Why smart education systems are key to the digital economy

Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania moves towards becoming a digital economy hub, integrating technology into education has been a crucial agenda.

The government has made strides in rolling out smart classrooms and e-learning, but challenges persist, particularly in rural areas. 

Experts argue that for the country to compete globally, it must fully embrace digital learning and bridge the existing technological divide.

Tanzania has seen an increase in digital learning initiatives, particularly through programmes such as the Tanzania Education and Research Network (TERNET), Smart School projects introduced in select urban schools, and the National Digital Education Strategy for 2024/25-2029/30.

The initiatives, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, aim to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) at all educational levels. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prof Carolyne Nombo, calls for coordination in the implementation of these initiatives.

“The initiatives and policies are key to cultivating a well-educated society, equipped with competent skills, and this is where we must go,” she stated.

Read: Tanzania poised to become East Africa's education hub

The Ministry of Education has distributed thousands of tablets and digital learning materials to some public schools. Historically, Tanzania’s efforts to integrate ICT into education have been fragmented. However, the government has made notable strides, such as equipping 1,696 primary schools with science and ICT facilities in 2020 and providing ICT training to primary education trainee teachers.

By 2023, there were 17,700 computer desktops and 10,384 laptops in primary schools, with a majority connected to the national grid. Despite these efforts, a recent survey by Twaweza found that only 15 per cent of public schools have access to consistent electricity and internet connectivity, limiting the effectiveness of e-learning initiatives.

Speaking to The Citizen on February 5, 2025, an ICT education expert at Mzumbe University, Mr James Mwakazu, acknowledged the progress but highlighted infrastructure as the biggest challenge, particularly in remote schools where electricity and the internet are unreliable.

“Despite the efforts, rural schools continue to struggle. Many lack basic electricity, making it impossible to implement smart learning,” he noted.

The disparity in access to digital education has raised concerns about whether Tanzania's ambition to build a digital economy is being equitably realised across all regions. Countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, and Estonia have made significant progress in integrating technology into their education systems. 

Rwanda has introduced over 1,500 smart classrooms in public schools, equipped with high-speed internet, interactive boards, and government-supplied laptops.

Also read: Inside Tanzania's quest to plug quality assurance gaps

Experts say Tanzania can learn from these models by improving internet penetration, encouraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring digital literacy training for both teachers and students.

An education policy analyst, Dr Esther Mbonea, emphasised that investment in teacher training is as crucial as providing infrastructure, as technology alone will not be effective without skilled educators.

Tanzania’s push to become a digital economy is outlined in the National ICT Policy 2024, which emphasises digital skills development and the need for smart education systems.