Inclusive digital economy highlights TSCN 2026

TARIME: DISCUSSIONS on the future of rural connectivity and its transformative role in advancing inclusive digital economy have brightened the 5th edition of the Tanzania School of Community Networks (TSCN 2026) held in Tarime, Mara region recently.

This impactful platform was made possible by the Tanzania Community Networks Polytechnic College (TCNPC) in collaboration with Tarime Community Network Cooperative Society Limited, attracting more than 50 participants from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kondoa, Nyasa, Kasulu and Tarime as well as delegates from Kenya taking part.

Themed – ‘From Connectivity to Productivity: Community-Centred Connectivity Driving an Inclusive Digital Economy Towards Vision 2050,’ the platform has drawn stakeholders from different sectors.

They include Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, community network leaders, policymakers, public and private sector representatives, researchers, digital innovators, youth, cooperative leaders, and development partners.

In his media briefing, TSCN Chairperson, Programme Committee Dr Jabhera Matogoro revealed that the gathering reflects Tanzania’s growing commitment to ensuring that connectivity moves beyond access alone.

“It is a strategic enabler of economic productivity, entrepreneurship, innovation, education, service delivery, and social inclusion in line with the national development agenda.

“The event recorded inclusive participation with approximately 30 men and 20 women, reflecting growing engagement in shaping Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.

He added that this year’s TSCN served as a strategic national learning and policy-practice platform focusing on strengthening community-centred connectivity models that transform internet access into productive, inclusive, and sustainable digital economic opportunities aligned with Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

“The establishment of Tanzania Community Networks Company Ltd marks a historic milestone in our journey towards digital inclusion,” he said.

For the first time, community networks across Tanzania have a dedicated national institution that can coordinate investments, provide technical support, strengthen sustainability, and accelerate the expansion of affordable connectivity to underserved communities.

“Our vision is clear: no village, no school, and no citizen should be left behind in the digital economy simply because of where they live.

“This forum specifically seeks to build technical, institutional, and entrepreneurial capacity for community networks; deepen understanding of policy, regulatory, and cooperative frameworks that support sustainable connectivity.

“It further aims to promote practical connectivity models linked to agriculture, education, health, finance, and MSME development; foster collaboration among communities, government, academia, civil society, and the private sector; and document practical lessons and best practices from Tanzania and the broader region,” he said.

However, the forum convened 10 distinguished speakers and practitioners leading critical discussions on sustainable rural connectivity infrastructure, community-owned cooperative business models, productive digital use, digital skills development and local content innovation.

Other topics under discussion were gender-responsive digital inclusion, youth participation and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening community connectivity ecosystems.

“Discussions were also exploring how AI can support transformative services in education, healthcare, agriculture, and local enterprise development while maintaining ethical governance, transparency, and community data sovereignty,” Dr Matogoro said.

In addition, the forum featured a special showcase from the newly launched STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) centre established at TCNPC in Dodoma through the support of STEMpower Inc and its global partners.

According to Dr Matogoro, the showcase demonstrated how modern STEM laboratories and hands-on digital learning infrastructure are strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for students and surrounding communities.

“The initiative reflects Tanzania’s broader vision of investing in practical digital skills, innovation, AI and emerging technologies as key drivers of socio-economic transformation under Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and the Education and Training Policy 2014 (2023 Edition).

“The centre is also expected to expand access to practical training opportunities for primary schools, secondary schools, youth, and underserved communities across the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, a significant strategic milestone of the forum was the formal endorsement by the Nyasa, Kondoa, Kasulu, and Tarime Community Network Cooperative Societies, authorizing Tanzania Community Networks Company Limited to initiate the formal telecommunications licensing process on behalf of these cooperatives.

“This marked an important institutional step toward scaling community-owned telecommunications services in Tanzania.

“Once operational, the company is expected to provide telecommunications services to underserved communities while also supporting Tanzania’s digital education transformation agenda through the supply of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment to primary and secondary schools across the country, thereby strengthening digital learning ecosystems and improving equitable access to digital infrastructure.

“This strategic move is expected to strengthen service coordination, improve operational sustainability of community-owned telecommunications initiatives, expand rural digital access, unlock investment opportunities, stimulate innovation, and accelerate inclusive economic growth for historically underserved communities,” he said.

Furthermore, he revealed that Tarime’s selection as host reflects its strategic importance as a rural and border district where connectivity can directly support trade, agri-value chains, youth employment, entrepreneurship, education access, and local economic transformation.

“The event reinforces the understanding that rural connectivity is not merely a technical issue, but a national development priority,” he concluded.

The organizers extend sincere appreciation to the principal sponsors of this important forum — the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) and Tanzania Community Networks Company Limited — for their continued support in advancing inclusive connectivity and digital development for underserved communities in Tanzania.