The Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) has played a crucial role in expanding communication services across Tanzania. UCSAF Projects have significantly improved mobile connectivity, internet access, broadcasting, and ICT infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. Below is a detailed report of the initiatives as outlined in the official UCSAF projects document.
1. Mobile Communication Projects
UCSAF has signed agreements with telecom operators to expand mobile services to underserved areas.
- Coverage Achieved:
- 1,627 wards, 4,482 villages, benefiting 24,640,304 people.
- 1,783 towers constructed.
- Ongoing Implementation:
- 347 wards, 620 villages, 369 towers.
- 4,839,754 people to be reached.
- Investment: TZS 326 billion.
This has increased national mobile service coverage to 98% in 2025, compared to 45% in 2006.
2. Digital Tanzania Project (DTP)
The government, through UCSAF, is implementing large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
- Construction of 758 Towers in 713 Wards:
- Expected to benefit 8.5 million people.
- Budget: TZS 126 billion.
- By January 2025, 574 towers (75.73%) were operational:
- Airtel: 134 towers
- Vodacom: 161 towers
- Tigo: 198 towers
- Halotel: 33 towers
- TTCL: 48 towers
- Upgrade of 304 Towers from 2G to 3G/4G:
- 100% completed.
- Budget: TZS 5.15 billion.
- Internet coverage expected to rise from 45% (2020) to 80% (2025).
3. Lake Victoria Communication Project
UCSAF is extending communication within and around Lake Victoria.
- Areas covered include Ukerewe, Busega, Bukoba, Muleba, Musoma, Rorya, Sengerema, and others.
- Achievements by Sept 2024: Connectivity in Lyakanyasi Island, Mushozi, and Igabilo.
- Budget: TZS 1.29 billion.
- Additionally, an international communication and transport project (MLVMCT) is ongoing in partnership with TTCL and TASAC.
- Budget: TZS 1.63 billion.
4. Government Office Connectivity
Communication infrastructure delivered to new district headquarters:
- Districts covered: Mbogwe, Tanganyika, Kakonko, Rorya, Malinyi, Mtwara, Msalala, Nzega, Kilindi, and Pangani.
- Budget: TZS 3.2 billion.
5. Zanzibar Mobile Communication Project
- Completed in partnership with ZANTEL.
- 42 towers built in 38 shehia across Unguja and Pemba.
- Budget: TZS 6.9 billion.
6. ICT Projects
- Public Wi-Fi Access Points: Installed in Dodoma, Tabora, Mafinga, Mwanza, Unguja, and UDOM. Also in 17 Sabasaba Exhibition areas.
- Budget: TZS 374 million.
- Budget: TZS 374 million.
- ICT Centre in Fumba, Zanzibar: Launched October 2022, serving all districts in Unguja and Pemba.
- Budget: TZS 100 million.
- Budget: TZS 100 million.
- Emergency Call Centre in Zanzibar: Operational since March 2022.
- Budget: TZS 250.8 million.
- Budget: TZS 250.8 million.
- ICT Teacher Training: 3,798 teachers trained from 1,791 schools since 2016.
- ICT Equipment for Schools: Distributed to 1,121 schools (5 computers, 1 projector, 1 printer per school).
- Budget: TZS 5.94 billion.
- Budget: TZS 5.94 billion.
- Girls in ICT Day: 1,202 female students empowered.
- Special Needs Education ICT Support: Equipment delivered to 22 schools.
- Budget: TZS 1.8 billion.
- Budget: TZS 1.8 billion.
- Postal ICT Equipment: 250 PDA devices supplied to Tanzania Post Corporation.
- Budget: TZS 161.9 million.
- Budget: TZS 161.9 million.
- Telemedicine: Implemented in Morogoro, Nzega, Chato, Tanga, Ruvuma, Katavi, Unguja, and Pemba.
- Budget: TZS 1.59 billion.
- Budget: TZS 1.59 billion.
7. Broadcasting Projects
- TBC Studio Dodoma Upgrade: Completed and operational.
- Budget: TZS 1.01 billion.
- Budget: TZS 1.01 billion.
- TBC Kisaki Project (Morogoro): Transmission tower completed in 2021.
- Budget: TZS 592 million.
- Budget: TZS 592 million.
- Community Radio Stations: Built in Arusha, Mpimbwe, Ruangwa, and Mtama.
- Budget: TZS 2.253 billion.
- Budget: TZS 2.253 billion.
- TBC National Coverage Improvement: 19 new or upgraded transmission sites.
- Budget: TZS 6.27 billion.
About the Author
