Samia’s directives on universal identity number, digitalisation

President Hassan spoke during the launch of the Airtel-2Africa Submarine Cable Landing Station in Dar es Salaam.

One of her key directives is the implementation of a Personal Identification Number, administered by the National Identification Authority (Nida), for every Tanzanian citizen.

She said this unique identifier, assigned at birth, will serve as a central access point for various services.

“Currently, we are engaged in the process of identifying information for Tanzanians registered with the National Identification Authority (Nida). Every Tanzanian citizen must ensure that the information they have provided to Nida is accurate so that we can identify them based on the information they have provided,” she said.

“When a Tanzanian is born and entered into the system, we begin collecting their information from the moment of birth. I direct the Prime Minister (Kassim Majaliwa) to oversee this process,” she said.

In another pivotal directive, President Hassan underscores the imperative to digitise government operations. This transition from traditional paperwork to digital platforms holds promise for increased efficiency.

Acknowledging the significance of internet access in today's digital landscape, President Hassan's directive to conduct a study on the costs of internet services is a vital stride toward bridging the digital divide.

"The Ministry of ICT and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) should expedite the results of the study that will provide guidance on the pricing of SMS, data, and calls for the period 2023-2027. This is to ensure that progress aligns and we can reconcile to determine our way forward,” she said.

President Hassan's vision also encompasses the establishment of free WiFi zones, initially focusing on areas like universities and market areas to support small-scale businesses such as machinga.

The station launched yesterday by the President is created through the Intercontinental 2Africa cable which is a 45000-kilometer subsea cable system and the largest cable project in the world.

2Africa was launched in late 2021 by a consortium of telecom operators that includes the social media giant, Meta with the target of connecting 26 countries - of which 19 are in Africa - with a massive potential capacity.

Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology Mr Nape Nnauye said the cable will facilitate fast and quality internet connectivity that will attract more foreign investment and encourage the growth of local businesses, ultimately boosting economic development and creating job opportunities.

He said while the available cables allow a speed of 16 terabytes per second, the 2Africa will have a speed of 180 terabytes per second.

“The faster and more reliable internet access, will benefit businesses, education, healthcare, and various industries,”

“This technology will reduce communication costs and increase investment opportunities, especially for network companies like Meta, Google, Netflix, and others."

Airtel Tanzania managing director Dinesh Balsingh said the regulatory environment and licensing framework enabled Airtel Tanzania to be the landing provider for 2Africa Sea cable.

“We are certain the project is key for Tanzania since it cements your (President’s) vision of opening the country to the Region as a gateway to digital connectivity,” he said.

“The cable expands our sea capacity from 16 terabytes per second to 180 terabytes per second and uses the most advanced technology. The 2Africa submarine cable will bring in high data capacity enhanced resilience and redundancy into the ICT ecosystem and serve the current and future demands of the growing digital industry,” said Mr Balsingh.

The Airtel boss said for Tanzania launching the project as one of the fastest launches in Africa sets the right tone in encouraging investments specifically where the government has facilitated relevant approvals and licenses.

“We are certain the endorsement of the 2Africa project today will attract more investments in the country,” he said.