The Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki (MP), has emphasized the importance of including persons with disabilities in digital skills development programmes, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to ensure equal opportunities in the digital economy.
Kairuki made the remarks during the Sixth Ordinary Meeting of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and Information and Communication Technology (STC-CICT-6), held from October 29–30, 2026, in Libreville, Gabon.
The meeting, held under the theme “Africa’s Digital Future, Africa’s Voice: Advancing Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Shaping Africa’s Narrative,” aims to strengthen cooperation among African Union Member States in promoting innovation, digital inclusion and Africa’s role in technological advancement, while ensuring that no group is left behind.
Minister Kairuki further stressed that digital inclusion should be integrated at every stage, from policy formulation and programme development to project implementation.
This includes ensuring access to training materials, the use of assistive technologies and the development of accessible digital systems that cater to the needs of all people.
She also emphasized the need to ensure that youth and women empowerment programmes take into account the needs of persons with disabilities, enabling them to benefit equally from training, employment and innovation opportunities arising from technological advancements.
During the meeting, Tanzania reaffirmed its support for efforts to strengthen regional digital infrastructure, expand access to communication services and promote the safe and responsible use of emerging technologies.