Tanzania has set out a clear and forward-looking strategy to harness technology and the energy of its youthful population as a central force in accelerating sustainable development.
Presenting the country’s position at the 59th session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York, Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa said the government is strengthening policies to ensure that technological progress delivers inclusive benefits across society.
He said technology, when effectively deployed, can transform economies and improve people’s lives, noting that Tanzania is aligning itself with global efforts to integrate innovation, research and human development.
A major focus of the strategy is the country’s youthful population. Mchengerwa described young people as a powerful asset capable of driving inclusive economic growth, stressing that sustained investment in education, skills and employment is critical to unlocking this potential.
He said population issues remain firmly embedded in national development priorities, guided by long-term frameworks such as the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and the Third Five-Year Development Plan, which are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals under the United Nations.
Tanzania has also made steady progress in expanding its digital infrastructure, including the rollout of the National ICT Broadband Backbone and the implementation of the Digital Tanzania Project.
These initiatives have improved access to online public services and strengthened digital literacy, particularly in underserved rural communities.
The minister highlighted the growing role of data in shaping policy decisions, pointing to the successful 2022 Population and Housing Census and ongoing improvements in civil registration systems as key milestones.
In the health sector, the government is advancing universal health coverage through the Universal Health Insurance Act of 2023, while adopting digital solutions such as telemedicine to improve access and efficiency in service delivery.
Efforts are also being stepped up to improve maternal and child health services, with increased investment in safe childbirth and emergency care.
On gender equality, Tanzania continues to implement measures to curb gender-based violence and expand opportunities for women, including in science and technology sectors.
At the global level, the country called for stronger international collaboration, particularly in technology transfer, to ensure that developing nations are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital era.
