Tanzania and Uganda have inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) valued at $28.8 million. This 15-year agreement will seamlessly integrate Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) with Uganda’s National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI), forging a robust digital alliance between the two nations. The signing ceremony, graced by eminent dignitaries including Tanzania’s Minister for ICT, Nape Nnauye, and Uganda’s ICT Minister, Chris Baryomunsi, marked a significant milestone in the journey towards enhanced cooperation and technological advancement. Minister Nnauye underscored the pact's potential to revolutionize ICT utilization and trade, a commitment stemming from recent presidential visits, while urging Tanzania’s telecom giant, TTCL Corporation, to uphold service quality and ensure a seamless user experience. For Uganda, Minister Baryomunsi foresaw a future where business costs could plummet by 50%, opening floodgates for unprecedented economic opportunities.
He highlighted the agreement's far-reaching benefits, not limited to East Africa, as it presents a gateway for connectivity with nations like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).At the heart of this transformative alliance is TTCL Corporation, entrusted with the pivotal role of managing the integrated infrastructure. Peter Ulanga, the Director General of TTCL, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to professionally stewarding this critical venture.
The integration not only fortifies Uganda’s global capabilities through submarine cable links but also extends an invitation for Uganda to leverage TTCL’s cutting-edge National Internet Data Centre, offering state-of-the-art security and storage solutions. This collaboration transcends mere commercial interests; it is a testament to the shared vision of both nations for comprehensive economic and social development. By bridging the existing ICT gaps, Tanzania and Uganda have not only ushered in an era of unparalleled regional integration but also set a sterling example of collaborative initiatives that elevate entire economies and empower people.
As we witness the dawn of this new digital age, the partnership between Tanzania and Uganda stands as a beacon illuminating the path toward a more interconnected, prosperous, and harmonious future for East Africa and beyond. Stay tuned as these nations pave the way for a world where boundaries blur, and opportunities flourish, one megabyte at a time.