Dar inks 50bn/- deal with Telecoms to boost infrastructure development

The Tanzanian Government has signed a landmark deed of settlement agreement with major Telecom Operators worth 50bn/- to boost the country’s Telecommunications Infrastructure.

In addition to this payment for infrastructure usage since its construction, The Telecom Operators have committed to investing 32.5bn/- in further infrastructure development.

The agreement was formalized in a signing ceremony attended by Ministers, Telecom Operators, Government officials at Serena Hotel, Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The agreement, initiated in 2011, focuses on improving telecommunications infrastructure, including the construction of an Optic Fibre Cable Network in underserved areas.

The Minister of Information, Communication and Information Technology, Nape Moses Nnauye officiated the signing ceremony and emphasized the importance of advancing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to drive Tanzania economic growth.

During the ceremony, the Consortium of Telecom Operators agreed to provide $20 million over five years and invest $13 million in infrastructure development.

The signing also welcomed Vodacom Tanzania as a member of the consortium, highlighting collaboration between the private sector and the government.

Nnauye emphasised the Government’s commitment to enhance ICT reach and quality of services, with initiatives such as new communication towers, infrastructure cost reductions, and expanded fiber optic network capacity.

“The National Fiber Optic Network construction is expected to reach 99 out of 139 districts by March 2024, with a goal of nationwide coverage by the end of that year,: Nnauye said.

Minister Nnauye emphasized that strengthening the ICT and communication sectors would drive economic development and promote digital adoption, with the objective of ensuring 85% of Tanzanians have access to high-speed internet by 2025.

He called for effective implementation of the agreements and urged all telecommunications service providers to invest in infrastructure to reach more citizens. The signing ceremony was celebrated as a significant achievement, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of all parties involved and advancing Tanzania’s telecommunications infrastructure development.