Tanzania named second best African country in cybersecurity

Tanzania has been recognized as the second safest country in Africa for cyber-security.

The Director-General of the Information and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC), Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, revealed this at the weekend during a media briefing that discussed the nation's ICT achievements, plans, and strategies.

According to Dr Mwasaga, Tanzania's rise in cyber-security standings is attributed to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through the Global Cyber-security Index.

Tanzania holds a membership in the ITU General Assembly. He further highlighted Tanzania's leading position in providing high-speed internet services to homes and buildings, based on readiness assessments conducted by the Portulans Institute and the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Dr Mwasaga attributed these achievements to the efforts of ICTC in developing innovative technology programmes and initiatives. "We are dedicated to offering opportunities for youth to create diverse ICT programmes, advancing our technology landscape, and positioning Tanzania as a digital front-runner," he stated.

In line with promoting digital economic growth, the government, through ICTC, is continuing with plans to establish eight ICT centers across the country. These centres aim to nurture ICT talent and expand opportunities for youth innovation.

The government intends to construct these centres in various regions, including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Lindi, Tanga, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Zanzibar.

Dr Mwasaga emphasised that these centres will be strategically located in school areas to facilitate youth engagement in technology innovation, accommodating up to 200 people at a time.

He urged stakeholders to collaborate in establishing these centres, emphasizing the importance of nurturing diverse talents and safeguarding technological innovations.

Addressing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on employment, Dr Mwasaga emphasized that AI enhances efficiency and provides opportunities for skills development. Plans include establishing an artificial intelligence centre to develop ICT professionals and provide specialized training for 500 ICT professionals, thus enhancing ICT skills in the country.

The construction of these centres aligns with the ICTC's 13 priorities aimed at driving technological innovation and revolutionizing the country.

Dr Mwasaga further outlined plans to organise events to attract investment, promote ICT products domestically and internationally, and collaborate with partners to develop ICT innovations.

Additionally, ICTC aims to establish a technology innovation centre in collaboration with the ITU to serve the East African region.

Other initiatives include promoting small start-up companies, developing policy management systems for ICT implementation, conducting research for policy improvements, establishing a Metaverse Studio, improving internet content, conducting ICT development research for each district, and establishing a Resilience Academy in the country.