Millennials are among the lucky ones when it comes to witnessing technological shifts. We grew up at a time when phones had cords and you had to spin a rotary dial to make a call.
A time when computers were a novelty, and the world wasn’t so sure what the digital future held. I’ve seen mobile technology grow from simple dial tones to the complexity of the internet that now powers our lives.
We’ve lived through the rise and fall of tech’s promises, witnessing the good, the bad, and the moments that defined us all.
Today, when we speak of technology, we often marvel at its ability to connect us, enhance our lives, and unlock opportunities, much like how VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has revolutionised football, ensuring fair play and minimising errors.
But just as VAR can be a distant tool if not properly integrated into the game, technology can remain out of reach for millions, especially those living with disabilities – it remains elusive, distant, and inaccessible.
In Tanzania, where over 7.8 percent of the population lives with some form of disability, the digital divide is an offside call that’s gone unnoticed.
Our journey toward inclusive digital transformation must act like VAR, reviewing the situation, making sure no one is left behind, and ensuring fairness in access to technology for all.
I’ve had the privilege of leading Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, where we’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of connectivity.
Yet, there’s always the question: Are we doing enough? Are we listening to the voices that are often unheard? As a leader, I’ve learned that inclusion is not a checkbox; it is a continuous journey of learning, unlearning, and co-creating with those we aim to serve.
In Tanzania, mobile phones are more than just devices—they are lifelines. For the farmer in Kilimanjaro, the entrepreneur in Dar es Salaam, or the student in Arusha, mobile technology offers access to financial services, education, health information, and more.
Yet, for persons with disabilities, these opportunities are often obstructed by barriers that many of us do not see.
A 2021 report by GSMA highlighted a stark reality: persons with disabilities are less likely to own mobile phones or access mobile internet than their non-disabled counterparts, widening the gap at each stage of their digital journey (Mobile Disability Gap Report 2021).
The challenge is multifaceted, rooted in affordability, accessibility, and a lack of digital skills. But it is not insurmountable.
At the annual CSO Week gathering, Tanzania’s Vision 2050 has been the bedrock of the discussions, centred on voice, vision, and value.
A common voice is heard, the vision of a country where technology serves as a bridge, connecting citizens across diverse geographies and capabilities.
However, this vision will remain a dream unless we actively pursue interventions that cater to those most excluded from the digital revolution.
Our goal should be to create technology that works for all—where persons with disabilities are not passive recipients but active contributors to Tanzania’s future.
Real inclusion happens when we design with intention. This means integrating universal design principles into every product and services we create.
It means listening to persons with disabilities, involving them in the co-creation process, and ensuring their voices shape the technology they use.
We ought to constantly explore ways to bridge this gap.
One of our pivotal interventions has been through mobile money services that cater to users with disabilities, providing voice-activated options and simplified interfaces.
Our partnerships with assistive technology providers have introduced mobile-enabled screen readers, and we’ve launched community-led digital literacy programs targeting underserved populations, including persons with disabilities.
In the game of digital inclusion, we need to rethink our strategy and focus on three key plays to ensure everyone, especially persons with disabilities, can be part of the team. The first play is affordability.
Many in Tanzania face economic hurdles that put even basic internet-enabled phones out of reach. We need to be creative in how we level the playing field—whether through micro-loans for affordable devices or mobile data packages that fit their needs, we can give them the tools they need to join the digital game.
The second key to winning this match is building skills and digital literacy. You wouldn’t send a team onto the field without proper training.
For persons with disabilities, lack of digital literacy can be the toughest opponent. We need training programs that cater to different abilities, teaching essential digital skills in a way that builds confidence and independence.
The final play is awareness and accessibility. Just as a player needs to know their role on the field, persons with disabilities need to be aware of the technological tools available. By designing our products with accessibility at the core—voice commands, magnifiers, or other assistive tech—we can create a game where everyone has a chance to score.
But this isn’t a solo effort. Just like in football, teamwork makes the dream work. We need the private sector, civil society, and government working together to build inclusive infrastructure.
Public-private partnerships, like the success of the DigiTruck program, m-mama, e-fahamu, show that when we collaborate, we can bring technology to even the most remote areas of Tanzania.
Technology, like football, is not just a game—it’s a game-changer.
Tanzania’s digital future can only be bright if it is inclusive. We must continue to innovate, collaborate, and push for solutions that ensure everyone—regardless of ability—has access to the opportunities that technology provides.
The time for action is now. As Vodacom, we are committed to playing our part, but the real transformation will come when we all stand together in the belief that technology truly is for all.
Inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do. Let us build a Tanzania where every individual, no matter their ability, is connected to a better future.
Zuweina Farah is External Affairs and Vodacom Foundation Director, Vodacom Tanzania
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Britam half-year net profit hits Sh2bn on higher investment income
Insurer and financial services provider Britam posted a 22.5 percent jump in net earnings for the half-year ended June 2024, to Sh2 billion, buoyed by increased investment income.
The rise in half-year net profit from Sh1.64 billion posted in a similar period last year came on the back of net investment income rising 2.5 times to Sh13.27 billion from Sh5.3 billion.
“We are confident in the growth and performance trend that Britam has achieved, supported by its subsidiaries in Kenya and the region. Our business is expanding its revenue base while effectively managing costs,” Britam Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said.
“Our customer-centric approach is fueling growth in our customer base and product uptake, particularly through micro-insurance, partnerships, and digital channels.”
The investment income growth was fueled by interest and dividend income rising 34 percent to Sh9.1 billion, which the insurer attributed to growth in revenue and the gains from the realignment of the group’s investment portfolio.
Britam also booked a Sh3.79 billion gain on financial assets at a fair value, compared with a Sh1.8 billion loss posted in a similar period last year.
The increased investment income helped offset the 12.7 percent decline in net insurance service result to Sh2.13 billion in the wake of claims paid out rising at a faster pace than that of premiums received.
Britam said insurance revenue, which is money from written premiums, increased to Sh17.8 billion from Sh16.6 billion, primarily driven by growth in the Kenya insurance business and regional general insurance businesses, which contributed 30 percent of the revenue.
The group has a presence in seven countries in Africa namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Britam’s insurance service expense hit Sh13.6 billion from Sh11.3 billion, while net insurance finance expenses rose 2.6 times to Sh12.3 billion during the same period.
“Net insurance finance expenses increased mainly due to growth in interest cost for the deposit administration business driven by better investment performance. This has also been impacted by a decline in the yield curve, which has led to an increase in the insurance contract liabilities. The increase has been offset by a matching increase in fair value gain on assets,” said Britam.
Britam’s growth in profit is in line with that of other Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed insurers, which have seen a rise in profits.
Jubilee Holdings net profit in the six months increased by 22.7 percent to Sh2.5 billion on increased income from insurance, helping the insurer maintain Sh2 per share interim dividend.
CIC Insurance Group posted a 0.64 percent rise in net profit to Sh709.99 million in the same period as net earnings of Liberty Kenya nearly tripled to Sh632 million from Sh213 million, while Sanlam Kenya emerged from a loss to post a Sh282.2 million net profit.
Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
Loud calls for investigation of Zanzibar port, ZSSF & airport
The leader of the ACT Wazalendo, Zitto Kabwe has raised three key issue that he said are hindering the economy of ZanzibarContinue Reading
