Business leaders chart course for Tanzania’s digital economy

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s plan to build a digital economy has gained traction as members of the business community renew impetus to boost investment in the digital economy sector.

The community believes that Tanzania can achieve this goal and leverage the intersection for exponential growth.

This comes when the government, through the ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, aims to transform Tanzania into a digital economy empowered by technological advancements.

As such, the government has been calling upon all stakeholders from the private sector to support the endeavour as it strives to make the environment conducive, including launching the Tanzania Data Protection Commission (TDPC) recently.

Speaking at the 11th edition of the Impact-Business Breakfast on April 24, 2024, business leaders highlighted specific areas to focus on to realise this ambition.

The areas include investing in digital upskilling, fostering a culture of innovation, empowering employees with technology, and aligning technology and human capital strategies.

The breakfast meeting, themed ‘Intersection between Technology and Human Capital for Business Growth’, brought together technology enthusiasts, business owners, and economists.

The Chief Technical Advisor of the Information and Communications Technology Commission (ICTIC), Dr George Mulamula, highlighted the inseparability of technology and human capital progress.

“It will be impossible to think about the progress in human capital without the inclusion of technology and the related stress that accompanies it,” he stated.

The renowned technologists emphasised the need for a comprehensive technology roadmap, a governance strategy, investment in digital technologies, and the utilisation of artificial intelligence for productivity in all productive sectors.

He noted the importance of a culture of innovation in the digital age as a way to support government endeavours.

“We need to always think of human capital as an asset in the digital economy and empower employees with the necessary skills needed to leverage technology for efficiency. This is how, as a business community, you can support this venture,” the expert said.

Regarding government strategies, the senior government technology advisor mentioned ongoing efforts to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies to guide its effective use.

“The government recognises the potential of AI and is in the process of formulating laws and guidelines to ensure its beneficial use and prevent misuse,” he said.

Furthermore, in support of innovative youth, the government plans to establish a Digital Technology Institute (DTI) in the capital, Dodoma.

“We are in the visibility studies phase to secure funding for the construction of the institute and the development of curricula in collaboration with the Republic of South Korea and the World Bank. This will also help businesses upskill their human capital locally,” he added.

The director of Impact-Business, Ms Angel Mbogoro, emphasised the role of businesses in leveraging the intersection of technology and human capital for exponential growth.

She stressed the importance of providing employees with the skills and knowledge required for success in the digital age. “Training programmes on emerging technologies, data analytics, and digital marketing should be offered regularly,” she said.