Areas to grow East Africa’s digital economy identified

Arusha. Governments have identified key areas to which they are paying attention to support the growth of a vibrant digital economy in East Africa.

Speaking during the East Africa Regional Digitalisation Conference in Arusha, government officials and digital economy stakeholders said the pillars cut across the region.

The investment planner at the National Planning Authority of Uganda, Mr Mark Kabirizi, said the government of Uganda focuses on those areas.

The pillars include digital infrastructure connectivity, digital services, cyber security, digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Talking of what could be done as a joint effort in the region to address challenges that are more likely to be the same in the digital space, he said: “There is a need for East Africa to have a joint effort in improving infrastructure, as whatever app or solution is created in Tanzania will also help Ugandans.”

The head of technical services at the ICT Commission of Tanzania, Mr Jasson Ndanguzi, said Tanzania is reviewing its national ICT policy for 2016 to align it with the growth pace of digital technology and consumer applications.

“It is vital to be aware of the thinking and visions of stakeholders in the digital ecosystem on the digital transformation journey,” said Mr Ndanguzi.

He added that Tanzania is looking forward to collaborating with all actors in the digital space to address policy framework barriers, gaps, and other related challenges. The move is meant to enhance digital innovation, digital infrastructure investment, digital literacy, and skill development.

“We look at this East Africa regional digitalization conference as one of the important platforms to re-think and brainstorm on the relevant approaches that can establish collaborative frameworks that can catalyse the growth of the digital economy in Tanzania and the regional bloc,” he said.

The executive director of a civil society organisation, The Launchpad, Ms Carol Ndosi, said they have been working on the mission of digital inclusion since 2019.

“Our journey has been one of passion, dedication, and the unwavering belief that the digital economy and emerging technologies hold the key to sustainable development.

Our programmes have reached over 1,000 youth and women in the last four years across Tanzania,” she said.

Ms Ndosi said the future of the digital economy is not just a story of growth but transformation, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all, regardless of their background or location.