Tanzania seeks homegrown solutions to fortify booming digital economy
What you need to know:
- Participants acknowledged cybersecurity as a catalyst for economic growth, highlighting its role in attracting investments in the economy.
Dar es Salaam. To solidify its position as a leading African digital hub, Tanzania must cultivate its domestic cybersecurity industry and implement cyber insurance, according to experts who convened at the recent 3rd Tanzania Cybersecurity Forum.
This was among the 11 resolutions reached when Tanzania hosted the 3rd Cybersecurity Forum in Arusha, with participants believing that by doing so, financial losses post-cyberattacks would be mitigated.
The forum, a brainchild of the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC), brought together 300 participants, including cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, all rallying behind Tanzania's vision of cybersecurity excellence.
The Director General of the ICTC, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, set the tone for the forum by underscoring its paramount importance, stating, "Our goal is to ensure that Tanzania's digital ecosystem remains resilient and secure. The resolutions taken during this forum will guide our efforts in achieving this objective."
Reading the resolutions, Dr Mwasaga said the forum agreed on the need to intensify support for local firms, noting that local cybersecurity firms play a critical role in safeguarding Tanzania’s digital assets.
One of the key resolutions also adopted during the two-day event was the launch of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), which signalled a key step towards safeguarding citizens' privacy in the digital age.
"Protecting personal data is paramount in today's digital age. We must ensure that citizens are informed about their rights and the measures are in place to safeguard their privacy through our recently launched PDPC,” Dr Mwasaga said.
Experts further stressed the need to harness opportunities in digital transformation while prioritising cybersecurity.
A cybersecurity analyst, Dr Fatma Swalehe, while responding to the resolution read by Dr Mwasaga, urged experts to be proactive in securing digital infrastructure amidst Tanzania's embrace of digitalization across sectors.
The forum also placed a spotlight on the importance of supporting homegrown cybersecurity solutions, emphasising the need to invest in local talent and innovation.
As such, a digital economy researcher, Dr Issa Kweka, told The Citizen, "Investing in local talent and innovation is key to enhancing cybersecurity resilience, as our experts possess the knowledge and skills to develop solutions tailored to our unique challenges."
Participants further recommended a review of cybersecurity regulations that hinder the participation of local experts.
The Co-Founder and Cybersecurity Specialist of Serensic Africa, a company that specialises in cyber security and digital forensics, Ms Esther Mengi, stressed that regulatory frameworks should promote inclusivity and empower local experts to contribute effectively to cybersecurity efforts.
She also supported the call for utilising local expertise, noting, "Local expertise is essential in addressing the evolving cybersecurity threats facing Tanzania. We must leverage our talent pool to bolster our cyber defences."
Recognising Tanzania's position in Africa and global cybersecurity rankings, the resolutions emphasised the need for increased investment in capacity building, bearing in mind that capacity-building initiatives were crucial for nurturing homegrown cybersecurity talent.
“We must equip our experts with the skills and knowledge to compete on the global stage," Ms Mengi insisted.
The forum also called for more opportunities for women in cybersecurity to bridge the gender gap in the sector. A cybersecurity advocate, Ms Aisha Said, noted, "Diversity in cybersecurity strengthens our defences and fosters innovation. We must empower women to pursue careers in cybersecurity."
She commended the ICTC for giving priority to women in the forum about the sub-sector and attended the forum to gain more insights on how they can grow further.
“We have witnessed very energetic and innovative young women presenting amazing products in the forum. This is what we need to always encourage.”
Participants acknowledged cybersecurity as a catalyst for economic growth, highlighting its role in attracting investments in the economy.
"A secure cyberspace is essential for fostering investor confidence and driving economic development. We must prioritise cybersecurity to unlock Tanzania's digital potential," a digital government strategist and adviser from Estonia, Mr Margus Magi, said.
In a closing remark, Dr Mwasaga extended invitations to crucial actors in Tanzania's cyberspace for enriching discussions in future forums, emphasising the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
"Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for advancing cybersecurity in Tanzania. We welcome the participation of all relevant actors in our ongoing efforts," he stated.
