TANZANIA has reaffirmed its commitment to global digital transformation and positioned itself as a model for scalable, homegrown ICT solutions.

This was said over the weekend during a high-level bilateral meeting between Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) secretary-general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, which kicked off yesterday at Palexpo, Geneva. 

The event brings together global stakeholders to assess two decades of progress since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and to shape the future of digital cooperation.

Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Minister Silaa used the platform to showcase Tanzania’s digital transformation milestones—highlighting key initiatives such as Jamii Namba (national digital ID), Jamii Malipo (electronic payment system), and Jamii Hub (a government-wide digital interoperability framework).

“These initiatives reflect Tanzania’s belief in building inclusive and citizen-centred digital services. They are rooted in our national priorities, but they also align closely with the WSIS Action Lines—especially in expanding access, enhancing inclusion, and modernising e-government,” Silaa told the ITU chief.

He urged the ITU to continue supporting Tanzania in bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities. 

“The challenge remains ensuring last-mile connectivity, and international partnerships like ours with ITU are essential to make that vision a reality,” he added.

Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin commended Tanzania’s leadership and reaffirmed the ITU’s support in helping the country expand digital access and resilience. “We welcome Tanzania’s proactive role in global digital dialogue. Your innovations show how countries can locally design scalable solutions with global relevance,” she said.

Tanzania’s digital agenda has gained increasing attention for its inclusive approach. By integrating public services, financial platforms, and identity systems, the government aims to streamline citizen access to services while improving transparency and national data systems.

During the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, Minister Silaa is expected to hold further discussions with international partners to mobilise investment and technical support for Tanzania’s digital economy agenda. The event is co-hosted by ITU and the Swiss Confederation with participation from UN agencies including UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD.

The meeting resolved a shared pledge to deepen cooperation on key priorities including digital infrastructure, innovation, cyber security, and digital literacy—laying the foundation for Tanzania to serve as a blueprint for responsible and inclusive digital development across the Global South.