The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) is actively working on initiatives to cultivate digital skills among school and university students, aiming to empower them to leverage opportunities in the digital economy.
The regulator is implementing this strategy by establishing and coordinating digital clubs in educational institutions. TCRA’s Head of Communications and Public Relations Unit, Mr. Rolf Kibaja, emphasized the importance of these clubs in helping students grasp digital technologies and their practical applications, encouraging active participation from students at all education levels.
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Nurturing Young Innovators in Tanzania
Recognizing the significance of nurturing young innovators, Mr. Kibaja highlighted TCRA’s partnership with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). This collaboration aims to provide digital technology innovators with essential communication resources, including numbering resources, frequency spectrum, and dot tz domains.
The goal is to empower young innovators to develop and implement digital solutions with positive impacts on various sectors such as healthcare, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, education, social services, and businesses.
TCRA’s Focus on Public Education Campaigns
Mr. Kibaja underscored TCRA’s commitment to public education campaigns that advocate for the utilization of digital technology in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and education. These technologies are seen as having immense potential to bring about positive change in the lives of Tanzanian citizens. He urged media editors to collaborate in disseminating information about digital and blue economy initiatives. Recognizing the crucial role of mass media, Mr. Kibaja emphasized its power in raising awareness and mobilizing public support for the adoption of transformative technologies.
In presenting the latest sector figures, the head of communication for TCRA highlighted several achievements in fostering the digital and blue economy in Tanzania. The number of mobile phone lines has seen a significant increase, reaching 67.12 million in September 2023.
The cost of phone connectivity has notably decreased from 30.58/- in 2015 to 1.86/- per minute in 2023. Internet users have witnessed substantial growth, reaching 34 million users. Mobile money accounts have also experienced growth, increasing from 47.3 million in June to 51.4 million in September 2023.
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Empowering Tanzania’s Digital Future
TCRA‘s initiatives to cultivate digital skills and empower young innovators underscore Tanzania’s commitment to harnessing the potential of the digital economy. The establishment of digital clubs in educational institutions reflects a proactive approach to ensure that the youth are well-equipped to participate in and drive the digital transformation. Collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and institutions highlight the importance of partnerships in advancing digital initiatives for economic empowerment.
As Tanzania continues on this path, the achievements showcased in sector figures indicate positive momentum in the adoption and integration of digital technologies for the benefit of its citizens and the overall economy.