1. Judiciary Embraces AI for Hiring Efficiency
The Tanzanian Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system to handle initial job interview stages. It aims to tackle the overwhelming number of applications they receive (over 40,000 for just 100 openings).
This could enable more in-depth evaluations by saving up to 90% of the time JSC spends manually reviewing CVs.
It also presents an interesting opportunity for Tanzanian startups focused on enterprise AI (i.e., Camel Labs), HR tech, and recruitment process optimization (i.e., Niajiri). The JSC's openness to innovation sets a good example for other public institutions, potentially opening up a new market. Success here could trigger wider adoption in the private sector.
Investors and founders should assess the appetite for workflow automation across different industries and the need for localization of AI models to the Tanzanian context. Ensuring transparency and fairness will be crucial for both the JSC and any startups entering this space.
After all, Tanzania's judiciary has been using artificial intelligence (AI) to automate transcription and translation tasks since February. This allows judges and magistrates to focus on listening and making decisions.
The system, developed in partnership with the Italian firm Almawav, has undergone rigorous training, incorporating various Kiswahili dialects and Tanzanian English attributions. Almawav and JSC have signed a four-year collaboration agreement worth USD 3 million, with a USD 1.1 million initial contract.
“We can’t hire stenographers for all 34 judges serving the Court of Appeal, 105 judges in the High Court, and about 2000 magistrates. But we can use AI which we have now adopted for transcription,” stated Chief Justice Ibrahim Juma during Law Week 2024.
Currently, eleven systems have been installed, with plans to deploy them in 50 of the country's 169 courtrooms. The move builds on Tanzania's existing e-case management system, which gives lawyers and clients direct access to case proceedings.
2. Fresh Faces on the Communications Regulatory Authority
Tanzania's Minister for ICT has appointed four new TCRA board members. The move comes after President Samia appointed a new chairperson and vice chairperson.
Prof. Aloys Mvuma (Vice Chancellor at the Mbeya University of Science and Technology), Dr. Hanifa Masawe (Senior lecturer in economic law), Dr. Irene Isaka (EAC Director of Social Sectors), and Mohamed Makame (Head of Research in the President's Office) will serve as non-executive directors for five years.
This suggests a potential shift in the telecom industry's regulatory strategy. Startups in this space (i.e., Beem) should closely monitor the new board's priorities and directions.
Changes in regulation could have ripple effects on Tanzania's digital economy fintech sector.
For example, ventures aimed at closing the digital divide in rural areas may benefit if the board emphasizes expanding connectivity beyond urban areas.
Providers of internet services, mobile payments, and digital financial services (DFS) should also pay close attention to TCRA announcements.
3. Tanzania Enhances Broadcasting and Postal Services
On March 22, the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology (MICIT) hosted a stakeholder workshop in Arusha. It aimed to review ICT sector performance and discuss strategies for improving the country's broadcasting and postal services.
MICIT also used the event to launch the book "ICT Projects for Investment 2023." It identifies opportunities in Tanzania's broadband infrastructure, e-government strategy, and digital skill development.
TCRA, on the other hand, unveiled its Q4 2023 report. The publication outlined the Authority’s activities and accomplishments from September to December of last year.
The following are key takeaways for entrepreneurs and ecosystem supporters.
Tanzania has successfully made the transition from analog to digital television broadcasting. It is now working to ensure that all Tanzanians have affordable digital TV decoders.
TCRA also encourages the creation and distribution of local content across multiple media platforms. For example, it is collaborating with Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and the University of Dodoma (UDOM) to record traditional dances from 120 ethnic groups.
The number of digital TV decoders increased from 3.63 million in September 2023 to 3.66 million in December 2023.
Dar es Salaam has the highest number of decoders (1.4 million), followed by Arusha (291,605), Mwanza (289,598), and Mbeya (227,737).
TCRA has issued 116 licenses to postal service providers, including the Tanzania Postal Corporation (TPC). This demonstrates a growing market for last-mile delivery and innovative logistics solutions.
Arusha will host a major ICT center, funded by the Universal Postal Union, at the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) building, serving 45 countries. This move could attract investment in data centers, fiber optic networks, and related communication infrastructure.
Tanzania's transition to digital television broadcasting opens up lucrative opportunities for companies operating in a variety of industries. For instance, providers of subscription management software and flexible payments (via mobile money integration, micropayments, or pay-as-you-go) will be in demand. Why? Enabling seamless and secure payment options for digital TV subscriptions is crucial.
Companies (such as SAG’s Smart Studio) that enable high-quality content production, localization, and distribution across digital platforms will also see an expanding market.
4. TSA Report Nears Launch
The Tanzania Startup Association (TSA) is set to unveil key findings from its Ecosystem Status Report 2023. Founders and investors are invited to a virtual pre-launch event on March 27th (10:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.).
This follows a successful validation workshop on March 15th, during which key ecosystem stakeholders such as government representatives, startups, hubs, development partners, and capital providers provided feedback on the scope and findings of the report.
TSA, in collaboration with key public agencies, created the report to provide insights into funding trends, sector growth, and regulatory changes. Attendance at the upcoming pre-launch event will grant you early access to that valuable information.
You may also reconnect with Silicon Bongo's leaders and influencers. Registration for the virtual session is now open.
5. New Data Encourages Doing Business in Tanzania
The chief government spokesperson recently released data that painted a favorable picture of Tanzania's economic trajectory. GDP growth, for example, reached 5.2% by 2023. This is good news for entrepreneurs and investors because it indicates a healthy and expanding market for a diverse range of businesses.
TRA outperformed previous years' targets. Tax revenue totaled USD 7.5 billion from January 1 to March 20, 2024. The value of investments managed by the Treasury Registrar's Office also rose by 8.6% from USD 27.4 billion in 2021 to USD 29.7 trillion in 2023.
As a result, business activity is a major driver of Tanzania's economic growth. Between March 2021 and March 2024, the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) registered 1,188 projects totaling USD 15 billion in value and 345,464 jobs created. The government has also increased its ownership of the Williamson Diamonds company from 25% to 37%. In addition, it has signed non-transferable joint venture (JV) agreements with mining companies to acquire a 16% stake.
Tanzania has also invested heavily in infrastructure. 75.2% of Tanzania's villages (9,259 out of 12,318) have access to clean water, thanks to 213 urban water and sanitation projects that cost USD 189 million and serve 6.2 million people. The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has connected 5,481 villages, bringing the total number of electrified villages to 11,843—or 96.14% of all villages nationwide.
Further, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stand at USD 5.4 billion, enough to cover 4.5 months of imports. Over the last three years, USD 359 million has been invested in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities by local government authorities (LGAs).
These developments provide fertile ground for those seeking a stable and promising market in which to conduct business.
BONUS
Neurotech, a conversational intelligence startup based in Dar, hosted its sixth generative AI meetup on March 23.