Digital transformation in Tanzania: The role of mobile technology and impact on development goals

The GSM Association (GSMA) launched a report on digital transformation in Tanzania pinpointing four main areas where the mobile industry is espousing digital transformation and the development processes: (a) access to key services for people in underserved communities, (b) driving productivity and efficiency gains in businesses and public institutions, (c) contribution to economic growth and social development, and (d) encouraging good governance. ‘Leveraging mobile technology to further advance economic and development goals in Tanzania requires collaboration by all stakeholders, including operators, government and development organisations. We also require a supportive regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation, and ensures operators have access to sufficient spectrum in a timely and affordable manner,’ said Akinwale Goodluck, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA. That said, there are several ongoing challenges for the mobile industry in Tanzania which could be addressed through enabling environment, incentives for partners, and sound policies and regulations to promote the sustainability of the industry. To this aim, the study provides key policy recommendations to overcome the regulatory and industry challenges of the mobile industry and enable mobile’s contribution to the development goals in Tanzania.