Tanzania, Estonia in joint bid to accelerate digital transformation

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Estonia have expressed a strong commitment to collaborate in the areas of trade and investment, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and foster innovation for the sustainable development of people of the both nations.

This was revealed by Ms. Naomi Mpemba, the Assistant Director of the Europe and Americas Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, during a bilateral meeting between Tanzania and Estonia held at the Ministry’s Sub-office in Dar es Salaam.

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Mpemba stated that the collaboration will focus on strengthening key technological areas, including e-Governance, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Cybersecurity, Digital Education and Training, and Agricultural Technology. She further emphasized that the partnership will create opportunities to promote innovation among Tanzanian entrepreneurs.

Other sectors mentioned as areas of cooperation include the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, airports, as well as improvements in aviation technology, seaport development, and electricity generation.

On her part, Krist Karelsohn, Director of the Department of Asia, Pacific, Middle East, and Africa from Estonia, highlighted that the three-year diplomatic relationship between Estonia and Tanzania has yielded positive outcomes, especially in promoting technological advancement and sustainable development.

“Despite being a small developing country, Estonia has gained global recognition for its digital innovation, particularly in e-governance, digital services, and cybersecurity,” explained Ms. Karelsohn. She added that through its partnership with Tanzania, Estonia has strengthened digital governance and enhanced economic diplomacy using digital platforms, thus contributing to societal development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Angeline Misso, Assistant Director of the Systems and ICT Services Development Department from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing national technology.

She noted that Tanzania and Estonia will work together on joint research into emerging technologies, legal data exchange and protection, the establishment of e-commerce and logistics hubs, as well as collaboration in space research and the use of space technologies to enhance national security, defense, and economic development.