Airtel Tanzania to Build 132 New Towers Across Rural Wards, Aiming to Close the Digital Divide
December 7th 2025
This milestone strengthens the country’s digital infrastructure and highlights Airtel Tanzania’s leadership role in driving inclusive connectivity.
Airtel Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital access in rural communities after signing Phase 10 of its ongoing partnership with the Universal Communication Service Access Fund (UCSAF). The new phase focuses on constructing communication towers across underserved areas to strengthen nationwide connectivity.
The signing ceremony, held in Dar es Salaam, was officiated by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Hon. Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki (Mb), who praised UCSAF and telecom operators for their continued cooperation in advancing the Government’s digital agenda.
Under Phase 10, a total of 201 communication towers will be constructed across various wards in the country. Airtel Tanzania will build 132 of them—equivalent to 65 percent of all the sites—demonstrating its significant role in the national infrastructure expansion initiative.
Minister Kairuki said the operators’ services such as TTCL, YAS, Airtel and Vodacom have strengthened communication infrastructure that supports schools, hospitals and other community activities.
The minister further assured the operators that her ministry will address challenges related to licensing and operational permits that have previously hindered service provision.
“On the issue of permits, let me assure you we will follow up closely to ensure these challenges are resolved,” she said. Minister Kairuki urged all stakeholders to ensure that the newly launched project is completed within the planned time frame of 15 months.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication, Mr Mohamed Hamis Abdullah, emphasized the strategic importance of the project.
“Today, the Government will witness the signing of agreements for the construction of Phase 10 communication towers across 201 wards nationwide,” he said. “This project is important and strategic, and I take this opportunity to congratulate all service providers involved.”
UCSAF Director General Engineer Peter Mwasalyanda expressed gratitude to the government for its consistent support of the fund’s mission to extend communications infrastructure to underserved communities.
He announced that UCSAF will soon embark on an additional project aimed at upgrading network towers across the country to support 3G, 4G and 5G services.
“We thank the government for its strong cooperation. Soon we will begin a project to strengthen several towers to provide 3G, 4G and 5G connectivity,” he said.
Airtel Tanzania Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the contract marks another step in Tanzania’s digital transformation. He noted that the project will advance the country’s digital economy while expanding opportunities for citizens.
TTCL Managing Director CPA Moremi Marwa said the investment represents a significant catalyst for digitaleconomy growth.
“TTCL will continue to fulfil its mandate by providing modern communications services to support national development in technology,” he said.
Vodacom Managing Director Philip Besiimire also voiced strong support for the initiative, describing rural connectivity as an essential pillar of national development.
“Our ongoing partnership with UCSAF demonstrates our strong commitment to digital transformation and ensuring that connectivity is accessible across the entire country,” Mr Kamoto said. “Under this Phase 10 project, Airtel will build 132 out of 201 sites—reflecting our dedication to supporting inclusive growth, expanding coverage, and enabling more communities to benefit from modern communication services.”
Airtel Tanzania reiterated its mission to provide high-quality, reliable, and modern communication services to all Tanzanians, ensuring both urban and rural populations benefit from expanded network coverage.
The Phase 10 agreement marks another milestone in strengthening Tanzania’s digital infrastructure and reinforces Airtel’s leadership in driving inclusive connectivity across the nation.
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