Samia accelerate digital growth

DODOMA: AS the communication sector continues to record significant progress, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed relevant authorities to eliminate bureaucratic delays in the approval of telecommunications infrastructure projects, to sustain the sector’s rapid growth.

One of the notable areas of growth, according to the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), is the increase in internet subscriptions from 29.07 million in 2021 to 58.8 million, marking a 100 per cent rise and indicating expanded access to digital services nationwide.

Speaking in Dodoma yesterday during the launch of 758 communication towers and the expansion of the National Fibre Optic Backbone to 85 districts, President Samia urged local government authorities, as well as regional and district leaders, to ensure the timely issuance of permits.

“Delays in approvals undermine progress. We must remove bureaucracy to accelerate connectivity and national development,” she said.

She further directed authorities to extend communication infrastructure beyond the district level to wards and villages, to ensure all citizens benefit, in line with global commitments to leave no one behind. The President also instructed responsible institutions to safeguard national communication infrastructure, particularly the fibre optic backbone, describing it as critical to both economic development and national security.

She also directed the ministry to ensure all districts are fully connected before extending services to lower administrative levels and called for closer coordination with stakeholders to enable youth to benefit from digital infrastructure through innovation, skills development and employment opportunities.

In addition, Dr Samia said communication services must uphold Tanzanian values and cultural norms, warning that failure to do so could erode societal morals and patriotism. President Samia said strong collaboration between the government and stakeholders has been key in expanding access to affordable and quality communication services, laying a firm foundation for Tanzania’s digital economy.

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“This cooperation is key to ensuring communication services reach citizens with the quality required by modern technology at affordable costs,” she said, adding that improved connectivity is already transforming lives, including in remote areas.

She cited examples of previously unconnected islands that are now benefiting from communication services, enabling residents to conduct business and improve their livelihoods.

Building on that progress, she called on stakeholders to sustain cooperation in promoting innovation, increasing investment and expanding infrastructure to ensure no Tanzanian is left behind in the digital economy.

She said that the ICT sector has become a strategic driver of economic growth, job creation and productivity.

“Communication is no longer a luxury, it is the backbone of a modern economy and a bridge to opportunities for all,” she said.

President Samia also highlighted progress in the national fibre optic backbone, which has reached 15,167 kilometres, connecting all regions in mainland Tanzania and 121 out of 139 districts, up from only 36 districts in 2021. She further commended the completion of 758 communication towers, saying that the infrastructure has extended services to more than 8.5 million citizens, particularly in rural and border areas.

“This is a major step towards empowering our people. Those in border areas no longer depend on networks from neighbouring countries,” she said.

Meanwhile, the government is stepping up efforts to empower youth through technology-driven initiatives, including plans to establish a digital centre in Dodoma and provide financial support to startups. Highlighting youth innovation, Dr Samia cited a local startup developing cancer screening technology as an example of the potential among young Tanzanians.

“This technological era belongs to the youth. We must empower them,” she said.

On his part, UCSAF Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Peter Mwasalyanda, said the construction of the 758 towers cost 126 billion shillings, funded through a combination of a World Bank loan and domestic resources.

“The project was implemented across all 26 regions of mainland Tanzania, ensuring nationwide coverage and inclusivity in access to communication services,” he said.

He added that the initiative also included the upgrading of 304 existing towers to enhance network capacity and improve service quality.

“In addition to the completed works, UCSAF is currently implementing new projects, including the construction of 287 additional towers and expanding connectivity in strategic areas such as transport corridors, border regions and other underserved locations,” he said.

Engineer Mwasalyanda further said the ongoing efforts to strengthen digital inclusion through schools’ connectivity programmes and the deployment of a digital infrastructure management system. “This system will improve planning, monitoring and help us address connectivity gaps, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas,” he said.