国产AV

Zanzibar, Tanzania – August 2024

The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries partnered with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Tanzania’s Deep-Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) for a dynamic two-day workshop that brought together experts and stakeholders in Zanzibar. This event marked an important step in Tanzania’s Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) process, with a focus on boosting the blue economy. This effort is part of a larger initiative aimed at helping Least Developed Countries strengthen their capabilities in science, technology, and innovation to support sustainable growth.

Perspectives on STIs and Key Outcomes

Gathering over 50 participants from government, academia, and the private sector, the workshop was a platform for a lively exchange of ideas on Tanzania’s most pressing development challenges. One of the most significant outcomes of the workshop was the consensus among stakeholders on priority areas where technological interventions could have the greatest impact. Agriculture and the blue economy were at the forefront of these discussions. Participants both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar explored how tech can make a real difference in solving key challenges, like improving soil and plant health monitoring in agriculture and enhancing marine planning to protect resources. Participants emphasized the importance of data management and climate-smart technologies for fostering sustainable practices and advancing Tanzania’s development goals. The workshop also looked into the obstacles holding back technology adoption, including funding, accessibility, and the need for more training.

Impact and Looking Ahead

The impact of this workshop extends beyond the discussions held over the two days. It showed that bringing together people from different sectors is key to making real progress on Tanzania’s development goals and the SDGs. The participation of the First Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy demonstrated the strong commitment of the Tanzania government to push forward the blue economy. Local institutions, such as the DSFA, were instrumental in ensuring the success of this event, bringing invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within Tanzania’s unique context.

As the TNA process continues, the active involvement of stakeholders from various sectors will be critical to transforming these discussions into actionable outcomes. Government, academia, and the private sector must continue to work together and we, at the UN Technology Bank, remain committed to supporting this process, ensuring that the impact of the TNA leads to lasting improvements in Tanzania’s development landscape.

We thank all participants for their valuable contributions and dedication and look forward to the next steps in this important process.