TANZANIA LEADS THE WAY IN AI ADOPTION FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES

By Kelvin Kanje, Tanzania Information Services Dept- Kigali, Rwanda

At the Global AI Summit on Africa 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, Tanzania highlighted its efforts to use AI in public services. The country was represented by Hon. Prof. Adolf Mkenda, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, and Hon. Jerry Silaa, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, on behalf of President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Speaking during the Ministerial Roundtable convened by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI)—a high-level discussion bringing together African government leaders and top tech innovators to explore the future of governance in the AI era—Hon. Jerry Silaa emphasized Tanzania’s significant strides in leveraging AI for the justice system. He was joined by Dr. Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, Director General of the ICT Commission (ICTC), who reinforced Tanzania’s commitment to AI-driven transformation across sectors.

"AI is already transforming Tanzania’s legal sector. The Judiciary has developed a specialized Swahili large language model that assists in legal advisory services, helping to reduce human error and streamline judicial processes. This innovation marks a major step in making justice more accessible and efficient for Tanzanians," said Minister Silaa.

He also highlighted groundbreaking developments in the healthcare sector, stating, "Experts at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) are set to begin performing brain surgeries using advanced AI and robotics technology known as brain neuro-navigation. This cutting-edge innovation will improve precision in surgical procedures, ultimately enhancing healthcare services in Tanzania."

The summit, organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda (C4IR) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, focused on the theme "AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce." It brought together over 1,000 participants from 95 countries, including heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, innovators, and academics.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame stressed the importance of AI in reducing inequalities and fostering development. "African countries should go back to the drawing board and build a strong foundation for connectivity. Let's continue working together, driving AI to reduce inequality, and allowing more and more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver to all of us," he said.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), also participated in the discussions, co-chairing the Smart Africa Steering Committee. She remarked, "The window is opening for Africa to realize a demographic dividend by 2050. ITU is here to support the digital opportunities vital to this exciting prospect!"

With AI-driven solutions already taking shape in Tanzania’s judiciary, healthcare, and governance, the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in harnessing emerging technologies to drive public sector innovation and economic transformation.

Other notable attendees at the inaugural event included H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of the Republic of Togo , H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Kenya.