DAR ES SALAAM, July 31 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA has launched the Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024-2034, marking a significant step in its digital transformation and efforts to foster inclusive economic growth.
The framework was launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during the 15th Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) meeting held at the Dar es Salaam State House.
President Samia said that it was high time to focus on training in the successful implementation of the framework.
“The framework has been launched, but now it requires training,” she said, adding; “Let’s proceed with training in the six key areas outlined. We will begin training at the workplace level and also initiate training from the grassroots, so that students graduating in the future are already familiar with these systems, making it easier to implement this plan.”
The framework encompasses pivotal elements aimed at driving growth and inclusivity. It includes expanding broadband access and improving network quality under the Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity pillar.
The framework focuses on several key pillars to drive growth and inclusion which are digital Infrastructure and Connectivity focusing on expanding broadband access and improving network quality to ensure reliable connectivity.
A significant element of the strategy is the Tanzania Technology Stack, which includes the Jamii Number System, for managing comprehensive data related to services such as education, health and financial transactions.
The Community Payment System will facilitate digital financial transactions and reduce the dependency on cash, while the Community Data Sharing System will improve data exchange across various sectors.
A notable aspect of the framework is the establishment of the Community Data Exchange Platform, which will enable seamless information exchange between sectoral and governmental systems, enhancing overall data interoperability.
The framework also highlights the need for a strong governance framework to support digital infrastructure.
This includes the forthcoming National ICT Policy 2024, which will guide the digital economy and ensure comprehensive access for all citizens.
Additional guidelines include the National Electronic Data Sharing and Exchange Guidelines, Tanzania Digital Public Infrastructure Blueprint 2024, and the Tanzania Digital Interoperability and Standardisation Framework 2024.
To support this initiative, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology has invested in human capital by sending 20 staff members for postgraduate degrees in emerging technologies and providing short-term training to 450 other staff members. The construction of the Digital Technology Institute in Dodoma is underway to promote a culture of digital innovation.
The strategy also focuses on enhancing customer security in digital financial services by adhering to internet guidelines for personal data protection and setting ambitious targets for tax collection from digital services.
The Community Payment System is a core component, aimed at facilitating digital transactions and reducing cash usage.
The framework aims to enhance customer security in digital financial services, adhere to internet guidelines for data protection, and set ambitious targets for tax collection from digital services.
To bolster this initiative, the government has invested in human capital by funding postgraduate studies in emerging technologies for 20 staff members and providing short-term training for 450 others.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi commended the launch of the framework, which he said will usher in a new era of digital transformation, enhancing economic opportunities and driving national development.
Additionally, Dr Mwinyi emphasised that national development is closely linked to tax payments and revenue collection, as these funds enable the government to finance development projects, improve community services and strengthen infrastructure essential for economic growth and public welfare.
Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said that from July 2023 to June 2024, in collaboration with TNBC, over 20 regions were facilitated to hold business council meetings.
He said that this effort will continue to ensure that all regions conduct their respective councils.
Mchengerwa also noted that successes achieved through the regional and district business councils include the establishment of business, investment and industrial departments in all local government authorities across the country. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
