Tanzania sets sights on becoming Africa's Metaverse leader by 2030

The metaverse, a term that might sound futuristic, is essentially a new internet era. It combines the physical and digital worlds, creating a seamless virtual environment where people can interact, work, and play.

Experts estimate that by 2030, the metaverse market could be worth between $8 and $13 trillion.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has since emphasised the strategic use of technology to enhance governance, streamline public services, and foster economic growth in her Digital Transformation Agenda 2030.

"My five-year digital transformation agenda for Tanzania prioritises the strategic use of technology to boost economic growth and improve the lives of our citizens," she stated in a magazine dubbed: Samia’s Digital Transformation Economy Agenda 2030, published under the Information and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC).

This new internet, derived from the Internet of Things (IoT), will revolutionise how institutions operate, making processes more efficient and reducing unemployment among creative youths.

"This is an area that brings many opportunities," said ICTC director general, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, when speaking to The Citizen shortly after the workshop. "Tanzania is positioning itself to lead the Metaverse revolution in Africa."

For Tanzania to enjoy the digital benefits, Dr Mwasaga believes the country needs to invest heavily in digital infrastructure such as high-speed internet, data centres, and cloud computing platforms.

Also, there’s a need to create a regulatory environment that supports the digital economy; promote training and education programmes to help citizens develop the skills they need to participate in the digital economy.

As such, he believes technologies like the metaverse come as a complement to the journey that has already been launched, including the embracing of artificial intelligence to create more opportunities for growth.

To achieve this vision, Tanzania has partnered with Turku University of Applied Sciences in Finland, a pioneer in metaverse technology.

This collaboration aims to build special laboratories and infrastructure necessary for the metaverse.

"We are conducting a feasibility study with our Finnish partners to determine the best way to implement Metaverse labs," Dr Mwasaga added.

The metaverse promises to be the future of the internet, offering spatial and social experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds.

It provides digital experiences that mirror real-world activities, including social interactions, currency transactions, trade, and property ownership, all built on blockchain technology.

In education, the metaverse could solve the problem of limited laboratory equipment by providing students with digital tools to learn virtually before applying their knowledge in real life.

"This technology will help students use all required equipment digitally," Dr Mwasaga explained. "It offers a platform for young people to create jobs through innovative start-ups that can compete globally."

The government has earmarked land in the Nala ward area of Dodoma for constructing a state-of-the-art digital college. This centre of excellence will teach and utilise Metaverse technologies to drive the digital economy forward.

According to Senior Digital Advisor Dr George Mulamula, the Digital Technologies Institute (DTI) in Dodoma will use metaverse curricula to foster student innovation.

"This partnership with Turku University marks a new direction in our digital sphere," Dr Mulamula noted. "The benefits include job creation, solving business and social challenges, and fostering economic growth."

Countries like Finland have already embraced the metaverse, using it in education, industry, healthcare, and security training.

"In Finland, one does not need to go to the market but uses this technology to choose and have products delivered," said Turku University President, Prof Vesa Taatila.

"We are even manufacturing medicines using this technology. The metaverse is the backbone of the upcoming industrial revolution with global tech trends. 2030 is already seen as a'metaverse era'."

For Tanzanian youth, the metaverse opens a world of opportunities. It allows for innovative solutions to national challenges and creates a platform for creativity and entrepreneurship.

By investing in metaverse technology, Tanzania aims to become a leader in the digital economy, providing its citizens with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.