DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has registered more than 16,000 Data Protection Officers (DPOs) as the country accelerates implementation of its Personal Data Protection framework, marking a significant milestone in strengthening privacy and trust in the digital economy. The development comes as the government intensifies efforts to ensure that institutions handling personal information comply with the country’s data protection act
Opening the First Tanzania Annual Data Privacy Conference in Dar es Salaam today, June 29, 2026, Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Dr Switbert Zacharia Mkama, directed both public and private institutions to prioritize the protection of personal data, saying trust and security are indispensable pillars of Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda.
“The digital economy cannot be built on technology alone. It requires a high level of trust and confidence in how personal data is collected, processed and protected. As more government and private sector services move online, safeguarding citizens’ personal information is no longer optional—it is essential,” Dr Mkama said.
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The three-day conference, held under the theme “Data Privacy is the Pillar for an Inclusive Digital Future Towards Vision 2050,” has brought together government institutions, regulators, technology experts, legal practitioners, academia and private sector stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in data protection.
Dr Mkama noted that personal information is a valuable asset that defines an individual’s identity and dignity, adding that robust privacy protection is fundamental to attracting digital investment, promoting innovation and enhancing public confidence in digital services.
He said the government established the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) following the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act of 2022 to oversee compliance, raise public awareness and enforce the country’s data protection legal framework.
Speaking at the conference, PDPC Director General Dr Emmanuel Mkilia described the event as a landmark platform for evaluating Tanzania’s progress since the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act.
“As the use of digital technologies and online services continues to grow rapidly, so does the collection and processing of personal information. We therefore need resilient systems that protect personal data while strengthening public trust in digital platforms,” he said.
Dr Mkilia stressed that privacy should not be viewed as an obstacle to digital innovation but rather as an enabler of sustainable digital economic growth built on accountability and confidence.
Meanwhile, PDPC Board Chairman Dr. Adadi Mohammed Rajabu said the conference reflects Tanzania’s commitment to establishing a culture of accountability, transparency and responsible digital governance.
“The rapid advancement of technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), presents enormous opportunities for innovation and investment. However, these opportunities must go hand in hand with strong safeguards for personal data and respect for human dignity,” he said.
He added that Tanzania aims to position itself as a regional leader in personal data protection by implementing internationally recognized legal and regulatory standards.
The conference, running from June 29 to July 1, 2026, is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening data protection systems and supporting Tanzania’s ambition of building a secure, competitive and trusted digital economy in line with the National Development Vision 2050.