The Senior Assistant Commissioner and Head of ICT and Statistics at the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), Harold Chipanha, has commended the agency’s remarkable strides in digital transformation showcased at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) this year.
Speaking during his visit to the TFS pavilion over the weekend, Chipanha expressed his satisfaction with how TFS is leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance service delivery to citizens and stakeholders in the forestry sector.
He emphasized that these innovations are in line with directives from the Sixth Phase Government urging all public institutions to adopt digital tools to ease access to public services.
One of the standout technologies, according to Chipanha, is the satellite-based forest fire monitoring system.
The system enables real-time detection and reporting of forest fires, allowing swift response and accurate information-sharing with relevant institutions tasked with forest protection and conservation.
“This system allows TFS to provide timely and accurate data. It’s a significant achievement worth commending as it plays a crucial role in preventing forest degradation caused by wildfires,” said Chipanha.
During the tour, Chipanha also visited the Ecotourism section where he was impressed by the e-Misitu digital platform.
The innovation allows users to conveniently book forest tourism activities using their mobile phones. He noted that the system is a clear demonstration of TFS’s commitment to aligning with the government’s agenda of delivering efficient digital services.
In addition to fire monitoring and tourism platforms, Chipanha lauded TFS’s innovative approach to forest honey production and marketing.
The honey, branded Misitu Honey, is sold through the Government e-Payment Gateway, offering traceability and quality assurance through a digital Honey Traceability System.
“The quality of this honey is verified at every stage. This traceability system confirms its authenticity and makes it easier to track the entire value chain, which builds market trust and increases the value of our forest products,” he added.
Chipanha encouraged citizens and stakeholders to take full advantage of the digital services offered by TFS for safer, more efficient access to forest-related products and services.
The 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair is scheduled to conclude on July 13, 2025. As the event draws closer to its climax, more government officials and institutional leaders continue to visit to witness firsthand the digital innovations public agencies like TFS are employing to promote both the digital economy and sustainable environmental conservation.