ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening communication services through continued collaboration with the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation Limited (TTCL), as the archipelago places growing emphasis on digital connectivity to support development.
Mwinyi made the remarks during a meeting at the State House in Zanzibar with TTCL Board Chairperson David Nchimbi, who was accompanied by the corporation’s Director General Moremi Marwa and other senior officials.
The visit formed part of an official introduction by TTCL’s new leadership and was aimed at reinforcing institutional ties and identifying areas of cooperation between the state-owned telecommunications provider and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
During the discussions, Mwinyi emphasised the importance of reliable and modern communication infrastructure in supporting economic growth and improving service delivery across sectors.
He said the government would continue to work closely with TTCL to expand and enhance telecommunications services, including internet connectivity and digital platforms.
“Improved communication systems are essential to support key sectors such as education, health, business and tourism, all of which rely heavily on efficient digital networks,” Mwinyi said.
The president noted that communication infrastructure plays a central role in enabling connectivity within Zanzibar and between the islands and the mainland, as well as in linking the country to global networks.
He said strengthening digital systems would help improve access to services, facilitate the flow of information and support broader efforts to modernise the economy.
Officials said the partnership between the government and TTCL reflects a shared focus on expanding telecommunications infrastructure to reach more communities, including those that have historically faced challenges in accessing reliable services.
Mwinyi reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving network coverage and enhancing the quality of communication services.
He said such efforts would contribute to improving efficiency in public service delivery while also supporting private sector activities that depend on reliable connectivity.
The meeting also highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in supporting key sectors of Zanzibar’s economy.
In education, improved connectivity is seen as essential for expanding access to digital learning resources and supporting the integration of technology into teaching and learning processes.
In the health sector, communication systems play a role in facilitating access to information, supporting coordination between facilities and improving service delivery.
Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, rely on telecommunications networks to access markets, manage operations and communicate with customers.
Tourism, a major contributor to Zanzibar’s economy, also depends on reliable communication systems to support bookings, marketing and service provision.
Mwinyi said strengthening these systems would contribute to creating a more conducive environment for economic activity and investment.
Earlier, TTCL Board Chairperson David Nchimbi said the corporation’s collaboration with the Zanzibar government has been instrumental in advancing communication services.
He noted that ongoing cooperation has helped support efforts to expand infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Nchimbi reaffirmed TTCL’s commitment to supporting Zanzibar’s development agenda through continued investment in modern technologies and the expansion of service coverage.
He said the corporation would continue to work with the government to ensure that communication services reach more people and support the country’s broader development goals.
TTCL Director General Moremi Marwa and other officials also attended the meeting, which focused on strengthening coordination and aligning priorities between the corporation and the government.
Officials said the discussions reflected a shared vision of building a robust and inclusive communication network capable of supporting socio-economic development.
The meeting comes as governments across Africa increasingly prioritise digital infrastructure as a key component of development strategies, with telecommunications seen as essential for enabling growth in both traditional and emerging sectors.
Zanzibar prioritises digital infrastructure to support inclusive growth
In Zanzibar, efforts to improve connectivity are part of broader initiatives aimed at modernising infrastructure and enhancing service delivery.
Stakeholders say that expanding access to reliable communication services can help bridge gaps between urban and rural areas, improve access to information and create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
They note that digital connectivity is becoming an increasingly important factor in economic competitiveness, particularly as economies become more integrated and technology-driven.
The collaboration between Zanzibar and TTCL is therefore seen as an important step in supporting these objectives.
Officials say continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure will be critical in ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are widely shared.
They add that partnerships between government and service providers will play a key role in achieving these goals.
As Zanzibar continues to pursue its development agenda, communication infrastructure is expected to remain a central focus, with authorities seeking to strengthen networks, expand coverage and improve service quality.
The meeting between Mwinyi and TTCL officials underscores the importance of coordination between policymakers and service providers in advancing these efforts.
For Zanzibar, the push to enhance digital connectivity reflects a broader ambition to position itself for the future, with telecommunications seen as a key enabler of growth, innovation and improved living standards.