The Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTLC) and Kenya’s Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) have jointly launched a terrestrial fiber optic connection linking Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, marking a significant milestone in regional digital infrastructure development.
The new fiber link is set to improve internet reliability, foster seamless cross-border trade, and enhance digital services throughout East Africa. Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) stated that the initiative will play a key role in promoting e-commerce, creating digital jobs, and closing connectivity gaps across borders.
Digital-first Africa
“Kenya remains committed to driving a digital-first Africa by supporting innovation, regional data exchange, and infrastructure that connects communities,” said Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo Gitau. He stressed the importance of regional partnerships in building strong regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks.
Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry William Silaa, highlighted that the new route enhances resilience by providing an alternative to marine cables in case of disruptions. He added that Tanzania is now digitally connected to six countries including;Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, and Mozambique with plans to extend links to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This development is part of a broader trend across the continent, with governments and private companies expanding fiber networks to meet growing digital demands. In recent months, Bayobab completed a Mombasa–Kampala fiber route, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies has advanced its regional coverage with new connections across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Malawi, and the DRC. The new Tanzania–Kenya fiber link is expected to accelerate East Africa’s digital transformation, improve public service delivery, and support inclusive economic growth in the region.