Govt targets nationwide high-speed internet

DODOMA: THE government has pledged to extend high-speed internet services across the country by 2030 as part of efforts to accelerate Tanzania’s digital economy and ensure every citizen has reliable internet access regardless of location or income.

Speaking during a highlevel meeting on the National Broadband Strategy recently, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s Director of Infrastructure, Mr Leo Magomba, said the strategy aims to guarantee universal access to high-speed internet, describing digital connectivity as a key driver of economic transformation and improved public service delivery.

“Our goal is to ensure that by 2030 every Tanzanian, regardless of where they live or their income level, has access to high-speed internet and can benefit from opportunities created by the digital economy,” he said.

Mr Magomba said the strategy aligns with the National Development Vision 2050, which identifies digital transformation as one of the key pillars for building a modern, competitive and knowledgebased economy.

He said that the meeting brought together permanent secretaries from nine ministries and heads of public institutions to coordinate implementation of the national strategy.

According to Mr Magomba, digital technologies have become indispensable across sectors, including education, healthcare, commerce, security and public administration, making universal broadband access essential for national development.

“Education is now delivered online, businesses operate digitally and even security services increasingly rely on digital technologies. Virtually every sector depends on reliable internet connectivity,” he said.

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He cited figures from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), showing that high-speed internet currently covers about 94 per cent of populated areas, while fifth-generation (5G) services being available in nearly 30 per cent of those locations.

The government’s immediate priority, he said, is to connect the remaining six per cent of underserved areas to achieve nationwide broadband coverage within the next four years.

Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) Director General, Dr Nkundwe Mwasaga, said the strategy would also provide investors with reliable information on Tanzania’s digital infrastructure helping attract further investment into the ICT sector.

“Our objective is not only to expand connectivity but also to position Tanzania as a competitive player in the regional and global digital economy,” he said, adding that successful implementation of the strategy would strengthen innovation, improve access to digital services and support sustainable economic growth.