Tanzania trains digital forensic experts amid rising cyber threats

The government recognises that without confidence in digital systems, from online payments to e-government services, citizens and investors alike will hesitate to fully embrace the opportunities.

To address this, the Tanzania ICT Commission (ICTC), in collaboration with the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), is conducting a week-long cyber security training programme in Dar es Salaam from August 11 to 15.

The course brings together 33 Tanzanian participants from government institutions and the private sector to develop advanced skills in digital forensic analysis.

Digital forensics, the practice of identifying, preserving, analysing and presenting digital evidence has become an essential part of criminal investigations worldwide.

Experts say nearly all criminal activities today have a digital component, and the expertise to uncover this evidence is critical for law enforcement, corporate security, and the justice system.

The initiative comes as Tanzania pursues its Vision 2050 and the Digital Economy Blueprint, both of which hinge on building a secure, trustworthy digital environment.

ICTC director general Nkundwe Mwasaga said building public trust in digital systems is a precondition for the success of Tanzania’s digital ambitions.

“For people to embrace the opportunities of the digital economy, they must trust the systems they use. That trust starts with ensuring the security of personal data, protecting privacy, and safeguarding consumers,” he told The Citizen on Tuesday.

He added: “Without strong forensic expertise, especially in this era of AI and rapid digital change, the risks to society could be severe.”

Dr Mwasaga pointed to South Korea as an example. The country seeks about 10,000 digital forensic experts to protect its digital infrastructure, a level of preparedness Tanzania currently lacks.

“We need many more such experts if we are to build a secure digital economy and attract investors. This training will allow the 33 participants to transfer knowledge to their colleagues, creating a multiplying effect.”

Dr Mwasaga noted that cybercriminals constantly change their tactics, requiring equally adaptable responses. The training, he said, is part of a wider government strategy to prepare for the evolving digital threat landscape.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Tanzania is already among the top-ranked countries in Africa for cybersecurity readiness.

The government wants to build on this foundation quickly, ensuring skilled experts are present in every district and sector, supported by public awareness campaigns.

South Korea’s experience offers valuable lessons. The country invested heavily in cybersecurity education, established specialised cybercrime units, and built strong collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

This has allowed it to respond rapidly to cyberattacks, dismantle hacking networks, and protect its citizens from threats such as deepfake scams and ransomware attacks.

KISA researcher Minyoung Kim said the training is timely given the global AI revolution.

“This is about moving with the times. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, digital forensics becomes more important. Over the next five days, we will strengthen Tanzanian experts’ capabilities, share Korea’s practical experiences, and also learn from Tanzania’s own expertise,” she said.

KISA has operated a regional office in Tanzania for several years, working closely with ICTC to build capacity and share skills. Kim called the partnership “a milestone for deepening cooperation and securing the cybersecurity future of both countries”.

Participants agree the training addresses urgent needs. An expert from the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Venance Mwanjabike, said AI-related threats such as deepfakes require highly specialised investigative skills.

“Identifying whether a video is real or fabricated is a challenge that demands technical expertise and advanced tools. We need more experts and more training like this to match the growing threats,” he said.

Ester Foi from the ICT Commission stressed that forensic experts must know how to extract evidence from digital platforms, AI-generated content, and other online sources.

“We are learning to verify the authenticity of AI-generated videos, images, and audio. This is critical because as technology advances, so does the complexity of cybercrime,” she said.

Software systems expert Calvin Mbambo noted that digital forensics covers a broad spectrum, from recovering deleted files to analysing network traffic and mobile devices.

“This training is a chance for Tanzania to create a specialised team that can lead our transformation into a safe and resilient digital economy,” he said.