olimpio
JF-Expert Member
- Apr 5, 2023
- 411
- 853
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Today, we are commemorating the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) on 17th May 2023. This occasion provides us with a valuable opportunity to contemplate the pivotal role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in driving social and economic development within the country and beyond. As a leader of the Ministry, my team and I, on behalf of the Government of United Republic of Tanzania, led by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, are dedicated to ensuring communication services are widely
accessible to all Tanzanians.
This year, we commemorate the occasion under the theme “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.” As we celebrate this day, it is important to recognize that we are currently living in an era of unparalleled technological progress. Despite the advancements we have achieved,
we must acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has equal access to the benefits of ICTs. In Tanzania, we are taking significant steps to increase the penetration and accessibility of ICT services. Our country has implemented contemporary ICT policies that we regularly reviewed and updated to
keep pace with the rapid digital transformations that are happening elsewhere in the world. This approach has allowed us to stay at the forefront of ICT developments, enabling us to empower our citizens to harness the power of technology in order to improve their lives.
We acknowledge the profound impact that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can have on promoting economic development and enhancing the well-being of our populace. This is the digital age and we cannot imagine a day without communication devices (phones and computers), let alone visualising how life would have been without the evolution of telecommunication. Consequently, our Ministry has prioritized the formulation and execution of policies and programs that target distinct aspects of ICT governance.
By adopting this strategy, we have been able to extend the reach of digital technologies to even the most rural and disadvantaged corners of our nation, where communities were previously excluded from the benefits of the digital age. Recent statistics indicate that our mobile broadband coverage has reached 74%, attesting to the effectiveness of our ICT policy approach.
One of our significant achievements in the ICT sector is the development of the National ICT Policy in 2016. This policy provides a comprehensive framework that guides the development and implementation of ICT-
related initiatives in Tanzania. The policy prioritizes infrastructure, development, digital literacy and the promotion of local content, among other areas.
Our unwavering commitment to enhancing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape is reflected in our significant investments in ICT infrastructure. This has resulted in a remarkable improvement in connectivity, facilitating access to digital services across the length and breadth of the nation. In the
past five years, the trend of telecom subscriptions has witnessed an impressive average annual increase of 8%, culminating in a staggering 98% telecom penetration as of March 2023. Furthermore, our efforts to boost internet connectivity have yielded impressive results, as evidenced by the deployment of fiber-optic networks. These networks have enabled us to achieve unprecedented levels of internet access and speed, with plans to extend the fiber-optic rollout to the household level.
In our quest to enhance digital literacy, we have rolled out a series of programs that specifically cater to the youth and women, who are often marginalised and vulnerable groups in our society. We also keep
on establishing telecentres and computer labs across the nation. Our holistic programs encompass digital skills training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities, aimed at fostering active participation in the digital economy. These initiatives are the result of collaborative efforts between different government agencies and
departments, as well as partnerships with the private sector under the auspices of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Government-to- Government (G2G) models.
The Ministry places great importance on promoting local content within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as it is aligned with our objectives. Our policies and initiatives are aimed at fostering the development and dissemination of local content, with a specific focus on Swahili language content. This approach has proven to be fruitful, not only in terms of supporting the growth of the local content industry but also in providing citizens with information that is pertinent and tailored to their needs. To us, we believe ‘information is power’ and empowering our people means accelerating economic growth. Moreover, our Ministry is committed to updating and modernizing various ICT policies, and we have made a conscious
effort to ensure that the rejuvenation process is collaborative, engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors. This approach enables us to actively implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which advocate for universal coverage of basic services in the areas of health, education, finance, and energy through the use of ICTs.
On the occasion of WTISD on 17th May 2023, we reflect on our achievements in the ICT sector with pride. Nevertheless, we are aware that there is still much to be done to ensure that all Tanzanians can
avail themselves of the benefits of ICTs. Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the development of the ICT sector and ensuring access to its services to all citizens. We believe that digital literacy is a vital component of this progress. Therefore, we place significant emphasis on promoting digital literacy, as it can accelerate digital transformation and bring more people into the digital fold. By empowering people with the skills and knowledge they need to harness the power of ICTs, we can foster an inclusive and thriving digital ecosystem that benefits all Tanzanians.
We recognise that empowering the least developed countries through ICTs requires a intensive efforts from all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and international partners. Therefore, we call on all stakeholders to collaborate and support government’s initiatives that aim at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to the benefits of ICTs. Before I end my statement, I would like to urge and direct all ICT
stakeholders to:-
(a) play our rightful and expected role to harness our country ICT development;
(b) continue learning and benchmarking on ICTs development including policy, legal and regulation frameworks from those that are more advanced than Tanzania;
(c) enhance ICTs initiatives that will build a more competitive ICT industry to promote innovation, job creation, and boost the digital economy development in Tanzania.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported our efforts in promoting the development of the ICT sector in Tanzania. Together, we can ensure that all Tanzanians
have access to the benefits of ICT services, promoting social and economic development and improving the quality of life for all citizens
