Tanzania Signs Deal with China’s CECIS to Boost Digital Economy and ICT Sector

On 21^st October 2024, Tanzania signed a deal with the China Electronics Communication Industry Service (CECIS) to support investment and training in the country’s ICT sector.

This will pave the way for over 600 Chinese computer and electronics companies to enter the Tanzanian market.

The deal signed in Dar es Salaam by Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Hon. Mohammed Khamis Abdulla, and CECIS’ Chairman, Guo Zhaoping, was witnessed by Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Information, Communications, and Information Technology, Hon. Engineer Maryprisca Mahundi.

Deputy Minister Mahundi underscored the partnership’s role in equipping Tanzanian youth with essential ICT skills, aligning with the government’s vision for the country’s digital economy.

She highlighted: “These agreements result from President Samia’s recent visit to China. This company is a cybersecurity specialist, and their knowledge will allow young people to learn, as we need more ICT experts in the country.”

On his part, Abdulla emphasized that the partnership with CECIS will create valuable opportunities for Tanzanians in skill-building and employment, supported by policies and legal frameworks that protect and encourage investors.

He highlighted that Tanzania’s membership in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) opens a market of over 600 million people, which is a major advantage for potential investors.

In his remarks, Guo Zhaoping affirmed that the investment aligns with the principles of both Tanzania and China and aims to foster growth within the digital economy.

Zhaoping highlighted: “Our company invests in five key areas, including the computer and cybersecurity sector. Alongside business activities, we aim to promote digital economic growth between our countries and others. Here in Tanzania, we will operate in line with local needs.”

The Director General of Tanzania’s ICT Commission, Dr. Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, also shared plans to attract more global electronic companies to Tanzania.

He announced that Tanzania will host a major African exhibition on computer and electronics manufacturing in 2025, with his Ministry, through the ICT Commission, leading the organization of the event.

Tanzania China Relations

China is Tanzania’s largest trading partner and investor. China is the leading source of FDI in Tanzania.

In 2021 alone, Chinese FDI inflows amounted to US$ 101.7 million, emphasizing China’s ongoing commitment to investing in Tanzania’s economic development.

As of February 2024, the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)  registered 1,274  Chinese projects valued at approximately US$ 11.4 billion, creating an estimated 149,759 jobs across various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services.