Stakeholders express readiness to work on Samia’s ICT directives
DAR ES SALAAM: KEY stakeholders have expressed their readiness to advance the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and implement the National Digital Economy Framework as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Recently, President Samia reshuffled the cabinet, restructuring the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology by transferring the information sector to the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports.
During a swearing in ceremony held this week at the Tunguu State House lodge in Zanzibar, the Head of State underscored that her three years of experience indicate the need for the ICT sector to be left independent for significantly work toward achieving digital economy.
She said the sector has to focus on major projects such as satellites, telecommunications infrastructure and connecting Tanzania to neighbouring countries via the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICT).
Following President Samia’s directives, the Director General of the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), Dr Nkundwe Mswaga, pledged to urgently implement the president’s directives to achieve the desired transformation of the digital economy in the country.
Dr Mswaga was speaking during a live interview programme aired by a local television station this week. “We have understood President Samia’s directives and we are currently implementing them with great urgency,” said Dr Mswaga.
He added, “Primarily, the digital economy requires significant transformation, typically encompassing five pillars, equipping people with skills to ensure secure and trustworthy systems, providing inclusive communication services, fostering the digital economy and promoting innovation.”
As Tanzania is now a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Dr Mswaga noted that having ICT infrastructure, such as satellites, will enhance communications for all citizens and enable the country to seize international opportunities.
He highlighted that government initiatives to build a digital economy aim to fully utilise the country’s vast youth potential, particularly those engaged in innovative technologies and startups, to capitalise on opportunities across the continent.
“In achieving a complete digital transformation and ensuring that no one is left behind, President Samia has directed us to ensure that all Tanzanians receive a digital number, ‘Jamii Namba.’ This will ensure that all systems are compatible and assist people in conducting transactions,” he stated.
Dr Mswaga also noted that despite the efforts being made, positive results are evident with several startups now operational in various parts of the country.
Furthermore, Dr Mwasaga insisted that if every Tanzanian will be registered with the “Jamii Number” and all system made compatible, it will enable availability of basic information which is crucial for building a strong digital economy.
It is worth noting that on late July this year, President Samia during the 15th Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) meeting launched the Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024-2034, which marked a significant step toward digital transformation and efforts to foster inclusive economic growth.
