In a strategic move to fortify Tanzania’s cybersecurity landscape, 70 judges, prosecutors, and investigators participated in a three-day symposium aimed at enhancing their capacity to handle cybercrime cases. The event, held in Dar es Salaam from October 2 to 4, 2024, was spearheaded by the Commonwealth Secretariat with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
This initiative comes in response to the escalating cybercrime rates across Africa, which have surged by 25% annually. Tanzanian courts face increasing challenges in prosecuting digital crimes, from online fraud to AI-generated deepfakes. To address these issues, participants engaged in simulations and case studies designed to enhance their ability to collect and authenticate electronic evidence—a critical skill given the complexities of digital data compared to physical evidence.
Justice Augustine G. Mwarija, Justice of Appeal for Tanzania, emphasized the global nature of cyber threats, noting that judicial systems must adapt rapidly to the evolving digital landscape. “A strong grasp of cybercrime law is essential for informed decision-making,” he stated, highlighting the symposium’s role in building judicial resilience against digital offenses.
Participants praised the practical approach of the training. High Court Judge Lilian Itemba pointed out the session’s value in teaching advanced techniques like data imaging and hashing, which ensure the integrity of electronic evidence in court. Meanwhile, Senior Resident Magistrate John C. Mdoe expressed confidence that the training would significantly improve the management of cybercrime cases.
Elizabeth Macharia, Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Section, noted the positive impact of similar programs in other Commonwealth nations, where judicial efficiency in handling electronic evidence improved by 50%. She voiced optimism that the Tanzanian judiciary would experience similar benefits, ultimately making the internet safer for its citizens.
The symposium, organized in partnership with Tanzania’s Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto, is part of a broader Commonwealth initiative. Since 2018, the Secretariat’s Cyber Unit has trained over 1,200 legal professionals from 55 member countries, strengthening global efforts to combat the growing threat of cybercrime.
