For an explanation of how to read this resource, refer to the guide at the end.
AI Regulation
There is no regulation specifically governing AI in the country. However, there have been certain actions in furtherance of AI governance. In February 2022, the Ministry of Health released the ‘Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Tanzania Health Sector’ (the “AI Health Policy Framework”).1
In January 2025, the ‘National Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence in Education’ (the “AI Education Guidelines”) were released by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.2
Definitions of AI
The AI Health Policy Framework defines “Artificial Intelligence” as follows:
Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines with the purpose of learning, reasoning, and perception…
Artificial intelligence (AI): uses computers for making decisions or recommendations in an automated way. Automated decisions might be directly implemented or suggested to a human decision maker. You can think of AI as “smart automation.” Data serves as the foundation of machine learning and AI systems, and decisions about data affect the function of higher-level systems. AI works best when large amounts of data are available, rich data, big data. [sic] Having more reliable data, is a determinant of better the algorithm of AI. [sic] The more facets the data covers, the faster the algorithms can learn and fine-tune their predictive analyses.
The AI Education Guidelines define “Artificial Intelligence” as the “[s]imulation of human intelligence in machines, encompassing learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making”.
Core Principles
The AI Education Guidelines identify a set of guiding principles. These include: (i) Ethical Use; (ii) Equity and Inclusivity; (iii) Data Privacy and Security; and (iv) Sustainability.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Tanzania3
- National Five Year Development Plan 2021/22 - 2025/264
- Tanzania Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024-20345
- National ICT Policy, dated May 20166
- Draft National ICT Policy, 20237
- Digital Health Strategy July 2019 - June 20248
- Electronic and Postal Communications Act, 2010 (revised and consolidated with amendments as the Electronic and Postal Communications Act, Cap. 306 R.E. 2022)9
- Electronic Transactions Act, 2015 (Act No. 13 of 2015)10
- Personal Data Protection Act, 2022 (Act No. 11 of 2022)11
- Personal Data Protection (Personal Data Collection and Processing) Regulations, 202312
- Personal Data Protection (Complaints Settlement Procedures) Regulations, 202313
- Access to Information Act, 2016 (Act No. 6 of 2016)14
- Cybercrimes Act, 2015 (Act No. 14 of 2015)15
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Tanzania has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Tanzania outlines various fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, including those relating to work and education (Article 11).16 It also includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights, such as Articles 16 and 18, which guarantee the right to privacy (protection of the person; privacy of the person, their family and matrimonial life; protection of a person’s residence and private communications; and protection from interference with communications). Other protections include the rights to equality and non-discrimination (Articles 12, 13, and 29), dignity (Article 12), life (Article 14), freedom of expression (Article 18), and work (Article 22). Tanzania has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. However, the country has not signed or ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT)17
- Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA)18
- Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOE)19
- Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)20
- Ministry of Health (MOH)21
- Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC)22
- Tanzania Computer Emergency Response Team (TZ-CERT)23
- Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)24
- Commission on Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG)25
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In February 2023, Omdena, a collaborative AI platform, announced a six-month partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to develop an AI-powered solution for mangrove conservation in Tanzania’s Rufiji Delta.26
The African Artificial Intelligence Lab (AfriAI Lab) is a beneficiary of the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) programme, a five-year initiative funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and its partners. Based at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, the AfriAI Lab received CA$1 million in funding over 48 months to support workspace development, innovation, research, and AI policy development in the country.27
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
