Dar es salaam, May 8, 2025 – Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to driving digital transformation in education, calling on African countries to strengthen collaboration and invest in technologies that can make learning accessible, inclusive, and future-ready.
Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the opening ceremony of the 18th eLearning Africa Conference in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Biteko said Tanzania is determined to lead Africa in the digital revolution through robust policy frameworks and public-private partnerships.
“Tanzania remains firmly committed to advancing digital transformation in education,” said Dr. Biteko. “We are eager to collaborate with governments, development partners, private sector players, and academia to make e-learning affordable and accessible for all.”
He said the country's National Development Vision 2050 identifies digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth, social development, and international competitiveness.
“We recognize that without embracing digital change, we cannot unlock the full potential of our education systems or economies,” he added.
“That is why we have developed tools like the National ICT Policy and the Digital Economy Strategy 2024–2034 to guide our way forward.”
Dr. Biteko highlighted the launch of the National Digital Education Strategy and the Tanzania Digital Program, which aim to build digital infrastructure, distribute digital learning tools, and expand access to technology in both urban and rural areas.
“These efforts are not only about connectivity, but also about equity,” he noted. “We want every child, no matter where they live, to have the same opportunity to learn and thrive in the digital age.”
He also stressed the importance of building a digitally skilled workforce from an early age, citing Tanzania’s 2023 Education and Training Policy revision as a step in the right direction.
“The revised policy emphasizes foundational skills and digital literacy from the primary level,” he explained.
“It also encourages the use of technology to address teacher shortages and improve the quality of teaching and learning outcomes.”
Dr. Biteko urged other African nations to support local innovation by crafting enabling policies that foster digital entrepreneurship.
“We must continue to improve the environment for innovative local companies by enacting policies that promote creativity and growth,” he said. “This will help us build local markets, reduce delays, and accelerate digital transformation.”
He also emphasized the need to retain talent on the continent and engage the African diaspora to help turn Africa into a technological hub.
“Let’s make Africa a center of technological excellence by keeping our skilled professionals on the continent and leveraging the knowledge and investment of our diaspora,” he said.
Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, echoed Dr. Biteko’s remarks, stating that Tanzania continues to invest in the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), into the education sector.
“We are championing the use of AI in schools to improve learning experiences,” Prof. Mkenda said. “This conference gives us an opportunity to strengthen cross-border collaboration, revise our policies, and ensure our education systems keep pace with innovation.”
Dr. Aida Opoku-Mensah, Co-founder of FIRCAD–Ghana, highlighted AI’s growing importance in development.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer the future it is the present,” she said. “It helps us solve complex problems and can replicate many human activities, from learning to decision-making.”
She noted that while some African countries have embraced AI quickly, others lag due to limited investment.
“Countries like Kenya, with its m-shule initiative, and Nigeria have integrated AI into their education systems. Tanzania is also on the right path with initiatives like the Ubongo program that educates and entertains,” she said.
Dr. Opoku-Mensah called for greater investment in AI to strengthen sectors such as education and infrastructure, drawing inspiration from China’s success.
“China’s investment in AI has significantly contributed to its economic growth,” she noted. “Africa must do the same to unlock its full potential.”
Held annually since 2005, the eLearning Africa Conference and Exhibition is the continent’s largest gathering focused on digital education, skills development, and training.
The 2025 edition offers a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices while fostering partnerships that can shape the future of education in Africa.