Telecom firm secures $30 million to boost connectivity in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. A provider of passive telecom infrastructure, TowerCo of Africa Tanzania (TOA Tanzania) has signed a $30 million financing agreement with British International Investment (BII) that will enable the former to build 200 additional telecommunications sites throughout the country.

Owned by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, Bill is the development finance institution of the UK government.

Founded in February 2023, TOA Tanzania focuses on owning and operating passive telecommunications infrastructure for lease to mobile network operators.

As such, the 200 new sites will significantly increase coverage, particularly in rural regions of the Tanzanian mainland and Zanzibar, linking previously isolated populations, which will help to improve the lives of up to 600,000 people.

The CEO of TOA Tanzania, Mr Innocent Mushi, said the financing agreement with BII reinforces his company’s commitment to expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide in Tanzania.

“With BII’s invaluable support, we are well-equipped to accelerate our growth trajectory and deliver essential telecom services to underserved communities,” he said.

 Being a company that is committed to environmental sustainability and community development, added Mr Mushi, the design of the new sites prioritises environmental protection through meticulous site selection, utilisation of renewable energy sources, and responsible waste disposal practices.

The Director and Head of Private Debt at BII, Mr Richard Palmer, said expanding digital infrastructure was critical for fostering sustainable economic development in Tanzania.

“By focusing on rural areas, TOA Tanzania is not only promoting inclusivity but also ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements reach the most underserved communities,” he said.

Witnessing the signing in Dar es Salaam was the British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador David Concar, who said the BII investment will help to expand telecom connectivity and support isolated populations in Tanzania.

As part of its aggressive growth strategy, TOA Tanzania aims to double its site portfolio size by the end of its first year of operations. Once completed, the new sites will not only extend network coverage to underserved communities but also support government digitisation efforts, foster financial inclusion, and generate employment opportunities throughout their lifecycle, from design and construction to maintenance.

At the event, the minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, commended TOA Tanzania for securing financing from BII, noting that the government is keen on collaborating with the private sector to address challenges facing the sector with a common goal of enhancing the accessibility of digital and communication services.