DOORS need to be opened to investors for strategic partnerships in digital education and skills development, aiming to boost technology, build skills and foster inclusive growth.

Zanzibar Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla made this appeal when closing the 18th international conference and exhibition on digital education, training and skills development in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

At the conference titled ‘re-imagining education and human capital development for Africa's future prosperity,’ he said that ministries in both sides of the union are pursuing partnerships in digital education and skills development.

This is meant to drive technological progress, enhance human capital and promote sustainable growth, with intent to create new opportunities for innovation and skills development, he explained.

"We warmly invite investors, businesses and institutions to partner with us as there are vast opportunities for cooperation, particularly in digital technology,” he declared.

“Together, we can create opportunities and unlock tremendous potential,” he said, underlining that by tapping into available resources, the government can promote sustainable development, secure long-term growth, encourage innovation, efficiency and environmental sustainability.

This would pave the way for a stronger, more resilient future, he said, while the Communications and Information Technology minister Jerry Slaa hailed the conference’s inputs on information society.

It is a vital platform for African stakeholders to assess the progress, challenges and future prospects of building an inclusive digital society across the continent, he stated.

He pointed at the national digital economy framework 2024-2034, a 10-year roadmap guiding the nation’s efforts toward achieving a fully digital economy, alluding to current statistics from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

As of March 2025, Tanzania had 49.3m internet users and 90.4m active mobile lines, which the minister credited to deliberate efforts to expand digital infrastructure nationwide.

Prof. Adolf Mkenda, the Education, Science and Technology minister, said the government has clear and sustainable plans for the ‘E-Learning Africa’ programme, embedded in the current budget estimates to be presented in the legislature.

The goal of the concluded conference was to exchange ideas and share experiences on advancing African countries in this rapidly growing technology..

“With the way technology is advancing, we must embrace it as a nation to move forward. The truth is, as the world progresses, if Tanzania doesn’t strategically position itself, we risk being left behind. 

“We've seen the top 10 African countries in technology—Tanzania isn’t on the list—but fortunately, we’re also not among the bottom 10,” he told the participants.

The second time it is held in Tanzania, the conference is organized by eLearning Africa and the ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It is a global forum pulling diverse groups interested in education, training and skills development in Africa. In past years it has offered thousands of professionals in education, training and development invaluable insights into the evolving world of digital learning, participants noted.