ICTC told to address AI, robotics challenges

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania strives to excel in the digital landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotic technology and big data analysis, the Information and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC) has been urged to prepare experts with skills of addressing potential threats posed by the emerging technologies.

The directives were issued by the Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa during the official opening of the 8th Tanzania Annual ICT Conference (TAIC) in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

“This conference will provide an opportunity to learn and gain experience in utilising AI and robotic technologies to enhance your capabilities and service delivery,” said Mr Silaa.

He added: “It serves as a platform to reflect on measures for the responsible use of AI and robotic technologies, ensuring they do not harm the economy, national security or our traditions.” The minister said Tanzania has significant opportunities to leverage the technologies to improve citizens’ well-being and enhance economic productivity.

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“Tanzania, like other developing nations, faces numerous societal challenges that require immediate sustainable solutions. AI and robotic technologies can address these challenges by increasing accuracy and efficiency, reducing costs and fostering creativity in sectors such as health, agriculture, education and resource management,” he said.

Mr Silaa also noted that as the world undergoes the fourth, fifth and sixth industrial revolutions where economic, social and productive activities increasingly rely on advanced ICT technologies, the government is committed to enhancing policy, legal and institutional frameworks while building the capacity of Tanzanians to ensure the country becomes a pivotal player in the global ICT landscape.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Mohamed Abdullah expressed gratitude for the country ability to secure the opportunity to host the first International Competition in AI and Robotics through TAIC, with awards from the African Union expected to be presented by Prime Minister Kasim Majaliwa.

He noted that the conference is vital, encompassing various groups and discussing multiple topics related to AI and robotics. On her part, Assistant Director-General for Human Sciences at the United Nations, Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Gabriela Ramos expressed her support for Tanzania’s national strategy for AI, which aims to establish the country as a technology hub in the coming years.

She affirmed UNESCO’s commitment to collaborating with Tanzania to advance technology while advocating for sustainable and ethical technology use.