Tanzania builds cyber resilience

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has intensified efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, protect personal data and promote the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a specialised training programme for local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts. The programme, implemented by the ICT Commission (ICTC) in partnership with the European Union (EU) and experts from Germany, Finland and Estonia, has brought together ICT professionals from the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organisations, to strengthen their capacity to tackle emerging digital threats. Speaking during the opening of the training in Dar es Salaam on Monday, ICTC Director General, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, said the initiative comes at a critical time as Tanzania implements the National Development Vision 2050, which identifies digital transformation as a key driver of socio-economic development.

“This sector-specific training strengthens the expertise of our ICT professionals. As we implement Vision 2050, digital transformation remains one of the key drivers of national development,” Dr Mwasaga said. He said the training focuses on four strategic areas Artificial Intelligence, personal data protection, cybersecurity and emerging technologies to prepare Tanzanian experts for the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

According to Dr Mwasaga, strengthening the country’s pool of ICT professionals is essential for building digital trust and ensuring Tanzania remains competitive regionally and globally as technology continues to transform economies. A trainer from the Finnish Digital Agency, Mr Kimmo Rousku, warned that the rapid advancement of AI has introduced new cybersecurity risks, particularly through deepfake technology, which is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. ALSO READ: COLUMN: Poverty reduction tools: The role of cyber security “Across the world, the challenges are largely the same.

Many people believe they can identify deepfake videos or audio today, but that may not be the case in the near future,” he said. He noted that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting AI-powered technologies to manipulate digital content and attack ICT systems. Finland’s Resident Twinning Adviser on Digital Cooperation, Mr Jani Ruuskanen, commended the growing collaboration between Tanzanian and European ICT experts, saying the exchange of knowledge will strength…