Prime
Tanzania charts path toward responsible AI integration for a tech-driven economy
What you need to know:
- This resolve was reinforced at the country’s ongoing first National AI Forum held in Dar es Salaam from July 28–29, 2025, which convened tech experts from around the world to examine the transformative role of AI and discuss Tanzania’s readiness to integrate it responsibly
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is positioning itself to be a competitive player in the global digital economy through the strategic and ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, it has been learnt.
This resolve was reinforced at the country’s ongoing first National AI Forum held in Dar es Salaam from July 28–29, 2025, which convened tech experts from around the world to examine the transformative role of AI and discuss Tanzania’s readiness to integrate it responsibly.
Themed Reimagining Tanzania’s Future through Inclusive and Ethical Artificial Intelligence, the forum underscored the urgency of ensuring that AI serves as a force for inclusive socioeconomic development rather than a source of division or harm.
AI, broadly defined as the capacity of machines and computer systems to mimic human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving, is already revolutionising sectors including healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, and communication.
With global tools such as Google AI Studio, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot gaining prominence, Tanzanian stakeholders are eager to adapt such technologies to local realities.
“The world has changed and AI is here to stay,” said Director General of the Tanzania ICT Commission (ICTC), Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, while opening the two-day forum.
“This platform provides an opportunity to reflect on our digital journey, where we have come from, where we are, and where we are heading as a nation.”
Dr Mwasaga noted that while technological advances bring immense opportunities, they also raise questions of ethics, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI systems.
“We must embed our Tanzanian values into these systems. Without ethical frameworks, our platforms will not be trusted nor effective,” he emphasised.
Tanzania has demonstrated increasing commitment to becoming a digitally enabled economy.
In 2021, the government launched the National ICT Policy (2016) review process and began strengthening infrastructure for digital inclusion.
A major milestone came in 2024 when President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the Data Protection Commission, a body mandated to oversee the protection of personal information amid growing concerns over digital surveillance and AI misuse.
These developments align with the broader ‘Digital Tanzania Project’, which seeks to expand internet access, enhance digital skills among youth, and digitise government services.
The ongoing development of a National AI Strategy, expected to be released later this year, is seen as a critical next step.
“We are not just reacting to global trends,” said Dr Mwasaga.
“We are actively preparing. From digital ID systems to smart agriculture solutions, AI can enhance our development if guided by strong regulation.”
Participants at the forum stressed the importance of collaboration between government, academia, the private sector, and international partners.
Experts from Germany, Estonia, the UK, and across Africa contributed insights on how Tanzania could leapfrog into the AI era while safeguarding its citizens.
CEO of tech firm Koncept Group, Mr Krantz Mwantepele, highlighted the potential of local innovations and the need to uplift young developers.
“Our youth are building apps and platforms using AI. What they need is access to funding, mentorship, and markets,” he said.
“But this must go hand in hand with public education so people understand how to use and benefit from these tools.”
Echoing this, cybersecurity analyst, Yusuph Kileo, warned against overlooking the dark side of AI.
“The rise of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns driven by AI is alarming,” he said.
“Tanzania’s decision to have a national conversation on AI ethics and safety is not just commendable, it's necessary.”
He also stressed the need for digital literacy and media fact-checking frameworks.
“Combating misinformation requires tools and education, people need to know how fake content is created and how to verify information,” Mr Kileo said.
While the forum celebrated AI’s potential to enhance productivity, foster innovation, and solve pressing challenges, it also called for firm regulatory guardrails.
Director at Serensic Africa, Mr Esther Mengi, noted that AI is a double-edged sword.
“AI can help someone design a business model in minutes, but it can also be abused for fraud or cybercrime,” she said.
She advocated for stronger partnerships to ensure ethical compliance and protect users, especially vulnerable populations.
Tanzania’s AI roadmap, anchored in ethics, inclusion, and opportunity, reflects a growing recognition that the digital revolution must not leave anyone behind.
The upcoming National AI Strategy, together with policies on data protection and digital access, could transform the country into a responsible tech hub in East Africa.
