TANZANIAN youth have been urged to utililise Kiswahili content on social media platforms as it is now considered a gap in what digital consumers want globally.

Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, Information, and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC) Director General, said this at a symposium held in Dar es Salaam yesterday dubbed ‘Media Literacy and Digital Skills Initiative, including promotion of Monetization of Digital Platforms in Tanzania’.

He said with the 3.5 billion people consumers of Meta, a company that owns and operates Instagram, Facebook, Threads and WhatsApp, it is an opportunity that Tanzania and the world at large can utilise in building digital economy.

“Tanzania has a competitive advantage especially with Kiswahili being a dominant language. It is the most wanted content based on the available market. The youth should understand that such platforms are fruitful toward a competitive economy,” he said.

He further reminded journalists and internet users the need to investigate information for verification before it is sent to consumers.

Michel Toto, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative to Tanzania, said the organisation is fully committed to promoting major information developments in Tanzania in navigating the digital world.

“UNESCO is dedicated to the implementation of comprehensive strategies to leave no one behind to bridge the digital gender divide,” he said.

According to him, using the internet or social media platforms is not about what is done daily but what is gained.

“We need education on the right use of social media. It is not enough to just consume. The question has to be on what it means to us. The internet is an extension of our daily lives. Let us engage positively to support our long-term vision of the digital world,” he said.

Desmond Mushi, Public Policy Manager -East and Horn of Africa, Meta, said that their main task is to look at challenges and available opportunities to ensure that people are aware of their platforms’ applicability.