This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
Published on November 9, 2019, Tanzania is taking a significant step towards digital transformation by establishing an Information Technology professionals board.
The board's primary objective is to register all IT professionals in the country, enabling the government to monitor, control, and secure the country's cyber space while promoting the uptake of technology.
This move aligns with the National ICT Policy 2016, which recognizes the central role of ICT in driving economic transformation. The policy aims to support the Tanzania Development Vision 2025.
As part of this initiative, the government has established an ICT Commission in 2016, which has been empowered to develop a pool of ICT professionals through targeted programs.
Minister for Works, Transport Communications, Isack Kamwelwe, emphasized that the government is still in the process of formulating legislation to regulate the work of IT professionals. However, the ICT professionals board will be responsible for registration, licensing, and monitoring.
The board's areas of focus include data access rights, privacy protection, computer fraud and crime, security and privacy of e-transactions, establishment of rules governing e-transactions, and delivery of e-opportunities to the wider population.
Mr. Kamwelwe noted that the country's rapid adoption of technology is evident in the high number of mobile phone users, with 44 million users out of a population of 55 million. This has led to a significant increase in the use of mobile money services, making it easier for people to save money and pay utility bills through mobile platforms.
Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Jim Yonazi, reiterated that the registration of IT experts will have a positive impact on the technology sector, making it more vibrant and contributing to the country's economic transformation.
