Cross-border fiber link set to transform digital connectivity in East Africa

The launch ceremony, held at the Lunga Lunga–Horohoro border crossing, marked a significant milestone in East Africa’s efforts to enhance cross-border connectivity and establish resilient communication networks.

Tanzanian Minister of Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Jerry William Silaa, hailed the new link as a critical backup to the country's existing digital corridors.

"This route provides a vital safeguard, ensuring Tanzania remains digitally connected even if disruptions occur at our marine landing stations in Dar es Salaam," Silaa said.

The link becomes the fourth terrestrial route serving Tanzania's digital needs and is expected to boost regional data flow, e-commerce, and digital services.

Kenya already has eight subsea cable links, and the Dar es Salaam link will provide an additional alternative to its existing routes.

According to Kenya's ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, the fiber connectivity will enhance cross-border trade, stimulate regional commerce, and bridge the digital divide in East Africa.

With 48% of its population connected to the internet, approximately 27 million people, Kenya boasts more robust internet connectivity compared to Tanzania.
The initiative is expected to deliver high-speed internet and promote robust communication infrastructure.

The Tanzanian Information Ministry reported that the National Optic Fibre Cable (NOFBI) network has expanded by 13,820 kilometers, covering 109 districts, with plans to include 30 more this financial year.

The Director General of the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL), Mr. Moremi Marwa, stated that the redundancy route operates at 1.6 terabits per second, making it one of the fastest data links in the region.