Tanzania Urges Shift from Telecom Coverage to Meaningful Digital Access

Tanzania is pushing for a change in focus from expanding telecommunications coverage to ensuring that digital connectivity has a meaningful impact on the economy and society, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This call was made by Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Doha, Qatar. Tanzania is seeking re-election to the ITU's Administrative Council for the 2027-2030 term.

According to Ms Kairuki, expanding broadband access, improving affordability, and strengthening digital infrastructure are key priorities in Tanzania's drive towards inclusive digital transformation. She noted that broadband coverage had reached over 94% of the population, thanks to government investment in telecommunications infrastructure. The ITU recently recognised Tanzania for constructing 758 new communications towers and upgrading over 300 existing ones, connecting over 1,301 villages and bringing an estimated 8.5 million people into the connected world.

The National Information and Communications Technology Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) is a critical part of Tanzania's connectivity infrastructure, linked to international submarine cables and connecting all 31 regions of Tanzania, as well as neighbouring countries. This supports the expansion of communication services. However, Ms Kairuki emphasised that the next phase of digital transformation must go beyond network coverage to ensure people can afford digital services and devices and use connectivity to improve their livelihoods.

Ms Kairuki urged the ITU to prioritise meaningful connectivity, universal coverage, affordable digital services, digital skills development, and innovative financing models to extend access to rural and remote communities. She also called for greater support for developing countries in implementing programmes involving artificial intelligence, satellite networks, and effective spectrum management. This, she believes, will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that digital transformation benefits all.

The priorities outlined in the ITU's 2028-2031 Strategic Plan are aligned with Tanzania's Development Vision 2050, which identifies digital transformation as a key driver of national development. Ms Kairuki pledged that Tanzania would use its proposed position on the ITU Administrative Council to advance Africa's interests in global digital governance. She emphasised that Tanzania remains committed to supporting an ITU that ensures digital transformation benefits all countries and communities.

The Tanzanian delegation to the conference includes the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed Khamis Abdulla, and the Permanent Secretary in Zanzibar's Ministry of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation, Fatma Mabrouk Khamis. Others are the Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Peter Mwasalyanda, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Communications Services Access Fund (UCSAF), Mulembwa Munanku.

As Tanzania continues to push for meaningful digital access, the country is working to ensure that its digital transformation is inclusive and benefits all communities. With a focus on affordable digital services, digital skills development, and innovative financing models, Tanzania aims to bridge the digital divide and unlock the full potential of digital connectivity. The country's efforts are expected to have a positive impact on its development and economic growth.

Key points

• Tanzania's Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, calls for a shift from expanding telecommunications coverage to ensuring digital connectivity translates into economic and social opportunities.