Africa-Press – Tanzania. CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan said yesterday that, if elected, her government will prioritise strengthening technology and promoting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to benefit the nation positively.
Addressing a campaign rally at Sabasaba grounds in Mtwara Municipality, Dr Samia said her government will prioritise promoting the adoption and proper use of AI in various sectors.
She pledged that her government would embrace modern technology while at the same time safeguarding national values, culture and traditions.
“We will protect our culture and traditions that are good. We are determined to shield Tanzanian children from negative influences brought about by technologies that could mislead them,” she said.
President Samia said her government is committed to applying modern technology across the entire education system to prepare the youth to utilise it effectively.
She added that technology will also be extended to other sectors, including agriculture. “We are going to expand the use of modern technology in different areas, including agriculture.
We will use AI to transform agriculture into a modern system that benefits farmers and the country at large,” she said.
She further revealed that the government has already started using AI in various research projects, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“We have already begun applying AI in agricultural research. This will help us increase productivity and grow the economy,” she said.
Dr Samia, the incumbent president, explained that to ensure the growth and use of technology, the government has built a modern laboratory in Dodoma, which she inaugurated last year.
Another advanced laboratory was launched at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, designed to promote the application of AI and modern technology in agriculture and related fields.
President Samia explained that the government is already applying modern technology in global crop auctioning.
“Currently, in purchasing crops, NFRA uses advanced technology to measure weight, moisture and quality. Farmers immediately receive a receipt showing the grade and price of their produce,” she said.
She insisted that her government is determined to promote transparency in crop production and ensure both farmers and the government benefit from the sector.
If elected, President Samia pledged to establish centres equipped with modern agricultural equipment to help farmers increase productivity and improve their incomes.
She added that her government would also apply modern technology in communications, weather forecasting and other crucial areas.
Moreover, she assured farmers that her government would continue to provide subsidised fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to boost production and economic growth.
She commended cashew nut farmers for their excellent performance over the past five years, noting that production had risen from 118,811 tonnes in 2021, generating 265bn/-, to over 335,000 tonnes last season, generating 1.9tri/-.
She added that Tanzania is the second-largest producer of cashew nuts in Africa after Ivory Coast.
“We have managed to increase production and generate higher income, thanks to subsidised fertilisers and the efforts of our farmers. Let us continue to put in more effort,” she said.
President Samia also stressed the importance of supporting the production and processing of other crops such as sesame and pigeon peas across the country.
She said that, if CCM is re-elected, the government will continue efforts to build irrigation schemes and other major projects to promote agriculture and livestock development.
Furthermore, President Samia appealed to Tanzanians to vote for CCM candidates so that she can form a government that will open up the southern corridor for investments and businesses.
She noted that there are already major projects under implementation and others in the pipeline in the southern regions, all aimed at boosting the economy and bringing development.
“We are going to open the southern corridor through railways, marine transport, air transport and roads,” she said.
The incumbent also pledged to continue implementing projects in all sectors, with particular emphasis on rural electrification, water supply and improved education and health services.
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