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| President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, presents an appreciation award to Pierre Canton Bacara, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Tanzania and Chairman of the Consortium of Telco Operators, during the handover ceremony marking the completion of communication towers and the national fibre optic backbone infrastructure at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre. The award recognises Yas Tanzania’s contribution to strengthening the country’s digital transformation agenda. Looking on (left) is Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Hon. Angellah Kairuki. |
Dar es Salaam, 10 April 2026 – Tanzania has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation journey following the official handover of critical telecommunications infrastructure developed through a public-private partnership between the Government and a consortium of telecom operators.
Historic Handover Ceremony
The handover ceremony, held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre, was presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The President commended the consortium for its role in expanding digital access and strengthening Tanzania’s economic competitiveness through improved connectivity.
Expanding the National Digital Backbone
The project delivered 758 communication towers and over 1,100 kilometres of national fibre optic infrastructure, reinforcing the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB).
Key fibre routes include:
- Dodoma–Mwanza
- Morogoro–Ifakara
- Moshi–Rombo
Together, these corridors span approximately 1,193 kilometres, significantly enhancing national connectivity.
In addition, metro fibre infrastructure has been deployed across major urban centres, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Tanga, Moshi, Morogoro, Dodoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, Biharamulo, Makambako, and Musoma. Additional segments are still under construction and will be handed over upon completion.
Public-Private Partnership Driving Impact
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Chairman Pierre Canton Bacara emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the government and private sector.
He noted that the project demonstrates how strategic partnerships can successfully deliver large-scale infrastructure while accelerating national broadband objectives.
“This infrastructure will enhance access to public services and unlock growth across sectors such as financial services, e-commerce, healthcare, and education,” he said.
Yas Tanzania’s Strategic Role
Yas Tanzania played a central operational role in the consortium, supporting both construction and network rollout.
- Delivered 261 sites (approximately 33% of total towers)
- Upgraded its entire 2G footprint to 4G
- Invested over TZS 1 trillion in network infrastructure
The company now operates one of the country’s most extensive 4G and 5G networks, covering more than 95% of Tanzania’s population.
Driving Inclusive Connectivity
Yas Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to expanding connectivity beyond major cities, focusing on underserved and rural communities. This approach is expected to bridge the digital divide and enable broader participation in the digital economy.
Supporting Tanzania’s Digital Future
The infrastructure handover forms part of Tanzania’s broader digital transformation agenda under Agenda 2050, aimed at expanding access to affordable, reliable, and resilient connectivity nationwide.
The consortium also underscored the importance of continued policy support, including a review of broadband capacity charges, to further strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional connectivity hub.
A Connected Future Ahead
As Tanzania advances toward becoming a regional digital powerhouse, this milestone highlights the critical role of collaboration between public and private stakeholders in building a robust, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem.
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