Tanzania Launches e-Kilimo to Digitally Transform Agriculture
Mtanana, Tanzania — July 21, 2025: Tanzania has taken a bold step in modernizing its agricultural landscape with the official launch of e-Kilimo, a digital platform aimed at revolutionizing farming support across the country. Spearheaded by Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe and unveiled at the Mtanana Agricultural Innovation Center, the initiative marks a new chapter in tech-driven development for one of the country’s most vital sectors.
Agriculture contributes approximately 23% to Tanzania’s GDP and sustains nearly two-thirds of its population. Yet, remote farmers often face challenges accessing timely advice and reliable inputs. e-Kilimo seeks to address this gap by offering farmers direct access to expert guidance from nearby extension agents through both web and mobile applications. This tailored support enables location-specific problem solving, whether it’s pest control, soil management, or planting techniques.
Beyond advisory services, e-Kilimo serves as a digital registry of input suppliers, providing authorities with tools to track product distribution and curb the circulation of counterfeit agricultural inputs. The platform also introduces an annual performance evaluation system for extension officers, integrating feedback mechanisms to enhance transparency and service delivery.
Funded with $3 million from the European Union and jointly managed by the Tanzanian government and the United Nations, the project is part of a broader agenda to digitize agricultural services. Complementary initiatives include digital skills training, mobile-based market access, and real-time data collection—all geared toward increasing productivity and refining national planning strategies.
However, the platform’s reach may be limited by digital access. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 31.9% of Tanzanians are online, and with over 75% of the population living in rural areas, smartphone and internet availability