The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure has praised the government for setting up the first-ever Electronic Communication Equipment Certification Laboratory in East Africa.
Committee Chairperson Selemani Moshi Kakoso (MP) made the remarks on March 15, 2025, in Dar es Salaam while visiting the laboratory project, which is being developed by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
Kakoso urged the government to ensure that all communication devices entering the country meet national and international standards.
“We need to integrate systems like TCRA and TBS to ensure that only high-quality communication devices are allowed in,” he said.
The Committee also advised TCRA to raise public awareness about the laboratory. “People should know about this facility so they can check the quality of communication devices before buying them,” the Committee recommended.
Additionally, the Committee stressed the importance of regular inspections. “TCRA should conduct surprise checks in collaboration with other government agencies to ensure compliance,” the members suggested.
TCRA Director General Dr. Jabir Bakari explained that the laboratory’s construction began in April 2023 and was completed in March 2024, right on schedule.
“This facility focuses on testing radio waves and radiation levels in communication equipment,” he stated.
Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Engineer Maryprisca Mahundi (MP), welcomed the Committee’s recommendations. “We appreciate the feedback and will work on the suggestions to improve the sector,” she assured.
She also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing investment in communication infrastructure.
“The government’s efforts in this sector are commendable, and we will continue to highlight these achievements,” she added.
With this laboratory, Tanzania joins 11 other African countries with similar facilities, including Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania.