Technology, Security, and Resilience: Key Agenda for SADC Central Banks

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The Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Emmanuel Tutuba, has urged Central Banks of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to strengthen the security of ICT systems and operational resilience in order to keep pace with rapid digital transformation and withstand emerging risks.

Opening the meeting of the Information, Communication & Technology and Business Resilience (ICTBR) Subcommittee of SADC Central Bank Governors on 23 February 2026, Governor Tutuba stated that the operating environment for Central Banks has continued to evolve rapidly, driven by fast technological advancements, an increase in cyberattacks, and growing public expectations for continuous and reliable financial services.

He explained that the meeting’s theme, “Future-Ready Central Banks: Technology, Security and Resilience in Action,” reflects the importance of having strong risk management frameworks to ensure that ICT investments align with the strategic objectives of institutions.

Governor Tutuba noted that the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals poses a threat to critical financial infrastructure and emphasized the need for regional cooperation in information sharing and joint preparedness to address such threats.

Regarding emerging technologies, he highlighted that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics can enhance efficiency in supervision and oversight of the financial sector. However, he stressed that such use must be accompanied by ethical principles, strong governance, and robust risk controls.

Speaking on BoT’s achievements, Governor Tutuba said that over the past year, the Central Bank has upgraded its ICT infrastructure, strengthened the security of core systems, and enhanced its disaster recovery capabilities. These measures, he said, have improved the resilience and reliability of financial services in the country and aligned them with regional standards.

The selection of Tanzania to host the meeting demonstrates the significant progress made by the Bank of Tanzania in developing and strengthening its national ICT systems. These achievements reflect BoT’s commitment to building secure, robust infrastructure that meets international standards, while reinforcing financial sector stability. Furthermore, this milestone positions Tanzania uniquely within the SADC region as a leader in digital transformation and prudent financial systems management.