The government of Tanzania is set to establish a Digital Technology Institute (DTI) in Dodoma, aimed at producing highly skilled professionals in advanced digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The project, valued at over 441bn/-, will be funded through a concessional loan from the South Korean government. This move is part of Tanzania's efforts to strengthen its capacity in the digital technology sector.
A loan agreement worth 167.4m US dollars (about 441.12bn/-) was signed between the Tanzanian government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea on November 3. The financing will be provided through the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). This loan agreement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Tanzania and South Korea in the field of digital technology.
The proposed Digital Technology Institute will play a crucial role in developing and nurturing highly skilled professionals in technical fields, while strengthening the country's ICT sector. The institute will be equipped with modern training facilities, laboratories, digital infrastructure, and research facilities. This will enable Tanzania to bridge skills gaps and accelerate technological development in the country.
Treasury Permanent Secretary Dr Natu El-Maamry Mwamba stated that the project comes at an opportune time as Tanzania continues to implement its digital transformation agenda. The institute will help build the human capital and institutional capacity required to participate fully in the digital economy. Dr Mwamba emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industries to ensure the effective execution of the project.
The Ministry of Finance will work closely with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and all institutions involved in the project's implementation. This includes providing the required counterpart funding to ensure the project's effective execution. The government is committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
Korea Exim Bank Senior Executive Director Dong-Hoon Lee described the project as significant to both countries. He noted that it is the first EDCF project approved this year and the first to involve support in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Discussions on the project's approval began in April, followed by the issuance of the government's support policy in August.
The establishment of the Digital Technology Institute is expected to have a positive impact on Tanzania's digital technology sector. The institute will provide training and research facilities, enabling the country to produce highly skilled professionals in advanced digital technologies. This will contribute to the country's economic growth and development.
Key points
- The project is valued at over 441bn/- and will be funded through a concessional loan from the South Korean government.
- The Digital Technology Institute will be equipped with modern training facilities, laboratories, digital infrastructure, and research facilities.
- The project is expected to strengthen Tanzania's capacity to produce highly skilled professionals in advanced digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
