The government has invested TZS5.696 billion in communication infrastructure, including seven towers and five community radio studios, as it seeks to expand access to information in underserved areas.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki said the projects, implemented through the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF), were aimed at strengthening community broadcasting and improving communication services.
She was presenting a report on efforts to strengthen community radio services to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure in Dodoma on October 20, 2026.
The investment covers the construction of seven towers and the establishment or upgrading of five community radio studios, although the minister did not specify the locations of the projects.
Community radio stations can help bridge information gaps, particularly in areas where residents have limited access to other media platforms. They also provide a channel for public announcements, local discussions and information on government services.
However, expanding infrastructure alone may not guarantee sustainable broadcasting services, particularly where stations face operational and financial constraints.
Ms Kairuki said UCSAF had developed guidelines for providing grants to community radio and television stations to improve transparency, accountability and fairness in the distribution of support.
The guidelines are intended to strengthen the allocation of public resources to community broadcasters while improving access to communication services.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Infrastructure Selemani Moshi Kakoso urged the government to accelerate the establishment of community radio stations in regions that have yet to benefit from the services.
He said expanding the stations would enable more communities to access information and benefit from improved communication.
The call highlights the need to ensure that investment in communication infrastructure reaches areas that remain underserved.
For residents, the value of the investment will ultimately depend on whether the facilities translate into reliable broadcasting, relevant local content and wider access to information.
The government has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at expanding communication services as part of efforts to strengthen public participation and support the country's digital economy.