Tanzania to host major regional laptop manufacturing plant

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s plans to establish a laptop manufacturing plant are set to redefine the country’s ICT landscape, it has been stated.

The proposed facility will manufacture Tanzanite laptops, with an emphasis on supporting ICT education from primary to secondary levels, signaling a major milestone for both industrialisation and digital transformation.

The project, spearheaded by Tanzania’s ICT Commission, has gained traction following discussions with QuadGen Wireless Solutions Pvt. Ltd, an Indian company renowned for ICT equipment production.

The initiative also aligns with the African Union’s vision of hosting ICT product manufacturing facilities within the continent.

The Director General of the ICT Commission, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, highlighted the potential impact of the project during a parliamentary presentation in Dodoma on January 24, 2025.

“This plant is not just about producing laptops but about empowering the next generation with the tools needed to thrive in a digital economy,” he stated.

The laptops and smart boards produced locally will significantly enhance digital learning infrastructure, addressing gaps in educational tools and fostering technological literacy among young learners.

ICT and education experts see this as a game-changer. An education technology researcher, Prof Grace Macha, remarked, “Access to affordable, locally-produced laptops can bridge the digital divide in rural areas, where ICT infrastructure is often lacking. It’s an essential step toward inclusive development.”

Globally, China, the United States, and South Korea dominate laptop production, with Tanzania importing thousands of units annually to meet growing demand.

Establishing a manufacturing plant locally would reduce dependency on imports, saving foreign exchange and creating jobs.

Economic analyst Ally Makoye noted, “This project will spur industrialisation and attract other ICT-related investments. It is also poised to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by reducing the cost of ICT tools.”

Tanzania imports an estimated 500,000 laptops annually, predominantly from China and India. A local production facility could meet domestic demand while exporting to neighbouring countries, leveraging regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The manufacturing plant will adopt SKD and CKD standards, enabling assembly and production processes within Tanzania, fostering skill development and technology transfer.

The Tanzania government has outlined a clear roadmap to position the country as an ICT hub in Africa. This includes investments in digital infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and promoting ICT education.

“The digital economy represents the future, and Tanzania is positioning itself to lead in the region,” said ICT policy expert Michael Ndunguru as he spoke to The Citizen in an interview.

He added that integrating local manufacturing into the ICT strategy demonstrates the country’s commitment to building a sustainable digital ecosystem.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Infrastructure Committee, Mr Moshi Kakoso, emphasised the importance of seizing this opportunity.

“In the past, investors ready to manufacture locally moved to neighbouring countries due to delays and lack of support. We cannot afford to repeat those mistakes,” he said.

For Tanzania, this venture symbolises more than industrialisation—it’s a statement of intent to become a leader in Africa’s digital economy.

With a youthful population and a government keen on leveraging technology, the country is poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities in education, business, and innovation.

The challenge now lies in swiftly implementing the project to capitalise on its potential and pave the way for sustainable economic growth.