Tanzania and Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to integrate their national information and communication technology (ICT) networks in a deal said to be worth US$28.8 million.
The 15-year agreement will connect Tanzania’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) with Uganda’s National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) through collaboration between Tanzania’s TTCL Corporation and Uganda’s National IT Authority (NITA-U).
As you might expect, this is an important move, one that could boost trade, so key government officials attended the signing of the deal, including Tanzania’s Minister for ICT, Nape Nnauye and Uganda’s ICT Minister, Chris Baryomunsi.
Indeed, as technology website Tech In Africa reports, Baryomunsi predicted that the deal could reduce business costs by 50% and create new job opportunities. He also pointed out that the integrated network provides connectivity potential with South Sudan and the DRC.
This isn’t the first such deal for Tanzania; the country has apparently connected several East African states to its backbone, and others, like Mozambique, are being targeted.
TTCL Director General Peter Ulanga reaffirmed the company’s commitment to managing the critical infrastructure for both countries professionally. The backbone offers more than just a terrestrial link; it also enhances Uganda’s global capabilities through links to submarine cables.
Ulanga reportedly also invited Uganda to utilise TTCL’s National Internet Data Centre, which offers advanced security and storage.
Tech In Africa points out that this ICT integration reflects growing regional cooperation between the neighbouring countries, building on mutual interests in advancing connectivity laid out during recent presidential meetings.