The Ministry of Economy and Finance will establish an advanced technology training center in Tanzania to cultivate professionals in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital fields. The project will receive a $170 million loan from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), supporting the entry of domestic AI and edtech companies into the African market.
On August 23, the ministry held the 159th EDCF operation committee meeting and approved the construction project for the AI and digital technology training center in Tanzania, along with amendments to the EDCF operational management regulations.
The initiative aims to train personnel in Tanzania's AI and digital industries by establishing a training center that will offer four departments: AI, robotics, data analysis, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The government plans to provide a $170 million EDCF loan for this purpose.
The training center will feature high-performance AI training facilities equipped with AI computing devices, high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and high-speed networking. The center will also actively utilize domestic AI technologies and educational models in its operations and training programs.
This project will be implemented through a 'tied' loan method, which restricts procurement of goods and services necessary for the project to South Korean companies. The government expects this approach will expand opportunities for domestic companies in AI, edtech, and construction sectors to enter the African market.
The Tanzanian government plans to use this training center as a model for establishing additional educational institutions and constructing large-scale data centers, which is likely to create further opportunities for domestic companies.
The EDCF's review and management system will also be strengthened. In the future, large projects exceeding $100 million will require approval from the fund operation committee, which includes relevant ministries, and the involvement of private experts will be expanded during project implementation.
The government has also established a basis for directly proposing projects to developing countries by gathering opinions from relevant ministries. It will clarify the criteria and approval process for feasibility studies and conduct annual assessments of the appropriateness of the EDCF interest rate system, taking necessary actions as needed.
A ministry official stated, "This project for the construction of the AI and digital technology training center in Tanzania will accelerate the discovery of K-AI package projects. We will continue to enhance the transparency and fairness of the EDCF by expanding the participation of private experts and relevant ministries."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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