Government moves to strengthen cybersecurity and expand ICT infrastructure in 2026/27 budget

By The Respondents Reporter

The Government has outlined major plans to strengthen cybersecurity and expand information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in the 2026/2027 financial year, as part of efforts to match the fast-growing use of digital services in the country.

The plans were presented on April 30, 2026 in Parliament in Dodoma by the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, during the tabling of the ministry’s budget estimates.

The government said the focus will be on protecting national digital systems from rising cyber threats, while also improving ICT infrastructure to support efficient public services and a growing digital economy.

Minister Kairuki told Parliament that the government is committed to ensuring that digital systems remain secure as cyber threats continue to evolve globally alongside increased use of technology in governance, business, and daily life.

As part of the measures, the ministry will train 80 government officials and 20 participants from the private sector on cybersecurity. 

The training is aimed at strengthening national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber risks. 

At the same time, public awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate citizens on safe and responsible use of digital platforms.

The government also plans to review the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 to align it with current technological developments and emerging security challenges. 

The review is expected to improve legal enforcement and strengthen protection against modern cyber threats.

In addition, a national system for monitoring and evaluating cybersecurity implementation will be introduced to ensure better coordination and accountability across institutions.

To further strengthen coordination, the government will establish a National Cybersecurity Committee that will bring together key stakeholders in the digital security ecosystem. 

The committee will support national efforts to prevent and respond to cyber incidents more effectively.

The government will also strengthen the Personal Data Protection Commission to enhance the protection of citizens’ personal information. 

This move is expected to boost public trust in digital services and encourage wider use of online government platforms.

On ICT infrastructure, the government will expand the National Broadband Strategy and implement a comprehensive ICT infrastructure master plan aimed at improving connectivity across the country.

A key priority will be upgrading the National Data Centre in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam. The upgrade is expected to improve data storage capacity, reliability, and security for government systems and digital services.

In efforts to improve public service delivery, the government will extend last-mile optical fibre connectivity to 100 justice, security, and law enforcement institutions, including courts, police stations, and prisons. 

The project is expected to enhance communication, coordination, and efficiency in service delivery.

In addition, modern video conferencing facilities will be installed and improved in 100 district offices nationwide. 

This initiative is expected to reduce travel costs, speed up communication, and improve efficiency in government operations.

The government said these investments demonstrate its commitment to building a secure, reliable, and inclusive digital system that supports national development, strengthens public institutions, and ensures citizens benefit from safe and efficient digital services.

Overall, the 2026/27 ICT budget reflects a strong focus on cybersecurity, improved connectivity, and digital transformation aimed at driving economic growth and improving service delivery to citizens across the country.

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