Information Communication Technology has completely changed the way Tanzanians communicate, work, do business, learn, and go about their daily lives.
In 2009 a group of us knew that, in order for the Internet to keep offering many opportunities, more people need to be involved.
How Our Chapter Came To Be
The establishment of a Chapter in Tanzania took some time and planning. Our main goal was to help make sure anyone in Tanzania who wanted to could be involved in how the Internet grows and changes. We wanted them to be part and parcel with its evolution.
And so, a group of people with varying backgrounds, interests, and expertise join hands to form a chapter. Towards end of year 2014 the team deemed that Tanzania was ripe to start its very own chapter and initiated efforts to start the now Tanzania Chapter.
What We’re Working Toward
The Chapter’s long-term goal is to help make people aware of how important it is to be involved in how the Internet grows and changes. It is key to so many possibilities. Ultimately the chapter seeks to advocate for:
- The protection of the open development and use of the Internet
- Engage and educate the next generation of Internet users and helping them shape the evolution of the Internet and;
- Promote co-operation and dialogue between itself as a representative of the Tanzanian Internet community, Internet Service Providers, Regulatory Authorities and other interested parties.
How the Internet is changing everything in Tanzania
It’s amazing how life has changed in Tanzania thanks to the Internet.
Without the Internet, Tanzanians would not be able to get their daily services such as banking, taxation, and business registration. In terms of learning and access to education, the Internet has taken to another level, learning as well as availability of learning materials for pupils and students in Tanzania. This was not the case a decade ago.
The Government of Tanzania has made great efforts in Internet infrastructure development such as National backbone construction, establishment of Internet Exchange Points and local management and administration of .tz country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD). These efforts have impacted the growth of number of Internet users from 3.6 million in 2008 to 9.3 Million in 2013, an increase of 61.3%. This number is expected to increase asymptotically. Internet therefore has the great potential of improving the national GDP.
Join us In Building a Strong Family
The Internet Society Tanzania Chapter is a family of members dedicated to contribute to the wonderful changes the Internet can bring to our community. Regardless of your specialization or user category you can contribute to the desired change.
Please join us in shaping tomorrow’s Internet through: [email protected]
Photo: GHTA – Moshi – 021 © 2010 Caroline Umali CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
This blog was made possible thanks to contributions from the entire Chapter in Tanzania. Thank you to all!