Dar es Salaam — Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) has announced it will host the Africa Innovation and Technology Forum 2026 from June 16 to 17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the city.
The multi-stakeholder platform is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, civil society organisations, development partners, and the global digital policy community.
The forum will be held under the theme “Governing the Digital Future: Integrating Internet Governance, Data Governance, Cybersecurity, and Strategic Technology Policy.”
According to a press release, it is expected to bring together between 150 and 200 participants, including government leaders, regulators, private sector actors, innovators, academia, civil society, and technical experts.
Since 2021, TMC has convened the national Innovation and Technology Forum to advance dialogue on digital transformation, regulatory reform, digital rights, and cybersecurity resilience.
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The 2026 edition builds on this foundation by expanding to a continental level and aligning with the Tanzania Digital Collaboration (TDC) programme to strengthen inclusive and coordinated digital governance.
Africa’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly, with projections estimating its contribution to reach US$180 billion by 2025 and US$712 billion by 2050.
However, this growth is accompanied by persistent structural challenges, including fragmented governance systems, limited internet access, internet shutdowns, restrictions on digital platforms, and increasing cybersecurity threats.
The forum responds to this context by promoting an integrated policy approach that bridges traditionally siloed domains such as internet governance, data protection, and cybersecurity.
Key objectives of the forum include strengthening inclusive multi-stakeholder participation in digital governance processes and aligning policy frameworks across various digital domains.
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The event also aims to generate actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations to inform national ICT strategies and legislative reforms.
Furthermore, it will focus on enhancing data protection implementation and cybersecurity resilience while addressing regulatory barriers that affect innovation, startups, and cross-border digital growth.
Expected outcomes include improved institutional coordination, a more predictable regulatory environment for digital investment, and strengthened protection of digital rights.
The forum will feature high-level plenaries, policy dialogues, and the launch of key research outputs, while facilitating targeted engagement between policymakers, startups, investors, experts, and the general public.
TMC is a Tanzanian organisation working at the intersection of technology, media, and public policy to advance a knowledge-based and inclusive digital society through research, policy engagement, and capacity building.
TMC invites stakeholders from all sectors to participate in this important convening to shape the future of digital governance in Tanzania and across Africa.
For more information about the Africa Innovation and Technology Forum 2026, interested parties can visit the official event link.
