Tanzania to build AI and Robotics centre with international support

Tanzania is poised for a technological leap with the planned construction of its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics information storage center.

The project, funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), is currently in the planning stages, marking a pivotal moment for Tanzania’s digital sector.

The bank’s President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, announced the funding on Friday during a meeting with Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers’ meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The project, which promised to be a significant milestone for Tanzania’s digital aspirations, had yet to reveal specific details.

Tah emphasized the importance of finalising the project scope and timeline for its timely implementation.

“This project has the potential to transform Tanzania’s technological landscape,” Tah stated. “We are excited about its prospects and are working to finalize the details.”

The center would serve as a repository for data and knowledge related to AI and robotics, marking a key step in Tanzania’s goal to become a regional technology hub.

Minister Kombo described the project as a landmark for Tanzania.

“We believe this center will drive innovation and economic growth,” Kombo said.

He highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to collaborating with other organizations.

The Ministry would oversee the agreements to ensure Tanzania benefits fully from the digital infrastructure project and increased internet access, aligning with the country’s focus on economic diplomacy.

Last month, the Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) announced its readiness to deploy AI, addressing concerns that the technology might replace human labor.

ICTC Director-General, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, encouraged Tanzanians to develop skills in emerging areas like robot coordination, machine learning, AI ethics, chatbot design, and AI-powered healthcare.

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