Zanzibar aims to lead Africa in technology and innovation

Zanzibar is embarking on a digital transformation journey with the ambition of becoming a leader in technology adoption across Africa. The island's government prioritizes digitizing public services, fostering a robust digital economy, investing in artificial intelligence, and harnessing the potential of its young population.

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Our priorities are clear: digitizing public services, building a strong digital economy, investing in artificial intelligence, and utilizing the talents of our youth.

Minister of Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, announced these priorities during the second graduation ceremony for Master of Technology in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Master of Technology in Ocean Structure at the India Institute of Technology Madras Zanzibar (IITMZ). He emphasized that Zanzibar seeks to position itself as a hub for innovation and startups within the region.

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For Zanzibar, having an IIT Madras campus is a great blessing. This is the only IIT Madras campus operating outside Chennai, India. Worldwide there are only two, and one is here in Zanzibar.

Soraga highlighted the significance of IITMZ, noting it is one of only two IIT Madras campuses operating outside of Chennai, India. He described the institute as a "great blessing" that will spur innovation across various sectors on the island. The minister stressed that education is the cornerstone of Zanzibar's vision, particularly given its limited agricultural land and mineral resources. He asserted that investing in human capital is crucial for sustainable economic development and the nation's future.

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For the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, education is the main pillar of our vision. Zanzibar is a small island, it does not have large agricultural lands or many minerals, but its greatest resource is its people.

The collaboration with IIT Madras directly supports Zanzibar's goal of building a knowledge-based economy. Graduates were urged to identify local problems and develop solutions that will place Zanzibar on the map as an innovation center in East Africa. Professor Mohamed Sheikh, Chairman of the IITMZ Governing Council, added that the partnership aims to build an international innovation ecosystem in Zanzibar, going beyond just providing education.

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Today, you are not only being awarded degrees, but you are also taking one more step towards fulfilling the vision of the leaders of both our countries.