Dar es Salaam. Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.
‘Unprecedented’: Reconciliation Drive Pays Off As Samia Graces BAWACHA’s Women’s Day Event
There was a look of ecstasy on the faces of many women who participated in an event organised by the opposition CHADEMA women’s wing BAWACHA to celebrate International Women’s Day when President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed the enthusiastic crowd.
In Moshi, Kilimanjaro region, the event epitomised the current national mood of reconciliation and efforts to build a more unified, cohesive, peaceful, and prosperous Tanzania. At this event, Samia sat next to CHADEMA national chairperson Freeman Mbowe, the person planning to remove Samia’s party from office.
Not for nothing that Samia, who on March 19 will mark two years since she became president, described what happened on Wednesday as “unprecedented.” Far from considering them as foes, the Head of State described CHADEMA as an ally in building “a new culture of politics” in Tanzania.
“The new culture [of doing politics] can’t be accepted immediately [by some Tanzanians],” Samia, 63, told the CHADEMA women who cheered her every word. “There are hindrances from both ends, mine [within the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi – CCM] and yours [opposition].”
Full story here.
Govt pledges to support women in accessing, using digital technologies
Minister of Information, Communication and Information Technology Nape Nnauye on Tuesday said that the government is committed to supporting women in accessing and using digital technologies as concerns rise over the issue among stakeholders.
The Mtama MP (Chama cha Mapinduzi-MP) gave the remarks during the Tanzania Women and Technology Conference on Tuesday at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) as part of the 2023 International Women’s Day celebration.
Celebrated annually on March 8, the day serves as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, violence, and abuse against women.
This year, the day is commemorated under the theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,’ a theme chosen deliberately to highlight gender gaps in STEM education and careers — and call attention to the online harassment many women face.
“Together, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive and equitable future for women in technology in Tanzania,” Mr Nnauye said.
Nnauye said his ministry has, starting the 2023/2024 financial year, planned to start providing short- and long-term training of up to master’s degree level to 450 ICT professionals employed in government, primarily women.
He disclosed the ministry is in the final stages of developing a National Digital Economy Strategy that sets out strategies for 10 years to ensure a digital society while fully thriving to eliminate ICT-related gender inequalities.
Nnauye said the tech industry still has a significant gender gap, with women underrepresented in leadership roles and the workforce as a whole, even though females in Tanzania are the majority of citizens, as was revealed in the 2022 population census.
He said that statistics by the Tanzania ICT Commission showed that there were 1,011 male registered ICT professionals and only 170 female registered ICT professionals.
“Despite the increase in the use of ICT in many countries of the globe, women and youth participation remain low, especially in developing countries like Tanzania,” Mr Nnauye said.
Axian Telecom, Ericsson announce the launch of 5G in Tanzania
Ericsson and AXIAN Telecom have announced the launch of 5G and the modernisation and expansion of the existing 4G network across Tanzania through AXIAN Telecom’s operations in the country, Tigo Tanzania, a press release stated on Wednesday.
5G is launched in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar and will be gradually rolled out nationwide at strategic locations.
Ericsson is upgrading Tigo Tanzania’s 4G network with RAN products and microwave solutions (MINI-LINK 6000). Leveraging the latest energy-efficient products from the 5G Ericsson Radio System portfolio, Tigo’s network is being expanded and upgraded to increase network capacity, providing the benefits of a fast and reliable connection.
In Madagascar and Tanzania, AXIAN Telecom continues to roll out its Data4All strategy, providing quality network experience for consumers and businesses alike and aiming to reach 100 per cent 4G coverage in those two countries soon.
Hassanein Hiridjee, chairman of AXIAN Telecom, said that strengthening the company’s partnership with Ericsson is a step further in its commitment to providing top-notch network experiences across our markets.
“Under our partnership, we will be boosting digitalisation across Madagascar and Tanzania, increasing network capacities, and providing enhanced speeds to our customers,” he said. “We are looking forward to deploying more agile networks that will bring about digital inclusion across Africa.”
On his part, Ericsson President for Middle East and Africa Fadi Pharaon said the company is pleased to strengthen its partnership with AXIAN Telecom by deploying the latest network solutions jointly with Telma Madagascar and Tigo Tanzania.
“We are also proud to witness the launch of 5G in Tanzania,” he said. “Our long-standing partnership will continue to flourish with our commitment to provide scalable and sustainable technologies to AXIAN Telecom to enhance user experiences and boost digitalisation in its operating countries.”
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