Tanzania Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2023-2033

So the highly anticipated Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2023-2033 is finally out.

As I rummaged through the document - I must commend the respective Ministry for finally coming through with this much needed blue print...again...as I have currently been insisting - particularly now as we venture into AfCFTA.

As a stakeholder and enthusiast - I was encouraged by the key points made particularly in the strategic key pillars, the objectives and initiatives were if anything 'succint'. However, as I read through I couldn't help notice that the document was/is almost government centric - as if it is solely for the public sector. I felt an equal focus on private sector lacking and totally absent in some areas.

Herewith my key takeaways - hopefully I get time to do a deeper dive;

First and foremost - YEEEEY to Jamii Namba - the digital identity number will no doubt be ground breaking and crucial in counter addressing fraud and crime in on digital platforms. While there is mention of establishing frameworks for coordinating national e-commerce initiatives, a detailed strategy for the development and growth of e-commerce is not explicitly outlined. This could include measures for facilitating online businesses, supporting digital marketplaces, and encouraging cross-border e-commerce activities.

Drawing from our EAC neighbours, Kenya - their strategy places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, including the development of a National Innovation Framework and support for local innovators. Tanzania could enhance its focus on innovation ecosystems, including the creation of incubators, accelerators, and policies that encourage entrepreneurship in the digital domain.

The framework could benefit from a more defined approach towards regulating digital platforms, ensuring accountability, and addressing issues such as misinformation, data misuse, and consumer protection in the digital space.

While digital financial services are mentioned, there's room for a more comprehensive strategy for the development of digital payment systems, particularly focusing on financial inclusion for unbanked and underbanked populations.

The document could more explicitly outline how its strategies align with or are informed by global digital economy frameworks and standards. This would help in harmonizing the country’s digital economy policies with international best practices.

Detailed plans for the development of advanced digital infrastructure, such as 5G networks and cloud computing facilities, could be more prominently featured to support the overall growth of the digital economy. However this should take into account the current data - adoption rate, availability as well as affordability considering the use of such in emerging technologies.

While cybersecurity is addressed, a more detailed strategy on how to protect the digital infrastructure and data privacy of individuals and businesses is needed. This is specifically important with the ongoing discussion around issues of overlap between the recent restriction on use of tools for digital security like VPN and enforcement of the new Data Privacy Law.

The framework could elaborate on how it plans to foster a vibrant digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including support for startups, incubators, and accelerators.

The focus on digital skills, again very commendably although heavily focused on the digital Tanzania project and it's target of government officials/ministries. I felt like we were missing A more detailed plan for digital skills development and capacity building at all educational levels and among the workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy.

We also need to see deliberate measures in Integrating sustainable practices and environmentally friendly technology in the development of the digital economy as well as Ensuring digital services and products are inclusively designed and accessible to all segments of the population, including those with disabilities. While Tanzania's strategy does address digital inclusion, in comparison again to our EAC neighbors, and what others are doing; Kenya’s blueprint presents a more detailed approach, particularly focusing on youth, women, minorities, the elderly, rural communities, and persons with disabilities. Tanzania's framework could benefit from a more comprehensive approach to digital inclusion, ensuring equitable access to digital technologies for all segments of society.

For those wanting a copy - email me at [email protected] I see the front page has a bar code to scan however when you visit the website the document is not there..sigh...