Fishing town set for ICT centre

SLOW PACE: The normally sleepy coastal town of Bagamoyo is to transformed into a hi-tech hub.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - The Tanzania Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC) have signed a $30.1 million (Tsh50billion) agreement for improving the ICT sector in the country.

Officials say this is a way to ensure that Tanzania becomes an ICT hub in the region, Much of the money will go into the proposed Bagamoyo EPZA area where land and necessary infrastructure will be allocated to ensure that an ICT set-up for both domestic and foreign investors is available.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam last week, the EPZA Director General, Dr Adelhelm Meru, said the project is expected to be one of the largest ICT hubs in East Africa.

He said around 238 hectares of land have already been allocated. “Our aim is to attract global ICT companies like IBM, DELL, HP and Microsoft to come and invest in the Bagamoyo EPZA area for the country’s development. This would also create abundant job opportunities,” Dr. Meru said.

According to the Costech Director General Dr Hassan Mshinda, the agreement was important in ensuring the development and growth of ICT sector in the country.

Dr Mshinda said Tanzania now has a chance to build ICT capacity as well as technology that will later equip citizens with the required knowledge for their development.

Dr. Meru said besides the 100,000 jobs expected to be created by ICT firms, there are also expectations these firm will bring in capital and technology transfer to locals which will benefit Tanzania and the region as a whole.

The investment at the Bagamoyo area lying on the coast of Tanzania just 72 kilometres from Dar es salaam and is expected to be equipped with infrastructure such as roads, the port, electricity and water among others.

By Kenan Kalagho, Monday, June 02nd, 2014


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