Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Tanzania has set its sights on becoming a continental leader in data protection and the digital economy, according to government officials.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Dar es Salaam, Mr. Mohamed Mashaka, the Director of ICT Systems Development at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, said the country is working on a strong national data governance framework that aligns with global standards.
“We are creating systems that protect personal data, improve transparency, and encourage innovation,” Mr. Mashaka told a gathering of local and international experts.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from government, academia, the private sector, and civil society to review Tanzania’s draft Data Governance Framework—a key step in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and legal protections.
The initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader digital transformation agenda, which includes:
Developing a comprehensive Data Protection Law
Supporting the growth of digital services
Ensuring citizen privacy
Attracting foreign investment in tech and innovation
Mr. Mashaka said that responsible data management is now a national priority and essential for economic growth, cybersecurity, and regional integration.
With the rise of digital services—from mobile money to online education—data has become one of the most valuable resources in the modern economy. However, this growth also brings risks such as cybercrime, identity theft, and unregulated data sharing.
Tanzania’s new framework aims to tackle these challenges by:
Setting clear rules for data collection, storage, and sharing
Promoting digital trust
Encouraging responsible innovation
Tanzania’s ambition to lead in data governance comes at a time when many African nations are adopting digital strategies to boost public service delivery and drive private sector growth.
By building robust data protection laws and policies, Tanzania hopes to:
Become a trusted partner for international tech companies
Support cross-border data flows under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Empower its citizens in the digital age
“Data is the new oil. If we manage it well, it will transform our economy,” said one government official at the event.
The Ministry is expected to finalize the Data Governance Framework by the end of 2025 after gathering feedback from stakeholders. The final document will guide how public and private institutions handle data in Tanzania.
It will also pave the way for legal reforms, including a long-awaited Data Protection and Privacy Bill, which many digital rights activists and businesses have been calling for.
Tanzania is making bold moves to become a digital leader in Africa, focusing on data governance and digital innovation. With strategic policies in the works, the country is preparing for a future where technology plays a central role in economic development and everyday life.
