NEW YORK: Tanzania has called for stronger international collaboration to harness technology and research in addressing population challenges and accelerating sustainable development, as countries face shifting demographic trends and widening digital gaps.
Speaking at the 59th session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York on Monday, Tanzania’s health minister, Mohamed Mchengerwa, said partnerships were essential to ensure technological progress benefits both developed and developing nations.
He urged greater cooperation in technology transfer, particularly to support lower-income countries in responding to emerging pressures such as rapid population growth and urbanisation.
“Tanzania is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that technological advancements deliver positive outcomes for both present and future generations,” he said.
Mchengerwa said Tanzania is implementing strategies to ensure digital transformation is inclusive and aligned with long-term development goals, welcoming continued global dialogue on integrating technology, research and population dynamics into policymaking.
He said a central pillar of Tanzania’s approach is leveraging its large youth population as a driver of economic growth. With more than half of citizens under the age of 25, investment in education, skills development and employment opportunities remains a priority.
“Fully harnessing the potential of our youth is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development,” he said, pointing to efforts to expand science, technology and innovation programmes alongside youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
Population trends have been integrated into national frameworks, including the Development Vision 2050 and the Third Five-Year Development Plan (2021/22–2025/26), in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to help guide economic planning and social investment.
The minister highlighted progress in expanding digital infrastructure, including the rollout of the National ICT Broadband Backbone and the Digital Tanzania Project, which he said have improved access to e-government services and digital literacy, particularly in rural areas.
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“These efforts are enabling broader participation in the digital economy while ensuring the security of data and communication systems,” he added.
Mchengerwa also stressed the importance of reliable data in development planning, citing the 2022 Population and Housing Census and ongoing improvements in the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, which supports more accurate tracking of key demographic indicators.
In the health sector, he pointed to advances in universal health coverage under the Universal Health Insurance Act of 2023, noting that digital technologies such as telemedicine and electronic health systems are helping to improve service delivery and expand access.
“We are also strengthening maternal and child health through investments in safe delivery and emergency services,” he said.
On gender equality, he reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence and increasing women’s participation in the economy, including in science and technology fields.
He said the government remains focused on ensuring that technological progress delivers tangible benefits for all citizens, particularly young people and marginalised communities.
Mchengerwa reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, adding that continued global collaboration will be key to addressing shared challenges.
“No one should be left behind as we move forward,” he said.