Telecommunications company Yas Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s healthcare transformation through digital solutions, revealing that it has invested more than TZS 1.2 trillion over the past four years to expand modern telecommunications infrastructure, including 4G and 5G networks.
The investment was highlighted by Yas Chief Financial Officer, Mr Innocent Rwetabura, during an event held to commemorate the legacy of the late President Benjamin William Mkapa through the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation.
The event was attended by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Vice-President Mr Emmanuel Nchimbi, alongside government officials, development partners and other stakeholders.
Mr Rwetabura said technology has become a critical driver in improving healthcare delivery by strengthening health information systems, supporting digital health solutions and enabling better decision-making through reliable data.
“Healthcare today is being transformed beyond traditional infrastructure. Digital technology is creating new opportunities through telemedicine, improved diagnostics, continuous learning for healthcare workers and faster emergency response,” he said.
He said Yas’ investment in digital connectivity is aimed at ensuring that more Tanzanians, including those in underserved areas, can benefit from technology-enabled services.
Mr Rwetabura said the company’s contribution aligns with Tanzania’s long-term development agenda, including efforts to use innovation and technology to improve public services.
He added that Yas’ approach reflects the late President Mkapa’s belief in the importance of partnerships between the public sector, private sector, development partners and communities to achieve sustainable development.
“President Mkapa understood that strong institutions and partnerships are essential in building a better future. We remain committed to supporting that vision through technology and innovation,” he said.
Yas highlighted several initiatives implemented through partnerships with government institutions and development organisations to improve social services.
Through collaboration with the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) and UNICEF, the company supported the strengthening of Tanzania’s digital birth registration system, allowing parents to register children under five and obtain birth certificates through mobile technology. The programme has so far enabled registration of more than 13 million children.
The company has also worked with CCBRT Hospital to support treatment for children born with clubfoot, helping improve access to corrective healthcare services.
In addition, Yas said its eye health programmes, implemented with various partners in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, have reached more than 23,000 Tanzanians through free screening and treatment services.
Mr Rwetabura said Yas is currently in discussions with the Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation on a strategic partnership aimed at supporting sustainable health and development initiatives targeting women, children and youth.
He said continued collaboration among the government, private sector and development partners will be essential in building a stronger, more connected and resilient healthcare system.
“Through technology and partnerships, we can continue contributing to better health outcomes and improving the lives of Tanzanians,” Mr Rwetabura said.
