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By Newz.Africa, Business Desk | 19 March 2026 | Tanzania| Tanzania’s National ICT Backbone into the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tanzania’s Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure has urged the government to accelerate construction of the National ICT Backbone (NICTBB) connection with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The committee emphasised that the project is critical for strengthening regional connectivity and increasing revenues for the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation.
What’s Happening
The Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure, meeting in Dar es Salaam, called for urgent progress on the extension of Tanzania’s National ICT Backbone into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The committee highlighted that the NICTBB, a fibre‑optic network designed to provide high‑speed internet and digital services across Tanzania, must be expanded beyond national borders to maximise its potential.
The committee’s position reflects growing recognition that Tanzania’s coastal access to international undersea cables places the country in a unique position to serve as a digital hub for East and Central Africa. By linking the backbone directly to the DRC, Tanzania would enable cross‑border data flows, improve telecommunications reliability, and create new revenue streams for the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation.
The NICTBB project has been under development for several years, with successive phases connecting Tanzania’s regions to a central fibre‑optic spine. The extension into the DRC represents a strategic step in regional integration, ensuring that landlocked countries can benefit from Tanzania’s infrastructure. The committee stressed that delays in implementation risk undermining Tanzania’s competitive advantage in the digital economy.
Newz.Africa Analysis
The call to fast‑track the NICTBB extension into the DRC carries several implications for Tanzania’s economic and strategic positioning.
Regional Connectivity
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, with its vast geography and limited access to international fibre‑optic cables, faces significant challenges in achieving reliable digital connectivity. By linking the DRC to Tanzania’s backbone, the project would provide a direct route to undersea cables landing in Dar es Salaam. This would reduce reliance on more expensive satellite connections and improve internet speeds for businesses and consumers in the DRC.
For Tanzania, the extension strengthens its role as a regional gateway. Countries without coastal access often depend on neighbours for digital infrastructure, and Tanzania’s ability to provide this service enhances its influence in regional economic integration.
Economic Impact
The Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation stands to benefit directly from increased demand for fibre‑optic services. Revenues generated from cross‑border connectivity could support further investment in domestic infrastructure, ensuring that rural and underserved areas gain access to reliable internet.
Beyond telecommunications, improved connectivity supports broader economic growth. Businesses in both Tanzania and the DRC would gain access to faster, more reliable digital services, enabling e‑commerce, financial technology, and digital education. The backbone also facilitates government digitisation initiatives, reducing administrative costs and improving service delivery.
Strategic Positioning
Tanzania’s coastal access to undersea cables is a strategic asset. By extending the NICTBB into the DRC, Tanzania positions itself as a central player in Africa’s digital transformation. This strengthens its bargaining power in regional trade negotiations and enhances its attractiveness to foreign investors seeking reliable infrastructure.
The project also aligns with continental initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which emphasises cross‑border connectivity as a driver of economic integration. Tanzania’s proactive role in building regional infrastructure supports these broader goals.
Risks and Challenges
Despite the clear benefits, the project faces challenges. Infrastructure development across borders requires coordination between governments, regulatory alignment, and significant financial investment. The DRC’s complex geography and political environment may complicate implementation.
Funding remains a critical issue. Large‑scale fibre‑optic projects require substantial capital, and delays often arise from budgetary constraints. Ensuring that the project is financially sustainable will be essential to its success.
There is also the risk of competition from neighbouring countries. Kenya, for example, has invested heavily in its own fibre‑optic infrastructure and undersea cable connections. If Tanzania delays, regional competitors may capture market share, reducing the potential benefits of the NICTBB extension.
Next Steps
The Parliamentary Committee’s call for acceleration signals political will, but implementation will depend on concrete action. The government must prioritise negotiations with the DRC, secure funding, and establish clear timelines for construction.
Engagement with stakeholders, including telecommunications companies, regulators, and regional institutions, will be necessary to ensure smooth progress. Transparency in project planning and execution will also be critical to maintaining public trust and investor confidence.
If successfully implemented, the NICTBB extension could transform Tanzania’s role in the regional digital economy, providing long‑term benefits for both Tanzania and the DRC.
Original Reporting
Newz.Africa reviewed the official Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure record from Dar es Salaam regarding the National ICT Backbone extension. The committee’s statement was confirmed through parliamentary minutes.
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