Tanzania, Uganda sign landmark ICT agreement worth $28.8 million

In a significant move aimed at bolstering information and communication technology (ICT) connectivity, the governments of Tanzania and Uganda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth $28.8 million (equivalent to 71.7 billion Tanzanian Shillings). The agreement focuses on the integration of the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) of Tanzania with the Ugandan National ICT Backbone Infrastructure (NBI).

A 15-Year Commitment

This groundbreaking MoU is set to span a period of 15 years and will be executed through the collaborative efforts of the TTCL Corporation and the National Information Technology Authority, Uganda (NITA-U).

The official signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries from both nations, including TTCL Director General Peter Ulanga, NITA Executive Director Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, and Ministers for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye of Tanzania and Dr. Chris Baryomunsi of Uganda.

Enhancing ICT Utilisation

Minister Nape emphasised that this MoU will serve as a catalyst for increased ICT utilisation between Tanzania and Uganda. He stated that the agreement would strengthen the bond between the two countries, fostering trade and economic growth.

Nape underscored that this agreement stemmed from a commitment made during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Uganda. During the visit, President Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni agreed to integrate the ICT backbones of the two countries to enhance internet services.

The Tanzanian Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology issued a directive to TTCL, emphasising the importance of delivering quality services as stipulated in the agreement. He urged for a seamless experience for users without complaints related to service access.

A Broadening ICT Reach

Minister Nape noted that Tanzania has successfully convinced several East African Community partner states, including Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and now Uganda, to connect to the NICTBB. Additionally, the initiative has extended to Southern African Development Community countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique, with progress underway for connecting Mozambique through Lake Tanganyika to Tanzania’s Kalemie province border.

Benefits for Uganda

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Uganda Minister for ICT and National Guidance, expressed the shared vision of Tanzania and Uganda for enhanced connectivity. He predicted that this agreement would lead to a 50% reduction in the cost of doing business in Uganda, ultimately creating employment opportunities.

Dr. Baryomunsi emphasised that this achievement is not only beneficial for the East African region but also opens doors to connect with other countries, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Eng Peter Ulanga, TTCL Director General, highlighted the transformative impact of NICTBB’s presence in the East African region. It has played a pivotal role in driving developmental reforms in economic, commercial, social sectors, and security.

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A Call for Professional Management

Eng Ulanga affirmed TTCL’s commitment to professionally manage and maintain this critical infrastructure, ensuring that it continues to benefit Tanzania and its neighbouring countries. NICTBB is connected to submarine cables through SEACOM and EASSY, enhancing Uganda’s global communication capabilities.

Ulanga extended an invitation to NITA-U and the Ugandan government to utilise the National Internet Data Centre (NIDC), offering Tier 3 quality and standards for data storage—a valuable asset for enhancing data security and accessibility.

The signing of this MoU marks a significant step toward greater ICT integration between Tanzania and Uganda. It not only strengthens the partnership between the two nations but also serves as a model for regional collaboration, with the potential to bring transformative change and prosperity to the entire East African region.

Uganda praises Tanzania’s sustainability measures in mining

Meanwhile, Tanzania and Uganda are also partnering in the mining industry. Tanzania’s mining industry has received accolades from a delegation of Ugandan experts who visited the country to explore the nation’s mining practices. The Ugandan delegation, led by Dr. Elly Karuhanga, a renowned mining expert and former President of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, expressed their admiration for Tanzania’s mining practices. Dr. Karuhanga praised the nation’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining, underscoring its significance for the wider African mining community.