Research Article
Towards ICT-Driven Tanzania Blue Economy: The Role of Higher Learning Institutions in Supporting the Agenda
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-031-34896-9_30, author={Abdi T. Abdalla and Kwame Ibwe and Baraka Maiseli and Daudi Muhamed and Mahmoud Alawi}, title={Towards ICT-Driven Tanzania Blue Economy: The Role of Higher Learning Institutions in Supporting the Agenda}, proceedings={Towards new e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries. 14th EAI International Conference, AFRICOMM 2022, Zanzibar, Tanzania, December 5-7, 2022, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={AFRICOMM}, year={2023}, month={6}, keywords={Blue Economy Information and Communication Technology Higher Learning Institutions}, doi={10.1007/978-3-031-34896-9_30} }- Abdi T. Abdalla
Kwame Ibwe
Baraka Maiseli
Daudi Muhamed
Mahmoud Alawi
Year: 2023
Towards ICT-Driven Tanzania Blue Economy: The Role of Higher Learning Institutions in Supporting the Agenda
AFRICOMM
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34896-9_30
Abstract
In different occasions, the President of Tanzania and that of the revolutionary government of Zanzibar have emphasized the importance of Blue Economy in socio-economic development. Inspired by their statements, and noting the reports from previous studies, we argue that sustainable Blue Economy can be achieved through effective utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This work investigated the contribution of ICT in sustaining the Tanzania Blue Economy. To this end, we have extensively reviewed the curricula of the selected Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) to investigate ICT programs in such institutions. Results show that approximately 29% of the 24 selected universities lack ICT programs, and the remaining universities contain an inadequate number of ICT programs. This observation further suggests a need to reform the curricula for HLIs by incorporating more ICT programs, especially those directly linked with Blue Economy. In addition, researchers should be encouraged and supported to undertake ICT multidisciplinary research focusing on maximizing the potential benefits of marine and fresh waters while preserving the environment. Our work opens interesting research opportunities on the application of ICT as enabler to foster and sustain Blue Economy. We have established possible research directions in machine learning, data science, and electronics for researchers to seize and advance Blue Economy.
