• President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched 758 new towers and a fiber optic network to improve rural connectivity.

• The $48 million project follows a public-private partnership model, with Yas Tanzania providing one-third of the infrastructure.

• The initiative aims to bring digital services to 8.5 million people to address a 30% internet penetration rate.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially launched 758 new communication towers in Dodoma on Friday, April 10. A consortium of telecom operators also handed over new fiber optic infrastructure to the government during the ceremony. This project required an investment of 126 billion shillings (approximately $48 million). The initiative extends network coverage into remote rural areas. It also reduces disparities in access to digital services across the country.

A public-private partnership model facilitated the execution of this project. Multiple operators joined the effort to build the necessary infrastructure. Yas Tanzania contributed nearly 33% of the total deployed units. The operator also modernized several existing sites. It upgraded these locations from 2G to 4G technology. These upgrades improve network capacity and service quality in the targeted zones. These towers serve as a critical link in the telecom ecosystem. They enable the transmission of mobile signals across the national territory.

This deployment occurs during a period of rapid digital expansion in Tanzania. Official reports show significant coverage milestones between 2021 and 2025. 2G technology now reaches 98.6% of the population. 3G services cover 93.9% of citizens. 4G networks reach 94.2% of the people. Furthermore, 5G technology now covers more than 30% of the territory. The national fiber optic network currently spans over 15,000 km. It connects more than 80% of administrative districts. This expansion strengthens the national capacity for data transport.

Digital service adoption remains uneven despite these technical advancements. Data Reportal estimates the current mobile internet penetration rate at approximately 30%. This figure indicates that a large portion of the population remains disconnected. The government believes the new tower program will benefit 8.5 million people. These individuals previously lacked access to any digital services.

The authorities now focus on challenges beyond basic infrastructure. High costs for compatible devices hinder broader adoption. Expensive data plans also limit daily usage for many citizens. The GSMA identifies a significant deficit in digital skills among the population. Officials want to transform these investments into effective digital inclusion. They must facilitate easier access to services. They also need to stimulate digital usage in education and health. Financial services also require deeper digital integration to succeed.

Tanzania seeks to solidify its digital economy through this new investment phase. The country combines mobile coverage extension with fiber optic reinforcement. This strategy improves connectivity for rural businesses. It also supports local economic activity. Finally, it accelerates Tanzanian integration into the regional digital economy.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum