Kenya and Tanzania have officially launched a cross-border terrestrial fiber optic link, marking a major milestone in East Africa’s push for enhanced digital infrastructure and regional integration.
The interconnection, which links Dar es Salaam to Mombasa via the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border, is a collaborative project between the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation and Kenya’s ICT Authority. It aims to improve internet access, reduce communication costs, and support the rollout of critical digital services across the region.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Tanzanian Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology Jerry Silaa said, “We are reviewing our service delivery policies between the two countries to ensure that citizens benefit from high-quality and affordable communication services.”
The new link connects Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) to Kenya’s robust submarine cable infrastructure in Mombasa, where nearly 48% of the population, around 27.4 million people, already have internet access. For Tanzania, which has extended broadband coverage to 109 of its 139 targeted districts, the connection is a strategic step towards reducing reliance on foreign submarine cables and enhancing international bandwidth access.
The initiative is part of a broader regional agenda to harmonize digital networks and accelerate socio-economic integration across East Africa. By creating a secure and reliable fiber optic link, the two countries aim to boost cross-border data exchange, strengthen network resilience, and facilitate digital trade.
Beyond improved connectivity, the project is expected to stimulate investment in ICT, support digital inclusion, and pave the way for expanded e-commerce and innovation across the region.
Written By Rodney Mbua
