While following up on the progress of the G7 Summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France, from 15 to 17 June 2026, my attention was drawn to the discussions on artificial intelligence. The dialogue covered a wide range of AI-related issues, including access to advanced AI models, AI and economic competitiveness and several other emerging concerns.
I found the AI discussions at the G7 Summit highly relevant to Tanzania, even though Tanzania is not a G7 member and the discussions were taking place thousands of miles from home.
AI has become a topical subject and it is not only being discussed at the G7 Summit. When the BRICS Summit is held on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi, the subject is expected to be high on the agenda. The matter has also been discussed within the East African Community (EAC), where, through the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTC), the EAC Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2031 has been unveiled.
The decisions of the G7 Summit will influence how the EAC can access AI technologies, attract investment, regulate digital services, and build future competitiveness. The crux of the matter is who gets access to the world’s most powerful AI systems. The EAC should therefore have a strong interest in ensuring that East Africans are not excluded from these technologies, which could be used to improve public service delivery.
To achieve the objectives of the EAC Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Tanzania will need to move beyond policy discussions at the EAC level and invest systematically in infrastructure, skills, data, governance and innovation. The goal should not be to become a global AI leader overnight, but rather to become a strategic AI adopter that uses artificial intelligence to accelerate development and improve competitiveness.
First, Tanzania must consolidate its policy environment by defining and implementing a National AI Strategy, which is currently conspicuously lacking. While foundational work has already begun through readiness assessments and digital transformation frameworks, a binding national strategy would provide coordination across sectors and ministries.
Second, strong digital infrastructure is essential. AI systems depend on reliable electricity, fast internet connectivity and secure data storage.
Third, human capital development is the most critical long-term investment. AI adoption will only succeed if Tanzanians have the skills to use and manage these technologies. This requires integrating digital literacy, coding and data science into the education system. Tanzania can take a leaf out of China’s book. In recent years, China has revoked 12,200 undergraduate programmes and introduced 10,200 new programmes focusing on AI, robotics, semiconductors and data science.
Fourth, Tanzania should prioritise high-impact sectors where AI can deliver immediate development gains. In agriculture, for example, AI can improve crop yields through disease detection. In healthcare, it can support diagnostics and disease surveillance. In public administration, it can streamline tax collection, land management and service delivery.
In conclusion, Tanzania should not seek to compete with global AI powers, but to become East Africa’s leading practical user of AI. By investing in infrastructure, skills, Kiswahili AI, data governance, innovation, and regional cooperation, Tanzania can use artificial intelligence to improve public services, raise productivity, create jobs, and advance the country’s long-term development goals while contributing to regional competitiveness and cooperation.
