Honourable Kasim Majaliwa(MP), Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania; Honourable Jerry William Silah(MP), Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology; the Regional Commissioner who was here with us this morning and his representative; the Permanent Secretary of ICT; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; and, most importantly, our youth community who have truly decorated this conference with their energy and innovation.

It is a great privilege and honour to stand before you at this important gathering, where we are convened not only as participants but as leaders who are committed and determined to support the youthful energies of Africa. Today, we celebrate the 8th Tanzania Annual ICT Conference of 2024, a conference that underscores our shared commitment to leveraging ICT as a powerful engine for socioeconomic transformation.

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of Her Excellency Madam Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, who is currently the only female president on the African continent. The remarkable strides Tanzania is making in moving this country forward, from the launch of the high-speed electric train system to the ongoing expansion of connectivity across the country, are a testament to what is possible when there is a clear vision, strong political will, and strategic investment.

Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to thank you personally for your results-oriented leadership, for focusing on tangible results, and for ensuring that the future is bright for Tanzania. These achievements do not only set a benchmark for the East African region but for the entire African continent. It is truly inspiring to see how Tanzania is using technology as a key enabler of sustainable development and has positioned itself on the global map as a trailblazer in digital transformation.