Tanzania is on the brink of a major technological leap with the upcoming development of its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics information storage center. Currently in the development phase, this project marks a significant milestone for the country’s digital landscape and will be supported by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
During the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers’ meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, met with BADEA President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah to announce the funding for this project.
While the announcement of the center is a crucial advancement for Tanzania’s digital ambitions, specific details about the project have yet to be disclosed. Dr. Tah emphasized that the timely implementation of the project relies on completing the establishment procedures.
“We are excited about the potential of this project to transform Tanzania’s technological landscape,” Dr. Tah stated. “We are currently in detailed discussions to finalize the project scope and timeline.”
The center will serve as a repository for information on robots and artificial intelligence, marking a vital step in Tanzania’s goal to become a regional technology hub. “This is a historic moment for Tanzania; we appreciate BADEA’s support and believe this center will play a key role in fostering economic growth and innovation,” Ambassador Kombo said. He expressed hope that these discussions would open new opportunities for both parties.
To ensure Tanzania maximizes the benefits of expanding internet access and digital infrastructure, Ambassador Kombo noted that the Ministry would closely monitor BADEA’s agreements. This aligns with the nation’s focus on economic diplomacy.
Last month, the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) announced that Tanzania is ready to embrace AI, addressing concerns that the technology might replace human jobs rather than enhance productivity. Dr. Nkundwe Mwasaga, Director-General of the ICTC, encouraged Tanzanians to expand their skills and explore new opportunities arising from this technology. New fields such as robot coordinators, machine learning instructors, AI ethicists, chatbot designers, and AI-powered healthcare technicians are emerging, according to Dr. Mwasaga.
Dr. Mwasaga also announced that Tanzania will host its first robotics and artificial intelligence competition in October, aimed at recognizing the brightest young minds in Africa.
Anthony Hutia, Head of Mobile Experience Division at Samsung Electronics East Africa, highlighted the importance of understanding AI in today’s world, where it is becoming increasingly prevalent. “Understanding what is inside the ‘black box’ of AI is crucial, or it will continue to overwhelm and cause anxiety,” Hutia said.
The judiciary in Tanzania is also undergoing a significant digital transformation, with plans to fully digitize court operations by 2025. This includes automating tasks such as translation and transcription using AI technology, allowing judges to focus on decision-making.