THE government has made significant strides in fostering growth of the digital and blue economy, demonstrating commitment to transforming the delivery of information and communication technology services.

Dr Jabir Bakari, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) director general, highlighted these achievements at the TCRA pavilion at the on-going Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF-2024).

He said that TCRA has been pivotal in government efforts to enhance the communications infrastructure, promoting digital skills and encouraging the adoption of digital technology in various sectors.

TCRA has been working to deliver high-speed 4G and 5G internet resources, crucial steps in accelerating digital economy uptake and communication transformation, he said.

The government is determined to ensure that Tanzania has a modern communication infrastructure supporting the burgeoning digital economy in various aspects of life, he explained.

Elaborating that TCRA is promoting digital literacy with initiatives like setting up digital clubs in schools, he encouraged students across all educational levels to take part in these clubs to enhance their understanding and practical application of digital technologies.

TCRA has linked up with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to provide innovators in digital technologies with essential resources such as numbering resources, frequency spectrum, and use of the dot tz domain, he said, noting that these initiatives are aimed at fostering digital solutions positively impacting health care provision, agriculture, entrepreneurship, education and various social services.

TCRA remains steadfast in empowering young innovators in digital technology by equipping them with the necessary resources, he emphasized.

Public education campaigns canvassing for the widespread adoption of digital applications in agriculture, tourism and education delivery, focused on the transformative potential of digital technologies in improving income expectations.

These technologies hold immense potential to bring about positive change in the lives of many people, he said, urging media practitioners to closely disseminate information about the benefits of digital and blue economy initiatives.

The crucial role of mass media in raising awareness and mobilizing public support for the adoption of these technologies is crucial, he stated, citing notable achievements in TCRA efforts in facilitating the digital and blue economy communicational framework.

There was a significant increase in the number of mobile phone lines in the past year, rising from 64.01m in June 2023 to 72m last March.

These achievements manifest TCRA’s effectiveness and active involvement in advancing the digital and blue economy, as various sectors have to prioritize dissemination of positive and constructive information.

This effort is geared at accelerating modernisation in each sector, whereas internet users were on an upward rise, standing at 36m internet enabled phone lines, he said.

The growth in mobile money accounts saw a rise from 47,275,660 by June 2023 to over 53m last March, he said, underlining the regulator’s effectiveness in promoting Tanzania's digital and blue economy.

The various sectors need to prioritize the dissemination of positive and constructive information aimed at accelerating the country's development, he added.