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The United Republic of Tanzania

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Wizara ya Mawasiliano na Teknolojia ya Habari
LATEST NEWS Stakeholder validation workshop for the Digital Economy Satellite Account framework to be held in Dodoma  •  National ICT survey data collection commences in all regions  •  Ministry invites public comments on the draft DESA compilation guidelines  •  Capacity-building training for regional statisticians completed successfully
Home » Projects & Programmes » Digital Economy Satellite Account (DESA)

About the Project

The Digital Economy Satellite Account (DESA) is a national statistical initiative implemented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and other key stakeholders. The project establishes a dedicated framework for measuring the size, structure and contribution of the digital economy to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United Republic of Tanzania.

A satellite account extends the System of National Accounts (SNA) to capture economic activities that are not fully visible in conventional statistics, including e-commerce, digital services, digital intermediary platforms, ICT infrastructure and digitally enabled trade.

2024 – 2027
Implementation Period
26+
Regions Covered in Data Collection
12
Collaborating Institutions

Objectives

  • To measure the direct and indirect contribution of the digital economy to national GDP, employment and trade.
  • To develop a standardised methodology for compiling digital economy statistics in line with international frameworks (OECD, IMF and UNCTAD guidelines).
  • To provide reliable data for monitoring the National Digital Economy Strategic Framework (2024–2034).
  • To strengthen the capacity of national institutions in the compilation and analysis of digital economy statistics.
  • To support evidence-based policy formulation, planning and investment decisions in the ICT sector.

Implementation Phases

PhaseActivityStatus
Phase IScoping study, stakeholder mapping and methodology designCompleted
Phase IINational data collection and establishment of data-sharing frameworksOngoing
Phase IIICompilation of the pilot Digital Economy Satellite AccountPlanned
Phase IVPublication, dissemination and institutionalisation of annual reportingPlanned

Implementing Partners

The project is coordinated by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and implemented jointly with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), the e-Government Authority (eGA), the Ministry of Finance, and development partners supporting the digital economy agenda.