President Samia: ‘Why I moved the Information sector’

ZANZIBAR: President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday said the decision to transfer the information sector from the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology to the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports seek to enhance the country’s quest to tap into digital economy.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed leaders at Tunguu State Lodge in Zanzibar the President emphasized the importance of prioritizing the National Digital Economy Strategy, noting that the strategy’s scope demands full attention to achieve technological growth.

“Since the establishment of the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, most of the focus has been on the information sector, leaving communication technology behind,” she said.

“As we move forward with the fast-evolving communication and technology sectors—not just in Tanzania but globally we recognized the need for a dedicated approach.”

“We are not progressing in technology as we should. That’s why we decided to transfer the information sector to a different ministry so we can concentrate fully on advancing information technology,” she added.

President Samia praised the ongoing construction of 758 communication towers across the country, a project expected to be completed by May.

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She urged the Ministry to ensure that Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL) evolves into a competitive commercial entity, alongside the Tanzania Posts Corporation.

The President also called for strengthening the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) by connecting Tanzania with neighboring countries and boosting domestic communication capabilities through satellite technology.

“This is a major task, and I expect the Minister and the entire team to focus on addressing these critical issues,” she directed.