Tanzania seeks to increase the number of AI, data science experts

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has announced plans to increase the number of specialists in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science by sponsoring Tanzanian students to study abroad while also strengthening local training infrastructure.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, said the initiative aims to prepare the country for growing technological and innovation demands.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Monday during a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Sports to the infrastructure improvement project at the ICT College of the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. Mkenda said the programme aligns with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to build a strong pool of experts in emerging technologies.

He said the government has already started sending students abroad under the Samia Scholarship Programme to pursue studies in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and interdisciplinary sciences at leading universities in countries such as South Africa and Ireland.

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“In addition to sending students abroad, we also have the Indian Institute of Technology in Zanzibar, where students are pursuing postgraduate studies in these fields,” Prof. Mkenda said.

He urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities emerging from rapid technological transformation, noting that digital innovation is creating new employment prospects across sectors. However, he also emphasised the importance of responsible and safe use of technology.

On infrastructure development, Prof. Mkenda said the government is investing in modern facilities at the ICT College of the University of Dar es Salaam to expand learning capacity and support advanced technological training.

Once completed, the project is expected to increase student enrolment by 351 and create 529 jobs, including academic positions and short-term employment opportunities.

The government believes that strengthening ICT education and expanding expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science will play a key role in driving Tanzania’s digital economy and innovation agenda.