source technology use
The Tanzanian government is transitioning to open-source technology across public institutions to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce software licensing costs. Minister Angellah Kairuki noted that this strategy, supported by recent legislation, aims to improve service delivery and foster local technical expertise.
Why it matters
This shift represents a growing trend among developing nations to reduce reliance on foreign proprietary software and build domestic digital infrastructure.
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government says it is expanding the use of open-source technology across public institutions to strengthen digital sovereignty, improve service delivery and reduce software costs.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Angellah Kairuki said the move enables the government to own and control its digital infrastructure while safeguarding critical government information.
"Open-source technology enables the government to fully own and control its digital infrastructure while protecting critical government information," Ms Kairuki said while addressing the UN OpenSource Week 2026 in New York, United States.
She said Tanzania has created an enabling environment for the adoption of opensource technologies through the e-Government Authority Act of 2020 and the Personal Information Protection Act (Chapter 44) of 2023.
"The legal framework has provided clear guidelines and procedures for developing digital systems in public institutions using open-source technologies," she said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in