A robust connection between manufacturing, digital technology, and key economic sectors such as agriculture and the blue economy is crucial for Tanzania’s economic growth, especially with its population projected to reach 100 million within the next decade. This integration is expected to enhance productivity, add value across sectors, and unlock the country’s export potential in high-value markets like the European Union.
Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank, emphasized the need for Tanzania to adopt a different approach to satisfy the needs of its growing population. With the population expected to surge from over 60 million to 100 million in the next 10 to 15 years, the country faces increasing pressure on its resources. Maharaj suggests that low-cost, high-impact technologies and expanded manufacturing can boost productivity and value addition, addressing the challenges posed by this population growth.
Maharaj highlighted that manufacturing, as a key driver of value addition, can enable Tanzania to access high-value international markets. This, in turn, creates more jobs and opportunities compared to the trade of raw products. He encouraged the government to leverage its growing population, educational base, and strong sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy to support the widespread establishment of factories across the country.
The recently launched Tanzania’s Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) report calls for replacing traditional agricultural and blue economy practices with climate-smart technologies. These include mobile applications to connect farmers with markets, drones, climate forecasting tools, remote sensing, augmented reality, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce post-harvest losses and increase yields. Maharaj stressed the importance of applying digital technology to existing sectors to improve what is already in place.
The report also emphasizes the need for low-cost, high-impact technologies to enhance marine resources, including improving seaweed farming efficiency. With Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline stretching over 1,400 kilometres, advancements in fisheries technologies could significantly boost food supply and trade, while expanding related economic opportunities. For instance, technologies that could halve the maturation time of tilapia cultivated through aquaculture from six months to just three are proposed in the report.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Shaaban Ali Othman, stated that the report aligns with national priorities under the upcoming National Development Vision and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050. These visions emphasize science and technology for enhancing production and creating decent jobs. Othman noted that agriculture employs over 65 per cent of the workforce, contributes about 30 per cent of GDP, generates 25 per cent of foreign currency earnings, and supplies over 60 per cent of raw materials.
The findings of the report are in line with Tanzania’s 10/30 agenda, which targets a 10 per cent annual growth rate for agribusiness by 2030. The report addresses capability gaps across fisheries, aquaculture, marine resources including seaweed farming, and the need for skills development among coastal communities to modernise production. Prepared by the Tanzania Deep Fishing Authority (TDFA), the International Seabed Authority (ISA), and the United Nations Technology Bank, the report forms a foundation for long-term collaboration between the UN Technology Bank and the government to harness identified needs and opportunities.
UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, Shigeki Komatsubara, said the TNA aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 on Innovation, Industry, and Infrastructure. He pledged UN support to implement the recommendations through strategic partnerships, including capacity building for local communities to practice smart climate agriculture.
This strategic focus on integrating technology and manufacturing with key economic sectors presents a significant opportunity for Tanzania to accelerate its economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its citizens. By leveraging its strong sectors and adopting innovative technologies, Tanzania can enhance productivity, create jobs, and access high-value international markets.