Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation Limited (TTCL) and the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) have signed a sponsorship and digital collaboration agreement aimed at integrating technology into Zanzibar’s football ecosystem. The deal, formalised at a ceremony in Unguja, focuses on expanding digital tools, including e-ticketing via TTCL’s N-Card platform, to improve operations and fan engagement.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports, Dr. Riziki Pembe Juma, said the partnership will help apply technology and communications to strengthen the management, monitoring and promotion of sports on the islands. TTCL Commercial Director Vedastus Mwita noted that the collaboration will deliver internet access and digital solutions to enhance ZFF activities while boosting spectator participation in matches and events.
ZFF Secretary General Hussein Ahmada Vuai described the agreement as part of the federation’s broader efforts to align with ongoing sports infrastructure development in Zanzibar.
N-Card, offered through TTCL’s T-PESA mobile money service, already enables users to top up balances and purchase football tickets via USSD (*150*71#) or agents. The system has been used for major matches, including previous editions of community and league fixtures, reducing reliance on paper tickets and cash at venues.
The new partnership extends this capability more formally into ZFF competitions and operations. It comes as ZFF continues rolling out its own digital management system for player registration, league tables, transfers and match scheduling tools introduced earlier in 2026 to modernise administration.
For fans, the push toward N-Card e-ticketing is expected to streamline access, limit on-site queues and support more transparent revenue collection. For the federation, digital channels offer better data on attendance and a platform for broader engagement.
Sports digitalisation remains uneven across East Africa, with many federations still balancing traditional cash-based systems against growing mobile-money adoption. TTCL’s involvement leverages its dual role as a telecom operator and payments provider to address both connectivity and transaction needs in one package.
How quickly the full suite of digital solutions beyond ticket sales reaches clubs, referees and supporters will depend on implementation details and user uptake. The agreement itself marks a concrete step by Zanzibar football authorities and the national telecom operator to move the local game further online.
