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Dodoma. As Tanzania hosts the maiden Africa Youth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Competition and award ceremony in October, experts believe the event signifies a crucial moment in the nation's digital economy drive.
The competition, themed “Unleashing the Power of AI and Robotics for Social-Economic Transformation,” underscores Tanzania’s commitment to fostering innovation and positioning itself as a technology hub in Africa.
The African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AU-NEPAD), in collaboration with the EleVate AI Institute, have been instrumental in shaping a strategy to promote the responsible use of AI across the continent.
With a prize pool of $100,000, the competition aims to cultivate emerging talent and create a platform for young African minds passionate about AI and robotics.
Speaking on different occasions yesterday during a debate held at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), experts emphasised that the competition comes at a crucial time, with the Tanzanian government having adopted the National Digital Economy Strategy 2024-2034.
This strategy aims to enhance the utilisation of digital services by the public and private sectors, further cementing Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda.
“This competition not only highlights the innovative potential of our youth but also underscores the government's dedication to establishing Tanzania as a leading technology and digital transformation hub in Africa,” said the Director General of the Information and Communication Technology Commission (ICTC), Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga.
“Our youth have the creativity and intelligence needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving field. We want to provide them with the necessary support to ensure they can compete at the highest levels.”
During the debate at UDOM, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Consultancy, Prof Razack Lokina, expressed confidence in his students’ readiness.
“We are aware of the competition and are preparing for the finals. We are happy to see our country hosting the award ceremony and demonstrating that Tanzania is a hub of innovative and ICT expertise,” he stated.
ICT and AI expert from UDOM, Mr Johnson Mbusi, highlighted the opportunity for Tanzanians to showcase their capabilities.
“Although capable Tanzanians had never come forward to create a functioning robot, these competitions provide a platform for them to do so. We are prepared to win in October,” he said.
The Tanzanian government’s agenda to foster a tech-driven economy is evident through its robust support for events like the AI and Robotics Competition.
Dr Mwasaga emphasised the competition’s role as a catalyst for innovation among the youth.
“By encouraging participation in AI and robotics, we want to nurture a generation that is not only technologically savvy but also capable of driving future economic growth through innovation.”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Mohammed Khamis Abdulla, pointed out the broader goals of Tanzania’s Digital Economy Blueprint.
He said such events inspire young minds to think beyond conventional limits and explore the limitless possibilities of technology.
“I urge Tanzanian youth, innovation companies, and communities involved in AI matters to participate in large numbers to showcase the capabilities of Tanzanians on the map of AI and robotics innovators in Africa and around the world,” he said.
Tanzania has been investing in infrastructure, education, and policy frameworks to support digital transformation.
“Our investment in digital infrastructure and education is creating a conducive environment for our youth to thrive in the digital economy,” asserted Mr Abdulla.
A lecturer from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) said that by fostering a culture of technological advancement and innovation, Tanzania is poised to lead Africa into a new era of digital transformation and economic growth.
"In order for us to reach the level of other countries like South Africa, it is now essential for our skilled youth in programming to come forward and compete with those who have distinguished themselves in these emerging technologies,” he said amid concerns about South Africa’s programmers being preferred to local ones.
“We have many whom we want to see participate as a way of supporting our country’s digital economy agenda," he said.
The competition features a wide array of categories, including AI and Innovation in Mining, Futuristic FinTech Solutions, Robotics Design, Healthcare Solutions, Education Enhancement, Ethical AI, Agricultural Solutions, and Community Impact and Good Governance Innovation.
These categories are designed to spur creativity and practical applications of AI and robotics in various sectors, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
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