Tanzania and ITU to launch digital innovation hub

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is poised to launch a digital innovation hub designed to accelerate the evolution of the entire Information and Communications Technology (ICT) landscape both nationally and internationally.

That revelation came to light over the weekend after the inaugural gathering of the ITU held its digital innovation board in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 19 to 20.

Tanzania was represented at the meeting by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority’s (TCRA) director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, Information and Communication Technologies Commission director general, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, and TCRA’s director of Sectorial Affairs, Mr Mwesigwa Felician.

In a statement released by the authority, Dr Bakari, the ITU’s digital innovation board member, said that Tanzania has been granted permission to establish a hub overseen by the ITU as part of its network of innovation centres (ITU Acceleration Centres), which are distributed globally, regionally, and nationally.

“This initiative aligns with ITU’s strategy to leverage ICT innovation to foster economic development in member countries, thereby promoting digital economic growth,” he emphasised.

Speaking about the conference, Dr Bakari emphasised that its purpose was to inaugurate the board and discuss its responsibilities, along with exchanging experiences in digital innovation.

“Here, we have explored pathways to foster diverse innovations, enhance collaboration between universities and innovation institutions, and discussed the establishment of a system for exchanging information among innovation hubs worldwide,” he noted.

The meeting was chaired by the director of the Development Bureau at the ITU, Dr Cosmas Zavazava.

It was attended by 23 members from various countries in Africa, with representation from Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Gabon, and Malawi.

Dr Bakari added that the board is among the three key components of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development Foundation, established by ITU last year to promote digital innovation.

The alliance aims to accelerate digital transformation by enabling digital innovation and promoting entrepreneurial values through these innovations, with Tanzania’s presence providing the country with the opportunity to benefit more from professional resolutions through this platform.

Commenting on that, communications lecturer from St Augustine University, Dr Albert Tibaijuka, said Tanzania’s presence in this board meeting signifies a pivotal moment, one that unveils a golden opportunity for our nation.

“This isn’t just an opportunity; it’s presented to us on a silver platter as our chance to spearhead the establishment of a groundbreaking innovation hub,” Dr Tibaijuka noted.