Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Citizen Reporter
Published on 2024-03-04 14:19:32
Tanzania has proudly been recognized as the second safest country in Africa for cybersecurity, a significant achievement that highlights the nation’s commitment to securing its digital infrastructure. This acknowledgment was made by the Director-General of the Information and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC), Dr. Nkundwe Mwasaga, during a recent media briefing where he discussed Tanzania’s ICT achievements, plans, and strategies.
The rise in Tanzania’s cybersecurity rankings can be attributed to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through the Global Cybersecurity Index, indicating the country’s proactive efforts in safeguarding against cyber threats. Dr. Mwasaga also highlighted Tanzania’s leading position in providing high-speed internet services to homes and buildings, as assessed by the Portulans Institute and the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
These achievements were made possible through the innovative technology programs and initiatives developed by ICTC to foster a conducive environment for digital growth and elevate Tanzania as a frontrunner in the digital realm. Dr. Mwasaga emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for youth to engage in ICT programs, enhancing the technological landscape, and positioning Tanzania as a digital pioneer.
In line with promoting digital economic growth, the government, in collaboration with ICTC, is working towards establishing eight ICT centers across the country. These centers will serve as hubs for nurturing ICT talent, fostering innovation among the youth, and providing opportunities for skills development in the digital sector. The government plans to strategically locate these centers in regions such as Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Lindi, Tanga, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Zanzibar to ensure widespread access to ICT opportunities.
Dr. Mwasaga stressed the significance of stakeholder collaboration in establishing these ICT centers, underscoring the importance of nurturing diverse talents and safeguarding technological innovations. He also addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on employment, emphasizing the potential for AI to enhance efficiency and provide avenues for skills development. Plans are underway to establish an artificial intelligence center to train and develop 500 ICT professionals, reinforcing the country’s ICT skills base.
Furthermore, ICTC’s priorities include driving technological innovation, organizing events to attract investments, promoting ICT products domestically and internationally, and collaborating with partners to develop ICT innovations. The commission also aims to establish a technology innovation center in partnership with the ITU to serve the East African region. Other initiatives on the horizon include supporting small start-up companies, implementing policy management systems for ICT, conducting research for policy enhancements, establishing a Metaverse Studio, improving internet content, conducting ICT development research at the district level, and setting up a Resilience Academy in Tanzania.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate Tanzania’s proactive approach towards embracing digital transformation, fostering innovation, and enhancing cybersecurity measures to propel the nation towards a digitally resilient future.
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