By Josiah Habwe, general manager for Tanzania & Uganda, Schneider Electric.
Tanzania’s Digital Economy Strategic Framework (2024–2034), for example, positions digital transformation as a national priority across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, health and finance.
And whilst not fully-fledged digital economies yet, both Uganda and Tanzania are demonstrating commitment, transitioning from predominantly manual and analogue systems to more connected, data-driven environments.
Tanzania and Uganda are at an important stage in their economic development, where infrastructure investment and digital transformation are beginning to converge. Both countries are expanding physical infrastructure such as energy and transport while simultaneously prioritising digital connectivity and services.
At the heart of this movement lies a growing recognition: infrastructure today is both physical and digital, with broadband networks, mobile platforms, and ICT systems increasingly viewed as essential to economic resilience and competitiveness.
Infrastructure as the launchpad
Tanzania and Uganda are emblematic of the rise of the Global South. As legal and fiscal frameworks mature, global investors are engaging in major energy, extractives and infrastructure projects across both markets.
Large-scale developments in power generation, transmission, oil and gas, mining and transport inevitably drive demand for reliable electricity and modern operational technologies.
For example, the World Bank is funding a 400kV transmission line between Uganda and Tanzania, strengthening regional electricity trade and grid stability under the Eastern Africa Power Pool.
And at the core of modern electricity systems lies automation, underpinned by digitisation and intelligent control.
Industrial control systems, remote monitoring platforms, smart grids and energy management software form the foundation from which infrastructure is designed and operated. As a result, the skills required to run these systems are changing rapidly.
The leapfrog effect
In more mature economies, digitalisation has evolved incrementally. In Tanzania and Uganda, we have seen the countries leapfrogging adoption, which is double edged sword as it offers both immense opportunity but also generates an urgent need for accelerated learning.
There is often a gap between introducing advanced technology and cultivating the digital thinking required to unlock its full value. The reality is, legacy practices do not disappear overnight. The challenge therefore is integrating new systems in a way that honours national heritage while enabling future ambition.
It is also here where regional partnership and collaboration with global technology will be truly advantageous.
Furthermore, technical competence extends beyond mechanical skill. In sectors such as electrical engineering, energy management and industrial automation, speed, analytical capability and digital fluency are becoming essential.
A motor technician, for example, is no longer only expected to refurbish equipment. Increasingly, that same technician may be required to generate AI-assisted analytical reports forecasting efficiency gains and lifecycle performance.
Digital literacy, systems thinking, remote monitoring capability and the ability to collaborate with intelligent technologies are becoming core competencies.
Aligning policy, infrastructure and education
Governments in Tanzania and Uganda recognise that digital transformation must be supported by enabling policy. Technology-focused legislation and National and Local Content (hiring local engineers, training technicians, or sourcing equipment locally. Regulations) are increasingly encouraging infrastructure operators to broaden technology access and build local capabilities as part of their investment commitments.
Industry and training institutions are also adapting. While curricula may have historically lagged technological change, collaboration with technology leaders is accelerating efforts to modernise training programmes and embed digital competencies into technical education.
The role of technology partners
At Schneider Electric, digital transformation is viewed as a vital part of economic transformation. Through our Access to Energy and Access to Education programmes, we focus is on expanding exposure to modern electrical and automation technologies while building practical, industry-aligned skills.
Also, partnerships with local institutions and industry stakeholders help bridge the gap between theory and implementation. Our online learning platforms also offer important access to advanced electrical and software training, enabling continuous upskilling across geographies.
Ultimately, Tanzania and Uganda’s transition from manual to digital work will rely on three important steps, digital transformation, the simultaneous evolution of infrastructure, legislation and skills, and public-private collaboration.
