The Democratic Republic of Congo is drawing lessons from Tanzania's experience in expanding communication services, particularly in rural areas. This is part of the DRC's efforts to accelerate implementation of its own connectivity programmes. Tanzania shared its experience in policy development, government oversight, and implementation of universal service policy.
An experience-sharing meeting was held in Dodoma on October 6, 2026, where Tanzania shared its approach to coordination of communication services through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund. The meeting was attended by officials from the DRC, who sought to learn from Tanzania's achievements in the communications sector. Engineer Edith Turuka, Acting Director of the Communications Department in the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, highlighted Tanzania's strategic projects.
These projects include the National ICT Broadband Backbone, National Physical Addressing Project, and construction of the National Digital and ICT Training Institute in Nala, Dodoma. The projects aim to strengthen communication infrastructure in Tanzania. The DRC delegation was led by Christian Kavulu, Director of Universal Service, who stated that they came to learn from Tanzania's experience and achievements.
Mulembwa Denis Munaku, UCSAF Chief Executive Officer, noted that improvements in the communications sector, particularly in rural areas, have increased access to communication services and uptake of digital services. He also mentioned that Tanzania is targeting universal access to communication services by 2030. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
Cooperation is crucial in developing communications and the digital economy. The DRC aims to apply the lessons learned from Tanzania to accelerate its own communication programmes. The experience-sharing meeting was seen as a valuable opportunity for both countries to exchange ideas and best practices.
Tanzania's experience in policy development and implementation of universal service policy was highlighted as a key area of learning for the DRC. The UCSAF has played a significant role in promoting access to communication services in rural areas. The DRC is expected to benefit from Tanzania's expertise in this area.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the communications sector. The DRC is expected to make significant progress in its connectivity programmes following the experience-sharing meeting.
Key points
- The DRC is drawing lessons from Tanzania's experience in expanding communication services, particularly in rural areas.
- Tanzania shared its experience in policy development, government oversight, and implementation of universal service policy.
- The DRC aims to apply the lessons learned from Tanzania to accelerate its own communication programmes.
