Geneva. Tanzania has won a prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 award for its nationwide programme to expand telecommunications infrastructure, with the government's 758 communication towers project earning international recognition for extending digital connectivity to underserved rural communities.
The award was received by the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki, during the WSIS 2026 awards ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland.
The recognition marks a major milestone for Tanzania's digital transformation agenda, acknowledging the Sixth Phase Government's efforts under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to narrow the digital divide through strategic investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
Launched officially by President Samia on April 10, 2026, the project involved the construction of 758 communication towers in areas that previously had limited or no access to mobile network services.
The initiative has expanded mobile and internet coverage, improving access to digital services for millions of people in rural Tanzania.
Beyond the flagship award, Tanzania was shortlisted in seven categories of the WSIS Prizes 2026, reflecting broad international recognition of the country's progress in harnessing information and communication technologies to support inclusive development.
The country won two awards overall and also received certificates of excellence for several other projects that were recognised among the competition's top-performing entries.
The WSIS Prizes, organised annually as part of the United Nations-led World Summit on the Information Society process, honour innovative ICT projects that contribute to sustainable development by improving access to public services, promoting digital inclusion and advancing socio-economic development.
The latest recognition positions Tanzania among countries making notable progress in expanding digital infrastructure and leveraging technology to improve connectivity and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
