In a historic move, Tanzania and Uganda recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster their information and communication technology (ICT) connectivity. This collaboration, worth $28.8 million (UGX 110 billion), signifies a shared vision of enhanced regional integration and sets a precedent for other nations in the continent.
The 15-year agreement will see the integration of Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) and Uganda’s National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI). This integration will be facilitated through a collaboration between Tanzania’s TTCL Corporation and Uganda’s National IT Authority (NITA-U).
The signing ceremony, a significant event, was graced by key government officials from both nations. Among them were Tanzania’s Minister for ICT, Nape Nnauye, and Uganda’s ICT Minister, Chris Baryomunsi.
The primary objective of this MoU is to enhance ICT utilization between the two nations, thereby fostering trade and economic growth. With Tanzania already connecting several East African states to its backbone and making strides to reach nations like Mozambique, this partnership further solidifies its position as a regional ICT hub.
For Uganda, this collaboration promises substantial benefits. Minister Baryomunsi anticipates a potential 50% reduction in business costs and foresees the creation of new job opportunities. Moreover, the integrated network offers connectivity potential beyond East Africa, reaching nations like South Sudan and the DRC.
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What They Said
Minister Nape Nnauye emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating it would fulfill commitments made during recent presidential visits. He further entrusted TTCL with the responsibility of delivering quality services, ensuring a seamless user experience.
On the other hand, TTCL Director General Peter Ulanga expressed the company’s dedication to professionally managing the critical infrastructure for both countries. He also extended an invitation to Uganda to leverage TTCL’s National Internet Data Centre, highlighting its advanced security and storage capabilities.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s ICT Minister, accentuated the broader implications of this partnership, not just for East Africa but also for neighboring countries. He emphasized the importance of this integrated network in providing enhanced connectivity with nations like South Sudan and the DRC.
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