The Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group (IGTWG)

The Internet Governance Working Group in Tanzania is a collaborative platform comprising a diverse array of stakeholders led by the Civil Society dedicated to addressing ICT governance aspects specific to the Tanzanian context. Through advocacy, policy feedback, and collaborative efforts, the group aims to promote inclusivity, equitable access, and responsible use of the internet while contributing to policy reforms and shaping the digital landscape in Tanzania. The group was formally established April 1st, 2024.

The Goal

The overarching goal of the Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group is to advance ethical digital governance practices, transparency, accountability, and the protection of digital human rights. By examining every aspect of Tanzania’s digital public services landscape, advocating for an effective civic tech space and pushing for responsible digital environment and data handling – the group aims to create a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable ICT environment with a civic tech space that promotes  and protects the rights of netizens in Tanzania.

The mission of the Internet Governance Working Group

The mission is to tackle governance issues within the Tanzanian context related to the internet. This includes areas such as Personal Data Protection, Cyber Security, Content Regulation and Moderation, Emerging Technologies, Digital Rights, and Freedoms. The group aims to promote inclusivity, equitable access, and responsible use of the internet by advocating for policy reforms, providing feedback on government policies, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and shaping the digital landscape in Tanzania to ensure a safer, more reliable, and inclusive digital world for all citizens.

1. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policy reforms to enhance internet governance and promote an inclusive, accessible and safer digital environment.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders for effective participation in internet governance processes that strive at impact.
3. Capacity Building: Enhance stakeholders’ capacity through strategic discussions, workshops and training programs on internet governance and digital rights.
4. Awareness Raising: Raise awareness about internet governance issues and digital rights among stakeholders and the public both online and offline.
5. Policy Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on existing policies and proposed initiatives related to internet governance for the betterment of the community.
6. Legislative Advocacy: Influence decision-making processes by engaging policymakers and advocating for relevant regulations and legislation that strive at accessibility, inclusivity and impact for the community.
7. Research and Analysis: Conduct research on internet governance issues to inform policy development and decision-making in national and development matters.
8. Digital Rights Promotion: Advocate for policies that protect digital rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information.
9. Cybersecurity Enhancement: Work towards improving cybersecurity measures to mitigate cyber threats in Tanzania’s digital ecosystem across sectors.
10. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Promote inclusivity and accessibility in the digital space, ensuring that all citizens benefit from internet governance policies and initiatives.

The working group is coordinated by Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) working collaboratively in partnership with seventeen civil society organizations. The Internet Governance working group comprises of the below organizations.

The Internet Governance working group consists of the following member organizations (updated June 5th, 2024):-

1. Tech & Media Convergency (TMC)
2. Tanzania Internet Service Providers Association (TISPA)
3. Zaina Foundation & the Digital Rights Coalition
4. Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA)
5. Internet Society Tanzania Chapter (ISOC-Tz)
6. Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative (D4TI)
7. Women in Law & Development in Africa (WiLDAF)
8. Media For Development and Advocacy (MEDEA)
9. Dunia Salama Foundation (DUFASO)
10. African Child Projects (ACP)
11. Gidabuday Sports Tourism Foundation (GSTF)
12. Builders of Future Africa (BFA)
13. Tanzania Internet Governance Forum (TIGF)
14. Law Guards Advocates (LGA)
15. Dig It with Imani Podcast Initiative
16. The Chanzo
17. Kuza Steam Generation
18. Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)