The Government has called on young graduates across the country to take full advantage of opportunities created by rapid changes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national economic growth.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the 11th graduation ceremony of the Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre (EASTC), held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Deputy Minister for Finance Laurent Deogratius Luswetula said technological transformation is reshaping economies and public service delivery both globally and in Africa.
He said the ongoing digital shift, widely known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has significantly changed production systems and the way services are delivered, with digital platforms now playing a central role in key sectors of the economy.
Mr Luswetula noted that areas such as e-commerce, online education and modern, technology-driven agriculture have expanded rapidly, creating new opportunities for employment, innovation and market access.
He said digital systems are now widely used to monitor production processes, improve quality and enhance the marketing of agricultural produce and livestock in both domestic and international markets.
The Deputy Minister urged graduates and young professionals to strengthen their ability to respond to challenges associated with digital transformation and to turn those challenges into opportunities for improving efficiency, expanding markets and competing effectively in the labour market.
He also encouraged young people in the private sector, including students, graduates and those already employed, to invest in the development of digital business models and innovative solutions within their areas of work.
Mr Luswetula said government education policies place strong emphasis on nurturing creativity, innovation and productivity, with the aim of enabling young people to create jobs and become self-reliant.
He added that continued improvements in policies and laws, including those governing intellectual property rights and access to finance, are intended to support innovation and entrepreneurship across different sectors.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of EASTC Rector Dr Tumaini Katunzi, the institution’s Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs, Research and Consultancy, Dr Indiale Kaaya, said the college successfully implemented its teaching, research and consultancy responsibilities during the 2024/2025 academic year.
He said the institution introduced a new undergraduate programme in Actuarial Science and has expanded the delivery of its courses through online and distance learning systems to respond to changing trends in higher education.
Dr Kaaya added that EASTC continues to invest in data science and ICT expertise to keep pace with rapid digitalisation and the growing use of artificial intelligence in training and research.
He commended the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, for its sustained support, which has enabled the institution to operate effectively for six decades. He said EASTC currently serves about 19 countries across the African continent.
Dr Kaaya also noted that the institution marked its 60th anniversary on August 30, 2025, describing the milestone as a reflection of strong cooperation between the Government and member states.
A total of 312 graduates were awarded various qualifications during the ceremony, including postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, advanced diplomas and diplomas in fields such as official statistics, agricultural statistics, business and economic statistics, and data science.