Govt: We’re enhancing SME trainings

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key driver of productivity, job creation and value addition across the economy, as employers work to equip businesses with practical digital skills.

Speaking at the launch of the AI Accelerate Project–Tanzania, ICT Commission Director General, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga said the initiative comes at a critical time when AI is essential for business competitiveness and sustainable growth.

“The core role of artificial intelligence is to increase productivity in all activities carried out by individuals, and this cuts across all sectors of the economy,” he said, adding that AI can help enterprises deliver services and products more efficiently.

Dr Mwasaga said AI must be embraced across all sectors, noting that its effective use depends on data, strong processing capacity and government investment in digital infrastructure. He added that under Vision 2050, value addition across all sectors is essential to achieving a onetrillion-dollar economy.

The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) Representative, Mr Amadou Sako said the organisation has in recent years, focused on supporting employers’ organisations through capacitybuilding initiatives and practical cooperation aimed at strengthening business ecosystems.

He said a digital skills programme launched four years ago with Microsoft has trained over 20,000 young people, boosting youth employability and enterprise competitiveness.

ALSO READ: BRELA boosts youth business, formal economy

“These initiatives were developed in close cooperation with national employers’ organisations and grounded in concrete privatesector demand. One lesson stands out clearly from this experience,” he said.

ATE Chief Executive Officer, Ms Suzanne Ndomba-Doran said AI is transforming how economies grow and how enterprises compete worldwide, changing how value is created, decisions are made and services are delivered.

She said the AI Accelerate project aims to equip Tanzanian enterprises, particularly MSMEs, with the skills, tools and confidence needed to adopt AI responsibly and effectively.

“This project is not just about technology. It is about people, competitiveness and national development. It is about ensuring that employers and workers alike are prepared for a rapidly evolving digital economy,” she said.

Ms Ndomba-Doran added that the goal is to build a shared understanding and commitment to harness AI for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.