The Government of Tanzania, through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), has made significant progress in the construction of telecom towers to improve communication services across the country.
As of March 24, 2025, 430 out of the planned 758 towers have been completed and are operational, representing 56% of the total project.
The construction of the remaining towers is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Jerry William Silaa, highlighted these achievements during the presentation of the 2024/2025 budget implementation report to the Parliamentary Infrastructure Committee in Dodoma.
He also announced that the government has signed a financial agreement with China’s Exim Bank to fund the construction of 636 additional towers, further expanding the country’s communication infrastructure.
In addition to the construction of new towers, the government has upgraded 304 existing towers from 2G to 3G and 4G networks to enhance internet access.
UCSAF has also installed free internet services in seven key locations, including Nyerere Square, the University of Dodoma, and markets in Tabora and Mwanza, among others.
UCSAF allocated TZS 374 million for this initiative, which aims to provide free and open internet access to Tanzanians.
Eng. Peter Mwasalyanda, UCSAF’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that Tanzanians have access to open internet services.
For example, at Nyerere Square, we have provided free internet that young people can use for browsing and other activities.”
The government’s broader efforts to improve communication infrastructure include the construction of 3,621 kilometers of the National Fiber Optic Backbone, representing 82% of the targeted 4,442 kilometers.
Additionally, 111 service centers for the fiber optic network have been completed, and procurement processes for the construction of 186 kilometers of fiber optic cable from Kigoma to Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are underway.
This project aims to strengthen regional communication through Lake Tanganyika.
The government has also focused on cybersecurity, launching the SITAPELIKI campaign to combat online fraud and scams.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has issued 939 licenses to various communication service providers and inspected 578 electronic devices, approving 455 that met the required standards.
Furthermore, TCRA deactivated 37,983 SIM cards involved in cybercrime.
These developments are part of Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, improve internet access, and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure, ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from reliable and modern communication services.
