Silaa stresses significance of inclusive digital society  

MINISTER for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa has emphasised the significance of the Africa Summit on the information
MINISTER for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa has emphasised the significance of the Africa Summit on the information society, saying it is a vital platform for African stakeholders to assess the progress, challenges and future prospects of building an inclusive digital society across the continent.

Issuing his remarks during the opening of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS)’s Africa Summit on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, Mr Silaa highlighted its role in discussing Africa’s contribution to the Global Digital Compact.

The event was organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in collaboration with Tanzania’s Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology.

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He noted that the summit marks the 20th anniversary of the original WSIS, which was held twice,  first in Geneva in 2003 and later in Tunis in 2005.

“WSIS set the foundation for global digital cooperation, envisioning information and knowledge societies that are people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented,” Mr Silaa said.

As the world progresses deeper into the digital era, driven by technologies like artificial intelligence, the Global Digital Compact outlines how nations can harness this potential while addressing the digital divide.

Minister Silaa described the summit as a key milestone for evaluating two decades of progress on the initial WSIS outcomes, aiming to foster dialogue among African stakeholders and ensure the continent’s active participation in the global digital landscape.

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“Under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania continues to prioritise the ICT sector as a vital engine for economic transformation,” he explained.

He also highlighted Tanzania’s National ICT Policy, established in 2016 and currently under review, noting its critical role in fostering a robust digital economy and identifying key areas for development and effective ICT use.

Recently, President Samia launched the National Digital Economy Framework 2024-2034, a 10-year roadmap guiding the nation’s efforts toward achieving a fully digital economy.

The government’s commitment to ICT development is evident in various strategies, including the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III), the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2026 and the Financial Sector Development Master Plan. These initiatives aim to build a knowledge-based society and create a conducive environment for ICT growth.

Minister Silaa said that Tanzania’s strides in digital transformation earned global recognition, ranking the country among 46 role model nations in cybersecurity maturity, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in September 2024.

This report highlights Tanzania’s leadership in East and Southern Africa, underscoring its efforts to secure digital infrastructure and ensure safe access to the digital economy for its citizens.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. According to UNECA’s Chief of Technology and Innovation, Dr Mactar Seck, internet and mobile service penetration in Africa has significantly improved since 2005, but disparities persist, particularly in rural areas and among women.

“In 2005, Africa had a 2.1 per cent internet penetration rate, which has now risen to 37 percent in 2024. Mobile penetration has surged from 9.1 per cent in 2005 to nearly 85 per cent today. However, access remains a concern, with rural areas lagging at just 12 per cent connectivity,” Mr Seck said.

Dr Seck pointed out that the gender digital divide is another pressing issue, with a 10 per cent gap between men and women in accessing digital technology, highlighting the need for initiatives that include more women and girls in the digital space.

Additionally, 500 million people in Africa lack access to reliable energy, which limits their access to education, land and social services, further intensifying digital challenges.

As the summit progresses, the focus remains on overcoming these barriers and exploring the future of digital development in Africa.

Dr Seck explained that participants are tasked with identifying solutions to bridge the digital divide, expand access to digital infrastructure and enhance digital skills across the continent.

The Tanzanian government, alongside other African nations, is committed to making digital transformation a reality for all. This workshop provides a critical opportunity to chart the way forward, ensuring Africa can fully leverage digital technology to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

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