Category: The Citizen

Dodoma. The government has urged universities to align student admissions with their capacity to provide quality education, warning institutions against increasing enrolment at the expense of academic standards.

Education, Science and Technology Minister, Prof Adolf Mkenda, said universities should focus on producing graduates who meet international standards rather than prioritising the number of students they admit.

‘We have asked them to admit students at a level that will not compromise the quality of education. We need quality education and standards, not large numbers of students who ultimately produce unsatisfactory results,’ said Prof Mkenda.

He was speaking in Dodoma on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during a joint meeting involving the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, university vice chancellors and chairpersons of university councils.

The meeting discussed measures to strengthen the quality of higher education while ensuring student admissions remain within institutions’ capacity.

Prof Mkenda said universities had agreed on a strategy under which each institution would take responsibility for the quality of education it provides and ensure its standards are comparable with international benchmarks.

He said the government was not seeking to prevent universities from admitting students but wanted institutions to ensure enrolment levels did not undermine the quality of teaching and learning.

He said only two universities had not attended the meeting and that the government would engage them before the next joint meeting, which is expected to address other challenges facing the higher education sector.

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) executive secretary, Prof Charles Kihampa, said student admissions and education quality were central to the discussions.

Prof Kihampa said the agreed approach was intended to give universities greater clarity while protecting the interests of both students and institutions.

‘We have looked at protecting the interests of students and universities in order to avoid conflicts,’ he said.

The focus on admissions comes as universities balance growing demand for higher education with the resources available to teach and support students.

Prof Kihampa said the discussions were intended to ensure universities understood their responsibilities and maintained academic standards while managing student admissions.

Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) council chairman Aggrey Mlimuka said the strategy could also encourage greater competition among universities based on the quality of education they provide.

He said the labour market would play an important role in determining which institutions attract students and gain recognition from employers.

Employers, he said, would increasingly seek graduates from universities with a reputation for producing competent professionals.

‘If a university cannot produce quality professionals, it will eventually be shunned and will have to reassess itself,’ said Mr Mlimuka.

The government is expected to continue discussions with universities as part of efforts to establish a common approach to admissions and quality assurance across the higher education sector.

Morogoro. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock has directed the management of Mkulazi Sugar Factory and the Sugar Board of Tanzania (SBT) to construct a police station at the facility to strengthen security for the investment and surrounding communities.

Speaking on behalf of committee members visiting the factory on Sunday, September 6, 2026, Vice Chairperson, Ms Mariam Ditopile, expressed satisfaction with production progress, but stressed that security must be prioritised.

She noted that establishing a police station near the factory is crucial given the massive scale of investment and its strategic role in boosting national sugar production.

The committee also urged the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Works, and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) to upgrade feeder roads connecting smallholder outgrowers to the factory.

“Improved roads will ease transport of sugarcane, seeds and farm inputs from fields to the factory, thereby enhancing smallholder productivity,” said Ms Ditopile.

She emphasised that while production remains steady, greater creative branding is required to boost the market visibility of Mkulazi sugar.

“The factory is performing well, and demand exists, but the product lacks sufficient visibility; management and the Sugar Board must innovate their marketing,” she noted.

Agriculture Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Athumani Kilundumya, acknowledged that constructing a police post on-site is an urgent priority.

“Reports confirm significant distance to the nearest station, making an on-site post vital to safeguard operations, staff and surrounding residents,” said Mr Kilundumya.

He stated that the government and shareholders have invested over Sh354 billion in the factory, plantations and supporting infrastructure, requiring rigorous security safeguards.

Consequently, he directed the SBT Director General to collaborate with factory management to establish an execution framework.

SBT Director General, Prof Kenneth Bengesi, pledged to address all parliamentary recommendations to elevate operational efficiency and maximise socio-economic benefits.

Prof Bengesi added that Mkulazi Sugar Factory remains central to national efforts aimed at eliminating the domestic sugar deficit for household and industrial consumption.

Presenting the progress report, Mkulazi CEO, Ms Selestina Some, noted that the holding company was established on September 6, 2016, to plug the national sugar deficit.

She stated that the venture is co-owned by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) at 96 percent and the Tanzania Prisons Service (TPS) at four percent, managing plantations alongside the factory at Mbigiri in Kilosa District.

Lindi. A new classroom handed over by Knauf to Makangaga Primary School in Kiranjeranje Ward, Lindi Region, is expected to ease congestion and improve learning conditions for pupils.

The facility was handed over during a ceremony attended by Knauf officials, local government leaders, school administrators, teachers, parents and pupils.

The project formed part of Knauf’s community development initiatives in areas surrounding its mining operations.

Speaking during the handover, Knauf Legal Counsel and External and Government Affairs Manager Flora Erasto said the company remained committed to supporting communities around its operations.

‘We are pleased to hand over this new classroom to Makangaga Primary School as part of our continued commitment to improving communities,’ she said.

Ms Erasto said Knauf had previously supported the village through the provision of desks, chairs, a water well and other assistance.

‘We do not measure what we do because this is Knauf’s commitment. Today, we are happy to hand over this new classroom, and this is a sign that we are ready to do even more,’ she said.

Makangaga Primary School headteacher Frank Theobard said the new classroom would help address shortages of learning space and improve attendance.

He said the facility would also create a better environment for pupils to pursue their academic goals.

‘This contribution will support the development of the village, the country and Africa as a whole. We sincerely thank Knauf for this initiative,’ Mr Theobard said.

Kiranjeranje Village Chairman Seleman Mnonya said the classroom was among several interventions by the company to support the community.

He said Knauf had also provided desks, water wells and other assistance, expressing hope that more development projects would follow.

Kiranjeranje Ward Executive Officer Hasnati Haule, who represented the Kilwa District Director’s Office, thanked Knauf for its continued support to schools in the area.

She said the company had previously donated desks and chairs to primary and secondary schools in the ward, helping improve education infrastructure.

Assistant Mining Inspector from the Office of the Resident Mines Officer in Lindi Region, Haji Suleiman, also commended the initiative and called on other development partners to support communities in need.

For the pupils, the new classroom offered more than additional learning space.

Grade Six pupil Nurat Hassan said the handover had inspired her to work harder in her studies, while fellow pupil Daivat Abdallah thanked Knauf for the facility and pledged to improve his academic performance.

The classroom was officially opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving Knauf officials, school leaders and local government representatives before the facility was handed over to the school.

Mwanza. Mwanza Regional Police Command has suspended the driving licence of Obadia bus company driver, Mr Sabatho Emmanuel, 32, for six months after he was caught driving a bus while chatting on a mobile phone.

A statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said the driver’s licence had been suspended effective today, while he is expected to be taken to court for further legal action.

‘Initial measures have already been taken, including suspending his driving licence for six months effective today, September 6, 2026, and he will be taken to court for further legal action,’ he said.

The driver, a resident of Buswelu in Ilemela District, was driving a passenger bus operating between Mwanza and Nyamongo in Mara Region while sending and receiving messages.

The regional police chief said passengers voiced their concern about the driver’s conduct, but he responded by telling them not to teach him his job.

Commander Mutafungwa said the driver was arrested on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12.40 pm in Isangijo, Magu District, along the Mwanza-Musoma road, while travelling from Nyamongo to Mwanza.

He said the driver started using the phone around Lamadi in Simiyu Region and continued chatting while driving the bus towards Mwanza.

‘Despite some passengers seated near him warning him and asking him to stop the conduct that was endangering their lives, the suspect responded with abusive and offensive language,’ said Commander Mutafungwa.

He said the Police Force took swift action and arrested the driver, who remains in custody for questioning and other legal procedures.

The commander said the action against the driver was part of the Police Force’s efforts to ensure drivers comply with road safety laws, regulations and procedures.

He said the driver’s arrest was also a result of public education provided by the Police Force, particularly to passengers using public transport, on the importance of reporting drivers who endanger their lives.

‘The arrest of this driver is a positive outcome of the continuous education provided by the Police Force to the public, particularly passengers using public transport, encouraging them to speak out and report drivers who fail to comply with road safety laws, regulations and procedures,’ he said.

He urged all drivers to stop using mobile phones while driving, stressing that strict legal action would continue to be taken against those who endanger the lives of citizens.

A Mwanza resident, Mr Philbert Jovin, said many drivers, including commuter (daladala) drivers, had developed a habit of chatting while driving and sometimes talking on the phone for long periods without considering passengers’ safety.

‘For example, daladala drivers could wait until they reach bus stands or major stops where their conductors look for passengers. They could chat as much as they want and talk on the phone, but once it is time to drive, they should keep their attention off the phone,’ he said.

Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) has won the President’s Manufacturer of the Year Award in the Alcoholic Beverages-Large Scale Category at the 19th President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards (PMAYA).

The awards, organised by the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), recognise manufacturers contributing to Tanzania’s industrial development. This year’s edition was held under the theme ‘Green Elegance – Celebrating Sustainable Manufacturing Practices’.

SBL’s award comes as the company continues to focus on local sourcing, resource efficiency and sustainability across its operations. The brewer sources agricultural raw materials, including sorghum, barley and maize, from local producers. The company says the sourcing supports demand for locally produced crops and links agriculture with domestic manufacturing.

SBL has also invested in technology and operational improvements aimed at improving the use of energy, water and other production inputs while reducing waste.

The company said it also promotes health and safety in its workplaces and supports skills development for employees, including opportunities for women and young people.

Its community programmes include initiatives focused on access to clean water, vocational and hospitality skills development and agricultural livelihoods.

Commenting on the award, SBL Managing Director Obinna Anyalebechi said the recognition reflected the contribution of employees and partners to the company’s operations.

‘This recognition belongs to our people and partners, whose commitment continues to drive how we grow our business responsibly. For us, sustainable manufacturing goes beyond our breweries. It is about strengthening local value chains, investing in our people, protecting our environment and creating lasting value for the communities where we live, work, source and sell. We are proud of this recognition, but even more determined to keep raising the bar for sustainable manufacturing in Tanzania.’

The PMAYA awards are part of CTI’s efforts to promote manufacturing and recognise companies supporting Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda.

SBL said it would continue investing in technology, local partnerships and sustainability as it expands its manufacturing operations in Tanzania.

A fire that broke out in the Kikerelwa area of Kilimanjaro National Park on Thursday, September 3, 2026, has been contained by more than 90 percent, with firefighting teams working to put out the remaining flames, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, has said.

The fire broke out at around 3:30 pm near the park’s boundary with Rombo District in Kilimanjaro Region, prompting the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) to deploy a firefighting team from its Conservation Force.

The operation has involved Tanapa, the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), the Fire and Rescue Force, tourism companies and residents of neighbouring villages, whilst helicopters have been used to support teams fighting the fire at higher elevations. Dr Kijaji made the remarks on Saturday, September 5, 2026, after inspecting the affected area, saying the changing wind direction had also helped firefighters contain the blaze.

‘As of this morning, we had managed to contain more than 90 percent of the fire, with the remaining 10 percent still being tackled,’ she said.

She said authorities expected to contain up to 99 percent of the fire by the end of the day, with the remaining challenge involving burning tree stumps, particularly in valleys.

‘We are first fighting the fire that is spreading across the remaining 10 percent so that we can eventually return to deal with the tree stumps, particularly in the valleys where the fire has moved,’ said Dr Kijaji.

She said the cause of the fire had not yet been established as authorities were prioritising efforts to extinguish it.

‘Once we have extinguished the fire 100 percent, we will conduct an assessment to establish what caused it and determine the extent of the damage,’ she said.

Dr Kijaji said human activity could not be ruled out because the fire started higher up the mountain during the dry season, when vegetation is dry.

‘It is possible that it could have been caused by people who were there taking tourists up the mountain, or something else could have happened. As you know, this is the dry season and the vegetation is dry, so anything could have happened,’ she said.

She said the government had prepared for fires during the dry season by positioning trained firefighting teams near areas where such incidents commonly occur.

Dr Kijaji also said helicopters had been deployed to assist conservation officers and that the government had directed Tanapa to acquire its own helicopter.

‘We have started the procurement process, and once Tanapa gets its own helicopter, it will be much easier to detect such incidents early, or as soon as signs of smoke begin to appear, so that we can extinguish them,’ she said.

Despite the fire, Dr Kijaji said tourism activities were continuing normally and no human casualties had been reported.

‘At the moment, our tourists are safe. The tour guides are safe. Our officers and rangers are safe. We have not recorded any harm to human beings,’ she said.

Tanapa Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Corporate Communication, Ms Catherine Mbena, thanked conservation forces, the Fire and Rescue Force, tourism companies and residents of neighbouring villages for supporting the operation.

‘We would like to thank all stakeholders who have come forward to join us in ensuring that we contain this fire,’ said Ms Mbena.

She also urged journalists to provide accurate information about the incident.

‘My appeal is that we should continue providing accurate information for the benefit of our country because we depend heavily on these natural resources and we have no other country. This is our country, and we should continue protecting it jealously,’ she said.

Tanapa Conservation Commissioner, Mr Masana Mwishawa, said the firefighting operation had entered its third day and was difficult because of the mountainous terrain.

‘Firefighting in the mountains is different from fighting fires in savannah areas. There are gorges and steep slopes, which make the operation difficult,’ said Mr Mwishawa.

He said the fire could affect vegetation, insects, smaller animals, soil and water sources, although larger animals could move away from approaching fire.

‘Fire cannot start by itself; it is started by human beings, but we are the ones who suffer the consequences,’ he said.

Mr Mwishawa said tourism had not been affected, with tourists continuing to use the Rongai route because the fire was far from it.

‘Tourists are continuing to climb the mountain and camping activities are continuing. Tourism is proceeding as normal,’ he said.

Exactly 6,809 citizens in the North Unguja and Urban West regions received specialist eye screening and treatment services during a seven-day medical camp.

The initiative, resulting from a collaboration between the Zanzibar First Vice President’s Office, Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), and Qatar Charity, aimed to reduce avoidable visual impairment.

According to a report issued on Friday, September 4, 2026, by the MNH director-general, Dr Delilah Kimambo, during the closure of the at the Sebleni Health Centre, 6,809 citizens were screened across both regions.

“In North Unguja Region, 971 citizens received medical treatment, with 136 patients undergoing eye surgery,” stated Dr Kimambo.

“The response was even larger in Urban West Region, where approximately 4,536 people turned up for services, and 254 among them underwent surgery,” she added.

Dr Kimambo noted that 373 patients underwent cataract surgery, whilst 446 were diagnosed with the condition.

Furthermore, she mentioned that 3,830 citizens received various treatments, including spectacles, medication, and professional advice.

The Council for People with Disabilities executive secretary, Mr Ussi Khamis Debe, said eye health forms the foundation of education, employment, and productivity.

“Diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic complications can be detected early and treated before causing permanent disability,” he said.

He cited 2022 census figures showing visual impairments feature among disability types holding high percentages nationally.

The Qatar Charity country director, Mr Amjad Al Tahan, called the camp one of their most successful campaigns ever conducted.

He promised that given the evident high demand, the organisation is considering expanding these services to Pemba Island and broadening community healthcare reach.

The Urban West Regional Commissioner, Mr Mohamed Ali Abdallah, who served as chief guest, requested stakeholders consider offering targeted services for schoolchildren, alongside boosting screening for other diseases like cancer and abdominal issues amongst women.

“What occurred here is momentous; truly, our people face numerous health challenges, as demonstrated by this immense public turnout,” he said.

Some citizens receiving services expressed gratitude, stating they would have spent heavily on treatment, making the camp a lifesaver.

One patient from Magomeni, Mr Maulidi Haji Tigizi, explained that the service he received was excellent and hassle-free.

Mr Tigizi noted he had never visited a hospital for his eye issue previously, but decided to attend Sebleni upon hearing experts had arrived offering free services, subsequently receiving surgery.

For her part, a resident of Mwera Mtofaani, Ms Fatma Fadhil Machano, extended special thanks for bringing these free services closer to the people.

“The eye is a vital organ providing life’s light, and without government efforts offering free care, many citizens could not afford treatment costs,” said Ms Machano.

Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said the government plans to ensure every village has a secondary school as Tanzania prepares to extend compulsory education to Form Four.

Dr Nchemba said the policy would require a major expansion of education infrastructure, with more than 16,000 classrooms expected to be built to accommodate rising enrolment.

He made the remarks on Saturday, September 5, 2026, while addressing residents of Bahi District, Dodoma Region, during a working visit to inspect development projects and hear concerns from the community. ‘When we say compulsory education will be until Form Four, it means every village should have a secondary school. We are talking about a need for more than 16,000 classrooms,’ said Dr Nchemba.

He said the government must prepare early for the additional demand for classrooms, laboratories and libraries to prevent overcrowding and ensure students do not return to studying in inadequate conditions.

The premier said the expansion could require about 8,000 laboratories, alongside additional libraries, as part of efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Savings to be redirected to public services

Dr Nchemba also called for tighter government spending, directing officials to identify areas where costs can be reduced and redirect the savings to services that directly benefit citizens.

He cited large official entourages and meetings that require officials to travel, saying avoidable expenditure should instead support priorities such as classrooms, laboratories, desks and other essential services.

‘Whenever we can make savings, we should direct them to things that affect the daily lives of our citizens,’ he said.

Ambulances must have fuel

On healthcare, Dr Nchemba directed authorities to ensure government ambulances have fuel and warned against asking patients or their relatives to raise money to cover ambulance fuel costs.

He said the government had invested substantially in hospitals, health centres, ambulances, medical equipment and health workers, adding that officials must ensure those investments translate into accessible services.

He warned that officials who force patients or their relatives to contribute money for ambulance fuel should face disciplinary action.

He also urged citizens to report officials who deny them services or breach government procedures.

Education official singled out for performance

The Prime Minister commended Bahi District education official Boniface Mwakasole for his contribution to improving education standards.

He said Mr Mwakasole’s work had contributed to notable results, including Chiona Primary School’s performance, which he said had placed the school at the top nationally in primary education.

He said public servants who demonstrate strong performance should be recognised and given greater responsibilities.

‘If you want to transfer him, promote him. Give him a region if you want him out of Bahi. If you have not found a region, do not transfer him; leave him here. He has done exemplary work,’ he said.

He added that strong performance should speak for itself when it comes to career advancement.

‘Someone who does good work does not need lobbying or to ask for a job; the work introduces you,’ he said.

In another development, Dr Nchemba said the government would continue implementing development projects in Bahi covering water, health, education, irrigation, roads and bridges.

He also directed the Deputy Minister responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG) to follow up on development needs presented by district and regional leaders.

On electricity, he said settlements located between towns and villages but whose residents still live under predominantly rural conditions would continue to benefit from electricity connections at rates applicable to rural areas.

Tanzania has formally received the hosting flag for the 74th Miss World Festival, marking the official handover of responsibilities from Vietnam ahead of next year’s global beauty contest.

Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, received the flag on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Vietnam during the Miss World 2026 finale.

The handover comes as Tanzania prepares to welcome contestants from around the world for the May 2027 edition, which will make the country the first in East and Central Africa to host the prestigious competition.

The Miss World Organisation confirmed earlier this year that Tanzania had secured the rights to stage the 74th edition.

The hosting agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam on April 20 between the Tanzanian Government and Miss World Limited, led by chairwoman and chief executive Julia Morley.

The organisation said Tanzania will become the fourth African country to host Miss World, after South Africa, Seychelles and Nigeria. South Africa was previously the only country in the region to stage the competition.

The flag handover therefore carries significance beyond the pageant itself. It symbolises the transition from Vietnam’s 75th anniversary edition to Tanzania’s historic chapter and places the country under greater international attention.

Vietnam concluded its hosting duties on Saturday with the crowning of Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola, who won the 2026 title in Nha Trang. Tanzania’s representative, Latricia Ian Sawe, reached the Top 40 among 111 contestants, providing a strong performance as the country prepares to host the next edition.

For Tanzania, the opportunity presents a major tourism and destination-marketing platform. The Miss World Organisation has highlighted the country’s Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and cultural heritage as attractions that can be showcased to the international audience.

The event is also expected to benefit the hospitality, creative and tourism sectors. Previous analysis of Tanzania’s hosting bid suggested the month-long festival could attract thousands of international visitors while exposing the country to a global television and digital audience.

However, the opportunity comes with considerable responsibility. Tanzania will need to ensure high standards in accommodation, transport, venues, security, event management and international broadcasting.

A successful festival could strengthen the country’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting major international events

For girls living far from schools, support programmes and reliable internet, geography and household income can determine how much they learn and the opportunities they can access.

Msichana Initiative is now turning to technology to help close that gap through the One Girl Plus Digital Platform, launched in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5, 2026, to give girls continued access to life-skills education beyond traditional face-to-face sessions.

The platform builds on a programme that has reached more than 10,000 girls aged 10 to 25 over the past four years, helping them develop self-awareness, confidence and goal-setting skills through games, storytelling, discussions and learning from female role models. Msichana Initiative executive director, Ms Consolata Chikoti, said the move into the digital space was driven by what girls themselves had told the organisation.

‘We listened to girls. They taught us that their desire to learn does not end when our session ends,’ she said.

‘Through One Girl Plus Digital Platform, we want to build a bridge that enables them to continue learning, asking questions and building confidence wherever they are. Technology gives us an opportunity to take this experience to many more girls.’

The platform is built around the programme’s three key pillars, known as K3 – Kujitambua, Kujiamini and Kujiwekea Malengo – which focus on self-awareness, confidence and goal-setting.

Girls can access interactive digital games, life-skills content and age-appropriate information in Kiswahili.

The system also includes an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot designed to provide a friendly space where girls can ask questions and access information to support their learning and personal development.

Ms Chikoti said the technology was not intended to replace the safe relationships created through face-to-face programmes, but to extend them.

‘One Girl Plus gives us a great opportunity to use technology to ensure that life skills do not remain in a one-day training or meeting, but can follow a girl into her everyday life,’ she said.

She said physical programmes often involved transport and other costs, particularly when reaching girls in remote communities.

‘Technology breaks those boundaries and reduces those costs. It means this education reaches the girl directly,’ she said.

However, she acknowledged that digital access itself remains a challenge.

‘Not every girl has a smartphone, a computer or reliable internet, or the ability to afford the cost of data,’ she said, warning that girls from low-income households and rural areas could otherwise be left behind.

The platform therefore also considers offline access, while the organisation says digital safety, privacy, cyberbullying and gender-based violence online must remain central as more girls move into digital spaces.

Government backs digital skills

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology representative, Ms Felister Mapunda, said digital skills were increasingly essential to girls’ education and future participation in society.

‘Digital skills are not a luxury; they are a basic need,’ she said.

Ms Mapunda said the government was strengthening the use of science, technology, innovation and practical learning through the Education and Training Policy, the improved curriculum and related guidelines.

She said technology could take knowledge to places where opportunities had previously been limited, adding that a girl’s location should not determine her ability to learn, lead or pursue her ambitions.

‘When we empower a girl today, we are building the Tanzania of tomorrow,’ she said.

The digital transition has been supported by Karimjee Foundation, which has also worked with Msichana Initiative on initiatives aimed at removing barriers facing girls.

The partnership includes One Girl One Bike, which provides bicycles to help address the challenge of distance between girls’ homes and schools.

Representing Karimjee Foundation, Ms Caren Rowland, said the organisation believed girls should be able to pursue their potential regardless of where they lived.

‘We believe that every girl should have an opportunity to learn and reach her potential without being held back by distance or the environment she comes from,’ she said.

She said the partnership, from bicycles to digital learning, reflected an effort to invest in solutions that reach girls where they are.

The launch brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector and technology stakeholders.