• Tanzania and Estonia are exploring a deeper digital partnership, focusing on e-governance, ICT, cybersecurity, digital education, and agri-tech.
• The discussions build on the EU-funded Digital4Tanzania project, launched in 2023 with €2 million to support e-government and connectivity reforms.
• No formal agreement has been signed yet, as talks remain at a preliminary stage with no confirmed implementation timeline.

The Tanzanian government is seeking to deepen its collaboration with Estonia in the realm of digital transformation. This was the main focus of discussions held on Monday, April 28th, during a visit by an Estonian delegation to Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

Talks between the two sides specifically addressed strengthening e-governance, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, digital education and training, and agricultural technology. Stimulating innovation among Tanzanian entrepreneurs was also a point of discussion.

This move towards closer ties aligns with the Tanzanian government's ambition to accelerate the nation's digital transformation, positioning it as a key driver of socio-economic development in the years ahead. Estonia already has an ongoing partnership with Tanzania through the Digital4Tanzania (D4T) project, launched in October 2023 with €2 million (approximately $22.3 million) in funding from the European Union. This project aims to support Tanzania's digital transformation by collaborating on e-government reform and connectivity.

Currently, Tanzania holds the 153rd position in the United Nations E-Government Development Index with a score of 0.4327, falling below the global average. While the International Telecommunication Union recognizes Tanzania as a cybersecurity model, the country still needs to enhance its technical measures and capacity development. In contrast, Estonia ranks second globally in e-government development, boasting a score of 0.9727 out of 1. The organization also considers the Baltic nation a global leader in cybersecurity.

"Despite being a small developing country, Estonia has gained global recognition for its digital innovation, particularly in e-governance, digital services, and cybersecurity. Through its partnership with Tanzania, it has strengthened digital governance and promoted economic diplomacy via digital platforms, thereby contributing to societal development," stated Krist Karelsohn, Director of the Asia, Pacific, Middle East and Africa Department in Estonia.

However, it's crucial to note that the projects discussed as part of this potential enhanced cooperation between Tanzania and Estonia are still in the preliminary stages of discussion. No agreement has been signed or officially announced at this point, and no implementation timeline has been provided. Therefore, it is prudent to await the actualization of this partnership before evaluating its prospects and potential impact.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji