LocationsEmbracing Innovation in Policymaking: Insights from the 5th Innovation and Tech Forum in Tanzania
April 25, 2023
Representatives from various organizations and government agencies including the ICT Commission, UNDP Tanzania, Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, COSTECH, and the EU gathered at the 5th Innovation and Tech Forum. From left to right: Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, Director General of the ICT Commission, Amb. Theresa Zitting, Finland Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Musisi, Resident Representative of UNDP Tanzania, Hon. Eng Kundo Andrea Mathew, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Amos Nungu, Director General of COSTECH, and Amb. Manfredo Fanti, EU Ambassador to Tanzania and EAC.
Tanzania needs to keep up with the fast-paced digital transformation in the world, which calls for an update in its policy-making processes. Recognizing this need, the UNDP's FUNGUO Innovation Programme, which is funded by the European Union and in collaboration with the ICT Commission, Media Convergency, and the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), hosted the 5th Innovation and Tech Forum in Tanzania. The event aimed to advocate for innovative policy-making processes that can facilitate the growth of new business models and address the developmental needs arising from digital transformation.
The forum brought together policy-makers, experts, and stakeholders to explore and discuss innovative approaches to policy-making, including leveraging data analytics, fostering public-private partnerships, and engaging with the wider innovation ecosystem. The event emphasized the need for progressive and forward-looking policies to drive Tanzania's aspirations in the digital age.
Christine Musisi, the UNDP Resident Representative, delivering her welcoming remarks at the 5th Innovation and Tech Forum.
Christine Musisi, the UNDP Resident Representative, stated, "Let's build and push for more!" during her welcoming remarks. She encouraged progressive and forward-looking policies in policy-making processes, highlighting some government institutions that have already embedded innovation in their policy-making process.
During the roundtable discussion, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Information, Hon. Eng. Kundo Andrea Mathew, emphasised the importance of engaging in conversations on policy-making to find solutions to improve policy-making. "Effective policy-making requires engagement with public ecosystem players and the government," he said.
The panel discussion brought together representatives from various organisations, including UNCDF, Bank of Tanzania, Tanzania Legal Services Facility, Breakthrough Attorneys, and Innovation Hub255 who deliberated ways to embrace innovation in policy-making. They discussed disrupting the status quo and finding ways to promote innovative policy-making. The event aimed to advocate for flexible and innovative policy-making processes that can facilitate the growth of new business models and address the developmental needs arising from digital transformation.
Panelists Discuss the Role of Government in Championing Innovative Policymaking at the 5th Innovation and Tech Forum, from left to right: Aidan Eyakuze, Executive Director at TWAWEZA East Africa, Hon. Eng Kundo Andrea Mathew Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, and Anna Bwana Country Director at BBC Media Action.
