ARUSHA: THE Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has pledged to speed up the formulation of a nationwide coverage on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spur technological innovation and improve digital literacy amongst younger Tanzanians.
The dedication was made by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Science and Technology, Dr Harun Makandi, who opened the National Artificial Intelligence Conference (NAIC 2026) in Arusha yesterday on behalf of the sector Minister, Professor Adolf Mkenda.
Dr Makandi stated the AI coverage improvement course of is presently on the draft stage and that the ministry is dedicated to fast-tracking it so as to set up a complete coverage framework.
“We want to strengthen the capacity of young people and educational institutions in the use of various modern technologies to enhance skills, knowledge and nurture innovation among the youth,” stated Dr Makandi. He added that the convention is predicted to generate suggestions that can contribute to the formulation of a strong coverage on the usage of AI and QR Codes.
“Through this conference, we also expect to receive recommendations that will help us develop a strong policy framework on the use of Artificial Intelligence and QR Codes,” he stated. Dr Makandi famous that AI coverage frameworks in Tanzania and the broader East African area are nonetheless underdeveloped, though the nation has made progress in insurance policies associated to infrastructure and schooling.
“That is why last year there was a presentation of AI guidelines, and now we want the process to move forward so that it contributes to a strong policy framework for the use of AI and QR Codes,” he stated. He stated the federal government’s goal is to strengthen the capability of youth and academic establishments in the usage of fashionable applied sciences to promote competence, data and innovation.
According to him, AI and QR Codes are more and more vital for the expansion of sectors comparable to agriculture, transport, well being and schooling.
Dr Makandi stated AI can assist farmers use acceptable assets, comparable to crop-specific fertilisers, thereby bettering agricultural productiveness.
He additionally famous that QR Codes allow agricultural merchandise and different items to be precisely tracked by clients from totally different places earlier than making buying selections.
“In education, artificial intelligence can be used as a teaching tool to improve learning and the delivery of education, enable faster learning and facilitate education beyond the classroom. When used ethically, AI can help people acquire reliable and quality knowledge,” he stated.
He additional urged convention contributors to develop methods for utilizing AI to create Kiswahili language fashions geared toward increasing the language’s use, integrating it with different languages, and selling Kiswahili in Tanzania, throughout Africa and past, whereas additionally serving to handle key nationwide improvement challenges.
Dr Makandi emphasised that combining AI with human intelligence can unlock main achievements and due to this fact known as for the moral use of the expertise.
He warned that whereas QR Codes and AI are vital instruments for improvement, failure to observe moral requirements might create vital social challenges.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Scan Code Tanzania, Faustine Mgimba, stated QR Codes and AI can assist Tanzanians enhance service supply, broaden enterprise alternatives and improve operational effectivity in each private and non-private establishments.
He stated the world is present process a serious digital transformation, with AI and QR Code applied sciences reshaping life and actions starting from commerce to monetary providers and on-line enterprise.
“Tanzania has a great opportunity to become a hub of innovation and technology in Africa because it has created a conducive environment that stimulates technological growth for the benefit of society as a whole,” stated Mgimba.
He stated the convention was organised to present a nationwide platform for exchanging data and experiences, constructing the capability of youth and professionals, strengthening nationwide collaboration, and discussing insurance policies, techniques and sensible functions of QR Codes and AI.
“That is why this conference has been organised to create a national platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, build the capacity of youth and professionals, strengthen national cooperation, and discuss policies, systems and the use of QR Codes and AI,” he added.