TANZANIA has emerged as one of the global leaders in providing affordable internet and telecommunications services, a development hailed as a major step toward fostering digital inclusion and economic transformation.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam recently during the national commemoration of the International Day of Girls in ICT, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, attributed the progress to strategic investments and policy efforts by the government, particularly under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.

The event, coordinated by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), showcased the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to digital opportunities, especially for women and girls.

“According to TCRA statistics, as of March 2025, Tanzania has 49.3 million internet users and 90.4 million active mobile lines,” Silaa said, crediting these figures to deliberate efforts to expand digital infrastructure nationwide.

The Minister praised the government’s initiative to build science-based secondary schools across all regions, as outlined in the 2020–2025 CCM election manifesto, aiming to nurture a generation of female scientists and technologists.

“This is about creating a critical mass of ICT champions who will drive the digital economy,” Silaa emphasized. “I commend TCRA for educating communities on the positive use of technology and inspiring girls to take part in building a digital future.”

Silaa also highlighted how technological advancement is transforming service delivery, improving productivity, and contributing to inclusive economic growth. He noted that engaging girls in ICT is vital to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital era.

TCRA Director General Dr. Jabiri Bakari underscored the regulator’s role in promoting STEM education for girls from preschool to university, including those with special needs.

“As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and part of its executive council, TCRA has launched several training programmes to enhance STEM-based knowledge among girls,” Dr. Bakari said. “The goal is to empower them to design digital solutions for real-world challenges.”

The impact of these initiatives was evident at the event, where attendees witnessed young girls demonstrating skills such as drone assembly and piloting—testament to the potential of Tanzanian youth when given the right opportunities.

Permanent Secretary Nicholaus Merinyo Mkapa acknowledged the shortage of female ICT engineers in the country and called for continued investment in gender-inclusive training to bridge the gap.

This year’s Girls in ICT Day was held under the theme "Digital Inclusive Transformation," emphasizing the importance of equipping girls and women from diverse backgrounds with digital skills to enhance creativity and innovation in the tech sector.

With continued efforts from both the government and stakeholders, Tanzania is well-positioned to leverage ICT for social and economic advancement.