Assessing Software Safety Knowledge and Skill Gaps in Tanzania

Safety-critical systems are systems whose failure could result in loss of life or significant damage to property or the environment. Software systems that control and support the safe operation of such systems are safety-critical software. In Tanzania, such systems are becoming common in different domains, including the health domain. The government of Tanzania is increasingly encouraging home-grown solutions over acquiring such systems from outside, implying a future where safety-critical software systems will be increasingly developed and maintained by local software professionals and graduates. However, it is unclear whether software developers in Tanzania have the requisite knowledge and skills to develop safety-critical systems. A survey of 70 industry software practitioners along with 25 follow-up interviews was conducted. A significant software safety knowledge and skills gap was uncovered, suggesting the need to carefully consider the development of software safety skills in professional programs and ICT-related curricula in higher learning institutions.