Tanzanian govt announces new ICT project

4 July 2012

The government of Tanzania has announced plans to start construction work on a Silicon Valley-style environment which will be used to enhance education and information technology in the country.

Speaking to Tanzania Daily News, Professor Makame Mbarawa, the minister for communication, science and technology, confirmed that work would begin in the near future after he sign an agreement with US technology giant IBM.

"The process has taken a bit long but it was an inevitable step - the goal was to create a shared vision and understanding among the stakeholders and create ownership to get a guarantee of successful implementation of agreed activities," he commented.

Implemented by the University of Dodoma, the project forms a key part of turning Tanzania into a hub of commercial activity.

IBM is helping to finance the project, hoping that it will allow the firm to develop a more solid footing in the African ICT market over the coming decades.