IoT and Digital Technology: Shaping Tanzania’s Future

IoT and Digital Technology: Shaping Tanzania’s Future

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) recognizes the potential for significant advancements in digital technology, primarily based on recent outcomes from the ITU-T Study Group 20 (SG20) sessions. The TCRA’s Director of Industry Affairs, Engineer Mwesigwa Felician, stressed the event’s role in forging global standards that would integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into everyday life.

These standards are expected to facilitate the deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities and communities, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities in big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage within the communication sector. They are also expected to enhance security and privacy solutions. The outcomes are set to have a profound impact on the global communication sector, including Tanzania, fostering collaboration between the country and the ITU.

Focus Areas of the SG20 Sessions

The SG20 sessions zeroed in on security, privacy, trust, and identification for IoT and Smart Cities & Communities (SC&C). The discussions also touched on IoT interoperability and networking, architectural frameworks for IoT application across sectors, data analytics, digital technologies, and the evaluation of smart sustainable cities and communities.

Local ICT expert, Ansbert Pallangyo, underscored the significance of the meetings, stating that the outcomes would leave a remarkable impact on the development of the communication sector in Tanzania and globally.

During the sessions, the Deputy Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Engineer Kundo Mathew, affirmed Tanzania’s commitment to implementing the agreements fully. The focus lies particularly in the development of smart cities, communities, and the metaverse. Dodoma city has been chosen as a pilot for smart cities in Tanzania, serving as an inspiration for other cities in the country.

Anticipated Benefits from the SG20 Outcomes

Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh, a senior lecturer at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), also expressed optimism about the outcomes of the SG20 meetings. He anticipates several significant benefits for Tanzania. The country is expected to witness considerable advancements in digital technology, IoT integration, and smart city development. The outcomes of the sessions will provide a roadmap for Tanzania to navigate the digital landscape effectively, fostering significant growth and development in the ICT sector.