Switbert Zacharia Mkama

Hon. Dr. Switbert Zacharia Mkama is the Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology of the United Republic of Tanzania. He is a distinguished public administrator, diplomat, and development policy expert with over three decades of experience in public service, Institutional Leadership, Governance, and National Development.

Appointed Deputy Minister in 2025, Dr. Mkama provides strategic political leadership in advancing Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda, promoting the digital economy, and modernizing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. He oversees key national initiatives aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening digital governance, enhancing innovation ecosystems, and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies across the country. 

His leadership portfolio includes the implementation of the Digital Tanzania Project, the nationwide expansion of the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB), enhancement of Government cloud and data infrastructure, promotion of digital skills and innovation hubs, and coordination of emerging technology ecosystems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Data Science, and nextgeneration telecommunications. He also spearheads the establishment of the National Digital Technology Institute (NDTI), a flagship institution intended to nurture Tanzania’s future digital workforce and support the country’s digital economy ambitions. 

Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Mkama served in several senior leadership positions within the Government of Tanzania, including Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Environment, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the 1 President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and Acting Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Russian Federation.  Dr. Mkama holds a PhD in Development Studies (Rural Development) from Sokoine University of Agriculture, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Osmania University, India. He has also undertaken specialized professional training in diplomacy, digital government leadership, cybersecurity, digital resilience, ICT policy, regulation, and innovation leadership. 

Widely respected for his expertise in public sector Governance, digital development strategy, institutional reform, international cooperation, and high-level negotiations, Dr. Mkama continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Tanzania as a leader in digital transformation and innovation within the United Republic of Tanzania and beyond.