Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has urged participants at the Tech & AI International Expo 2026 to turn their discussions into practical partnerships. The expo, which was opened at Golden Tulip on Tuesday, aims to provide a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, showcasing innovation, and exploring how technology can drive inclusive growth and shape the future. Dr Mwinyi emphasized that technology has the potential to improve healthcare, education, and public services, while creating opportunities for businesses and jobs.
The President encouraged innovators to focus on solving problems facing their communities, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach women, young people, persons with disabilities, and underserved areas. He emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, stating that the expo provides an important platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss how technology can drive development. Dr Mwinyi's remarks were echoed by Zanzibar's Minister of Communication, Information Technology and Innovation, Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga.
Minister Soraga emphasized the need for young people to acquire digital skills to build businesses that serve customers beyond the islands. He stated that a young person in Zanzibar should be able to take an idea, a device, and an internet connection to build a business that serves customers locally and internationally. Soraga added that the government is putting policies and regulations in place to support startups in developing their ideas and growing their businesses.
Yas Tanzania Chief Business Officer Norman Kiondo outlined his company's plans to continue investing in connectivity and working with partners to bring digital services to more people and businesses. In Zanzibar, Yas is working with ZICTIA to extend fibre connections to homes and businesses, supported by a TZS 300 billion investment. This initiative aims to improve connectivity and support the growth of businesses and public institutions on the islands.
Kiondo revealed that Yas has invested more than TZS 1.2 trillion in its network across Tanzania, with over 4,900 sites and over 5,700 kilometres of fibre infrastructure. He emphasized that stronger connections in Zanzibar can help tourism businesses serve visitors, entrepreneurs reach customers, and public institutions deliver services more efficiently. Yas's investments aim to support the growth of the digital economy in Tanzania.
The Tech & AI International Expo 2026 provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss the potential of technology to drive growth and development in Tanzania. The expo brings together innovators, businesses, and government officials to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment in the digital sector. Participants are expected to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and forge partnerships to support the growth of the digital economy.
The event is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the digital sector in Tanzania, particularly in Zanzibar. With the government's support and investment from companies like Yas, the country is poised to experience significant growth in the digital economy. This growth is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and young people, ultimately contributing to the country's economic development.
Key points
- Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has called on participants at the Tech & AI International Expo 2026 to turn their discussions into practical partnerships to drive digital growth.
- Yas Tanzania has invested more than TZS 1.2 trillion in its network across Tanzania, with over 4,900 sites and over 5,700 kilometres of fibre infrastructure.
- The government of Zanzibar is putting policies and regulations in place to support startups in developing their ideas and growing their businesses.
