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Revealed: Why Tanzania is Africa’s rising star in cybersecurity
What you need to know:
- The East African nation achieved a major milestone in 2024 when it was ranked Tier 1 in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), placing it in the same category as global cybersecurity giants like the United States, United Kingdom, and South Korea.
Arusha. Tanzania has emerged as a continental leader in cybersecurity, thanks to a robust and well-coordinated approach that is now drawing global recognition.
At the recently concluded 4th Tanzania Cybersecurity Forum held in Arusha, experts from across the world gathered to unpack what is driving Tanzania’s remarkable ascent in securing its digital ecosystem—and why other nations are now looking to it as a model.
The East African nation achieved a major milestone in 2024 when it was ranked Tier 1 in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), placing it in the same category as global cybersecurity giants like the United States, United Kingdom, and South Korea.
This recognition is more than a symbolic win; experts say it reflects years of strategic investment, policy reform, and capacity building that have fundamentally changed the country’s cybersecurity posture.
A cyber security expert and consultant, Mr Jabiri, attributed the achievement to years of meticulous planning between 2023 and 2024.
Speaking to The Citizen at the Arusha forum, he noted that the country’s perfect score across all five GCI pillars—Legal, Technical, Organizational, Capacity Building, and Cooperation—was the result of deliberate and sustained efforts.
He singled out the establishment of the Tanzania Computer Emergency Response Team (TZ-CERT) as a major step forward, alongside the strengthening of both regional and global partnerships.
“This Tier 1 status did not come by chance,” Mr Omar emphasised. “It is the outcome of visionary leadership and collaboration across sectors. TZ-CERT has enabled us to respond swiftly to threats, share intelligence, and build resilience into our systems.”
Beyond Mr Omar, experts at the forum stressed the critical role of a multi-stakeholder approach in making Tanzania’s cybersecurity ecosystem thrive.
Director General of the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga said the commission has been at the forefront of grooming the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
He announced that eight state-of-the-art IT centres were under construction in regions including Arusha, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Mbeya, Mwanza, Tanga, and Zanzibar.
These centres are expected to serve as innovation hubs for youth, promoting tech-based problem solving and digital security awareness.
“We are not only reacting to threats—we are building the skills base to prevent them,” Dr Mwasaga said. “In fact, we’re setting up an Artificial Intelligence centre that will train 500 experts to enhance the country’s cybersecurity and overall digital economy.”
Industry players believe this focus on local talent development is pivotal. A cybersecurity consultant and digital policy researcher, Ms Mariam Mollel, applauded the ICTC and TCRA for anchoring their strategies in capacity building.
However, she cautioned that continuous professional development is key to staying ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
“The threats are getting more sophisticated. So our training and infrastructure must evolve too. It’s encouraging to see Tanzania investing in human capital, but we must also build strong cyber hygiene habits among citizens and institutions,” she said.
Other experts also weighed in on the importance of legal and regulatory clarity in enhancing digital trust.
An ICT lawyer who participated in the Arusha forum, Mr Khalfan Issa, noted that the enforcement of laws such as the Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) has created a framework that supports national coordination on cyber matters.
“What sets Tanzania apart is its ability to harmonise laws with actual implementation. Many countries have great policies on paper, but Tanzania has been operationalising its laws through TZ-CERT, sectoral audits, and real-time monitoring,” he said.
International observers at the forum were equally impressed. A Saxon Data Protection Commissioner from Germany, Dr Tino Nauman, commended Tanzania for its active engagement in global cybersecurity discussions.
“Tanzania is no longer a passive player—it’s contributing ideas, leading conversations, and sharing best practices with the world. The country's Tier 1 status is a clear indication that Africa is no longer on the sidelines of digital innovation,” she said.
But even with this progress, speakers emphasised that cybersecurity is a moving target. With the growing digitisation of public services, e-commerce, and financial systems, the risks are becoming more complex.
A data protection expert from the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Charles Mushi, said there’s a need to institutionalise cybersecurity education across all levels of learning and governance.
“We must embed cybersecurity into our national consciousness,” Mr Mushi argued. “That includes integrating cyber modules into school curricula, training government officials, and building public awareness. A secure digital space starts with an informed society.”
As Tanzania continues to invest in its digital infrastructure and capacity, the country’s cybersecurity strategy offers valuable lessons not only for Africa, but also for countries around the world navigating similar challenges.
Its Tier 1 ranking may be a moment of pride—but experts agree it must also be a call to maintain momentum.
With cyber threats evolving at unprecedented speeds, Tanzania's story shows that a proactive, inclusive, and coordinated approach can turn vulnerability into strength, and ambition into global leadership.
