By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam, July 2026 — Tanzania’s Library Services Board has stepped up efforts to expand access to information and knowledge through a nationwide digital library platform designed to reach users from major cities to ward-level communities across the country.
Speaking at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), Director of Library Services Operations Dr Rehema C. Ndumbaro said the institution is implementing an Integrated National Digital Library System aimed at modernising library services and making them more accessible to citizens both inside and outside Tanzania.
The platform forms part of a broader strategy to digitise library services and respond to growing demand for information in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
"We have improved our services and brought them into the digital space. Our goal is to make information and library resources accessible to a larger population both within and beyond the country," Dr Ndumbaro said.
The board is encouraging government institutions, schools, universities, research centres and private organisations to register on the system and contribute publications and information resources that can benefit a wider audience.
According to Dr Ndumbaro, the digital platform will complement the country's community library network by extending access to information at ward level, helping bridge information gaps in rural and underserved areas.
"The needs of citizens continue to evolve as technology advances. Through this system, we will be able to reach more people more efficiently and ensure that knowledge is available where it is needed most," she said.
She noted that the platform could support a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, research and industry, by providing easier access to publications, market information, research findings and professional knowledge.
Dr Ndumbaro urged public and private institutions to share their publications, research outputs and information materials through the digital library network, saying wider dissemination of knowledge would help improve productivity, innovation and economic opportunities across communities.
She added that research institutions and organisations generating knowledge in areas such as agriculture, business and technology have an important role to play in ensuring valuable information reaches citizens who can use it to improve their livelihoods and economic activities.
The Library Services Board currently operates library services across regions, districts and divisions, and plans to further strengthen access at community level through the expanded digital platform.
The initiative is expected to support learning, research, entrepreneurship and informed decision-making while promoting greater access to knowledge for all Tanzanians.
