Tanzania sets deadline for activation of 758 rural communication towers

Dar es Salaam.  More than 8 million Tanzanians living in remote areas are set to gain access to mobile network services by May this year, following a government directive ensuring that all 758 newly and under construction communication towers are operational.

The move aligns with Tanzania’s ambitious 10-year Digital Economy Policy, which underscores the need for reliable communication services nationwide, including in rural areas.

On March 15, 2025, Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, directed that by May 12, 2025, at exactly midnight, the construction and activation of all 758 communication towers in rural areas must be completed, ensuring connectivity for underserved communities.

Minister Silaa issued the directive during his inspection tour of the ongoing construction of rural communication towers in Kidete village, Chanzuru ward, Kilosa district, Morogoro region.

“President Samia has allocated Sh126 billion for the construction of 758 communication towers in rural areas, which will significantly reduce the network coverage gap in the country,” he noted.

He further emphasised that President Samia launched the 10-Year National Digital Economy Strategy (2024-2034), which includes six pillars, one of which focuses on enhancing communication infrastructure.

“I stress again that by May 12, at exactly midnight, all towers must be fully constructed and operational across all villages in the country,” he reiterated.

So far, as part of Tanzania’s digital transformation project, 304 towers have been upgraded and are now fully operational. Additionally, of the 758 towers under construction, 420 have been completed—marking over 55 percent implementation of the project.

The rural communication tower initiative is being implemented by the government through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) and is expected to benefit approximately 8.5 million residents in remote areas.

One of the towers under the project is located in Idete village, which is being constructed by Airtel under a government concession.

The tower is expected to be completed by April 1, 2025. Once operational, it will provide 2G, 3G, and 4G services, ensuring that residents of Idete village and surrounding communities in Chanzuru ward have access to quality network services.

“This tower must also be switched on by April 1, 2025, and the official handover should take place by April 15, 2025, as scheduled,” M r Silaa emphasised.

Telecommunications expert and ICT consultant, Mr Frank Kimaro hailed the initiative, noting that improved mobile network coverage will unlock numerous economic and social opportunities for rural communities.

“This is a game-changer for Tanzania’s digital inclusion. Reliable mobile connectivity will empower farmers with market information, facilitate mobile banking, improve education through e-learning platforms, and enhance access to telemedicine in rural areas,” said Mr Kimaro.

He further stressed that beyond mobile calls and internet access, these towers will drive Tanzania closer to achieving its digital economy goals by ensuring no region is left behind.

Echoing these sentiments, economist and policy analyst Ms Martha Chuwa highlighted the broader economic impact of the project, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and trade.

“In a country where over 65 percent of the population resides in rural areas, communication access is key to enhancing productivity.

Farmers will now have better access to market prices, logistics, and even weather forecasts through digital platforms,” Mr Chuwa noted.

She also pointed out that the initiative will facilitate financial inclusion, as more rural residents will be able to access mobile banking services, reducing their reliance on cash transactions.

Tanzania’s commitment to expanding communication infrastructure has been evident over the years, with previous projects bringing connectivity to more remote areas.

The ongoing initiative under UCSAF continues to bridge the digital divide, ensuring rural communities are not left behind in the technological revolution.

With the upcoming completion of all 758 towers, millions of citizens will experience transformative benefits in education, healthcare, commerce, and financial services.

The successful implementation of this project will mark a major step toward achieving universal connectivity and solidifying Tanzania’s position as a regional leader in digital transformation.