Kenya and Tanzania Launch Cross-Border Fibre Link to Boost East Africa’s Digital Integration

Kenya and Tanzania today celebrated a significant milestone in regional digital integration with the official launch of the Dar-es-Salaam to Mombasa Terrestrial Fibre Link at the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro border. This critical infrastructure directly connects Kenya’s National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) to Tanzania’s national fiber network, poised to substantially enhance regional connectivity and cooperation across East Africa.

The initiative is a joint effort between the ICT Authority  of Kenya and Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL),  coordinated by the respective ICT Ministries of both nations. The project underscores a shared vision for a digitally interconnected East Africa, aiming to promote affordable internet access, foster digital trade, and drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.

ICT Authority Ag. CEO Zilpher Owiti announced the successful deployment of 130 kilometers of high-capacity fiber between Mombasa and Horohoro, effectively linking Kenya’s core fiber infrastructure to the Tanzanian border. Owiti highlighted Kenya’s offer of discounted fiber leasing rates to Tanzania, a strategic move intended to lower internet costs and bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities. She emphasized the project’s alignment with Kenya’s Digital Transformation Agenda and the broader African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS, CBS, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy, underscored the immense potential this new infrastructure holds for startups, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and the youth. He stressed that the enhanced connectivity would unlock new avenues for cross-border collaboration, digital entrepreneurship, and the export of digital services regionally and globally.

Hon. William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, described the project as a foundational step towards establishing a “One Network Area” and achieving a digitally sovereign Africa. He further emphasized its value in streamlining customs processes, improving logistics, and enabling small traders to access burgeoning digital marketplaces.

The launch event was graced by a distinguished delegation of leaders and senior government representatives from both countries, including Hon. Jerry Silaa (Mb.), Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Tanzania; Eng. Leo Magomba, for PS MCIT, Tanzania; Hon. Lily Ng’ok, ICT Authority Chairperson, Kenya; Moremi Andrea Marwa, Director General – TTCL, Tanzania; and Ambassador Dr. Batilda Burian, Regional Commissioner, TANGA Tanzania.