MWE Correspondent
Tanzania is entering a defining phase of its digital transformation as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen the nation’s information and communication systems ahead of its target to become a fully digital economy by 2030.
A central part of this renewed agenda is the introduction of a National ICT Ranking System, a framework designed to track how institutions and regions perform each year in adopting digital technologies. The system will spotlight progress, expose gaps and reinforce accountability — a move officials say is vital for building a competitive, modern digital economy.
This initiative is closely aligned with the country’s long-term development blueprint, Dira 2050, which places information and communication technology at the core of national economic growth. It builds upon the broader national goals outlined in the Tanzania Development Vision.
The ranking system was announced on December 3 during a working visit to the ICT Commission by the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angela Kairuki. She noted that the government aims to use reliable data to guide digital policies and strengthen public sector service delivery.
“We want every institution to understand where it stands, what it has achieved and what needs improvement,” Kairuki said, adding that the ranking will encourage healthy competition and accelerate the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors.
Also Read; Women’s Forum Maps Path to National Unity
Current national priorities include expanding broadband access, supporting young innovators, strengthening digital literacy and establishing more ICT hubs in schools and communities. Central to these efforts is the continued expansion of the National ICT Broadband Backbone, which provides the foundation for the country’s digital connectivity.
Technology analysts say the ranking system could stimulate greater demand for locally developed digital solutions, offering opportunities for Tanzanian developers to address the gaps identified in institutional assessments. This, they argue, may strengthen the domestic tech ecosystem while reducing reliance on imported technologies.
At the same time, cybersecurity and data protection have become critical components of the digital agenda. As more services shift online, the government expects institutions to enhance their capacity to safeguard systems and user information — an area globally framed as cybersecurity, which will be among the key benchmarks in the national ranking.
