AS digital technologies reshape economies across Africa, experts warn that Tanzania could miss a major growth opportunity unless it urgently addresses gender gaps in its tech sector.

Speaking during the High-Level Forum of Women in Innovation and Technology in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, stakeholders raised alarms over persistently low participation of women in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship—despite the sector’s rapid expansion.

Statistics indicate that currently, women make up just 25 percent of the tech workforce, lead only 30 percent of startups, and account for a mere 10 percent of computer science graduates in Tanzania. Without deliberate interventions, advocates say the digital divide could reinforce existing inequalities and weaken the country’s digital economy potential.

“It’s not just a social issue, it’s an economic one,” said Flora Mtawa, head of operations at Sahara Consult. She said excluding women from tech means excluding half the population from driving innovation and prosperity.

 “You cannot achieve a thriving, innovative digital economy while leaving out half of the population. When women are excluded from innovation, Tanzania misses out on jobs, businesses, and solutions that our country urgently needs.”

UN Women Country Representative to Tanzania, Hodan Addou, stressed the importance of inclusive digital transformation in ensuring gender equity.

“Digital progress will only fulfil its promise if women and girls are equal participants—empowered to learn, lead, and shape the future of technology,” Addou said. “We’re encouraged to see targeted efforts investing in women-focused innovation labs, expanding access to finance and mentorship, and building the capacity of female tech entrepreneurs.”

Addou also raised concerns about new challenges women face in the digital age, including online gender-based violence and algorithmic bias, urging the Tanzanian tech community to take proactive steps in creating safe, supportive and empowering digital spaces.