Report Unveils AI’s Impact on Tanzanian Journalism

By Paul Mallimbo

The Tanzanian government is dedicated to ensuring that the media sector evolves alongside technological advancements while upholding national values, accountability, and cultural identity. This commitment was reaffirmed by Liliani Shirima, a representative of the Director of Information Services (Maelezo), during the review of the findings from the “Artificial Intelligence for Media Development in Tanzania (AI4MD)” report, held in Dar es Salaam on February 27, 2025.

The event, organized by Tech & Media Convergency (TMC), brought together stakeholders such as the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), Tanzania Media Women Association, Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), Mwanga Hub, Twaweza, and journalists from various media outlets.

Shirima highlighted the government’s proactive measures to bridge the digital divide within the media industry and recognized the vital role of a robust media system in fostering informed public discourse and national development. “These efforts include strengthening digital infrastructure and launching initiatives aimed at equipping media practitioners with the necessary skills to adapt to emerging technologies,” she said.

The report’s findings indicate a significant increase in AI awareness among journalists in Tanzania, rising from 27% in 2021 to 36% in 2024. Moreover, 73% of media organizations acknowledge the potential of AI, while 18% remain uncertain and 9% oppose its adoption. AI is already being integrated into journalistic practices, with 36% of journalists using it for writing, 25% for translation, 24% for data processing, 19% for research, 18% for fact-checking, and 12% for monitoring online trends.

Despite this progress, the report also reveals a need for further capacity-building, as 40% of journalists express interest in AI training, while 60% remain hesitant. Additionally, 22% of media houses have initiated discussions on developing AI-related policies for their newsrooms. For a deeper dive into the findings and recommendations of the report, you can access the full document here.

These insights underscore the necessity of a strategic approach to AI adoption in the media sector, ensuring it aligns with Tanzania’s linguistic and cultural context.

During the review, UNESCO Representative Michel Toto, represented by Nancy Ngulo, emphasized the global impact of AI on journalism, highlighting both its opportunities and challenges, including misinformation risks, biases in algorithms, and concerns over media sustainability. “It’s crucial to transition from research to action, calling for strengthened collaboration among the government, media stakeholders, civil society, academia, and international partners,” he said.

Through the support of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), UNESCO aims to enhance AI-related capacity-building, promote ethical AI usage, and support policy development in Tanzania. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate AI into media policies, as advocated in various sector dialogues.

Chief Executive Officer of Tech & Media Convergency (TMC), Asha Abinala, stressed that the future of journalism in Tanzania hinges on four key elements: innovation, technology, impact, and collaboration. “Innovation goes beyond creating new tools—it involves reimagining possibilities within existing frameworks,” she noted. The AI4MD report serves as a critical resource, offering a context-specific analysis of the challenges and opportunities surrounding AI integration in Tanzanian journalism.

Abinala pointed out that AI has the potential to transform newsrooms by automating routine tasks and uncovering valuable insights from vast data sources. However, she cautioned that thoughtful integration, a deep understanding of local contexts, and a commitment to ethical practices are essential for meaningful digital transformation.

At TMC, the focus is on equipping Tanzanian media professionals with the tools and skills to navigate this evolving landscape with confidence and creativity. “Beyond technology, the real impact of AI adoption in journalism lies in its ability to enhance storytelling, inform communities, and uphold the integrity of the media,” she added.

The AI4MD report findings reflect both the promise and the pitfalls of AI in journalism, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach in shaping the future of media in Tanzania. Abinala reiterated that overcoming challenges such as uneven AI adoption, digital infrastructure gaps, and skill shortages requires a united effort among stakeholders. “By working together, the media industry can bridge the gap between technological potential and practical implementation, ensuring AI serves as a tool for journalistic excellence rather than a disruptor of ethical reporting,” she concluded.