Capabilities Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa announced on Thursday the government’s dedication to advancing the five-year strategic plan for 2024/25 – 2029/30 focused on space exploration, which aims to facilitate satellite launches in Tanzania.
Addressing attendees at the 8th Annual ICT Conference held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology has initiated a research project designed to support satellite launch capabilities. This project is being supervised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mr. Majaliwa emphasized the importance of developing relevant policies, laws, and international treaties concerning outer space, noting that efforts in this area are ongoing.
He urged the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology to engage innovative youth who can design technologies that benefit the nation and to ensure their involvement in various projects.
“It’s crucial to focus on research projects that yield tangible results, providing young people with opportunities to contribute to their communities,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also called for the Ministry to ensure the timely establishment of innovation hubs in approved regions and underscored the significance of digital transformation, advocating for inclusive financial systems.
He remarked, “Since the launch of the N-Card system in 2020, we’ve connected over four million people, significantly reducing financial losses and broadening revenue collection.” He encouraged the ministry to maximize the use of the N-Card system in areas where the government has made investments, as it plays a vital role in minimizing fund losses and promoting digital transactions.
Furthermore, Mr. Majaliwa urged the Ministry to enhance the application of ICT in service delivery, business operations, and production to improve transparency and the overall quality of life for citizens.
Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr. Jerry Silaa, reported ongoing investments in communication infrastructure. For the 2023/24 fiscal year, 1,592 kilometers of the national fiber optic network were developed, reaching 83 districts. He noted that a consortium of telecom operators expanded the network by an additional 2,595 kilometers, bringing the total to 13,820 kilometers.
The ministry has also transferred responsibilities related to the national communication fiber optic network and the National Data Centre (NIDC) to the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL). Additionally, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), praised President Samia for her commitment to leveraging the ICT sector to promote sustainable development in Tanzania.