THE government in partnership with industry stakeholders has launched the 2026 ICT Awards to recognise excellence, innovation and measurable impact across Tanzania’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem.

Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) director general, told journalists in a briefing that the awards are intended to highlight the contributions of investors, researchers, entrepreneurs and ICT professionals in accelerating the country’s digital economy journey.

As Tanzania charts a path toward a competitive digital economy over the next 25 years, the return of the ICT awards this April signals a clear national statement of intent, he said, noting that this national event will bring together public officials, private sector actors, innovators, academics and development partners to view achievement in the ICT sector.

“The ICT Awards 2026 are a strategic platform to stimulate economic growth, encourage productive competition and acknowledge stakeholders driving technological advancement,” he explained, affirming that holding annual awards reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology as a key driver of economic growth.

Aligned with the national digital economy strategy and the Development Vision 2050, the event comes up while critical infrastructure is already in place, with over 90 percent mobile coverage for 3G and 4G services, he stated.

The government is expanding fibre connectivity through the national ICT broadband backbone, alongside growing internet penetration supported by falling smartphone costs and widespread mobile money transactions, he stated.

Infrastructure by itself cannot spearhead innovation, thus recognition platforms such as the ICT awards provide visibility, validation and incentives for innovators to compete at higher levels, he further noted.

The awards are scheduled to feature 14 categories, including innovation in ICT products and services, cyber security, digital transformation, youth achievers, women in ICT, sustainable ICT, Diaspora innovation and special recognition from the Communication and Information Technology ministry, he said.

The Tanzania Internet Service Providers Association (TISPA) will hand over a dedicated award for best internet service provider, promoting high-quality services and sector-wide innovation, he said, with experts affirming that platforms like these are essential for building a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Coordinated technically by Soft Ventures Solutions and independently audited by Deloitte, the 2026 ICT Awards are expected to host over 1,000 participants and reach millions of online viewers.

The event underlines Tanzania’s ambition to create numerous hubs for digital innovation, using technology as a driver for inclusive, sustainable economic growth while cultivating a culture of excellence among the nation’s youthful, increasingly tech-savvy population, he added.