MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has taken another major step towards strengthening digital privacy and security after the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), launched the Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) Programme, a national initiative designed to increase expertise in handling and safeguarding personal information.
The programme comes at a time when Tanzania’s digital transformation is accelerating, with government institutions, businesses and organisations increasingly relying on digital platforms that involve the collection, storage and processing of personal data.
Through the new training initiative, participants will be equipped with professional knowledge and practical skills required to ensure that personal data is managed responsibly and in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act, which provides the legal framework for protecting citizens’ privacy rights.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the OUT Headquarters in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, the Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Tanzania, Prof. Alex B. Makulilo, said the programme demonstrates the institution’s commitment to developing solutions that respond to emerging national challenges brought by technological advancement.
Prof. Makulilo said personal data has become one of the most valuable resources in the modern digital economy, making proper management and protection essential for both individual rights and national development.
“In this era of technological advancement, personal data has become a critical asset across various sectors. It is therefore essential that such data is processed in accordance with legal principles to safeguard individuals’ rights and contribute to national development,” Prof. Makulilo said.
He added that the partnership between OUT and PDPC combines academic knowledge and regulatory experience to create professionals capable of guiding institutions in implementing effective data protection measures.
The Director General of the Personal Data Protection Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Mkilia, described the launch as a significant milestone in Tanzania’s journey towards building a secure digital economy based on trust, privacy and responsible use of information.
According to Dr. Mkilia, the programme will address the growing demand for qualified Data Protection Officers who can support institutions in meeting their obligations under the Personal Data Protection Act.
“This programme is more than the launch of a course; it is the beginning of developing a new generation of professionals who will oversee personal data protection in compliance with legal requirements,” Dr. Mkilia said.
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Under the arrangement, OUT will be responsible for delivering the training and assessing participants, while PDPC will provide official certification to successful candidates who meet the required professional standards.
The initiative is expected to benefit professionals working in government institutions, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, education, technology companies and other sectors where personal data plays a central role.
As Tanzania continues expanding its digital services, experts say the availability of certified Data Protection Officers will help institutions improve compliance, reduce privacy risks and strengthen public confidence in digital systems.
The launch of the CDPO Programme marks a new chapter in Tanzania’s efforts to ensure that technological growth goes hand in hand with the protection of citizens’ personal information.
