DAR ES SALAAM: THE National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) has achieved a significant milestone in fostering regional connectivity, linking East and Southern African countries through its services.
This revelation came during the signing ceremony between Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL) and the Burundi Backbone System (BBS) for a new agreement spanning the next five years of capacity service business.
According to TTCL Director General Engineer Peter Ulanga, NICTBB serves as a vital bridge for communication and economic development among countries in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
He expressed delight at the successful utilisation of NICTBB in the region, emphasising its role in enhancing productivity and stimulating development activities across African nations.
Eng Ulanga highlighted the accomplishments of NICTBB, noting that it has successfully connected Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi and Zambia.
The new agreement with BBS, valued at 3.3 million US dollars, equivalent to 8.3bn/- over the next five years, signifies an opportunity for Tanzania and Burundi to deepen their partnership in the communication sector.
He underscored TTCL’s commitment to promoting diplomatic cooperation in the communication sector within the EAC, emphasising its importance as a tool for economic cooperation and social development.
Eng Ulanga also mentioned ongoing efforts to extend NICTBB’s reach, including plans to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo to the backbone.
Chief Executive Officer of BBS, Mr Jeremie Hageringwe, emphasised that the cooperation agreement between Tanzania and Burundi aims to develop communication systems in the Manyovu area for Tanzania, Kabanga and Kobelo areas for the people of Burundi.
Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, commended TTCL for its role in promoting capacity services across African nations.
He highlighted the significance of the partnership between Tanzania and Burundi in fostering communication ties and facilitating business transactions.
Minister Nnauye reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the infrastructure for capacity services within the country, with a focus on extending services to other nations to reduce costs and promote development in the information technology sector.
He urged TTCL to ensure the provision of quality service to BBS as per the contract terms, emphasising the importance of fostering cooperation between the two countries for future business endeavours.
Minister Nnauye also encouraged communication stakeholders to explore available opportunities to expand their businesses in line with the cooperation between the citizens of Tanzania and Burundi.
The collaboration between TTCL and BBS marks a significant step towards strengthening communication ties and fostering economic development between Tanzania and Burundi, setting the stage for increased connectivity and collaboration across the region.
