STATEMENT FROM, DR. JABIRI K. BAKARI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, TCRA

THEME:“ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES”

Today, 17sup>th/sup> May 2021, is the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD). We mark the anniversary of signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ITU is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for Information and Communication Technologies – (ICTs). It was founded to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks, to allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies are seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs for the benefit of underserved communities worldwide.

This year’s theme “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times”, emphasizes the key role of telecommunication and ICTs in building social resilience, with ITU’s membership stepping up to help save lives and sustain economies.

The use of ICT has enabled the country to adapt and harness its power in organising such events as business meetings, business transactions especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. ICT has so much potential to transform the economy of the country especially in improving people’s livelihoods and support rural development by increase the resilience of rural families, improve access of farmers to markets and other services that at the end will empower women and youths.

This year’s theme calls for the communication sector players to focus more on how to use the power of ICT to provide Digital transformation to move closer in the attainment of the goals of “Connect 2030” Agenda where telecommunications enable and accelerate social, economic and environmentally sustainable growth and development for everyone.

The licensing framework in Tanzania allows service and technological neutrality hence enabling licensed entities to focus on ensuring innovation and penetration of services. The lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic is that people who are networked and connected can work and communicate from any location in the globe, obtain information and learning tools that enhance their business.

TCRA will continue working with stakeholders in considering both the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation to ensure that all citizens take advantage of opportunities provided by internet connectivity and digital revolution. TCRA calls all Service Providers to continue to invest in the ICT infrastructure and provision of related services enabling the country to have resilient infrastructure which is a key requirement for digital transformation.

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