By: Happiness Sam – Same
In a continued effort to strengthen conservation and grow the tourism sector, the Government of Tanzania is enhancing communication infrastructure in national parks.
The initiative aims to provide tourists with reliable mobile connectivity while enabling more effective conservation efforts through modern technology.
This was highlighted on April 11, 2025, by the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, during his visit to Mkomazi National Park in Kilimanjaro Region.
The minister was there to inspect the availability of mobile network services within the park and surrounding villages.
Minister Silaa announced that a total of 38 communication towers will be built across Kilimanjaro Region under the Tanzania Digital Project, with six towers planned for Mwanga District.
He added that a team of experts had already completed a site assessment and identified the location for one of the towers near Ndea Gate, the main entrance to Mkomazi National Park. The tower will also serve nearby villages and wards.
“Expanding communication infrastructure in and around protected areas is essential not only for enhancing the visitor experience but also for strengthening our ability to manage and protect these valuable ecosystems,” Minister Silaa said.
Assistant Conservation Commissioner Emanuel Moirana, who heads Mkomazi National Park, emphasized that improved communication will support both tourism and park operations.
“Reliable network coverage will allow tourists to stay connected, share their experiences, and promote the beauty of Mkomazi to the world. It will also facilitate patrol operations and rapid response within the park,” he explained.
Local leaders also welcomed the initiative. Palesio Nalio, Councillor for Toroha Ward, noted that improved connectivity would help address human-wildlife conflicts by enabling faster reporting when animals encroach on communities, allowing authorities to respond more swiftly.
Minister Silaa’s visit follows a directive by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who stressed the importance of expanding communication services in protected areas during the official launch of Ndea Gate on March 25, 2025.
The minister was accompanied by senior officials from his ministry and local government leaders from Mwanga District, including District Commissioner Mwanahamisi Mukunda.
