Is Tanzania Legally Prepared for Artificial Intelligence? A Critical Analysis of the Regulatory Framework for Responsible AI Adoption

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded across public administration, business, education, communication, and other social and economic sectors. While this integration offers new opportunities for innovation and improved efficiency, it also raises concerns about privacy, transparency, accountability, fairness, human oversight, and safety. These issues have led to the creation of international and regional standards aimed at fostering responsible, human-centred AI governance. Tanzania already has a legal framework covering personal data protection, cybersecurity, electronic transactions, and electronic communications. However, these laws were largely developed without specifically considering the unique features and risks of modern AI systems, raising doubts about whether the current legal framework is sufficient and adaptable for responsible AI deployment. This article critically assesses Tanzania’s legal readiness for the responsible adoption and use of AI. Employing a doctrinal legal research approach, it compares relevant Tanzanian laws with emerging international and regional standards, including the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, the OECD AI Principles, and the African Union’s Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The findings indicate that, although Tanzania is not without regulation, its existing framework remains fragmented and does not fully address essential AI governance issues such as algorithmic transparency, accountability, human oversight, AI risk assessment, and institutional coordination. The article suggests that Tanzania needs a context-aware, risk-based regulatory strategy that builds on current legal and institutional structures while incorporating AI-specific safeguards aligned with the risks of different AI applications. Such an approach would allow Tanzania to benefit from AI development while safeguarding fundamental rights and fostering responsible, safe, and accountable technological innovation.