Tanzania is bolstering its disaster management capabilities through the adoption of modern technologies, including satellite systems and artificial intelligence (AI). This move aims to improve early warning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The initiative was announced by Dr. Jim Yonazi, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, during his visit to Ankara, Türkiye. Dr. Yonazi emphasized that the goal is to strengthen the country's institutional and technical capacity to reduce disaster risks and enhance emergency response and recovery systems.
Dr. Yonazi's visit to Türkiye included a tour of Turksat, the country's satellite operator, where he observed the institution's operations in satellite services, communications, and space technologies. Turksat, owned by Türkiye's sovereign wealth fund, is the country's sole satellite communications operator, providing data, internet, and communication services to public and private institutions. The company also supplies equipment for internet data and television and radio broadcasting centers through satellite links during disasters, helping maintain emergency communications when mobile phone towers and communication fiber networks are damaged.
Tanzania is exploring ways to expand its capacity to use satellite information and AI to identify disaster-prone areas and provide early warnings. This will enable authorities to plan more effectively to prevent and minimize the impact of disasters. Dr. Yonazi stressed that disaster prevention and response should be viewed as a national responsibility requiring adequate capacity across the country. He also emphasized that disaster management should go beyond rescuing people when disasters occur and instead form part of the country's broader national security framework.
The use of satellite technology can play a crucial role in disaster management, particularly in areas such as flood risk assessment. Satellite information can help authorities determine water levels in rivers and identify areas exposed to risks, while also assessing the potential scale of damage. This information will enable the government to plan in advance the resources required to prevent and minimize the impact of disasters. Additionally, it will help authorities prepare equipment, personnel, and response teams for deployment to areas likely to be affected.
Turksat currently operates six satellites and carries out its core functions in three major areas: satellite communications, television and radio broadcasting, and internet data services and information technology systems supporting e-Government. The institution supplies equipment for emergency communications, providing secure communication infrastructure for strategic sectors such as public security, the military, maritime transport, aviation, and communication systems during natural disasters or emergencies.
The visit by Dr. Yonazi is part of Tanzania's efforts to strengthen institutional preparedness and adopt modern technologies capable of supporting timely decision-making before, during, and after disasters. The country aims to enhance its disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and use of modern technology in disaster management. By leveraging modern technologies, Tanzania seeks to improve its disaster management capabilities and reduce the impact of disasters on communities.
The adoption of modern technologies in disaster management is a significant step towards enhancing Tanzania's preparedness and response efforts. With the help of satellite systems and AI, the country can improve early warning systems, reduce disaster risks, and enhance emergency response and recovery systems. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country's disaster management capabilities, ultimately reducing the impact of disasters on communities and saving lives.
Key points
- Tanzania is adopting modern technologies, including satellite systems and AI, to enhance disaster management and emergency response efforts.
- The country aims to strengthen its institutional and technical capacity to reduce disaster risks and improve emergency response and recovery systems.
- The use of satellite technology can play a crucial role in disaster management, particularly in areas such as flood risk assessment.
