The country’s digital infrastructure – which includes submarine internet cables, the ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) and the roll-out of 4G – has created a wealth of job opportunities for Tanzanians. From engineers to wakala owners and technicians, the range of jobs created by the industry has had a tangible economic impact at the individual level.
It is not only in job creation, but more directly throughout ambitious investments that the telecom sector has also had a real impact. The sector has so far invested over TZS6 trillion in the country, in areas including network improvements as well as the roll-out of 4G. These investments have allowed for improvements to a sector that is vital to the economic future of our country.
Companies such as Tigo have also created specific initiatives to encourage business and economic growth in the country. Tigo Business is a service which has been tailored specifically for businesses of all sizes in Tanzania, providing a comprehensive service for internet connectivity, cloud data storage and voice solutions.
Through job creation, business initiatives and direct investment in critical infrastructure, the industry has supported the economic growth of the country which continues to be recognised by major global institutions. According to the World Bank, Tanzania’s overall Ease of Doing Business Score has increased steadily from 49.7 per cent in 2015 to 54.5 in 2020.
Growth like this means as a country we have consolidated recent progress, helping the country reach the ambitious national target of becoming a lower-middle-income economy five years ahead of schedule.
As we look ahead to what 2021 holds, we must recognise the industries that have supported the country’s growth over recent years. We must continue to work closely with the telco industry and encourage regulation that supports efficiency and business operations. Working together, we can ensure that the telecoms sector continues to drive economic growth.
John Hinju,
UDBS.
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