Tanzania orders operators of critical ICT infrastructure to exercise greater vigilance

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Angellah Kairuki, has urged owners and operators of critical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to strengthen security measures and exercise greater vigilance, warning that damage to such infrastructure could have serious consequences, including security threats.

Speaking to media outlets today, August 19, 2026, Minister Kairuki said the law provides severe penalties for individuals found responsible for damaging critical ICT infrastructure.

The law states that anyone found guilty of damaging critical ICT infrastructure, as provided under Section 29 of the Cybercrimes Act, faces a fine of not less than 100m/- or three times the value of the damage caused, imprisonment for a minimum of five years, or both the fine and imprisonment.

The provision underscores the seriousness of damaging critical ICT infrastructure, noting that such acts can have significant security, economic, and social consequences.

Minister Kairuki said critical ICT infrastructure is essential to the operation of various services and systems in both the public and private sectors. Any disruption or destruction could therefore interrupt services and create wider security and economic consequences.

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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has directed owners and operators of ICT infrastructure to register through the official system established by the Ministry.

The Ministry said registration is important to ensure that owners and operators comply with legal, technical and security requirements governing the operation of ICT infrastructure.

Minister Kairuki also urged owners and operators to work closely with technical teams from the Ministry to identify and address security vulnerabilities and ensure that their systems meet the required standards.

She said such cooperation is critical to strengthening the protection of critical ICT infrastructure and ensuring that services dependent on these systems continue to operate securely and efficiently.