TANZANIAN delegation of government officials and private sector experts take part in the inaugural meeting of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s new digital innovation board taking place this week in Geneva, Switzerland.

 The meeting brings together stakeholders from across the globe to chart the course for future digital innovations.

Members of the delegation include Dr Jabiri Bakari, director general of Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, director general of Information and Communication Technologies Commission and Eng. Mwesigwa Felician, TCRA’s director of sectoral affairs.

The digital innovation board operates under the auspices of the Innovation and entrepreneurship alliance for digital development, a cornerstone initiative propelled by the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the ITU.

This board plays a crucial role in moulding an inclusive digital future for all by fostering local digital innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Dr Bakari, who represents Tanzania members of the board, said the meeting is centered on inaugurating the board, discussing its future duties and availing board members, adding that it is also an opportunity to exchange experience on digital innovation matters.

“Our discussions delved into strategies aimed at bolstering ICT innovations, fostering collaboration among innovation hubs and institutions, and devising mechanisms for the global dissemination of innovation centre insights,” he said.

Also on the agenda are topics such as digital innovation, intellectual property rights, governmental contributions to innovation promotion and the prioritization of digital innovations that are centred on providing solutions that address societal challenges.

“This session also focused on exploring ways in which member countries can prioritise digital innovations emerging from startups dedicated to addressing the daily challenges faced by our communities,” he said.

The board’s inauguration and subsequent discussions were aimed at making operational the board's responsibilities, enlightening members on the strides taken by the Innovation and entrepreneurship alliance since its inception and facilitating a collaborative environment for representatives from 17 innovation acceleration centers to share their strategies.

This initial meeting not only serves as a platform to operationalize the board’s mandate but also provides a unique networking opportunity for innovation leaders whereby the majority of board members were picked from communication regulatory bodies.

Dr Albert Tibaijuka, a communications lecturer at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) - Mwanza said: “Tanzania’s presence in this board meeting signifies a pivotal moment, one that unveils a golden opportunity for our nation.”

“This is our chance to spearhead the establishment of a groundbreaking national ICT innovation centre because we are there, right in the kitchen,” he asserted.

The don further emphasised that such endeavours are poised to catalyse remarkable progress in the digital innovation sphere, positioning Tanzania at the forefront of the global digital economy and seamlessly transitioning towards the advent of the fourth industrial revolution.

The newly appointed digital innovation board is expected to immensely contribute to shaping an inclusive digital future for all, as the alliance aims to accelerate digital transformation by fostering local digital innovation and entrepreneurial capacities.