THE government has expressed its commitment to creating a conducive business environment through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to attract more investment in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Dr Doto Biteko made the commitment in Dar es Salaam the weekend as he officiated at the launch of DigiTruck programme.

“In the era of the digital economy, ICT has become the leading industry in driving economic development and the government will keep supporting the sector for investment diversity and improvement of quality of life,” he said. 

He further underscored the government's commitment to transforming Tanzania into a digital-driven economic powerhouse by referring to the launch of a $9.4 millon state-of-the-art optic fibre plant to speed up execution of National ICT Broadband Backbone project.

Jerry Silaa, Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, said the government has implemented several initiatives to drive digital economic transformation with profound impact on the startup ecosystem.

According to him, many individuals do not have sufficient access to digital devices or reliable internet connectivity, suggesting that developing knowledge and skills enhancement to improve digital literacy is key.

Damon Zhang, Huawei Tanzania CEO, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to assisting Tanzania in achieving its National Development Vision 2025 and the upcoming 2050 National Development Vision in providing a solid foundation in the ICT sector.

“Through the DigiTruck initiative and other programmes we are committed to the concept of 'In Tanzania, For Tanzania' and will continue contributing to the development of Tanzania's digital economy, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.

“In a couple of weeks, the truck will soon travel to remote areas that are short of sufficient educational facilities and meet children there. I sincerely believe that the initiative will serve its purpose of closing the digital gap.”

Philip Besiimire, Vodacom Tanzania Managing Director, said in Tanzania, mobile broadband coverage has expanded to 81 percent of the population, up from just 1 percent in 2006. The expansion has enabled more than 300 public institutions to connect to the internet, enhancing service delivery in critical sectors.

“DigiTruck will provide training in digital literacy and safety. As technology spreads, so too does the risk of cybercrime, particularly among vulnerable groups,” he said.

“Through initiatives like DigiTruck, in partnership with Huawei, we take digital education directly to underserved communities across Tanzania.”

The mobile classroom is designed to provide essential digital literacy, upskilling and reskilling opportunities to over 5,500 pupils, women, and youth annually across 10 regions.