THE government has emphasized on its ambitious plan to increase utilisation of broadband internet from 45 per cent to 80 per cent, as well as the number of internet users from 43 per cent to 80 per cent by the year 2025.
Taking the stance, Deputy Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Eng Kundo Mathew, while giving his remarks during the Digital Council Conext Digital Infrastructure Summit in Cape Town, South Africa recently, further assured the delegates that Tanzania’s internet use is rising and the government is offering support right into the grassroots.
The conference sponsored by the Chinese Huawei company, among other things, provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss various topics on Sustainable Development in ICT and infrastructure.
“Following the 5G service launch in major population centers in Tanzania, access to the internet, particularly mobile broadband has recently begun to take off. It is estimated that there are around 49 users per 100 inhabitants. The government is aiming for 80 percent penetration by the year 2025,” said Eng Kundo, on behalf of Minister of the docket, Mr Nape Nnauye.
To ensure that the target is reached, Eng Kundo said the government is providing subsidies to mobile operators currently operating in 2G technology to upgrade their network to 3G or higher in areas of the country that are currently unserved by any mobile cellular signal.
He said the country has made great strides in the development and use of ICT and is committed to placing ICT at the center of its development agenda.
“Further, we have made several initiatives, including recognizing and building the capacity and skills of ICT Professionals, providing foresight and trends in ICT through research in collaboration with ICT stakeholders, and fostering strategic investment in ICT,” he added.
Elaborating, Eng Kundo noted that there are various initiatives that the government, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as Huawei, has taken to promote the use of ICT in education.
“So, it is time to connect the unconnected. Broadband Connectivity Making should be a global priority. We should all work towards that end to use the benefits of digital technology in all sectors of society and the economy. On behalf of the Tanzanian Government, I reaffirm a total commitment to this endeavor” he promised.
Speaking during the occasion, Samuel Chen, President of Southern Africa Carrier Network Business Group – Huawei said governments have a critical role to play in setting the foundation and creating a cost-effective computing environment that allows every citizen to enjoy world-class connectivity.
“Fiber is the cornerstone of the digital economy. In developed countries, the digital economy accounts for more than 50 per cent of GDP.
In developing countries, it is more than 25 per cent. Huawei’s innovative solutions facilitate fiber to sites, enterprises, homes, etc. Policy and Ecosystem are important drivers for accelerating fiber deployment so that to fully unleash the digital value Let us work together to light up Africa’s future,” he pointed out.
Source: allafrica.com
Share this news
This Years Most Read News Stories
CCM ready to task state organs on Zanzibar Airport deal
Ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi-Zanzibar has said it is ready to task state organs to investigate some of the claims against its government that have been raised by opposition politicians on the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA).Continue Reading
Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
John Okello: From Zanzibar revolution icon to street beggar
In the final episode, we look at Okello’s ban in Tanganyika, rejection in Kenya tragic end in Uganda.Continue Reading
