Country Profile on AI Governance: Tanzania

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 1.56 · all 54 states mean 1.76.

1. S1.1

   National AI strategy existence

   Score 2 / 4

   Tanzania is in the initial stages of developing a General AI Strategy. No general AI Policy yet, but the AI Policy Framework for the Health Sector 2022 and the Education Sector prepared the guidelines for AI in education to address the industry/sector-specific needs

   Note: The Ministry of Science and Technology has prepared and launched the National Guidelines for AI in Education and Tanzania's National Digital Educational Strategy on the use of AI in education in 2024. The Ministry of Health has prepared the Policy on Health 2022. The government is in the final stages of completing the AI Strategy.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

2. S1.2

   Strategy adoption date

   Score 0 / 4

   N/A

   Note: Not yet adopted

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: none (adoption date). No formally adopted national AI strategy.

   Sources arifa.org (opens in a new tab)

3. S1.3

   Political commitment signals

   Score 4 / 4

   By the Presidents in inagurating Tanzania Development Vision 2050, Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 & the Tanzania Digital Economy Strategy Framework 224-2034, under the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, both refer to AI for job creation, industrialization, improved service delivery, while ensuring data security, ethical, cultural, and linguistic issues.

   Note: The Vision 2050 in Mainland and the Vision 2050 in Zanzibar provide a roadmap for the development towards 2050. The vision also emphasises digital technology with reference to culture, ethics, and linguistics. The private sector also holds consultation meetings on AI, focusing on different angles, both aimed at developing a better, more inclusive AI strategy and AI Policy.

   Sources thecitizen.co.tz (opens in a new tab)

4. S1.4

   Dedicated AI budget allocation

   Score 2 / 4

   No specific information was obtained regarding the AI budget alone, but the Ministry of Communication and Technology & the entities dealing with AI have annual budgets to implement their functions.

   Note: No specific information obtained, but the Ministry of Communication and Technology and all entities dealing with AI have budgets to implement activities within their respective duties if they have identified AI as an area for implementation in the specific year. For example, we assume that the ICT Commission, the Commission on Data Protection, the Communications and Regulatory Authority, etc., since they are already working on AI, then they ought to have the budgets.

   Sources deloitte.com (opens in a new tab)

5. S1.5

   AU Continental AI Strategy alignment

   Score 3 / 4

   Aligning with major global and regional frameworks (page

   Note: Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, with a clear focus on aligning with major global and regional frameworks to foster ethical, inclusive, and innovative AI development to support socio-economic goals, such as improving healthcare, agriculture, finance, education, and governance.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

6. S1.6

   Multi-stakeholder consultation

   Score 3 / 4

   The report on the AI Readiness Assessment involved Academia, industry, the public sector, and civil society across three different regions: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar (Mainland and Zanzibar). Launched during the 14th Africa Internet Governance Forum: Empowering Africa's Digital Future from 29 - 31 May 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

   Note: Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication Zanzibar and the ICT Commission coordinated the assesment through UNESCO. UNESCO handled the report to the Minister of Communication, Information and TEchnology (Currently the Ministry of Communication and Technology)

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

7. S1.7

   Sector prioritisation

   Score 3 / 4

   No Strategy yet, but the Report on the AI Readiness Assessment focuses on Social and Cultural, Scientific and Education, Economic and and Technical and infrastructure. The report provides for Priority sectors specifically as follows: "Priority Sectors: Stakeholders identified several sectors for targeted AI implementation, including healthcare (diagnostic support systems), agriculture (remote sensing, disease prediction), education (student performance prediction), cultural heritage (traditional storytelling preservation), and tourism (personalized recommendation systems)".

   Note: No Strategy yet, but the Report on the AI Readiness Assessment focuses on Social and Cultural: Diversity, inclusion and equity; public engagement and trust, environmental and sustainability policies; health and social well-being; culture including creative industries and linguistics. On Scientific and Education: research and innovation & education. Economic: AI in private sector. Technical and infrastructure: Infrastructure and connectivity; applied standards, computer infrastructure.

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

8. S1.8

   Implementation roadmap

   Score 0 / 4

   No strategy inplace. These should be considered and incorporated in the strategy.

   Note: No information

9. S1.9

   Monitoring and evaluation framework

   Score 0 / 4

   No strategy inplace. These should be considered and incorporated in the strategy.

   Note: No information

10. S1.10

    Strategy review mechanism

    Score 0 / 4

    No strategy inplace. These should be considered and incorporated in the strategy.

    Note: No information

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 1.28 · all 54 states mean 1.32.

1. G2.1

   AI-specific legislation

   Score 2 / 4

   No AI-specific legislation has been enacted as of 6 June 2026. Various reports, including UNESCO's and Tanzania Media Convergence's, provide insights into the policies, laws, and institutional frameworks supporting AI.

   Note: No specific AI legislation but the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania 1977 as amended from time to time, the Data Protection Act 2022, Cyber Crimes Act 2015, The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act CAP 218 RE 2023 and Copyright Act Zanizbar 20023 and the Taznania DigitalEconomy Strategic Framework 2024-2034 and the Vision for Development 2050 recognises issues on digital transformation.

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

2. G2.2

   Data protection law status

   Score 4 / 4

   Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), Act No. 11 of 2022) applied in Mainland and Zanzibar. In Zanzibar the application is on union matters only.

   Note: Established the Data Protection Commission which is fully operational

   Sources oagmis.oag.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

3. G2.3

   DPA AI mandate

   Score 3 / 4

   The PDPA has no explicit mandate for AI oversight.

   Note: DPA exists, fully implemented, but no provision on the AI mandate. Section 7 (f) of the PDPA providiong for functions of the Commission, the Commission can use the mandate of undertaking research and monitoring technological developments in data processing to extend to AI. Although explicit provision is needed

   Sources oagmis.oag.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

4. G2.4

   DPA staffing and budget

   Score 3 / 4

   No publicly disclosed data on the PDPA full-time staff count, but the annual budget, including staff salaries, is provided in the Ministry of Communication and Telecommunication Budget 2026/2027. The Ministry’s 2026/27 budget increased to support all institutions dealing with ICT governance including PDPC, ICT COmmission, TCRA etc to for digital regulation. The Ministry’s 2026/27 budget speech highlights increased allocations for: Data protection implementation, Cybersecurity and digital trust, Digital public services and ICT regulatory strengthening

   Note: No publicly disclosed data on the number of staffing, but due to the availability of the fully functional Commission, the Commission's budget is found on pages 55 of the Ministry of Communication and Technology

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources pdpc.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

5. G2.5

   AI regulatory body existence

   Score 1 / 4

   No dedicated AI governance body or council exists as of 7 June 2026. The Strategy and Policy Drafts will propose the body set up. The Report on AI readiness proposes an the establishment of a fully fledged AI governance body. PDPC and ICTC are currently handling AI related matters

   Note: The Ministry of Communication and Technology, the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Communication, Zanzibar, and the ICT Commission are coordinating the preparation of the AI policy and strategy. But the Readiness report also recommends establishing an independent body.

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

6. G2.6

   Institutional design model

   Score 2 / 4

   The Commission currently handles all data governance issues, presumably including those related to AI.

   Note: The PDPC and ICTS currently handle matters related to data governance issues, presumably including those related to AI and ICT-related issues, respectively. It will be better to have explicit provisions and a design model for AI. But having the institutional framework is an excellent progress towards implementing data governance in AI. The Ministry of Communication and Technology, the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Communication, Zanzibar, and the ICT Commission are the ones coordinating the preparation of the AI policy and strategy.

   Sources oagmis.oag.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

7. G2.7

   Malabo Convention ratification

   Score 2 / 4

   No, Tanzania has not signed or ratified the Malabo Convention (the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection) but has the PDPA 2022 for the data protection.

   Note: Not signed, not ratified, but has the law and a fully functional institution in place.

   Sources au.int (opens in a new tab)

8. G2.8

   Enforcement actions taken

   Score 3 / 4

   No specific AI case but there are issues on Data Protection: Tito Magoti vs. Attorney General (Misc. Civil Cause No. 18 of 2023) [2024] TZHC 1939, High Court of Tanzania chalenging the constitutionality of some provisions in the PDPA on collection of data and consent violating privacy rights. The Court sriked down ambiguous closes and directed the amendment of the provisions. Another issue is on Complaint No. PDPC/CMP/002/2025 (Personal Data Protection Commission) on posting a new born baby's picture without the parents consent, the court rulled that it was not proper to post without the parent's consent. MultiChoice (T) Ltd vs. Alphonce Felix Simbu and 2 Others (Commercial Division of the High Court) using a athlets image rights without consent, the court affirmed on image and privacy rights, AI and Data in the judiciary

   Note: Although the cases and issues are not directly related to AI but the cases are relevant on data protection and how the technology and data can be used and misused.

   Sources bowmanslaw.com (opens in a new tab)

9. G2.9

   Extraterritorial provisions

   Score 3 / 4

   Section 31, 32 and 36 of The DPPA affects foreign AI by goverening automated data processing that grants Tanzanian citizens the right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing such as AI algorithms. It also offer provisions on strict boarder data flow restrictions

   Note: Sections 31, 32, and 36 of The DPPA affect foreign AI by governing automated data processing that grants Tanzanian citizens the right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing, such as AI algorithms.

   Sources oagmis.oag.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

10. G2.10

    IP framework for AI

    Score 2 / 4

    No evidence that Tanzania Copyright Office, Copyright Office of Zanzibar, Business Registrations and Licensing Agency, or Zanzibar Business and Property Registrations (Offices dealing with Intellectual Property) have reviewed the laws to include AI. The only law that includes intellectual property in the cyber space is the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.

    Note: No information on the update of IP laws to include AI. The laws that address intellectual property in cyberspace are the Cyber Crimes Act 2015, the Copyright and Neighboring Rights 2023 (Mainland), and the Copyright Act 2003 (Zanzibar), which relate to Technological Protection Measures. The existence of full-functioning intellectual property offices and laws will enable the amendments and implementation of AI-related issues in IP.

    Sources e-governancehub.ru (opens in a new tab)

Mean of the 9 scored indicators; 1 carries no score. East Africa mean 1.54 · all 54 states mean 1.51.

No score: 1 context only.

1. I3.1

   Data center count

   Score 3 / 4

   National Internet Data Center (NIDC), Seacom, Yas Salasala, Wingu Africa, Vodacom Mbezi Beach, Vodacom Dar es Salaam, Raxio Dar es Salaam, Airtel Tanzania, Vodacom, Flashnet Tanzania, Aptus solutions Data Center and Vodacom Dodoma Data Center

   Note: There are 11 data Centers in Tanzania. 10 are based in Dar es Salaam and 1 in Dodoma. The Government Data Center is the National Internet Data Center

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 11 (data centres).

   Sources datacentermap.com (opens in a new tab)

2. I3.2

   Data center capacity (MW)

   Score 2 / 4

   No specific report on the data center capacity but the Tanzania Data Center Market Briefing. A strategic overview of the data center investment opportunity in Tanzania A Xalam Analytics Country Report July 2025

   Note: 11 Data Centers, The report states on “early-stage” with small-scale deployments dominating. 6MW Raxio

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value read from the evidence: "6MW Raxio" [single facility only; no national total stated]. Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

   Sources cms.d4dhub.eu (opens in a new tab)

3. I3.3

   Submarine cable landing points

   Score 3 / 4

   Dar es Salaam 1 with 5 submarine cables and Mtwara 1 cable. In Dar es Salaam there are 2Africa RFS 2024, SEACOM/Tata TGN-Eurasia RFS 2009, Eastern Africa Submarine System (EASSy) RFS 2010, Djibouti Africa Regional Express 1 (DARE 1) RFS 2021, and Seychelles to East Africa System (SEAS) RFS 2012.

   Note: Facilitates international connectivity

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. 5 cable systems (TeleGeography, accessed 2026-10-06).

   Sources geocables.com (opens in a new tab)

4. I3.4

   International bandwidth (Gbps)

   Score 3 / 4

   2.915 Tbps in March 2026 as provided for by the Communications Sector Performance Report Quarter ending March 2026 issued by the Tanzania communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA)

   Note: International internet capacity grew from 2,863 in Dec 2025 to 2,915 in March 2026

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. 2915 Gbps ÷ 68.56m = 42.52 Gbps per million.

   Sources tcra.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

5. I3.5

   Hyperscaler presence

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania Hyperscale Data Center Market (2025-2031) Outlook | Trends, Growth, Forecast, Analysis, Size, Industry, Share, Revenue, Companies & Value

   Note: Tanzania Hyperscale Data Center Market (2025-2031) Outlook | Trends, Growth, Forecast, Analysis, Size, Industry, Share, Revenue, Companies & Value

   Sources 6wresearch.com (opens in a new tab)

6. I3.6

   GPU/HPC access

   Score 3 / 4

   Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) Hosts a supercomputer (“PARAM Kilimanjaro”) Provides: HPC computing data analysis scientific simulation, Wingu Africa Tier III data center (~$50M investment), Tanzania’s digital shift gathers pace with $50 million data centre,NIDC (National Internet Data Center)

   Note: HPC resource in Tanzania found : NM - AIST and NIDC

   Sources hpc.nm-aist.ac.tz (opens in a new tab)

7. I3.7

   Data localisation provisions

   Score 4 / 4

   Section 5 of the Personal Data Protection Act, 2022 provides general framework on data localization requirements for data processing processed lawfully, fairly, transparently and securely; collected for explicit, specific, legitimate purposes and not further processed contrary to those purposes; accurate and kept up to date; adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is processed; kept in a form which identifies the data subjects and retain for as long as necessary; and not be transferred outside Tanzania, except in compliance with the PDPA.

   Note: Personal Data Protection Act No. 11 of 2023 and its regulations (Personal Data Protection (Personal Data Collection and Processing) Regulations, GN No. 449C of 2023) provides general framework on data localisation

   Sources bing.com (opens in a new tab)

8. I3.8

   Cross-border data flow framework

   Score 4 / 4

   Locally the Personal Data Protection Act No. 11 of 2023, and the Cybercrimes Act R.E. 2023 deals with how the data are processed, used etc. The PDPA also provides for provisions on crossboarder data transfer on issues related to adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses and informed consent and public interest

   Note: Personal Data Protection Act No. 11 of 2023 and its regulations (Personal Data Protection (Personal Data Collection and Processing) Regulations, GN No. 449C of 2023) and the Cybercrimes Act R.E. 2023 provides for the legal framework for cross boarder data transfer (Section 31 on transfers to countries with data protection laws and Section 32 without laws). Regulation 20 requires the permission to transfer data out of Tanzania.

   Sources bing.com (opens in a new tab)

9. I3.9

   Foreign AI surveillance spending

   ○Context only: Context flag outside the score

   No comprehensive report. Only the Tanzania plans to install 6,500 security cameras in four major cities worthy $145–145.2 million USD for the“Safe Cities” AI surveillance project (2024–2025), Tanzania, China Deepen Security Ties Amid Growing Surveillance Concerns

   Note: No comprehensive report. Only the Tanzania plans to install 6,500 security cameras in four major cities worthy $145–145.2 million USD for the“Safe Cities” AI surveillance project (2024–2025)

   Scoring basis Context flag; outside the score.

10. I3.10

    Sovereign cloud initiatives

    Score 3 / 4

    The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania and strategic partners, convened a national Validation Workshop for the Tanzania Electronic Data Governance Strategy (TZeDGS) on 12th March 2026 in Dodoma Tanzania

    Note: Different domestic computing initiatives are underway in cooperation with the government, private sectors and strategic partners

    Sources uneca.org (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 1.18 · all 54 states mean 1.20.

1. H4.1

   AI researchers per million

   Score 1 / 4

   No specific report on estimated number of AI researchers

   Note: No specific report on estimated number of AI researchers. The ICT Commission and the Personal Data Protection Commission and the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority and the Commission for Scienc and Technology may might have information. Private Sector Institutions like the Sahara Ventures, Tanzania Startups Association, DarasaTech als deals with researchers and innovators in different products including the ones related to AI

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

2. H4.2

   DPA staff with AI competency

   Score 1 / 4

   No public evidence on the staff with AI competency but the law allows the employment of staff per the need.

   Note: Personnal Data Protection Act 2022, Section 13.-(1) The Commission shall, subject to the laws governing public service, employ other officers and employees of such number as may be necessary for the effective discharge of the functions of the Commission. (2) The Commission may appoint consultants and experts in various disciplines on such terms and conditions as the Commission may determine.

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources pdpc.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

3. H4.3

   University AI programs

   Score 3 / 4

   University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM),Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), University of Dodoma (UDOM),Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA),Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), Tumaini University (Dar es Salaam), Ardhi University,tate University of Zanzibar (SUZA) and other institutins like Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Institute of Finance Management (IFM) (data science/analytics) Innovation hubs connected to universities/Commission of Science and Technology: Buni Innovation Hub (UDSM) Sahara Ventures and DTBi (Dar Teknohama Business Incubator)

   Note: Dealing with different ICT courses including AI. The most AI focusing ones are UDSM, NM-AIST and UDOM.

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources udsm.ac.tz (opens in a new tab)

4. H4.4

   African-authored AI publications

   Score 2 / 4

   In Policy: UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Report – Tanzania (2025), Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Power Perceptions and Possibilities in the Tanzanian Context, Tech & Media Convergency. In Education: Utilization of Educational Artificial Intelligence Tools in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania and the Challenges Encountered. A Literature Review, Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Institutions in Tanzania: Analysis of Policy Perspectives, Harnessing the Use of Artificial Intelligence among Higher Education Institutions in Tanzania: Challenges and Prospects, The Exploration of Artificial Intelligence Tools and Their Applications in Higher Education Institutions for Information Professionals in Tanzania, EVALUATING THE EXTENT OF ADOPTION AND INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CONTENT INTO COMPUTING CURRICULA IN HIGH EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN TANZANIA: A FOCUS ON THE DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES,Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Tanzania Secondary Schools. In health care: Leveraging AI to Enhance Healthcare Delivery in Tanzania: Innovations and Ethical Imperatives, A community-based AI and data science practicum: enhancing health information science education in Tanzania’s healthcare. In academia, research & institutions: Determinants of artificial intelligence use in research at higher learning institutions of Tanzania,Bridging the Gap between AI Tool Adoption and Institutional Readiness in Academic Writing and Review Practices among Higher Learning Institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In Media: ASSESSMENT OF THE ADOPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TECHNOLOGY IN NEWSROOM OPERATIONS AT MWANANCHI COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED AND TANZANIA STANDARD NEWSPAPERS, TANZANIA. Judiciary: Promotion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in East African Community (EAC) Justice Delivery: The Case of Tanzania. In Libraries: Artificial Intelligence Services at Academic Libraries in Tanzania: Awareness, Adoption and Prospects In Innovation and Startups: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN TANZANIA, WHAT'S HAPPENING and Disaster recovery.

   Note: Publications covering Policy, education, health, academia, research, ,edia, judiciary and startups

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. 87.3 papers/yr ÷ 68.56m people = 1.27 per million (floors applied).

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

5. H4.5

   AI patents filed

   Score 1 / 4

   No report on number of AI related patents filled domestically. The IP institutions in Mainland and Zanzibar are fully functional

   Note: The Institution in charge of registration of Patents (Business Registrations and Licensing Agency - BRELA) in mainland and Zanzibar Business and Property Registrations Authority (BPRA) are fully functional with the laws and regulations in place

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources brela.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

6. H4.6

   K-12 CS education

   Score 3 / 4

   Computer Science syllabus for secondary education (Form I–IV) 2023, NATIONAL DIGITAL EDUCATION GUIDELINES & STRATEGIES, 2024/25 - 2029/30,Optimizing secondary schools’ computer science education to foster a digitally skilled workforce for the Tanzania Development Vision 2050,Instructional Technologies of Education in East African Countries: An Overview,UNESCO and TIE Drive Tanzania’s Digital Education Transformation by Empowering 139 ICT Master Trainers, ICT Commission provides training on ICT and AI

   Note: ICT and digital skills are emphasized in the transition phase to digital phase:Revised Education Policy (2023) & National Digital Education Strategy (2025–2030), the number of students enrolling in computer studies is still low. The Computer science subject is still not a mandatory subject. Some schools dont offer computer science studies even if students would like to take the subject and lack of resources and infrastructure. More capacity building to teachers inplace and more are still needed.

   Sources tie.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

7. H4.7

   AI workforce training programs

   Score 4 / 4

   The Digital Economy Strategic Framework (2024–2034) and National AI Readiness Assessment (2025) insist on digital skills development and training in emerging technologies (AI, big data, cloud computing). Samia Extended Scholarship (AI/Data Science) flly funded government program targeting AI and data science skills, University of Dodoma (UDOM) / AfriAI Lab,UNESCO and TIE Drive Tanzania’s Digital Education Transformation by Empowering 139 ICT Master Trainers in 20 regions, UNESCO and the Government of Tanzania equip teachers with ICT skills to strengthen digital teaching and learning

   Note: No report on AI Workforce training program in placebut the readiness report and the strategy recognises the need of digital skills development and training in emerging technologies (AI, big data, cloud computing).

   Sources nm-aist.ac.tz (opens in a new tab)

8. H4.8

   Labour transition policy

   Score 2 / 4

   No specific and unified one, use National, government and institutional setup per industry specific.National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III, 2021–2026),ational Skills Development Strategy (NSDS, 2016–2027),Digital Economy Strategic Framework (2024–2034),National AI Readiness Assessment (2025),Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP 2025–2030)

   Note: Tanzania donot yet have a single, unified “AI & labour market transition law”, but it does have a multi-layered government framework that collectively governs how AI, automation, and digitalization affect jobs and skills.

   Sources ilo.org (opens in a new tab)

9. H4.9

   Informal economy AI assessment

   Score 3 / 4

   No government independent report specific on AI's impact on the informal economy.

   Note: AI Readiness Assessment Report issued by UNESCO in cooperation with the Government of Tanzania in 2025. No specific govenment study on the impact but participated in the UNESCO readiness study and the government has different initiatives in preparing and adopting AI industry policies and guidelinces while working on the AI Strategy, AI Policy and AI Law.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. H4.10

    African language NLP coverage

    Score 3 / 4

    Swahili language model, saving lives and machine learning in rural areas. Interview with an AI developer from Tanzania

    Note: Tanzania has more than 100 bantu languages. Swahili is the language used to link them. Swahili is the language that has strong, meaningful NLP/LLM support subject to adding more bantu languages especially languages from the regions with active interaction in business and AI like Chagga, Sukuma, Haya, Chaga, Nyaktusa etc.

    Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 1 of 2 (languages supported / major languages), normalised 50. 50% of major domestic languages.

    Sources afrinz.ru (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 0.97 · all 54 states mean 1.05.

1. N5.1

   AI companies count

   Score 2 / 4

   International tech/consulting directories listing AI development firms and consultancies in Tanzania (e.g., iPF Softwares, Bongo Live, Index Labs, Neurotech Africa, PRIMEWARE, STONEK, etc.).

   Note: There is no official national statistic on “number of AI companies” in Tanzania. Publicly available tech directories and startup platforms list approximately 8–20 firms that either identify as AI companies or offer AI-related services (software development with AI/ML, data analytics, AI consulting). These lists are incomplete and biased toward firms with an online presence and international clients.

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 14 (companies).

   Sources themanifest.com (opens in a new tab)

2. N5.2

   Private AI investment (USD)

   Score 1 / 4

   There is evidence of AI startups and firms (e.g., Safuri AI, fintechs using AI, and AI-enabled products), but no consolidated, country-level statistic on annual private AI investment in USD specific to Tanzania.

   Note: No official, disaggregated data on annual “private AI investment” was located. Existing sources discuss AI startups and products qualitatively, but do not provide aggregate investment totals restricted to AI. For AAGI, record as “data not available” rather than infer from general startup/VC figures.

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources publication.saharaventures.com (opens in a new tab)

3. N5.3

   AI incubators/accelerators

   Score 1 / 4

   Tanzania AI Lab & Community is described as an AI-focused hub/incubator supporting AI innovation and skills. General tech incubators in Dar es Salaam (e.g., DTBi, Buni Hub) host startups working on AI and data-driven solutions, even if not exclusively branded as “AI incubators”.

   Note: At least one explicitly AI-focused lab/community (Tanzania AI Lab & Community) operates as an incubator for AI projects, alongside broader ICT incubators that host AI startups. A conservative numeric value of 2 is used to reflect clearly documented AI-oriented incubation environments.

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 1 (incubators/accelerators).

   Sources africatechschools.com (opens in a new tab)

4. N5.4

   Regulatory sandbox (AI)

   Score 3 / 4

   The Bank of Tanzania operates a FinTech Regulatory Sandbox, providing a controlled environment to test innovative financial solutions, including AI-driven financial services

   Note: Tanzania has an operational FinTech Regulatory Sandbox under the Bank of Tanzania, used to test innovations including AI-driven financial services. This sandbox is sectoral (fintech) rather than a general “AI sandbox”, but it provides a functioning test environment for AI applications in finance, so coded as “Established”.

   Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "Established AI-relevant fintech regulatory sandbox, but not AI-specific" to "Established" (position 2 of 4 labels to 3). sectoral fintech sandbox (Bank of Tanzania), not AI-specific; strict reading could be "None". Listed for second-edition review: The sandbox is operational but sectoral. The indicator asks for an AI regulatory sandbox.

   Editor's note, 7 October 2026: The Bank of Tanzania sandbox operates under the Fintech (Regulatory Sandbox) Regulations, GN No. 540 of 2024. Applications for the first cohort opened on 2 January 2025. It is a fintech sandbox. No AI-specific sandbox was found. The score is retained and listed for second-edition review.

   Sources bot.go.tz (opens in a new tab) · clydeco.com (opens in a new tab) · bot.go.tz (2) (opens in a new tab)

5. N5.5

   Government AI procurement

   Score 1 / 4

   The national e-Procurement System (NeST), developed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, is described as a homegrown system powered by AI and deployed across government procurement, suggesting at least one significant public procurement of AI-based solutions.

   Note: Government has procured and deployed at least one major AI-enabled system (NeST) and possibly others, but procurement occurs through general ICT/digitalization processes without a dedicated AI procurement framework or preference policy for domestic AI firms. Coded as “Ad hoc”

   Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "Ad hoc" to "Ad hoc" (position 1 of 4 labels to 1). exact match.

   Sources worldbank.org (opens in a new tab)

6. N5.6

   AI safety evaluation capacity

   Score 1 / 4

   AI use is also discussed in other sectoral initiatives, but there is no evidence of a formal AI-specific procurement framework or preference policy for domestic AI developers. Existing procurement appears project-based.

   Note: AI safety, ethics, and accountability issues are addressed in research and readiness assessments, but there is no indication of a dedicated government or accredited AI safety testing facility. Capacity is best described as “Academic research”.

   Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "Academic research" to "Academic research" (position 1 of 4 labels to 1). exact match.

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

7. N5.7

   ISO/IEC 42001 adoption

   Score 1 / 4

   ISO/IEC 42001 (AI management system) is a new international standard; promotional and consultancy material shows awareness and potential for certification in Tanzania but does not yet document widespread adoption.

   Note: Tanzania participates in ISO structures, and there is public information on the availability of ISO/IEC 42001 certification for organizations in Tanzania, but no evidence of broad implementation. Coded as “Aware” pending concrete data on pilot or widespread adoption.

   Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "Aware" to "Aware" (position 1 of 4 labels to 1). exact match.

   Sources certvalue.com (opens in a new tab)

8. N5.8

   Standards body AI competency

   Score 3 / 4

   The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) offers management systems certification services and participates in ISO activities, but there is no clear public record yet of multiple organizations certified to ISO/IEC 42001 in Tanzania.

   Note: TBS is an active ISO member and participates in ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 on AI. This implies AI-specific technical engagement at committee or mirror-committee level, even if the detailed national committee structure is not fully public. Coded as “AI working group”

   Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "AI Working Group" to "AI working group" (position 2 of 4 labels to 3). case difference only.

   Sources committee.iso.org (opens in a new tab)

9. N5.9

   AI risk assessment frameworks

   Score 1 / 4

   The AI Readiness Assessment and AI governance work in Tanzania emphasize ethical and responsible AI aligned with UNESCO recommendations, suggesting emerging guidance rather than hard regulatory requirements across sectors.

   Note: Tanzania has emerging AI-related risk profiling in fintech and high-level ethical/ governance guidance from readiness and policy work, but no clear evidence of mandatory AI risk assessment frameworks across sectors. Best coded as “Voluntary guidelines”

   Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "Voluntary Guidelines" to "Voluntary guidelines" (position 1 of 4 labels to 1). case difference only.

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

10. N5.10

    University-industry AI partnerships

    Score 3 / 4

    The Bank of Tanzania signed formal Memoranda of Understanding with five universities (UDSM, UDOM, ARU, EASTC, NM-AIST) to collaborate on AI and data innovation, including applied research and joint work on AI-related projects.

    Note: Tanzania has explicit, formal MoUs between the central bank and multiple universities to collaborate on AI and data innovation, and broader calls for university–industry partnerships around AI in education and other sectors. These are structured agreements rather than purely informal contacts. Coded as “Formal MoUs”

    Scoring basis Descriptor label mapped to a score. Fellow wrote "Formal MoUs" to "Formal MoUs" (position 2 of 4 labels to 3). exact match.

    Sources thecitizen.co.tz (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 1.16 · all 54 states mean 1.26.

1. E6.1

   Algorithmic impact assessment

   Score 3 / 4

   The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2022 and its regulations require transparency and accountability for automated decision-making, but there is no statutory requirement for algorithmic impact assessments (AIAs) across sectors. The National Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in Education mention fairness, transparency, and bias audits informally, not as mandatory AIAs.

   Note: Tanzania has data protection obligations for automated decisions and emerging AI guidance in education, but no law explicitly mandates algorithmic impact assessments. AIAs are effectively voluntary or best-practice.

   Sources nope.net (opens in a new tab)

2. E6.2

   Bias audit requirements

   Score 3 / 4

   The National Guidelines for AI in Education state that “AI tools used in educational institutions must be audited for bias to ensure fair treatment of all stakeholders,” but these are guidelines, not enforceable mandatory requirements. General commentary on AI policy in Tanzania notes that “regular audits of AI tools help identify biases,” recommending audits as best practice rather than legal obligations.

   Note: Bias audits are explicitly encouraged in education guidelines and in sectoral commentary, but there is no statutory requirement for bias audits for high-risk AI systems across sectors. Coded as voluntary.

   Sources moe.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

3. E6.3

   Transparency obligations

   Score 4 / 4

   PDPA 2022, Section 36(2)(a) and Regulation 19(2), require data subjects to receive clear, non-technical explanations of the logic behind automated decisions, which is a transparency obligation for automated decision-making, but it is framed within data protection law rather than explicit AI-specific transparency rules. There is no dedicated AI law setting mandatory transparency obligations for all AI systems; transparency is largely addressed through data protection and voluntary guidelines.

   Note: Transparency around automated decisions is required under data protection law, but there is no comprehensive, AI-specific mandatory transparency regime. Given the data protection basis and lack of explicit AI transparency mandates, coded as voluntary for AI systems overall.

   Sources nope.net (opens in a new tab)

4. E6.4

   Citizen redress mechanism

   Score 3 / 4

   PDPA 2022 establishes a Data Protection Commission (DPC) and provides data subjects with rights to lodge complaints about data processing, including automated decision-making and related harms. The PDPA regime does not yet have a dedicated AI-specific complaint channel, but citizens can challenge AI-driven decisions that affect personal data via the DPC.

   Note: Citizens can formally challenge AI-driven decisions that involve personal data via complaints to the Data Protection Commission under the PDPA. This is not a dedicated AI redress channel, but it is a recognized formal mechanism.

   Sources nope.net (opens in a new tab)

5. E6.5

   Judicial AI remedy

   Score 4 / 4

   The judiciary is beginning to use AI for transcription and translation in court processes, but there is no comprehensive legal framework specifically addressing AI. No high-profile precedent of courts adjudicating AI-specific disputes has been documented; the legal landscape is fragmented and AI-related cases are at an emerging stage but yes courts can adjudicate AI related cases just like other cases

   Note: Courts are beginning to engage with AI technology internally, but there is no established precedent or specialist tribunal for AI-related disputes. Judicial capacity to handle AI cases is at an emerging stage.

   Sources fbattorneys.co.tz (opens in a new tab)

6. E6.6

   AI advisory body diversity

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania is developing a National AI Strategy via inter-ministerial and multi-stakeholder processes, with engagement from government, academia, and civil society organizations. There is no publicly documented, standing national AI advisory body with explicit gender and disciplinary diversity mandates; engagement is structured and growing but not yet formalized as a diverse advisory council.

   Note: AI governance work is multi-stakeholder (government, academia, civil society, standards body), showing some gender and disciplinary diversity, but there is no formalized, inclusive national AI advisory body with explicit diversity mandates. Coded as “Some diversity”

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

7. E6.7

   Global AI governance participation

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania has completed a UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment, is developing a National AI Strategy, and is aligning with African Union AI initiatives, indicating engagement with global AI governance discourses. There is no public record of Tanzania being an active member or leader in formal global AI governance bodies.

   Note: Tanzania is informally engaged via UNESCO and AU processes and is being encouraged to seek observer status on global AI bodies; it is not yet a formal active member or leader. Coded as “Observer” level participation.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

8. E6.8

   Civil society AI engagement

   Score 4 / 4

   Civil society organizations (e.g., CAIDP, academic groups) are involved in policy discussions, AI readiness assessments, and recommendations on AI governance, but this engagement is not structured into formal advisory roles or co-governance mechanisms. There is no documented law or policy establishing formal civil society advisory bodies or co-governance arrangements for AI.

   Note: Civil society organizations participate in AI governance discussions through consultations and policy recommendations, but there is no formalized advisory role or co-governance framework. Coded as “Ad hoc consultation”.

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

9. E6.9

   African ethical framework reference

   Score 4 / 4

   The National AI Readiness Report and related policy discussions reference alignment with the African Union Continental AI Strategy, UNESCO guidance, and broader African ethical principles in AI governance.

   Note: African ethical frameworks and AU AI strategy are referenced in AI readiness and policy discussions, but African principles like Ubuntu are not deeply integrated into AI governance. Coded as “Mentioned”.

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

10. E6.10

    Youth participation

    Score 4 / 4

    Policy discussions emphasize youth entrepreneurship and digital skills in the AI age but there is no formal mechanism for youth participation in AI governance decisions. Youth involvement occurs through general digital inclusion programs and ad hoc consultations, not through structured advisory roles or decision-making positions in AI governance.

    Note: Youth are recognized as key beneficiaries of AI education and digital skills programs, but there is no formal youth participation mechanism in AI governance. Engagement is ad hoc via general digital inclusion initiatives.

    Sources ticgl.com (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 1.54 · all 54 states mean 1.55.

1. R7.1

   AU AI Strategy alignment

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania is currently drafting a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy which inter alia references AU Principles. During the World Press Freedom Day in 2025, Arusha several stakeholders gave their opinions. This is in line with the AU Continental AI Strategy which calls for member states to align national policies with the continental framework while avoidin copy-pasting

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources unesco.org (opens in a new tab)

2. R7.2

   Kigali Declaration endorsement

   Score 0 / 4

   Even though it did't endorse it Tanzania is making rapid domestic AI initiatives which on their own are consonant with the Kigali Declaration

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Scoring basis Official signatory list applied. Not on the official signatory list (52 states signed; absent: DR Congo, Tanzania, Sahrawi Republic).

   Sources c4ir.rw (opens in a new tab) · africanlawbusiness.com (opens in a new tab)

3. R7.3

   REC AI governance coordination

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania is actively participating in the EAC's AI initiatives including the recently adopted EAC AI Declaration on Artificial Intelligence. Tanzania was one of the 8 partner states that resolved to adopt the declaration.

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources publicnow.com (opens in a new tab)

4. R7.4

   Cross-border AI agreements

   Score 3 / 4

   Though Tanzania skipped the contenental Africa Declaration on AI, it is actively adopting cross-border AI agreements mainly through the EAC.

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources publicnow.com (opens in a new tab)

5. R7.5

   Election integrity AI provisions

   Score 1 / 4

   Tanzania has not passed a dedicated law or framework on AI and election integrity. However, the 29 October 2025 elections triggered a national focus on AI's role in election integrity. E.g the chair person of the Commission of Inquiry on the 2025 election Justice Othman Chande when presenting the Commission's findings stated that artificial intelligence was employed to manipulate images that portrayed post-election violence including alleged mass burials. This made the intersection between AI and election related disinformation a state level concern.

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources therespondents.co.tz (opens in a new tab)

6. R7.6

   Disinformation response framework

   Score 2 / 4

   Though not yet as a formal standalone, Tanzania has several pieces in place that cater for disinformation and AI. These include the Arusha Decralation of May, 2025 and the Draft National AI Guidelines which is in its final stage. This draft is relevant to disinformation as it seeks to ensure safe and effective adoption of AI.

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources tmc.co.tz (opens in a new tab)

7. R7.7

   AI election incidents documented

   Score 2 / 4

   AI Incident Database

   Note: This may be attributed to Tanzania having no formal reporting framework.

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 2 (rule band). Scored on documented institutional response, not incident count. Raw value read from the evidence: "artificial intelligence was employed to manipulate images that portrayed post-election violence" [R7.5: Commission of Inquiry finding = ad hoc institutional re. Checked against the evidence on 7 October 2026: confirmed.

   Sources incidentdatabase.ai (opens in a new tab)

8. R7.8

   Platform content moderation

   Score 2 / 4

   Though actively engaging with platforms, the engagement is mostly adversarial and not collaborative. Government pressures control and restriction than evolution. This can be evidenced by suspension and claims of AI mislabeling. Evidences can include the blocking of X, removal of about 80,000 platforms and suspension of activists such as Mange Kimambi and Rachel Dangwa on claims of misusing AI.

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources link.springer.com (opens in a new tab)

9. R7.9

   Geneva Dialogue participation

   Score 2 / 4

   Though not yet confirmed publicly, Tanzania is eligible and likely to participate. This is because Tanzania qualifies for UN participation support as a developing country. Tanzania has already demonstrated interest since it was able to host the World Press Freedom Day 2025 in Arusha focused on AI and media.

   Note: Same as for evidence section

   Sources un.org (opens in a new tab)

10. R7.10

    G20/multilateral AI engagement

    Score 2 / 4

    Though Tanzania is not a G20 member, it has been actively shaping G20's AI agendas through the AU, UN bodies, direct ministerial diplomacy and through the presidency of South Africa. A good example can be the AI Startup Black Swan which represented Tanzania at the G20 Summit in South Africa, named one of the Africa's Top 10 AI startups.

    Note: Same as for evidence section

    Sources global-solutions-initiative.org (opens in a new tab)

Mean of all 10 indicator scores. East Africa mean 0.94 · all 54 states mean 0.78.

1. M8.1

   AI governance budget disbursed

   Score 3 / 4

   Though no single or specific AI budget, AI-related spending is spread across education, ICT and innovation ministries.

   Note: Same as for evidence

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources ippmedia.co.tz (opens in a new tab)

2. M8.2

   Health AI regulation

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania has a Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence in the Health Sector of 2022. This was published by the Ministry of Health. It inter alia seeks to promote AI capacity building and ethical governance in AI. No binding law yet.

   Note: Same as for evidence

   Sources moh.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

3. M8.3

   Health AI devices approved

   Score 2 / 4

   No AI-specific list on health devices approved, but different initiatives are in place: awareness, introduction of AI devices like X-ray, ultrasound, CT integration, cancer screening, TB Screening, AI mobile health apps. AI-powered X-ray & Radiology Systems at Nyangao Hospital

   Note: No AI-specific list health devices approved but different intiatiaves are inplace: awareness, introduction of AI devices like X-ray, ultrasound, CT integration, cancer screening, TB Screening, AI mobile health apps. AI-powered X-ray & Radiology Systems at Nyangao Hospital

   Scoring basis Fellow score kept; no raw value for the threshold.

   Sources maishahuru.com (opens in a new tab)

4. M8.4

   Government AI system registry

   Score 0 / 4

   Tanzania doesn't currently mantain a public, operational registry of AI systems in use.

   Note: N/A

5. M8.5

   AI governance M&E reports

   Score 0 / 4

   No standalone government published M&E. What exists are readiness assessments eg the UNESCO Tanzania AI readiness Assessment Report of 2025 that involved 240+ stakeholders consultations.

   Note: Same as for evidence

   Scoring basis Threshold applied. Raw value: 0 (reports).

   Sources tanzania.un.org (opens in a new tab)

6. M8.6

   Agriculture AI governance

   Score 0 / 4

   No information available

   Note: No information available

7. M8.7

   Financial services AI governance

   Score 4 / 4

   The Bank of Tanzania (Fintech Regulatory Sandbox) Regulations of 2024 explicitly covers AI.

   Note: Same as for evidence

   Sources bot.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

8. M8.8

   Education AI governance

   Score 3 / 4

   Tanzania has in place the National Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in Education developed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in 2025

   Note: Same as for evidence

   Sources moe.go.tz (opens in a new tab)

9. M8.9

   Measurable governance outcomes

   Score 2 / 4

   Though limited, there are emerging or early signals and mechanisms designed to produce protection more particularly in financial services such as under the BoT Fintech Regulatory Sandbox, Guidelines for Handling Financial Consumer Complaints 2025 and the Policy Framework for AI in Helath in 2022.

   Note: Same as for evidence

10. M8.10

    WHO AI health guidance adoption

    Score 2 / 4

    Though Tanzania has not formally adopted the WHO's AI for health guidance as a binding regulation, it is explicitly influencing the country's health AI framework. E.g Tanzania has a national health AI policy aligned with WHO principles.

    Note: Same as for evidence

    Sources moh.go.tz (opens in a new tab)