Tanzania is stepping up efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into the workplace, with the government positioning the technology as a tool for improving productivity and strengthening the skills of the country’s workforce rather than eliminating jobs.
The government’s position was outlined by Dr Hussein Mohammed Omari, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, during the closing of the 42nd meeting of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) in Dar es Salaam.
Omari said the rapid development of AI and other digital technologies is changing the nature of work, making technological competence increasingly important for people seeking employment.
“The government is encouraging the use of artificial intelligence not to reduce employment opportunities for human beings, but to increase efficiency in the execution of duties,” he said.
The government is encouraging workers to develop practical AI capabilities and use the technology alongside their existing professional expertise. Officials believe those who acquire relevant digital skills will be better positioned to compete for employment as businesses and institutions adopt new technologies.
Education is also emerging as an important area for AI adoption. Dr Said Ally Mohamed, Executive Secretary of the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) and President of the AEAA, highlighted the potential for AI to support educational assessment and improve learning outcomes.
AI-powered systems could help identify gaps in students’ performance, analyse assessment data and automate routine processes, allowing education professionals to focus more attention on areas requiring human judgement and expertise.
The shift reflects a wider recognition that digital skills will become increasingly important across Tanzania’s economy. As organisations introduce AI into everyday operations, employees are likely to require continuous training to remain effective and adapt to changing job requirements.
For Tanzania, the challenge will be ensuring that access to AI skills and supporting digital infrastructure extends beyond major urban centres. Education institutions, employers and training programmes will all have a role in preparing workers for an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Rather than treating AI solely as a threat to employment, authorities are seeking to make it part of Tanzania’s broader workforce development strategy. The emphasis on skills, productivity and education could help the country build a workforce capable of using emerging technologies while retaining the human expertise needed to drive economic development.