Tanzania is growing up in digital development, but many challenges still exist.
Tanzania has a population of about 40 million people, with an average life expectancy of 53 years. The country’s GDP per capita is USD 1,500, ranking it the second-poorest nation in Africa after Burundi. Despite these statistics, Tanzania has achieved significant economic growth over the past few decades. This growth can be attributed to its rich natural resources, including oil, gas, fertile land, and abundant water supply. Its location on the Indian Ocean also means it enjoys a strategic geographical position for trade and commerce between East Asia, Europe, and North America.
The World Bank Group (WBG) supports Tanzania through various financial instruments, including microfinance, trade finance, insurance, and private sector development. In addition, the WBG provides grants for small-scale infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power plants, schools, hospitals, and community centers. These projects not only help increase access to business opportunities, but they have also helped improve living conditions by providing improved sanitation, better health care, and increased agricultural productivity.
The Tanzanian government aims to reduce poverty by 50% before 2015. Also, the government plans to invest more than USD 10 billion in the next five years.
The digital environment in Tanzania
In 2011, Tanzania had 1.3 million Internet users, representing a growth rate of 6%. While this figure may seem low compared to other countries, it must be noted that Tanzania does not yet have any national regulations or laws governing Internet use. As a result, most citizens use social media applications like Facebook and Twitter via their mobile phones.
Despite Internet penetration is low, e-commerce activities have been overgrown since 2010. According to the 2016 Global E-Commerce Report, online sales reached USD 4.5 billion in 2015, accounting for 3.8% of total retail sales in Tanzania. However, most consumers prefer shopping offline due to a lack of trust in the security of online transactions.
Despite the slow progress toward establishing a regulatory framework for the ICT industry, the government has taken several steps to promote investment in the sector. For example, the Ministry of Communications recently launched a new policy to increase broadband penetration across the country. Furthermore, the government has announced plans to establish a National Agency for Information and Communication Technology (NAICT), which will regulate all aspects of information technology within the country.
Challenges facing digital development in Tanzania
One major challenge facing digital development in Tanzania is the high cost of data services. Data costs are high in rural areas with limited electricity availability. In addition, many Tanzanians still rely on traditional methods of communication such as telephone calls and SMS text messages.
Another challenge is the poor quality of education offered by public institutions. Many teachers lack training in modern teaching techniques and fail to provide students with adequate knowledge. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many teachers receive little pay and are often forced to work long hours without additional compensation.
Finally, the lack of transparency in the political process makes it difficult for civil society groups to hold politicians accountable for their actions.
Tanzania is trying to grow up!
Tanzania’s economy grew by 5.6 percent in 2014, its highest growth rate in two decades. The government is working hard to create jobs, especially for young people, and to develop the agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing sectors.
However, despite these efforts, poverty levels remain very high. More than half of Tanzanians live below the poverty line, and nearly one-third of children under five suffer from malnutrition.
The government is also trying to improve access to health care and education. Since 2012, the number of primary schools has increased by more than 20 percent, while enrollment rates in secondary schools have risen by 10 percent.
Only about 30 percent of Tanzanian adults can read and write, and less than 50 percent of girls attend school. To address this issue, the government launched a national literacy campaign in 2017.
In addition, the government is providing free primary education to children between the ages of 6 and 14. It is also expanding access to higher education through scholarships and loans.
The government is committed to improving the standard of living for all citizens. To do so, it is investing heavily in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and power plants.
It is also promoting sustainable economic growth by encouraging foreign direct investment.
Do you need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Yes. Most nationalities need a [Tourist e-Visa for Tanzania]. Clicking here, you can find all the information to submit the application step by step. You are near to visiting this wonderful country.