Institutional leaders advocate accountability in digital transition

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the country navigates its digital transformation, leaders of various institutions in the country have urged for collaborative efforts to embrace, coordinate and lead technological changes to ensure sustainable accountability.

They said the government should effectively manage the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation, particularly the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development.

Institute of Directors in Tanzania (IoDT), Chief Executive Officer, Mr Said Kambi, said in Dar es Salaam yesterday during a conference that brought together directors and leaders of institutions that AI is no longer a concept of the future but is rapidly reshaping the economy and today’s society.

The conference centred on Leadership and AI was graced by Deputy Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Engineer Maryprisca Mahundi.

“As the country navigates its digital transformation, it is the responsibility of national leaders and organisations to understand, embrace, coordinate and lead these technological changes with sustainable accountability,” Mr Kambi said.

He highlighted that discussions should not only focus on how AI facilitates innovation and efficiency, but also addresses the accompanying challenges in governance, ethical considerations and the leadership qualities necessary to fully benefit from AI while safeguarding social values.

He encouraged leaders to explore ways to foster technological advancements that align with social progress, ensuring that AI benefits all citizens, including those in rural areas.

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“We need to examine the relationship between AI, leadership, corporate governance and economic growth.

This knowledge will provide insight into both immediate opportunities and long-term impacts on businesses, public

institutions and citizens,” he added.

Following the discussions, Deputy Minister Eng Mahundi pledged that the ministry will implement the recommendations made during the forum saying the door is open to receiving technological advice to expedite national development.

Eng Mahundi reiterated the ministry’s commitment to managing all technological changes by integrating education into community initiatives, including primary school curricula.

She revealed that the ministry is currently renovating and constructing classrooms for startups, managed by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Commission, to increase the number of educated, skilled and innovative youth in technology.

“The government has committed to prioritising AI initiatives in its budget for 2024/2025, with practical steps already taken, such as introducing the robot Yunus in Parliament,” she said.

She further urged directors and leaders to actively support President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to establish a technology-driven nation.

Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr Jabiri Bakari, pointed out that the most successful companies are those that have embraced digital management and the use of AI.

He noted that productivity increases significantly when technology, especially AI, is utilised, as it reduces operational and management costs for organisations and companies.