Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has signed a bilateral Memoranda of Understanding with five academic institutions in a move expected to enhance research, technology development and responsible financial sector transformation.
The initiative seeks to reduce research delays caused by data access constraints while fostering innovation in AI and other emerging technologies that can deliver practical solutions to national challenges.
The BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba described the agreements as a strategic milestone in promoting responsible, locally driven financial innovation.
“These MoUs will accelerate AI experimentation, testing of new tools, replication of global use cases, and innovation aligned with its AI and data innovation strategy,” said Mr Tutuba at the signing on Thursday in Dodoma.
He further described the signing as a strategic move towards responsible, locally driven financial sector innovation.
The five academic institutions partnered with the central bank in the iniative are including Ardhi University (ARU), Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre (EASTC), Nelson Mandela – African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), University of Dodoma (UDOM) and University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
By linking these institutions with real industry needs, the agreement will enable researchers to develop data-driven insights, test innovative ideas, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking and technological advancement.
According to the central bank, each MoU aims at establishing a framework for cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data innovation, and applied research focus at improving efficiency in economic policy formulation and financial sector supervision.
The MoUs signed are supported by Data Sharing Protocols that allow the use of data in compliance with Private Data Protection Act and data safeguard policies.
These protocols are intended to provide researchers in higher learning institutions with realworld problem-solving experience, reduce research delays arising from data access constraints, and support innovation in AI and other emerging technologies.
The initiative reflects BoT’s broader commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening collaboration with academic and research institutions and positioning Tanzania as an emerging leader in AI and data innovation in the region.
