Tanzania tells WTPF session how its citizens enjoy  access to inclusive, secure communication services

NASSAU: TANZANIA is continuing to create an enabling environment to ensure that all citizens have access to inclusive, affordable, secure and reliable communication services, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Angellah Kairuki has said.

Kairuki said the efforts are being accompanied by measures to strengthen digital skills and promote productive use of technology as part of the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050 and the National Digital Economy Strategy 2024–2034.

The minister made the remarks while participating in the Seventh World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum (WTPF-26), being held in Nassau, Bahamas.

Speaking during one of the forum’s discussions, Kairuki said Tanzania had completed the construction of 758 4G towers, enabling more than 1,400 villages and approximately 8.5 million people who previously lacked reliable communication services to gain access to connectivity.

She said the government, through the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), has also continued to promote inclusive use of technology, including the establishment of 800 Digital Clubs aimed at developing and strengthening ICT skills among citizens.

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In addition, the government has facilitated access to Wi-Fi services at 100 public locations and established computer laboratories in 250 public schools.

According to Kairuki, these initiatives have also taken into account the needs of students with disabilities to ensure that technology is used in an inclusive manner and is accessible to people from different groups within society.

At the forum, Tanzania proposed three priority areas for the development of the communications and information technology sector.

The priorities are expanding access to affordable communication services; strengthening digital skills and promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among different groups in society; and developing secure and inclusive digital infrastructure that protects users’ personal data.

Kairuki said Tanzania would continue investing in the expansion of digital infrastructure and building citizens’ capacity to ensure that technology serves as a tool for advancing social and economic development.