Tanzania has recently seen growth in the digital communication sector. The number of internet users has significantly grown to more than 30 million users, in 2020, according to the Country’s Telecommunication Authority (TCRA). With the increase in the number of internet users, so is the amount of internet penetration and national coverage of the 3G network.

 Despite the growth of internet usage in Tanzania along with all the positive outcomes it has brought, the inequality in its inclusiveness was one of the main topics highlighted during the three-day workshop called FIFA AFRICA conducted by a non-government organisation that advocates for digital rights, Zaina Foundation in collaboration with CIPESA, an organisation dealing with ICT Policies in East Africa, from 28th to 30th September 2021 in Dar es Salaam, It was also held online whereby a number of stakeholders participated.

 During a session held by CIPESA and Small Media on Technology and Disability, the stakeholders discussed the challenges facing people with disability in using the technology and the need for technologies not to create barriers for people living with a disability.

 One of the key points that indicate a lack of inclusiveness in the digital sector for people with a disability includes the absence of telecommunication services that is inclusive to the people with disability as well as the high cost of their communication types of equipment and technology.

 It was also identified that many people are not aware of their rights on access to information, especially people with disability, who have equal rights to access to information regardless of their physical conditions.

 The stakeholders urged the government to take action to promote digital inclusion for people with disability and to provide appropriate, affordable and accessible technology to aid them to access communication means.

 Additionally, the stakeholders recommended the use of a bottom-up approach in reaching the targeted group for the purpose of collecting their suggestions that will be used in improving access to information for people with disability.