Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Extension of Tanzania National ICT Broadband Backbone to connect with Mozambique, enabling access to submarine cables landed in both countries and creating resilience in international connectivity. Tanzania has approved tender document with steady progress.
Additionally, this project extends Tanzania’s National ICT Backbone (NICTBB) across Lake Tanganyika to Kalemie, DRC. It enhances EAC and ECCAS digital infrastructure integration and facilitates direct fiber-optic communication between the two countries. It is aligned with Agenda 2063 goals for digital corridors and resilient regional connectivity.
Objectives
Project Objectives: Connect to EASS and SEACOM sea cables, Create international connectivity resilience, Reduce connectivity costs, Enhance regional integration, Improve service reliability, Enable cross-border services, Support digital transformation, Create redundant paths
Strategic Importance
Strategic for regional digital infrastructure resilience and cost reduction
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
Single Mode Optical Fiber G652D with OTN over DWDM transmission
Capacity & Size
Single Mode Optical Fiber type G652D with high-capacity transmission capability
Technical Details
Technical Specifications: Single Mode Optical Fiber type G652D, OTN over DWDM transmission, High-capacity system, Modern infrastructure
Additionally, the 186 km under-lake optical fiber is based on G652D standard with OTN/DWDM overlay and deployed over lake depths reaching up to 1,470 meters.
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Technical design completed, Route survey initiated, Environmental studies planned, Tanzania tender approval achieved
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED- 2025-04-09: Implementation officially announced by Tanzania Prime Minister’s Office for the Kigoma–Kalemie submarine fiber extension. [Source](https://thechanzo.com/2025/04/09/tanzania-to-connect-dr-congo-to-its-fiber-optic-through-lake-tanganyika)
- 2025-03-06: BCS Group completed a 400 km related submarine cable segment in Lake Tanganyika, enhancing regional reach. [Source](https://techtrendske.co.ke/2025/03/06/bcs-group-lake-tanganyika-submarine-cable)
2025-07-18 — TechAfricaNews: Tanzania links national broadband to multiple subsea systems to boost resilience; regional cross-border upgrades align with southward extensions. [https://techafricanews.com/2025/07/18/tanzania-links-national-broadband-to-subsea-cables-to-boost-regional-connectivity/]
2025-07-21 — DevelopingTelecoms (launch of Dar–Mombasa cross-border terrestrial link): Tanzania’s minister notes Tanzania is now digitally linked to six neighbours including Mozambique; plans underway to extend further. [https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-technology/optical-fixed-networks/18810-tanzania-and-kenya-launch-new-cross-border-fibre-link.html]
Financing Structure
Private sector investment potential with government coordination
Project Timeline
Development Timeline
Technical design completed, Route survey initiated, Environmental studies planned, Tanzania tender approval achieved
Project Status History
Status 2020
Project Definition
Status 2022
Pre-Feasibility
Status 2024
Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Construction Timeline
Pre-construction phase with technical preparations advancing
Legal & Financial Advisors
Not Available
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
Tanzania tender document approved demonstrating steady progress
Market Demand
Cross-border communities and businesses requiring resilient connectivity
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Government of Tanzania
Key Parties
Government of Tanzania, Government of Mozambique
Investors
Private sector investors
Contractors & Operators
Not Available
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
Cross-border implementation complexity, Technical coordination requirements, Environmental considerations
Regulatory Risks
Cross-border agreements and regulatory coordination needed between Tanzania and Mozambique
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
Environmental assessment required with cross-border considerations
Social Impact
Improves regional connectivity resilience and reduces costs
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
Strong infrastructure development opportunities for private sector
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete pre-feasibility studies and advance to structuring phase
Offtake Agreements
Not Available
Contact Information
Not Available
