Strengthen the use of technology, experts advise

Dar es Salaam. Stakeholders and telecom companies have urged the government of Tanzania to put more effort into speeding up internet adaptability in day-to-day activities so as to achieve a digital economy by 2025.

Speaking at Mwananchi Thought Leadership Forum on 'Digital Transformation for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future" earlier today, on Tuesday, June 20, Vodacom Tanzania's Managing Director, Philip Besiimire, said that in order to keep up with the speed of technology that is growing by the day, the government and other players need to put more effort into making sure internet penetration and use increases.

Mr. Bisiimire suggested that, for starters, government solutions and social service delivery need to be digitalized end to end.

"For people to be able to use digital technologies, these technologies need to solve problems and be applied to their day-to-day activities. In order for people to access internet services, they must possess a smart phone. The government should look at how to remove obstacles, such as the high cost of mobile phones, for people to afford," said Mr Besiimire,

Smartphone penetration is higher in urban areas than in rural areas, with one of the hindrances being literacy and affordability.

Reports show the majority of people, especially the older generation, struggle to use smartphones, while those with little education are wary of such technologies.

"The majority own dumbphones because they are easily accessible and sold at lower prices, and most people are still ignorant of the use of the internet," noted Joyce Msigwa, A primary school teacher.

But experts say that when digital technologies better meet the needs of people, households, and firms, demand for their use also increases, making internet expansion more commercially viable, which in turn supports an effective digitally transformed economy.

Mr. Besiimire further explained that many services must be provided digitally, citing as an example travel documents applications, where the process starts digitally, including application and initial payment, followed by non-digital steps that require an applicant to visit immigration offices physically and queuing for further steps.

"If we want to succeed in achieving a digital economy by 2025, the entire process needs to be digitalized. From application, payment, collection, and delivery processes," adds Besimiire.