Business analysts urged to embrace emerging technologies

Dar es Salaam. The e-Government Authority (e-GA) of Tanzania has demanded government IT systems Business Analysts (BA) embrace the expanding wave of new technologies to speed up service delivery.

The plea was made on Wednesday by the acting manager of Consultancy and Advisory at e-GA, Ms Joan Valentine, during the inauguration of a six-day training for business systems analysts from 21 public institutions in Dodoma.

Ms Valentine emphasised the imperative nature of adapting to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics.

“Right now, the world is talking about artificial intelligence and machine learning, so you (business analysts) must have knowledge of these new technologies to help your institutions in their daily routines,” she stated.

Highlighting the role of data analytics, she pointed out that public institutions, such as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), generate numerous amounts of data daily.

She underscored the need for BAs to analyse the data efficiently, converting it into comprehensible presentations for informed decision-making within their respective institutions.

Moreover, the manager stressed the importance of IT officers acquiring soft skills, particularly effective communication, to interact seamlessly with users of their services in public offices.

“Currently, IT is moving from being a supporting tool to an enabling tool for public institutions, so you need to be more knowledgeable not only in the IT sector but in other soft skills,” she emphasised.

She hailed the integration of emerging technology with soft skills as a catalyst for optimal output in public institution decision-making. She commended the harmonious fusion of technological prowess and interpersonal abilities, foreseeing it as a key driver for positive outcomes in the realm of public service.

The coordinator of the training and an IT systems analyst at e-GA, Mr Ceaser Mwambani, expounded on the training’s objectives.

“Through this training, we believe that all the participants here will have a better understanding of the analysis of IT systems and projects, as well as being able to make a good contribution to their institutions to have productive IT projects for the nation,” he articulated.

This training initiative aligns with e-GA’s broader mission to enhance the capacity of officers in areas such as IT systems analysis, project management, guidelines, standards, and the security of IT systems in the government.

It signifies a concerted effort to propel public institutions into the digital age, fostering awareness and compliance with e-government acts and regulations.