President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has called on technology and artificial intelligence innovators to transform their ideas and discussions into practical solutions that address community challenges and create business opportunities. He made this call while opening the Tech & AI International Expo 2026 at Golden Tulip in Zanzibar. The expo provides a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and showcasing innovation.
Dr. Mwinyi emphasized that technology can transform healthcare, education, and public services, supporting inclusive economic growth. He urged innovators to focus on challenges affecting their communities, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements reach women, young people, persons with disabilities, and people living in underserved areas. This approach will help create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Zanzibar Minister of Communication, Information Technology, and Innovation Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga echoed Dr. Mwinyi's sentiments, emphasizing the need to equip young people with digital skills to turn their ideas into businesses. He envisioned a scenario where a young person in Zanzibar could build a business serving customers beyond the islands' borders with just an idea, a device, and an internet connection.
The government is putting in place policies and regulations to create an enabling environment for startups to develop their ideas and expand their businesses. Minister Soraga highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to turn their digital skills into businesses. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in the tech sector.
Telecommunications company Yas Tanzania has outlined plans to continue investing in connectivity and digital infrastructure in Zanzibar. The company aims to support the islands' digital economy by expanding connectivity and making digital services accessible to more people and businesses. Yas Tanzania Chief Business Officer Norman Kiondo emphasized the company's commitment to working with the government and partners to achieve this goal.
Yas Tanzania has invested over Sh1.2 trillion in its network across Tanzania, with more than 4,900 sites and over 5,700 kilometers of fiber infrastructure. The company is working with the Zanzibar Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Agency (ZICTIA) to extend fiber connections to homes and businesses, backed by a planned investment of Sh300 billion. This investment will help improve connectivity in Zanzibar.
Improved connectivity in Zanzibar can have a significant impact on various sectors, including tourism, entrepreneurship, and public institutions. Norman Kiondo highlighted the potential benefits, including enabling tourism businesses to serve visitors more efficiently, allowing entrepreneurs to reach wider markets, and supporting public institutions in delivering services. The Tech & AI International Expo 2026 brings together technology stakeholders to showcase innovations and explore opportunities for partnerships.
Key points
- President Mwinyi challenges tech innovators to create practical solutions addressing community challenges.
- The government is creating an enabling environment for startups to develop their ideas and expand their businesses.
- Yas Tanzania invests in connectivity and digital infrastructure to support Zanzibar's digital economy.
