also preparing the Digital Economy Framework Strategy for 2024-2034, with a focus on achieving tangible changes.
He also pointed out that the sixth-phase government is committed to enhancing ICT development in the country, including the establishment of a certification board and a five-year strategy aimed at launching a satellite in the 2024/25 financial year.
He explained that the research project, carried out through the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) and overseen by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is one of the implementation strategies the government seeks to realise.
The Premier also directed the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology to ensure the implementation of all directives from President Samia, including making all government systems interoperable, as well as those of external institutions.
He also directed the ministry to oversee research, including support for young innovators in ICT, urging them to fully manage the construction of innovation hubs in all regions.
On his part, ICTC Director General Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga said that Tanzania has made significant strides in building digital infrastructure, adding that discussion is ongoing to position the country as a hub for ICT, especially artificial intelligence.
He said that in collaboration with the Italian government, Tanzania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Large Language Model to train AI to fluently speak Swahili for efficient use.
Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, said the government has started constructing a technology institute at Nara, Dodoma, which will offer practical skills training on all ICT matters, especially emerging technologies and is anticipated to be named as Dr Samia Digital Technology Institute.