(Ecofin Agency) - Tanzania has unveiled a plan to expand its national fiber grid. TSh170 billion (S73.7 million) will be invested in the project, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (pictured, right) announced during the 5th annual national ICT conference held in Arusha last October 20-22.

The government plans to build an additional 4,244 km of optical fiber by the end of 2021 to bring the national grid to 12,563 km. The objective is to enable telecom service providers to use this infrastructure to improve communication services in the country and facilitate Internet access to the public and private sectors. “The government has so far built 8,319 km of national communications broadband. Our goal is to construct up to 15,000km by 2024/2025,” the PM said.

He points out that achieving this goal requires significant investment and the government is committed to investing effectively, but “we are also inviting partners and investors in this and other ICT areas.” This new investment in broadband telecom infrastructure is part of efforts to accelerate the country's digital transformation.

Like in other countries, Covid-19 has strengthened the need to make digital technology an engine for development in Tanzania. The government wants to increase digital inclusion in the country and allow its population to enjoy the benefits in the areas of the economy, health, education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, etc.

Muriel Edjo