The Government of Tanzania has reiterated the strategic importance of airspace management and satellite technology as key pillars of modern communications infrastructure for advancing digital development, strengthening regional integration, and enhancing secure and reliable communications systems.
This was stated by the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki, during the official opening of the Joint Satellite Platform Forum of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held on 16 February 2026 in Dar es Salaam.
The Minister highlighted that Tanzania has made substantial progress through investments in the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB), which has enabled regional connectivity with neighboring countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
She further noted that more than 2,151 telecommunications towers have been constructed nationwide under the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), strengthening national communications coverage.
As a result of these initiatives, access to communication services has expanded significantly, reaching 98.6 percent for 2G, 93.4 percent for 3G, 94.2 percent for 4G, and 30.1 percent for 5G coverage as of December 2025.
Minister Kairuki also outlined the implementation of Tanzania’s National Space Programme, which includes the KiboCube Project undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The programme aims to strengthen national technical capacity and position Tanzania among leading African countries in satellite and space technologies.
She emphasized that satellite technologies are critical enablers for key sectors such as agriculture, mining, environmental management, security, and disaster monitoring, contributing to improved efficiency, informed decision-making, and overall economic performance.
“We must ensure that joint satellite services are technologically robust, financially sustainable, inclusive, and secure. It is essential to move beyond policy discussions and finalize institutional arrangements and governance frameworks for the SADC Joint Satellite Network,” said Minister Kairuki.
She further noted that a shared continental direction under SADC Vision 2050 and Agenda 2063 provides a strong foundation for coordinated regional action in digital and space technologies.
In conclusion, the Minister called on SADC Member States to strengthen cooperation in the coordination and management of satellite services.
She added that the Joint Satellite Platform Forum will also focus on regional preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-2027), with the aim of ensuring effective representation and alignment of regional interests.