UNESCO commits to support Tanzania’s digital drive

HE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has announced its readiness to support Tanzania’s efforts to bring about digital transformation

TANZANIA: THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has announced its readiness to support Tanzania’s efforts to bring about digital transformation in the country.

This was revealed by Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director of Information and Communication of UNESCO based in Paris, France in his letter to the Director General of the ITC Commission in the country, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga who was recently in France on official duties.

He said UNESCO has been touched by the speed and readiness of Tanzania in its efforts to achieve a real digital revolution. He said: “Digital skills are important for the success and sustainability odigital change.

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We are happy to support the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology of the United Republic of Tanzania and the IT Commission in improving digital skills.”

He added that the UNESCO Public Competence Framework on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation is designed as an active tool for development, to support member countries in any changes that occur.

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“Due to that situation, we recommend that the ICT Commission of Tanzania and UNESCO jointly initiate a Needs Assessment Study in relation to digital skills in the government and the public in general, followed by capacity building interventions to address the identified competence gaps.

“In addition to the basics of data management, privacy, cyber security and AI, training for senior officers will focus on more strategic competencies such as collaboration, strategic forecasting and human-centered public service design,” said Jelassi.

He congratulated Dr Mwasaga on his leadership within the ITC Commission while stressing that he believes the Commission will contribute to the transformation of Tanzania into an international centre of innovation.

“We look forward to working with you and assure you of our support in the process of digital transformation in Tanzania,” he said.

On his side, Dr Mwasaga said Tanzania is ready to accelerate digital transformation to achieve the targeted goals.