Huawei and Vodacom Tanzania Launch DigiTruck Program to Support Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, August 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei and Vodacom Tanzania have joined forces to launch the DigiTruck initiative, aimed at providing digital education and skills to the people of Tanzania.

This initiative complements the Tanzanian government’s vision of promoting innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development through digital technologies.

The ceremonial launch was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Doto Mashaka Biteko, along with the Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Hon. Jerry William Silaa, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Tanzania, J.E. Amb. Chen Mingjian, and other distinguished guests from the public and private sectors.

“It is an honor for me to represent the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on this exceptional occasion. I congratulate Huawei and Vodacom on the implementation of this crucial initiative, which will significantly contribute to the government’s efforts towards digitalization. The data clearly shows that as a nation, we have a lot of work to do to bridge the digital divide and increase digital literacy. Addressing this challenge will undoubtedly require collaboration between the government and private sector entities. Given the size of our country, I would also like to urge Huawei and its partners to consider adding more DigiTrucks, which would allow us to reach even more people and accelerate Tanzania’s digital transformation,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Tanzania, Hon. Doto Mashaka Biteko.

Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology Hon. Jerry William Silaa reiterated that Tanzania urgently needs to develop digital and financial literacy to catch up with the ongoing digital revolution.

“The government of the United Republic of Tanzania places significant emphasis on the use of information and communication technologies, as well as digital skills, as a fundamental pillar of national development. We believe that the future of Tanzania lies in the hands of our youth, and providing them with the necessary digital skills is our top priority. Therefore, our government has launched a series of programs – including strategic interventions such as the five-year National Digital Economy Strategy 2024 – aimed at developing digital skills across the country. The launch of the DigiTruck project, funded by Huawei and Vodacom, will help increase digital competencies in our nation and propel Tanzania on the global stage,” said Hon. Silaa.

The Tanzanian DigiTruck program aims to bring digital skills training to remote regions of Tanzania, especially among youth and women. The initiative is part of Huawei’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion through the TECH4ALL program, focused on ensuring equal access and quality education for remote communities and disadvantaged groups in Tanzania.

“The DigiTruck project by Huawei and Vodacom represents not only a key initiative in deepening friendship and trust between the two nations but also a practical partnership supporting digital inclusion and collaboration in sustainable development in the field of digital technologies to realize the vision of digital transformation in Tanzania,” said J.E. Amb. Chen Mingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Tanzania.

The DigiTruck will travel across Tanzania, covering ten regions in its first year. It will utilize innovative information and communication technology solutions to provide quality education to more participants, especially students in remote areas. The project aims to cover the entire country by the end of the second year and bring the benefits of digital education to thousands of Tanzanians. The CEOs of Vodacom Tanzania and Huawei have committed to working together to ensure the project’s success in Tanzania.

The project launch follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two companies on February 15, 2024, which opened doors to explore opportunities for collaboration in corporate social responsibility, startup acceleration, and digital skills.

In addition to Tanzania, Huawei is implementing DigiTruck initiatives in 18 other countries worldwide, benefiting over 93,000 people.

About Huawei TECH4ALL Initiative
TECH4ALL is a long-term initiative and action plan by Huawei in the field of digital inclusion. The TECH4ALL project is based on innovative technologies and partnerships, aiming to support inclusion and sustainability in the digital world.

For more information, visit the Huawei TECH4ALL website: https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all

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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2490351/Distinguished_guests_at_the_DigiTruck_launch_officiated_by_Hon__Dr__Doto_Mashaka_Biteko__Deputy_Prim.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2490352/The_DigiTruck_mobile_classroom.jpg

The launch of the DigiTruck program in Tanzania marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering Tanzanians with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. By providing access to digital education and training, Huawei and Vodacom are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable digital Tanzania.