Support to information society and development of ICT sector in Tanzania

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The overall objective of the information society and ICT-sector development project (TANZICT) is to enhance Tanzania’s socio-economic development in accordance with national development strategies and national vision 2025 by strengthening national sector guidance and coordination as well as science- , technology- and innovation capacity and public –private sector cooperation. The project started in 2011. The project purpose is, on the one hand, to facilitate revision of the government’s ICT policy and strengthening of the capacity of the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology of Tanzania (MCST) and national institutions and, on the other hand, strengthening of the business environment in Tanzania especially from a perspective of technology enterprises and innovations. Practical innovation solutions will be developed within the framework of the innovation program. Project’s mid-term review was carried out in 2013. The mid-term review brought out that the components related to the revision of government’s ICT-policy and strengthening of the ministry had faced problems and delays, but the innovation component had instead progressed well and produced significant results. Innovation spaces have been created for young technology entrepreneurs, which has promoted generation of well-functioning entrepreneur communities. Community based innovation activity has also got off a good start in six regions as well as business incubator activity and cooperation with the most important universities in Tanzania. The mid-term review found that the project had also promoted the IT-skills, entrepreneurship and innovation of vulnerable groups (women, disabled, youth, unemployed, and representatives of the remote and poor communities). The mid-term review recommended additional funding for the innovation component in order to increase its impact further. The objective of the additional funding is to apply well-functioning concepts of Finland’s innovation system more broadly in Tanzania, increase support to women entrepreneurs, Living Lab centers and innovation spaces. The revision of ICT-policy and strengthening of the capacity of the Ministry are progressing again after delays. The original budget for the project is 5 million euros. Additional funding is 0,8 million euros. The project period is 2011-15. Main actors: MCST, COSTECH, universities, civil society organizations and private enterprises. Support services : Niras Finland Oy.