TTCL Corporation, Tanzania’s public-owned telecommunications company, has been urged to invest more in training its workers and expanding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among Tanzanians to fully benefit from the digital economy.

During a visit to Dar es Salaam, Dr. Suleiman Mzee Mndewa, the Director of Communication and Transport for the Zanzibar government, emphasized that building knowledge and skills for the digital economy shouldn’t only be the responsibility of private companies.

He stressed that public institutions, like TTCL, should take the lead in training people for the digital age.

“We have more confidence in public institutions when it comes to improving the skills needed for the digital economy.

TTCL should not only focus on training its staff but also create a framework that allows the broader public, especially the youth, to gain essential digital skills,” Dr. Mndewa said.

He suggested that TTCL establish a training program or even set up its own college. This would not only benefit TTCL employees but also equip Tanzania’s young population with the skills needed to succeed in the growing digital economy.

Dr. Mndewa stressed that as technology changes rapidly, continuous learning is necessary for both TTCL’s staff and the general public. He noted that youth are a vital part of the workforce and should be well-prepared for the future.

Dr. Mndewa made these remarks during a visit by top officials from Zanzibar’s Ministry of Communication, who toured TTCL’s offices to learn more about how the company operates.

TTCL, with its union structures, plays a significant role in providing communication services across Tanzania.

He further highlighted that TTCL’s involvement in offering education and training would help Tanzanians understand how technology is shaping the world and contribute to the country’s development.

In response, TTCL’s Director General, Eng. Peter Ulanga, welcomed the suggestions from the Zanzibar government and acknowledged the importance of the visit. He assured the ministry officials that the company would consider the recommendations and take action where necessary.

TTCL, while having a relatively small share of the mobile phone subscription market (3.4% according to March 2023 data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority), plays a significant role in other areas. TTCL holds 97% of the market share for big data and fixed data services in Tanzania.

This makes the company a key player in the country’s development, particularly in providing internet services and data to both businesses and individuals.

Moreover, TTCL’s influence extends beyond Tanzania’s borders.

The company leads in offering big data and fixed data services to neighboring countries through its advanced fiber optic cable network, helping connect the region with reliable internet and communication services.

The call for TTCL to expand its training efforts reflects the growing importance of ICT in driving economic growth in Tanzania and across Africa.

As the digital economy continues to evolve, more Tanzanians, especially the youth, will need the right skills to participate in and benefit from new opportunities.

By establishing a training framework and potentially opening a college dedicated to ICT education, TTCL could play a key role in shaping the future workforce.

This would not only help the company stay competitive but also contribute to national development by equipping more people with the knowledge needed to thrive in the digital world.