LocationsEmpowering Tanzania’s Financial Future through Data-Driven Actuarial Practice
April 28, 2026
Group photo of the High-table and participants at the Actuarial Symposium, UDSM Auditorium
How can data transform financial resilience in Tanzania? To help answer this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Milliman and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), recently hosted an intensive technical training on applying of data science to actuarial practice. This initiative was delivered as part of the UNDP-Milliman Global Actuarial Initiative (GAIN). Set against the backdrop of the University of Dar es Salaam’s 2026 National Actuarial Symposium on Digital Innovation and Data-Driven Financial Resilience, the training gathered 40 professionals including 18 women and 22 men. The room brought together a diverse mix of voices from regulatory bodies, insurance firms, social security funds, academia and eager university students.
Rather than just theory, participants engaged in hands-on sessions. They used Python and advanced predictive modelsto tackle real-world challenges, such as detecting fraud and managing insurance claims. Ultimately, the goal was simple – to sharpen technical skills, improve how models are developed and promote data-driven decision-making across Tanzania’s financial sector.
The UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, John Rutere giving his remarks at the Actuarial Symposium
The energy from the training carried directly into the symposium, which convened stakeholders to explore how digital innovation can strengthen the economy. Speaking at the event, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative John Rutere pinning on the fundamental truth - “the quality of decision-making depends on the quality of data”. He stressed that for Tanzania to craft evidence-based policies and build a resilient financial system, strong data governance and deep collaboration are non-negotiable.
Daniel van Dam of Milliman expanded on this during his technical address. While he explored the massive potential of big data and artificial intelligence in insurance and banking, his core message was about trust. Data and brilliant models mean very little if people – especially regulators don’t trust the processes behind them. He urged institutions to prioritize transparency, clear documentation and verifiable data. His practical advice to organizations – “start small by automating simple processes and build trust as the bedrock for scalable data-driven innovation.”
Daniel van Dam, Data Science Lead of Milliman, giving his presentation on big data and artificial intelligence in insurance and banking at the Actuarial Symposium
Throughout the symposium, dynamic panel discussions brought together government officials, regulators and tech experts. They shared vivid examples of how data is already reshaping everyday systems – from fairer taxation and insurance pricing to better pension management. Importantly, the discussions also addressed the challenges of data protection, analytics and the importance of national statistics tin driving Tanzania’s economic growth.
The event’s Guest of Honour, UDSM Vice Chancellor Dr Rose Upor, brought the focus back to human element: the responsibility of nurturing ethical, forward-thinking professionals. Recognizing that insurance penetration in Tanzania remains low, she pointed to digital platforms as a golden opportunity to reach more people and develop inclusive financial models that reflect the everyday realities of the Tanzanian population.
Dr. Upor left attendees with a clear roadmap for the future, calling on institutions to: Equip the next generation: Give young professionals the digital and analytical skills they need to lead the financial sector’s evolution; Drive sustainable development: Champion research, innovation, and strategic partnerships; Update learning- Modernize academic curricula so it keeps pace with emerging technologies and industry realities.
At its core, the symposium underscored that while technology and data are important, human expertise and ethical leadership are what truly advance an inclusive financial ecosystem.
UNDP appreciates the University of Dar es Salaam, its Department of Mathematics, the symposium sponsors, and all participating partners for their leadership, collaboration. Together with like Milliman, UNDP remains committed to strengthening Tanzania’s actuarial capacity, promoting innovation, and using data to build a resilient, inclusive economy for all.
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