The Zanzibar Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Agency (ZICTIA), Zanzibar's government and the Tanzanian subsidiary of Axian Telecom, Yas Fibre have partnered to expand broadband infrastructure in the country.
Valued at approximately 300 billion Tanzanian shillings (US$114.5 million), the 20-year agreement will support a phased rollout designed to accelerate digital transformation and expand fiber infrastructure.
Under the agreement, around 100,000 households are expected to be connected to high-speed Internet within the first three years of implementation.
The investment aims to extend reliable, affordable Internet access to households, businesses and institutions across the two largest islands, Unguja and Pemba.
According to ZICTIA, the expanded fiber network will support several sectors, including government services, education, healthcare and business development.
It added that improved connectivity can facilitate e-government services, enable digital learning opportunities, enhance healthcare delivery through technology and create an environment that encourages innovation and economic growth.
The Zanzibar and Yas Fibre deal comes as African countries and companies step up efforts to expand fiber networks and advance their digital transformation ambitions.
Just last week, Seacom launched a high-capacity fiber terrestrial network route between Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and Uganda's capital, Kampala, reinforcing one of East Africa's most critical digital corridors.
In April 2026, the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $200 million loan towards Nigeria's Digital Value Chain Infrastructure for Boosting Employment (D-VIBE) project, also known as Project Bridge, a fiber-optic program aimed at expanding broadband access as well as strengthening the country's digital economy.
Kenya and Angola signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2025 to collaborate on technology advancement, satellite networks, ICT training, the digital economy, rural connectivity, cybersecurity and digital literacy.
In October 2025, Kenya signed an agreement with Romania to establish a collaborative framework for information sharing, joint incident response, capacity building and the development of advanced cybersecurity solutions.
In the same month, Ethiopian state-owned Ethio Telecom partnered with Chinese Android smartphone manufacturer Tinno to boost smartphone adoption and accelerate access to devices across the country.
Source: https://www.connectingafrica.com/partnerships/yas-zictia-to-expand-broadband-access-in-zanzibar
