The World Bank has approved the Digital Tanzania Project (DTP) with a financing of USD150 million from the International Development Association (IDA). The project aims to increase access to high quality broadband internet services for the government, businesses and citizens, and improve the government’s capacity to deliver digital public services. This will be achieved through the following components: the digital ecosystem – strengthening the laws, policies, regulations, institutional capacity, and human capacity needed to promote ICT infrastructure investment, market competitiveness, digital engagement, job creation, and innovation; digital connectivity – ensuring access to affordable, high quality internet services for all citizens, including in rural areas, and for critical government institutions; and digital platforms and services – building the technical capacity, skills, institutions, and local digital infrastructure for the government to deliver services to citizens and conduct its own business digitally.

By the end of the DTP’s implementation, more than 75% of Tanzania’s population will be covered by a mobile broadband network signal (3G or higher); some 425 government ministries, departments and agencies will benefit from broadband internet service; and a minimum of 40% of citizens (aged 15 and above) will be able to use the internet. The number of monthly transactions accessing a public service via the internet or a mobile phone will increase from 200,000 to at least 500,000.

Source: Commsupdate