Tanzania’s government has urged investors to build up new chances for internet access for its citizens, having recognized the unique benefits and important role of internet technology in achieving the expansion of a country’s digital economy. The government is intended to increase the number of internet users up to 80% by 2025.
Tanzania’s internet demand is fast-growing, yet the infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of a major portion of the population.
According to statistics, 43.7 million people are using smartphone.23.1 million have internet access, and among which 44.6 % are from urban areas. Between 2019 and 2020, the number of internet users in Tanzania increased by 435 thousand. To close the gap, Tanzania’s government has welcomed investment businesses to set up mobile phone assembly lines to help the country’s population who lack access to affordable phones and the internet.
To help the cause, The Human Innovation Development Fund (HDIF) has organized an” Innovation Week” themed “Innovation for a Resilience and inclusive Digital Economy” across the country.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), COSTECH, UK Aid, and other sponsors have contributed to the event’s success. The goal of the innovation week is to use the experience of researchers, innovators, funders, and policymakers working in the innovation ecosystem to improve Tanzania through “scaling of innovation.” The LAPF towers in Dar es Salaam hosted an inauguration ceremony on Monday, May 17th, 2021. By sharing their knowledge and presenting their experiences and new ideas, the stakeholders vowed to bring innovation to the digital economy.
Mr. Amos Nungu, Director-General of the Commission for Science and Technology, unveiled the project concept. He stated the widespread availability of low-cost cellphones will transform internet usage and contribute to economic growth.
Mr Nungu stated that the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) was working relentlessly to ensure that Tanzanians could afford mobile phones and internet access. The government wants to use fiber optics to connect urban and rural areas at the same time.
He also revealed that. “the government intends to create an inclusive digital economy in which everyone, especially the marginalized, has access to the internet.”
Tabitha Etutu, Science Technology and Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, stated that the government has produced a policy guideline to recognize and support inventors in the country.
She stated, “the government encourages both innovative ideas and tried-and-true approaches for improving the service quality.” Despite the fact that traditional techniques have the potential to treat some diseases, modern medicine has so far been unable to cure sickle cell.” She went on to say that as part of the government’s initiative, a national competition for science innovation was held in Dodoma a week ago. The event attracted 1708 innovators, with the Tanzanian government supporting 130 of them.
Country Director for the Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF), Mr Joseph Manirakiza, also participated and said inclusive innovation is making it certain that underrepresented populations especially women, girls, and rural area inhabitants will be privileged equally.
Mr Mihayo Wilmore, Digital Advisor at Mwananchi Communications Ltd (MCL), Habari Hub, elaborated on their contribution to the sector, stating that they revolutionised the digital industry ten years ago by giving quick online access through their handsets. He emphasized the importance of improving and leveraging the local digital business.
“It’s vital that Tanzania builds its own artificial intelligence platforms,” he added, “since we won’t be able to continue attracting followers through international platforms.” However, how the production of smartphones will be increased, and how the rural areas will be provided with internet access details of the complete program are yet to reveal.
