National Information and Communications Technology Policy 3.5 Cooperation and Collaboration 3.5.1 Issue: Regional and International Cooperation The Government of Tanzania recognizes the benefit of regional and international collaboration and cooperation in the area of ICT. It has, therefore, maintained strategic cooperation at regional and international levels. For the past ten years of NICTP 2003 existence, Tanzania has been in the forefront in regional integration initiatives championed by the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD); East African Community Broadband ICT Network (EACBIN) and other initiatives under the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These efforts have increased Tanzania’s contribution in the region especially linking the landlocked countries to submarine cables and contribution to implementation of international agreements on migration towards digital broadcasting. The successes attained in ICT in terms of infrastructure, migration to digital terrestrial broadcasting, human capital need to be shared with others regionally and globally, for sector development through realignment of sector policies. In the last decade Tanzania has strengthened its cooperation and collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO), International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) and Regional African Satellite Communication (RASCOM), amongst others. The benefits realized through these collaborations include: sharing knowledge and experience; enhancement of human capital and expertise; financing of ICT initiatives; creation of a network for information society; harmonization and realignment of policies; and expanded market for ICT services and products. Despite these achievements, there are challenges that need to be addressed such as low negotiation capacity and ineffective participation in regional and international integration of ICT initiatives, which hinders opportunities for network creation, collaboration and linkage of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and technology transfer. 3.5.1.1 Policy Objective To strengthen cooperation and collaboration in regional and international ICT development initiatives that promote knowledge transfer and attract foreign direct investment. 29