Tanzania ICT Minister talks investments & key growth sectors

Tanzania is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey, with a strong commitment from the government towards ICT development and investment. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Jerry William Silaa, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, discussed the country's key investment priorities and the strategic initiatives driving growth in the ICT sector. The government of Tanzania has demonstrated a clear vision for advancing its digital economy, with Her Excellency, Dr. Samia Suruhasan, spearheading the launch of the national digital economy strategy last year. Minister Silaa emphasized the commitment towards ICT, highlighting the evolution of ICT from being a simple tool to a pivotal force driving various sectors of the economy. One of the key drivers of Tanzania's ICT sector growth is the national ICT investment policy, which has created a conducive environment for attracting investments in ICT development. The sector serves as a catalyst for other industries, facilitating activities such as agriculture, trade, online business, and banking transactions. The focus on infrastructure development is a crucial aspect of Tanzania's ICT strategy. The country boasts a robust national fiber backbone that covers a significant portion of the country, with plans to expand further. Additionally, Tanzania is connected to the global network through multiple undersea cables, enhancing connectivity and enabling data exchange with other regions. Moreover, the government is actively supporting the digital economy by nurturing talent and promoting entrepreneurship in the ICT sector. Initiatives such as innovation centers and a digital technology institute aim to groom young innovators and provide them with the necessary skills to contribute to the digital ecosystem. Minister Silaa also touched upon the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in Tanzania's economic landscape. Collaborating with international organizations, Tanzania is working on an AI strategy to integrate AI technologies into various systems. Projects such as developing a large language model for Kiswahili and leveraging AI in the judiciary system showcase Tanzania's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies. In terms of investment opportunities, Tanzania is welcoming investors in sectors such as data centers and cloud computing. The country's strategic positioning and robust ICT infrastructure make it an attractive destination for ICT-related investments. Furthermore, the integration of ICT systems for trade is seen as a vital step towards unlocking intra-Africa trade and fostering regional economic growth. However, amidst the rapid advancement in the digital space, cyber security remains a top concern for Tanzania and other African countries. Minister Silaa highlighted the government's efforts in strengthening cyber security measures and educating the public on safe online practices. Initiatives like the 'Sita Peliki' campaign aim to raise awareness about cyber threats and empower individuals to protect their personal information. With a clear vision, strategic investments, and a focus on emerging technologies, Tanzania is poised to continue its digital transformation journey and leverage ICT as a key driver of economic growth.