SPEED DATE WITH THE FUTURE: NAVIGATING TANZANIA'S INNOVATION JOURNEY TO 2050

Keynote Speech by Ambassador John Ulanga, Director of International Trade and Economic Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation at the Launch of Innovation Week Tanzania 2024 - May 21, 2024

?INTRODUCTION

?Prof. Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology,

Innovators,

Supporters of Innovators

Visionaries,

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for inviting me today and for giving me the challenge and the honour to share my thoughts with you, as we embark on a visionary journey to explore Tanzania's innovation trajectory towards 2050.

?In an era where the pace of technological advancement accelerates daily, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a future brimming with unprecedented possibilities. ?Our mission today, then, is to outline a comprehensive vision that harmonizes policy and economic strategies with technological innovations, ensuring a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Tanzania.

?THE CONTEXT OF OUR JOURNEY

To truly understand where we are heading, we must first appreciate where we come from and where we now stand.

In a presentation of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Brussels, 14-20 May, 2001, this is what was said, among other things:

“With a per capita income of around US $270 (1999) Tanzania is among the poorest nations in the world… Agriculture remains the mainstay of the economy accounting for close to 50 percent of GDP in real terms. Taking 1999 as an example, agriculture accounted for 48.9 percent followed by wholesale, retail trade, restaurants and hotels 16.1 percent, construction 8.8 percent and manufacturing 8.3 percent.”

That was the situation 25 years ago…

Tanzania has made significant strides since then, transforming from an agrarian economy to one with burgeoning sectors such telecommunications, mining, and tourism, from one of the poorest countries in the world to a lower middle-income country.

Agriculture now contributes only about 25% of our GDP and other sectors such as mining, tourism, telecommunications, financial services, trade, manufacturing have been expanding their contribution to GDP.?

?Our Vision 2025 laid a strong foundation for this transformation, emphasizing industrialization, human capital development, and infrastructure improvement.

?As we look towards 2050, we should aim to build upon this foundation with a clear-eyed focus on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. ?We must do whatever it takes to grab those opportunities while addressing the challenges that come with those opportunities. The type of levers we used to achieve the success we have today will not necessary be functional for our needs of achieving the success we wish to have by 2050.? We need to think differently, we need to talk differently, we need to act differently.

?SETTING THE VISION: POLICY AND ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK

?As far as innovation is concerned, our vision for 2050 should a Tanzania that is not only a regional leader in innovation but also a global player in the digital economy. This requires a robust policy framework that encourages innovation, investment, and inclusivity. Here are five key pillars that I am suggesting for our policy and economic strategy:

?1. Education and Human Capital Development

? ?- By 2050, Tanzania must transform its education system to be future-ready. This means integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education from primary to tertiary levels, fostering a culture of innovation from a young age.

? ?- Vocational training and lifelong learning initiatives are crucial. As technology evolves, so too must our workforce. Continuous skill development programs need to ensure that our citizens remain competitive in a very dynamic job market

-?????? Teaching staff at all levels must not only be digital natives but they must actually be digital gurus and digital pioneers.?

?2. Infrastructure Development

? ?- To support innovation and technological advancements, we must invest heavily in our infrastructure. This includes not only physical infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports but also digital infrastructure like broadband connectivity and data centers.

-?????? For physical infrastructure, I think we need to do a lot more to attract private sector in this space – private sector investment in roads, railways, sea and airports.? The success we have obtained in digital infrastructure is greatly contributed by the investment made by private sector in that space.?

? ?- For digital infrastructure, I think our goal now should be to provide universal internet access within this decade, by 2030, laying the groundwork for a digitally connected nation that can participate fully in the global digital economy.

?3. Regulatory Environment

? ?- A conducive regulatory environment is essential for fostering innovation. This involves updating our legal frameworks to accommodate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology.

? ?- We must strike a balance between regulation and innovation, ensuring that new technologies can thrive while safeguarding the interests of our citizens.

-?????? For this to happen, our regulators must be at par with or ahead of industry players as far as knowledge and expertise is concerned.?

?4. Economic Diversification

? ?- Diversifying our economy will reduce our reliance on traditional sectors and open new avenues for growth. This includes attracting investments in high-tech industries, renewable energy, and creative industries.

? ?- Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting startups through incubators and accelerators will drive innovation and create jobs.

?We need to diversify our education, training and skills development programmes to include non-traditional sectors and areas of knowledge.??

?5. Sustainability and Inclusivity

? ?- Our vision for 2050 should be one where economic growth is sustainable and inclusive. We must prioritize environmental conservation, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy principles.?

-?????? Technological innovations can help us go a long way in this endeavor.

? ?- Ensuring that all Tanzanians benefit from technological advancements is crucial. This means addressing the digital divide and promoting gender equality in STEM fields.

?TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS SHAPING TANZANIA'S FUTURE

Now, let us delve into the technological innovations that will shape Tanzania's journey to 2050. These technologies hold the potential to revolutionize our economy, society, and daily lives.

?Allow me to outline some of those technological advances:

?1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

? ?- AI and machine learning will play a pivotal role in transforming various sectors, from healthcare and agriculture to finance and education.?

? ?- In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine will improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Agricultural AI solutions will enhance crop yields and ensure food security.

? ?- Financial services will benefit from AI through improved risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized banking experiences.

?2. Blockchain Technology

? ?- Blockchain technology brings transparency, security, and efficiency to various industries. In finance, it will revolutionize payment systems and enable secure transactions.

? ?- The adoption of blockchain in supply chain management will ensure product authenticity and traceability, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

? ?- Government services will also be enhanced through blockchain, providing secure and transparent public records, reducing corruption, and improving citizen trust.

?3. Internet of Things (IoT)

? ?- IoT will connect devices and systems, creating smart environments in homes, cities, and industries. Smart cities will improve urban living through efficient energy management, traffic control, and public safety.

? ?- In agriculture, IoT-enabled sensors will monitor soil conditions and optimize irrigation, leading to increased productivity and resource conservation.

? ?- Industrial IoT will enhance manufacturing processes, predictive maintenance, and supply chain management, driving efficiency and reducing costs.

?4. Renewable Energy and Sustainability

? ?- As we aim for a sustainable future, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal will play a crucial role.?

? ?- Advancements in energy storage technologies will address intermittency issues, ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply.

? ?- Green technologies and practices should be integrated into industries and urban planning, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.

?5. Biotechnology and Healthcare Innovation

? ?- Biotechnology will revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Gene editing technologies like “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats” in short known as CRISPR will enable precision medicine and disease prevention.

? ?- Biopharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine will offer new treatments for chronic diseases and enhance healthcare outcomes.

? ?- In agriculture, biotech solutions will improve crop resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability, ensuring food security for our growing population.

?6. Quantum Computing

? ?- Quantum computing, though in its nascent stage, holds transformative potential. It will solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, impacting fields such as cryptography, material science, and drug discovery.

? ?- We must invest in research and development to stay ahead in this cutting-edge field and explore practical applications that can drive economic growth.

?NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY: STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND COLLABORATIONS

?Achieving our vision for 2050 requires strategic initiatives and collaborations at various levels. Here are some key actions we must take:

?1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

? ?- Collaboration between the government and private sector is essential for driving innovation and infrastructure development. PPPs will leverage private sector expertise and resources to implement large-scale projects efficiently.

? ?- Initiatives such as tech parks, innovation hubs, and smart city projects will benefit from PPPs, fostering an ecosystem that nurtures startups and attracts global investments.

?2. International Cooperation

? ?- Engaging with international partners and organizations will provide access to advanced technologies, knowledge sharing, and funding opportunities.

? ?- We should actively participate in global research initiatives, technology exchanges, and innovation networks to stay abreast of the latest developments and best practices.

?3. Research and Development (R&D)

? ?- Investing in R&D is crucial for technological advancement and innovation. We must allocate resources to universities, research institutions, and private sector R&D initiatives.

? ?- Establishing centers of excellence in fields such as AI, biotechnology, and renewable energy will position Tanzania as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation.

?4. Digital Literacy and Inclusion

? ?- Ensuring digital literacy for all citizens is fundamental to our vision. Digital literacy programs must be integrated into the education system and extended to adult learners.

? ?- Bridging the digital divide is imperative. We must provide affordable and accessible internet connectivity to rural and underserved areas, empowering all Tanzanians to participate in the digital economy.

?5. Regulatory Sandboxes

? ?- Implementing regulatory sandboxes will allow for controlled testing of innovative technologies and business models. This approach encourages experimentation while mitigating risks and ensuring consumer protection.

? ?- Sandboxes will attract startups and tech companies to pilot their solutions in Tanzania, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

?6. Funding and Investment

? ?- Access to funding is critical for innovation. We must establish more venture capital funds, grant programs, and incentives to support startups and tech enterprises.

? ?- Encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in high-tech sectors will bring capital, expertise, and market access, accelerating our innovation journey.

?THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Leadership and governance will play a pivotal role in steering Tanzania towards its 2050 vision. Here are key aspects to consider:

?1. Visionary Leadership

? ?- Strong, visionary leadership is essential for driving the innovation agenda. Leaders must articulate a clear vision, inspire stakeholders, and mobilize resources towards common goals.

? ?- Leadership must be adaptive and forward-thinking, embracing change and fostering a culture of innovation within government and society.

?2. Inclusive Governance

? ?- Governance must be inclusive, ensuring that all voices are heard, and all stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process.

? ?- Transparent and accountable governance will build trust and confidence, encouraging public and private sector collaboration.

?3. Policy Coherence and Coordination

? ?- Policy coherence and coordination across government ministries and agencies are crucial for effective implementation. A holistic approach will ensure that policies are aligned, and resources are optimally utilized.

? ?- Establishing an innovation council or task force will facilitate cross-sector collaboration and monitor progress towards our 2050 vision.

?4. Resilience and Adaptability

? ?- Resilience and adaptability will be key in navigating uncertainties and disruptions. We must develop strategies to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges, such as technological disruptions, economic shifts, and global crises.

? ?- Building resilient infrastructure, diversifying our economy, and fostering a culture of innovation will enhance our ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

?CONCLUSION

?Ladies and Gentlemen,

?As I conclude my speed date with the future, it is clear that Tanzania's innovation journey to 2050 is ambitious but achievable. By embracing a forward-thinking vision, implementing robust policies, and leveraging technological advancements, we can transform our nation into a global leader in innovation.

?This journey will require the collective effort of all stakeholders—government, private sector, academia, and civil society. ?Together, we can build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Tanzania, where technological advancements improve the lives of all citizens and drive economic growth. The future is not a distant dream but a reality we are shaping today.

?As we navigate this journey, let us remain committed to our values, embrace change with optimism, and work tirelessly towards our shared vision.

?Let us embark on this journey with determination,

Let us embark on this journey with creativity,

Let us embark on this journey collaboratively, all of us together – government, private sector, academia, civil society, development partners – men and women, young and old, urban and rural, to ensure that Tanzania thrives in the digital age and beyond.

Thank you.