Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has reaffirmed the Revolutionary Government’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure through continued partnership with the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL). The remarks came during a meeting at State House in Zanzibar with TTCL’s newly appointed Board Chairman David Nchimbi and Director General Moremi Marwa.
President Mwinyi emphasised that reliable telecommunications systems are essential for modern governance, economic growth and improved public service delivery. He said the collaboration aims to expand access to digital services across Unguja and Pemba, reduce disparities between urban and rural areas, and ensure that all citizens can benefit from the digital economy.
The President also linked robust digital systems to the success of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy strategy, noting that connectivity underpins tourism, trade, education, health and other priority sectors outlined in Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.
TTCL Board Chairman David Nchimbi thanked President Mwinyi for the government’s support and affirmed the corporation’s readiness to deploy modern digital solutions tailored to Zanzibar’s needs. He said expanding services on the islands would improve connectivity for residents while enabling TTCL to grow its customer base and develop new products.
TTCL manages key elements of the National ICT Broadband Backbone, which connects Zanzibar to high-speed fibre-optic infrastructure. The corporation has prioritised Zanzibar alongside mainland centres such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mwanza, Arusha and others in its fibre-to-the-home and broadband rollout plans. TTCL is targeting one million fibre connections nationwide over three years, with ongoing last-mile expansion and network strengthening.
Zanzibar has accelerated digital reforms, including the development of e-government platforms, data centre plans and efforts to improve broadband access through both public and private partnerships. Reliable high-speed connectivity is viewed as critical for attracting investment, supporting innovation and enhancing service delivery in education, health and public administration.
The meeting forms part of ongoing high-level engagements between the Zanzibar government and national telecommunications stakeholders aimed at translating infrastructure investments into wider digital inclusion. Officials from both sides indicated that the partnership will continue to focus on practical expansion of services that deliver tangible benefits to citizens and the islands’ economy.
